1st Heart [Video / Action]

[seraphista]

[To say Sapphire was displeased at finding herself here would be an understatement. Was this a kidnapping? Some kind of sorcery? Either way, she couldn't be certain that she wasn't in danger, so she has her sword drawn as she explores the Gardens, and the Vine has brought forth a mirror to record each and every one of her words and movements.]

To whoever is in charge, I ask that you show yourself! If this is simply a misunderstanding, then I believe we can resolve things peacefully, but if this is a kidnapping… that is unforgivable!

[She tightens her grip on her sword, and she bits her lower lip before speaking again, this time in a whisper.]

What sort of place is this? It seems so eerily calm…

Comments

[notvitiligo]

OK, cool...

It's like... an island, sort of. It's not really connected to anywhere, it's just its own place. If you get my drift. The Powers That Be here are the only people who can let you in or out so far.

We've been looking for a way out, but no luck yet.

[seraphista]

Hm, I see...

[She decides to sheath her sword for now, as this person doesn't seem like a threat.]

This is hard to believe, I must admit. Is there some kind of sorcery at work?

[notvitiligo]

Yeah, something like that. Probably not anything scientific.

Hold on a sec, I'll send you the welcome brochure...

[She rummages at something off-camera for a moment. The Vine produces several sheets of the text parchment.]

It's a little more in-depth than the rundown Her Majesty gives you.

["Her Majesty" is delivered with heavy disdain, though the speaker remains pokerfaced.]

[seraphista]

I thought so. Something like this would likely be the work of a witch or devil.

[However, she does manage a small smile as she briefly glances through the parchment.]

Thank you. This seems very informative.

[notvitiligo]

I do what I can to help. [There's a brief flash of small smile. It's nice to have one's efforts appreciated.]

It's at least not a terrible prison. And there's a chance of getting back.

[seraphista]

Yes, these "Gardens" do seem quite lovely on the surface. But what do you mean by "getting back"? Am I able to leave?

[notvitiligo]

Not on your own power. Sometimes people kind of disappear. The ones that come back say you go back to the exact moment you left, like you were never gone.

You don't remember being here or anything, either. It... kinda sucks. I mean, after you've been here for a while.

[seraphista]

Like I was never gone... that is a little reassuring. But then is this all simply an illusion? A dream?

[notvitiligo]

Jury's out on that. I've been trying to figure things out along those lines, but... it's like trying to figure out your own circulation with no tools. Lotta guesswork.

[seraphista]

How long have you been here, if I may ask?

[notvitiligo]

Oh, man... let's see... It was a year on Valentine's Day, so... about a year and a third. I'm not the person who's been here the longest, but... it's been a while.

(I'm kind of starting to go native here. Scary.)

[seraphista]

A year... If it's as if we never left our homes, then time may not matter here, but still, I'd much rather not be here any longer than I have to.

[notvitiligo]

Sadly, most of us feel the same way. We don't have much control here. I mean, we're looking for a way out, but... [She sighs, and a resigned melancholy slithers across her face.]

[seraphista]

Should you want it, I will give any aid I can to discovering a way out, even if it proves to be frustrating.

[notvitiligo]

I'll take any help I can get. I'm better doing the egghead administrative stuff, anyway. Basically, just communicate with people. If we're all in the loop on stuff, that'll make things easier, I think.

[seraphista]

Seems simple enough. This "Vine"... it really is an intriguing communication device.

[notvitiligo]

Yeah, it's really useful. And versatile. Like, you can even tailor stuff so it only goes to certain people, or you're sound only, or text only. I don't trust it a hundred percent, just because the Powers That Be here could listen in on stuff, but... it's pretty great.

[seraphista]

Even if it's not fully trust-worthy, it's better than nothing.

I don't believe I've introduced myself yet. I am Princess Sapphire of Silverland.

[notvitiligo]

Definitely. Just, y'know, making sure everything's upfront.

Uh, good to meet you, Your, um... Highness, I think. Sorry, we don't have royalty where I'm from, so I'm bad at the whole, uh, etiquette thing. I'm Jessica Boyette.

[seraphista]

Please don't worry about it. My status likely won't mean much here, but it's a force of habit.

[Although just a little while ago she had been pretending to be a prince.]

[notvitiligo]

Depends on the person. One of my housemates is pretty big on proper etiquette stuff. Of course, you'll probably run into people who'll make a Thing out of it, but I guess you'd know about that already.

[seraphista]

Yes, I am all too familiar with that. But even so, just simple politeness should suffice. It's blatant rudeness I'd rather not tolerate.

[notvitiligo]

Oh, we have plenty of those! Well... I think the worst offenders have gone home, but I've seen a few jerks around.

Hah, anyone who thinks girls are all sweetness and light should come here.

[seraphista]

Mm...

[She's met more than her fair share of people who think like that, and it hasn't done much for her confidence.]

So... there are many types of women here?

[notvitiligo]

Definitely. Pretty nice variety, really. In terms of personality and skillsets.