( 001 ) ★ video / action near fountain ★

[fiamme]

[It takes Kori a moment to count backwards from ten and then to turn her device on. She selects video - it'll be easier, after all, if her face is recognizable. She barely glances at it before she turns away to speak in hushed tones to her own communicator from home.]

- Arsenal? Please come in, Arsenal - Roy? Jason?

[When there's no answer, there is a subtle slump to her shoulders. After a long moment, she turns her attention towards her device. ] ... Communications are down to my home. Obviously. I feel it unwise to request council with those responsible for my displacement. I will ask anyway: who has brought me here?

[A pause. ] I am Koriand'r, second Princess of the planet Tamaran. I do not take lightly to kidnapping.

I'm looking for a human - he has red hair, green eyes and wears an ugly sort of hat. And - another, also. Black hair, blue eyes. They will answer to Arsenal and Red Hood. [Another pause; she glances, almost anxiously off to the side. ]

... Oh, X'hal. Why now of all times?

Comments

[lefthandedgenius]

[A funny look crosses Lydia's face, something uncertain and almost sad. It's gone in a flash, replaced by a pleasant smile.]

I'm not sure. But since until recently I always believed I was, let's go with yes.

[fiamme]

Something has made you question otherwise?

[lefthandedgenius]

Long story, but yes.

Has anyone contacted you who is a familiar face so far?

I'm Lydia, by the way. Sorry to seem rude and not introduce myself to begin with.

[fiamme]

It is alright, Lydia. My - [a pause.] My teammates are not here.

[lefthandedgenius]

[Lydia winces faintly.]

Sorry. But if it helps, a lot of people are in the same situation, and I'd be surprised if you didn't get numerous offers of assistance.

1/2

[fiamme]

I will be fine on my own.

[fiamme]

Oh. What is the currency?

[lefthandedgenius]

Coinage.

And believe me, even if you're fine on your own, it doesn't hurt to have friends.

[fiamme]

[A beat. How to politely say 'I don't play well with others' without sounding like an action movie villain. ]

Friendship is complicated.

[lefthandedgenius]

True.

That does mean it's not worthwhile, though. This can be a very difficult place to be in without friends.

[Lydia doesn't want to push the topic too much; Kory will discover whether or not that's true for herself on her own.]

[fiamme]

I will adapt.

[She sounds sure of herself, as though this isn't the first time she has been on her own. ]