poly_chromatic | video, open to action;

[As early evening stretches shadows and forces the temperature down from Unpleasantly Hot to Basically Tolerable, Penny finishes scraping the last traces of graffiti from the Welcome Center's facade. She picks up a small stack of posters and addresses the network.]

Okay. I'm all for getting involved in what's going on in the community and freedom's a great thing, but it's been a week and I'm still picking these [a demonstrative wave of the posters] up. The graffiti's not too bad. The flyers, though? I don't know where anything in the City comes from or if we need to worry about conserving natural resources, but in most places, all of this anti-deity Cityzen stuff would be putting a dent in the tree population.

I'm not saying that stirring up some rebellion is bad. I just don't think we need to go around wallpapering the City with posters when we can talk about it. Save some trees--or whatever it is paper gets made out of here.

Oh! And sorry, but I'm not interested in any uprisings right now. Just trees. The curses've been weird enough this month without annoying the deities, right?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The posters themselves are not very convincing. Perhaps, something more graphic and inspirational would encourage any potential willing participants to join forces... I know seeing my father's noble image on the posters back home stirred many to enlist in his army.

[ Well... she's not going to talk about the part where he was naked on the posters. ]

[Naked...? No, that's absolutely not something that should be discussed. Ever.]

Your father must have a pretty incredible recruitment campaign if he has his own army. Is that a normal thing where you're from? Having a personal army?

It depends on one's status and background. My father was also a prince of the Halidom Ylisse, so he felt personally responsible for its protection. That was when he formed his own group, known as the Shepherds. They were very dedicated and loyal to him... some more than others.

[ Thinking about those horrifying posters again ... ]

The Halidom what-now?

I'm so sorry--we haven't met before, have we? I'm Penny.

No, I should be the one apologizing. I should have introduced myself before. I am Lucina, and Ylisse is my home. Halidom would be the term for ...a kingdom, I suppose, though it's ruled by 'the exalt' instead of a regular king.

Let's call it even apology-wise. It's nice to meet you, Lucina. If your dad's a king--an exalt, I mean--does that make you a princess? I could... bow, or something.

That is not necessary. In my time, Ylisse is practically no more...

[ Meaning there isn't really much for her to rule at all. ]

Just Lucina is fine. Do you have a title you prefer? What is your class, if I may ask?

Oh. That's... sorry. Probably not a good topic.

No, no title, and I'll respond to just about anything you want to call me. I'm from a place that doesn't really do classes, but I'm nothing special.

My lady ...or should I say- Lady Penny, I believe there is something of worth in everyone. Perhaps, you have not found your place, yet, but you must have hope. Is there anything you enjoy doing? There are dancers in the battlefield back home who may not have much skill with weapons but have been known to assist and support their partners well.

I believe that, too--that everyone's worthwhile, and I have a place, but it's definitely not on any battlefield. I like helping people.

That is always a noble endeavor. I can relate. My father fought to defend the weak and helpless, and I wish to do the same.

He must be a great leader, and you'll be amazing, too. I can't think of many qualities that're more important than compassion.

Thank you, Lady Penny. Your words... they're very kind.

[ She smiles for what feels like the first time since she's arrived, relieved that there are some genuinely good people here. ]

Of course, but it's just the truth.

video, open to action;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;