[video - 001]

[blessedthy]

[It took a few days, but Kirei managed to find the information he was looking for - but that doesn't explain why he was covered in snow, nor the nasty looking cut on his cheek]

That woman spoke the truth: there is no way out. No entries or exits, with the parameter closed in. The residents supplied information about three gates in the North, South-West and South-East area, but only of warnings and vague descriptions. The residents themselves see nothing wrong, nor do they seem to notice the state of this world.

[...though if one is to look closely, the tell-tales sign of a frown are beginning to form.]

To what extent do these “gods” need us to achieve their goals...

Comments

[video]

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, but... may I ask how you learned there was absolutely no way out?

[From the way the man phrased it, he wasn't going off the serving spirits' word, but had obtained proof for himself; perhaps hidden somewhere in the parts of his phrasing Allen didn't quite understand.]

[perma-video is perma]

[blessedthy]

Approach the Gate of Fog and try to exit. [unconsciously, he rolls his shoulder as if it were sore] I doubt any would get far.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[He frowns a bit, watching the man carefully.]

I haven't tried to exit through the gates; all do seem to be guarded. What makes you say that...?

[It is a troubling matter, but--]

For that matter, I think that many are looking to escape farther than the city. They wish to return 'home'.

[blessedthy]

There were no guards posted there when I approached. [a shrug] And approaching an exit is our only option at the moment.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

... I see. I will have to investigate the Gates more closely.

[Still wary of the guards; he knows better than to mess with them, but he could probably have done more than stand by and observe the traffic.]

But for the moment, may I ask what it is you found at the Gate of Fog?

[blessedthy]

[children are always the best at being proactive] There's a barrier on the Gate of Fog, and probably the other two gates as well. Even if the guards were dealt with, the barrier will prove problematic.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[When being passive means the guillotine doesn't notice you, you learn very quickly to be seen and not heard.]

A... You mean some kind of supernatural barrier?

[--Did this guy walk into it? Now that's a flat-out bizarre mental image.]

[blessedthy]

[hence, the best] Yes. [he's never going to admit walking into the barrier - or trying to ram it, either] The native population can pass it with ease on the other hand.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[Whether you admit it or not, this is now Allen's first impression of you. :'D]

Ah... No wonder I didn't notice it myself. It seems they really want us in this city, at least.

[24/7, even. He's not sure how he feels about being penned in like this. On the one hand, he doubts escaping would even be as simple as leaving the city. On the other: what else do they have to go on?]

[blessedthy]

[It's horrible that Kirei doesn't even know] They're determined to do so, at the very least.

[He falls silent then, mauling over the possibility of being granted passage through the gates or something else entirely. At this point, any lead will be a welcoming thought.]

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[Your reputation is forever secretly ruined.]

--If I may ask... Did the serving spirit also direct you to your House, sir?

[He can't help noticing the, uh, covered in snow bit. This isn't really good weather for camping, strange guy who walks into walls.]

[blessedthy]

[Don't go spreading those lies about me]

Yes. Why do you ask? [that snow on him? Did not come from camping.]

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[I can't help it, you're the one spreading them!!]

Um. It's just-- [he hopes he isn't overstepping his bounds] --you don't look like you've been inside in a while.

[blessedthy]

[How am I spreading them!!]

[He gotten so used to the cold he forgotten about the snow. Still, he frowns!]I...see.[No, no he doesn't.]

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[By looking like you walked down a snowy hill on your face.

He just looks uncomfortable now.]

The... The snow, sir. That can't be comfortable...?

[He half-raises a hand to gesture, then lowers it awkwardly.]

[blessedthy]

Snow? [He had forgotten about the snow. A quick glance, a roll of his shoulders and most of the snow fell off.] It was not a hinderance, but thank you.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[... Is this guy some kind of mountain man, how do you not notice a pile of snow on you, just -- dude.]

No need. [Well, he's still wondering where this guy's camping out, but he won't push it if he's at home with nature or whatever.] Thank you, rather, for the information.

[blessedthy]

[Hey, his clothing has kevlar in it don't blame him]

No need for thank as well, as we have the same goal at the moment. [and no, he doesn't realize the boy thinks he's some wild mountain guy living in the snow] It was a pleasure meeting you.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[Curiouser and curiouser....]

Ah, I haven't introduced myself, my apologies. My name is Allen.

[A small bow at the screen. Even if you are a mountain man, he will still observe basic courtesies!]

[blessedthy]

[He bows back, more out of habit than anything.]

You can call me Kotomine.

[sostaygold.livejournal.com]

[Brief blink at the bow back, but he doesn't comment.]

It's nice to meet you as well, Sir Kotomine. Hopefully... cooperation will make the goal easier to reach.

[And hopefully you actually meet a roof at some point.......]