video; um: aegis

[ofnovalue]

[ The video is fairly rough and difficult to parse what's going on, at first. Apologies to anyone with motion sickness, but at least it's really brief. Eventually it comes into focus on Ovelia's face, who is looking just off-camera to make sure everything is working properly.

Her hair is being swept by a breeze, and both she and Agrias, whom is also leaning into view, are lightly... bouncing? Or, more appropriately from the sound of a delicted "kweh kweh!" in the background, they're riding. On chocobos. ]

There we are... You see, Ser Agrias, tis as I was shown and said unto you. These devices are not so truly impenetrable in their machinations. Tis simple enough to learn with practice!

[ Ovelia laughs, brightly, gesturing towards Agrias. ]

Since we are, as I am told, 'live', I shall make introductions on behalf of myself and my knight. I am Princess Ovelia Atkasha, of Ivalice. And this is my knight and protector, Ser Agrias.

[ She specifically pans the camera to show Agrias riding beside her. Agrias has yet to fully understand how these trinkets operate, but she at least has a rudimentary grasp thanks to said princess. ]

Ah, yes. Well met, one and all. As the lady has mentioned, I am Agrias Oaks, knight of Ivalice. 'Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

...

My lady, you are certain that they can see and hear us? 'Tis such a strange method of making introductions...

[ Ovelia made a slight pout ]

Do not call the customs of others strange, Ser Agrias, tis simply their way...

[ There's but a brief sigh. ]


Aye, that much is certain. I shall simply have to adjust.

[ Slowly. Very, very slowly. Which was fine. They had time now...

Ovelia turned the camera back to her and gave what appeared to be a... wink and a peace sign? Before signing off. ]

Comments

action;

[cleansingstrike]

My lady, if you'll allow me to ask...

What was that gesture just now? I've no familiarity with it, at all.

[ofnovalue]

'Tis a gesture of this culture, as well. I was told it creates an impression of... endearment.

[ A small hum. ] Though the word they used to tell of it was "cute", to be more precise.

[cleansingstrike]

I should be happy, then. That you've taken to learning so much of the ways of these lands.

[Cute...]

'Tis harmless enough.

[ofnovalue]

[ It wasn't as if she'd ever see Ivalice again... ]

I believe you should as well, Agrias. 'Twould only serve to strengthen you, I think.

Figuratively, of course.

video; un: li_min

[kiss_it_better]

If you still have doubts, miss, then let me assure you that people can indeed hear and see you.

[He's smiling but there's nothing meanspirited about it. Rather it is mild and gentle.]

That being said, please forgive me if I'm being rude by speaking so casually. I'm afraid I do not know the proper way to greet a princess in Ivalice.

[ofnovalue]

[ Ovelia hummed, tilting her head. The hand holding the reigns raised just slightly, a finger pointing. ]

Before I answer, mayhaps you should instead tell me how a princess would be greeted in your own home? I think such would be more comfortable, in the end, correct?

[kiss_it_better]

I suppose that depends. Bowing until asked to rise and offering greetings is common for those who are not from the royal family. Whether they need to go down to their knees depends on the person's own rank in the government and their relationship with the princess. But even among the royal family there is a hierarchy. For example, if the princess were a younger sister I wouldn't need to offer formal greetings but could just greet her by name.

[Pause.] We didn't have any technology like this, however, so naturally there are no established rules for greetings in situations like this.

[ofnovalue]

[ It sounded complicated, really But other cultures did approach formality differently, so she hardly minded. After a moment, she hummed. ]

If you must, simply addressing me as "Princess" would be certainly enough.

[ She definitely would feel weird if he started bowing to her. ]

video;

[cleansingstrike]

To think it so simple, yet I've no reason to doubt your words.

'Tis convenient, that much is true. Though I still cannot help but feel as though it comes at a cost.

[kiss_it_better]

It is convenient. I imagine such technology would see a lot of use where I'm from.

Though I wonder if I can ask what sort of cost you're thinking of.

[cleansingstrike]

There is much to be gained from an in-person conversation. Would you not think so?

text; un: 0123

[scension]

It's pretty reassuring to know we're not the only ones who never saw machina like these before coming here.

[And yet this random kid is going out of his way to very, very slowly type a comment instead of making a video in response. It just seems less invasive.]

Nice to meet you too, both of you!

video;

[ofnovalue]

[ Ovelia nodded. ]

In Ivalice, there are suggestions within our history and what artifacts we have discovered that such wonders might have existed in times ancient, but no more.

[scension]

It's similar where I'm from.
At least these machines mostly operate themselves, and nobody is using them for war. It's been fun trying to figure them out.

[Despite the surreal sight of a princess on a screen starting to talk at him, he carried on typing. Nobody here cares what he looks or sounds like anyway, he figured.]

[ofnovalue]

[ "Nobody using them for war" made her immediately think of the firearms that had been used throughout the war... They were still rare, and had poor stopping power most of the time, but even so, they were frightening things... ]

One only hopes they continue to only be used for peaceful communication.

video;

[cleansingstrike]

Aye, well met.

Our mere presence in these lands has been an eye-opening experience. There is much to take in for the Princess and I.

[scension]

It's great that you can take it all in alongside someone you know, at least. I'm a little jealous.

[cleansingstrike]

I'd not want to think of what would've happened had I been separated from Lady Ovelia across entire worlds. I have ever wanted to be at her side, and I am truly fortunate to have been granted at least that much.

To you, however, I express my sincerest condolences. Have you anyone that you long for?

video; un: redmage

[fearlessly]

[ don't worry agrias, alisaie is also being a giant boomer about these phones.. but she's getting there. ]

Are those chocobos? Did you bring them with you?

[ofnovalue]

[ Wait, what? Someone recognized their mounts? ]

Nay, these appeared to us here as our familiars...

[ She leaned forward, perhaps a little too focused on her phone than on the path head, but she was sure her chocobo wouldn't lead her into a ditch or something. ]

From what lands hail you?

[fearlessly]

[ oh.. no chocobo ranches nearby. that's fine. :( ]

My world is called Hydaelyn, we've plenty of chocobos there.

[ofnovalue]

You say 'world'? Surely you mean nation?

[ She's co confused... She's aware of the whole 'other worlds' and even 'other times' from meeting that Viera woman, but the idea of chocobos existing in other worlds? Sounds sus. ]

[cleansingstrike]

One can only assume the magicks that summoned us to these lands are also responsible for our familiars.

Curious that the Princess and I would have the same kind.

Curiouser also that you would know them by name.

[fearlessly]

Should I not? They're not exactly difficult to find.

Granted, I have not seen many here..

[cleansingstrike]

You are the first to have know them plainly as Chocobos.