kaisou | video; un: riftdancer

WHO: Amal and whoever!
WHERE: The network
WHEN: The last week of May
WHAT: Amal's long nap is finally over.
WARNINGS: Endwalker spoilers in some threads, if you care about that sort of thing. Mind the CWs on Zelos' thread too (abuse, indentured servitude).

[video]

[Amal is dressed a little differently today. Repping Thavnairian weave and a ribbon in his hair, he's seemingly conquered the incredible bedhead he's nursed for several weeks.]

Hey everyone! Did you think you were rid of me? Sorry to disappoint! Being exceptionally difficult to get rid of is one of my many talents, as it turns out.

My birds are acting like I was dead instead of asleep, when I don't even remember going to bed. But I remember a lot of other things—it was like I was home. Like I never left. Maybe... my body was here while my soul was there? I have no idea, but I'm awake now, and I have every reason to believe what I saw happen... uh, happened.

So. What'd I miss?

[A pause.]

Oh, and what's a BBL? I woke up to a bunch of texts from work asking if I'd 'recovered' yet.

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[Amal looks delighted, actually.]

Yes! Well, at least the pattern and flourishes, but I believe the labor was done by a friend of mine. A Thavnairian is wearing it, so it's certainly Thavnairian now.

[Plus, he isn't reacting to her ears, so... yeah, he's a local.]

I see the forces that be have brought us another refugee, Eorzean or otherwise. While it's unfortunate to meet under such dire circumstances, I can't complain about the company.

[Wait, a Thavnairian with the poise of a dancer? Where has she heard this before?]

[Rhel. Right.]

I'm of a similar mind. Forgive me if this is too forward, but you wouldn't happen to be Amal, would you?

[It's not entirely earnest, but she is genuinely happy to see someone else here from Eorzea. It's comforting.]

Happy to see you awake.

[He's a bit surprised at the guess, but then he smiles, easy and friendly-like.]

Thank you. Glad to be awake!

I take it you've spoken to Rhel?

[He isn't sure how he'd feel if she was like... a fan. Because his 'fans' are usually enemies looking to get even.]

Yes, Rhel and I have spoken...extensively.

[It's up to Amal to decide what that means.]

I believe we may be in similar circumstances.

[It takes a minute to sink in. Another one? Well now...

He smiles pleasantly, and switches over to private conversation.]

I can't believe I have the good fortune to have not one, but two beautiful and clever Miqo'te as my alternate selves across the veil. I shall do my best not to get in the way.

What is your name, fellow stranded traveler?

Beautiful and clever? My, aren't you a charmer?

[Is she annoyed or amused? It's a 50-50 shot.]

Rose. I had another name, once, but I discarded it a long time ago. I'm sure you can understand why.

According to some, but the compliment is real! [He'll take those chances.]

If I had been smart, I would have thrown away my name, too. [He shrugs helplessly.] Not that it would have helped once they put my tattoos on that wanted poster. Rose is a beautiful name, however, and I daresay it suits you.

Have you had any trouble... adjusting? I've been here the longest of us—ten moons, if my reckoning is right. I know my way around upwards and also [ahem] downwards if you're looking for something specific...

[He adjusts his phone so that his collection of weapons can be seen, all displayed on a long table or leaning against the legs. There's a Zurvan sword and shield, a pair of round dancer's chakrams, a bejeweled jhambiya of Hannish make, several modern knives of assorted shapes and sizes, stiletto knives for throwing, a nail bat, and... a lute.]

You'd be surprised at what you can find in the underground bazaar.

Wanted poster? It sounds like you've been stirring up some trouble.

[Not that there's anything particularly bad about that, even if it's something Rose probably wouldn't do herself.]

I have my weapon with me, thankfully. As for trouble adjusting, I've already been ogled like a circus performer by the townsfolk. I'm not sure there is much I can do to adjust here, if I'm being honest.

I might have busted a few choice imperial helmets.

[Not the whole truth, but he says it casually enough.]

Oh, that's a relief. I managed to keep mine, too, though they're weaker than I remember.

[He scoffs.]

In my experience, it's best to lean into it if they ask... and if they don't, you may as well not bring it up. Sometimes people see the ears as some kind of costume, and sometimes they don't notice at all... What I can tell you is that arguing with them will not change their minds. They're almost... incapable of acknowledging the reality in front of them. Or at least, it's so difficult it's not worth the trouble.

It's the technology and common terms that were the hardest for me. Tomestones are so common, and they're smaller than I remember. And there are so many laws that everyone just knows. You can get arrested for damned near anything.

I see.

[It takes her a moment to properly process everything. This is a new world to her, after all. And the customs here seem...strange, at the very least.]

I do admit I was worried when I saw no other Miqo'te, save one, among the populace, so I suppose that explains why they look at me strangely. [It doesn't make it any less frustrating, but it does explain it.]

I certainly can't blame you for "busting some imperial helmets," but I am curious as to what you've been arrested for here.

It's strange to find a place full of Hyurs only, but don't worry. A deeper look at Undertown and you'll soon see there's far more here than meets the eye.

[He clears his throat.]

Uh... well. Breaking and entering. Trespassing. But it was a misunderstanding!

Yes. You sound very convincing, you know.

[It's not like she's ever accidentally been accused of breaking and entering. Er, well, she has, but it's different.]

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