VIDEO | SEELIE

[colorofthesky]

[ The audio feed begins with the sound of a muted tapping. ]

Is this on?

[ He taps it again, and a young man with spiky, black hair appears. He's peering...much too closely at his locket, but eventually he leans back, the scar on his left cheek becoming visible. For those familiar with the area, the training grounds in Caer Glaem are behind him.

Satisfied that it's on, he smiles a bit. ]

Hi. [ Awkwardly, he scratches the back of his head. ] I'm sure it's pretty obvious to those of you who've been here a while that I'm new.

I've already gotten a few different versions of what's going on here so I think I should be good in that respect.

[ Oh Zack, you sweet summer child. Moving right alone, though, he has other things to say. ]

Since it's a war we're here to fight, I'd like to know if there's anyone around who'd like to spar sometime - hand-to-hand or with weapons.

Also, if there are any places you'd recommend visiting, I'd like to know!

[ A large black head nudges him roughly, and after a soft "hey!" Zack turns briefly to pet his horse's face. A large sword becoming visible, hanging on his back before he looks back at the locket. He flashes a small, sheepish smile. ]

Any tips on riding horses would be good, too. Thanks.

Comments

video.

[brainiest]

You'd like to spar?

[ HEY. Hermione peers in through her locket, a small smile on her face. ]

I might be able to help with riding, too, but - I'm not a professional.

video.

[colorofthesky]

[ Heeey, girl, hey. c:

Zack seems to be saying something to his horse, but stops when he's hailed on the locket. ]

Well, I like to, but I think it's practical too.

[ He smiles a bit. ]

Considering we don't really have horses where I'm from, you're probably professional compared to me.

[ Just sayin'. ]

I'm Zack.

video.

[brainiest]

[ Hi Mr. Puppy c:

Settled on her sofa, Hermione nods her head. ]

I've been working up to sparring regularly, to make sure that I don't forget the things I've been taught. I wouldn't mind sparring, if you'd like to.

[ But he does have a point. ]

At least I can see these horses, which makes a change from some that I rode at home. It's nice to meet you, Zack - I'm Hermione.

video.

[colorofthesky]

[ Hello, Pretty Lady. c: ]

I think I could help you out with that.

[ He'll just have to watch his strength. That next comment makes him tilt his head a little, though. ]

It's nice to meet you too.

[ A beat, then- ]

Why couldn't you see them?

text;

[judicatus]

The only advice I may offer concerning those beasts is to keep your distance.

[ Is he still mad about that time when the death hounds attacked? Yeah, he's still mad. ]

text;

[colorofthesky]

Can I ask why?

[ Tell him about it, bro. ]

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[judicatus]

[ He'd really rather not. ]

I have found them to be mercurial beasts, easily frightened and ill-suited to battle. On few occasions did I have the displeasure of riding one before I requested of the monarchs a more reliable mount in its stead.

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[colorofthesky]

[ Well, in that case... ]

I'll admit, I wasn't really planning on riding any into battle.

[ He's used to fighting on foot. ]

I appreciate the warning.

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[undeterrable]

You should've mentioned sparring earlier. I'm pretty good with bladed sparring, unless you want a surprise or two.

[sup Zack it's your new bff. And he's just...going to eye the horse with a raised eyebrow.]

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[colorofthesky]

[ Hello, brand new friend. c: He smiles sheepishly. ]

I kinda had a lot on my mind.

[ Death, dying, a new world and a new war to fight....those kinds of things. ]

That depends on what kind of surprise you're talking about.

[ He's all right with those too. ]

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[undeterrable]

To be fair I think a lot of people did.

[Like Terra himself. Thinking and getting a breather outside had helped to clear his head. He inclines his head.]

The magic kind. I need the practice.

[Because he sucks at magic.]

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[colorofthesky]

[ Oho, magic practice. That sounds like fun, too.

He smiles. ]

I might be able to help you out a bit there.

What kind of magic do you have?

[video]

[hiddeninfidelity]

If you want to know how to ride a horse, There are few here better to teach you then me! I was raised around the beasts and am more then sure I'd be able to pass what I know along without much difficulty.

[video]

[colorofthesky]

[ Zack smiles a bit. ]

That'd be really helpful. I appreciate it.

[ Horses are so different from Chocobos, yeesh. ]

I'm Zack. You are?

Re: [video]

[hiddeninfidelity]

It is no problem, really. As a knight, helping those in need is my duty.

[Luckily, Mordred just happened to be familiar with both. But just how that came to pass was a story for another day.]

My name is Saber, I am a knight and the only heir to the throne of my father's kingdom.

[video]

[colorofthesky]

It's nice to meet you, Saber.

[ An odd name, but he doesn't comment on it... And wow, more royalty! This is a novelty to him.

He looks at the other curiously. ]

Are knights pretty common where you're from?

[ Because he's heard stories, but that was a long time ago. ]

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[babbylon]

[Munch, munch, munch. Gilgamesh lounges on a couch in an opulent home, feasting on macaroons, before thinking for all of a few seconds on his sagely response.]

Don't fall off.

[This has been your daily kernel of wisdom with the King of Heroes. You're welcome.]

video;

[colorofthesky]

[ Oh. It's the king he met the other day.

He's still not sure how he feels about Gilgamesh yet so he'll just... take this conversation as it comes. ]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[babbylon]

Well, I'm King, so mine is the only vote that counts anyway.

[Yep. Off to a great start.]

I see you're familiarizing yourself with this realm already. That's for the best.

visual.

[sangilak]

Keep your heels down, your shoulders back, and your spine straight.

[ but that's no horse behind her, head rested on her shoulder; it's a bear-looking thing. ]

visual.

[colorofthesky]

[ Zack smiles. ]

I'll give it a try, thanks.

[ And whoa, hello bear-looking thing!! He looks at it curiously. ]

Who's your friend?

visual.

[sangilak]

[ it's the best way to keep your balance, zack. promise. ]

This is Naga! She's a friend from home. [ beat ] She doesn't eat horses.

[foraneye]

You've worked out the best way to make friends here, I think. I've hardly met anyone here who isn't interested in a sparring partner.

[Including herself, fair's fair.]

[colorofthesky]

[ Zack laughs a little. ]

I figured it might be a good way to start.

[ Since, you know- war and all. ]

We used to play fighting games a lot in our spare time, where I'm from, so I guess you could say it's what I'm used to.

[foraneye]

Then you're well-prepared, assuming those games ever went beyond play. I've had the opportunity to use my sword more than once since arriving here, and my opponents didn't restrict themselves to play weapons.