nexus_sages | Paying tribute to the ages

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Paying tribute to the ages

[In a very populated corner of the forum area, an intricate Japanese stall has been set up, containing small treats, along with a great deal of masks. Behind the stand is a small Mikoshi shrine, the entrance concealed by a blue fabric, inlaid with gold trimmings. Standing in front of these Japanese structures is a man, well-dressed in a blue suit and tie. His wardrobe clashes with the scenery, as he looks like someone who stepped out of an american hotel, circa 1930’s.

He speaks up in a very calm voice, but loud enough for all to hear.]

“Jidai Matsuri. For those not versed in Japanese culture, the festival, originating from Kyoto, is a time to celebrate the ages. Many other festivals are held during October, but this seems to be the one my master has fondness for.”

[A pause, while Theodore gestures to the Japanese stall behind him.]

“In honor of Japanese cultures, I’ve decided to bring something not often seen here to the Nexus. To excite or enlighten those who wish to learn more about the world and themselves.”

[He steps behind the mask stand, gesturing to the different character faces that line the stand walls. It’s very hard to count how many masks are there, but each one seems different then the next.]

“Masks are a common part of Japanese summer festivals, but my master finds them to be fascinating all-year round and feels that many other people can appreciate the beauty in such works of art. Thus, I have been tasked with sharing these wonderful gifts to you, the travelers of the Nexus. Donations are appreciated, but not necessary.”

[He plucks a mask off the wall, one that resembles Hello Kitty. No, he will not be putting it on, rather showing it off to any nearby person instead.]

“Feel free to find one that matches your personality. I can assure you that you will not walk away empty handed. If you require assistance, I will be here to answer any questions you may have.”

((The masks are enchanted (but not in a terrible lol way), and if your character chooses one, they will be able to recall a memory from their past (good/bad/sad/angry, you name it) or perhaps a very vague vision of the future. If you would not like your character to experience this, feel free to leave a note, and Theo will present your character with something normal. Enjoy!))

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"I admit I'm not versed in much of the lore of other worlds, but the idea of a festival to "celebrate the ages" is an intriguing one. What does such a festival entail?"

The voice belongs to a woman who appears to have stepped out of the Renaissance age of Earth - or, rather, some version of it. She appears to be a fighter of some kind, rather than a lady of a more "normal" trade. A leather corset and armor rest atop a linen shirt and pants. A rapier hangs from her belt, along with a gauche, a slingshot, some daggers, and a great many pouches, and there's even a few more daggers laced into her tall leather boots. It seems she's prepared for almost any situation the Nexus could throw at her, though her curiosity should lead the man with the masks to, rightfully, believe that she hadn't expected to see something like this on her stroll through the Forum today.

[Theo nods as Amelia approaches the mask stall, more than happy to answer her questions. The armor and weaponry she wields is very interesting to him, but he isn't the type of person to directly ask someone about where they came from, or why one woman is carrying so much gear. He will try to learn more about Amelia through natural conversation.

Instead, he focuses on the lady's question, as it would be rude of him to not provide her with more information.]

"I'd be happy to tell you more. The festival was established in 1895, to celebrate the relocation of the Japanese capitol from Kyoto to Tokyo. During the festival, people pay tribute to the past by dressing up like their ancestors, going back all the way to 1868. Many people play traditional instruments, and often enough, famous armor and weapons are on display from past warlords. It is an event to show respect to time and to not forget the history and culture of Japan."

"Interesting." And it really is, even if her tone doesn't give that away on the first pass. She looks over all the masks carefully, a bit taken aback by their generally bright coloring. Nothing is this bright or colorful where she comes from.

"The masks represent the ancestors the people are honoring then?" She raises an eyebrow at the man as she turns to him from the masks. "If not, what are they supposed to represent?"

"Yes. History can be a fascinating thing to study and learn about." [Theo moves aside, allowing her a clear view of the different masks that line the walls of the stand. Her question causes him to smile, as he removes a mask shaped to look like a golden butterfly from the wall.]

"Masks are used for many things and have an endless amount of meaning to them. Some are used for the purpose you mentioned, to allow others to honor the past and some masks are merely worn for amusement." [He replaces the butterfly mask on the wall carefully.] "Have you found a mask that calls out to you, dear lady? Feel free to search around as long as you like."

Her eyes wander over all of the masks at the stand. "There are so many to choose from - it's hard to pick just one." She says that, but her actions say otherwise. Soon after the words leave her lips, she carefully reaches toward a mask that could easily be described as steampunk. Its base is leather, but its surface has been covered in golden embroidery and delicate brass gears. She doesn't actually touch it - her fingers stop a few inches back and she looks up at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"May I?"

"I suppose that's better than having no selection at all."

[He smiles, standing off to the side, watching Amelia explore and examine the stall's contents. When she spots the mask of her choosing, he walks over and calmly grabs the mask of its hanging post, offering it to Amelia like a polite gentleman should.]

"But of course. See if it is to your liking."

She nods slowly as she takes the mask into her hands. As she turns it over slowly, her fingers pass over the delicate gears and something deep inside is stirred.

A young man about six feet tall, with dark and unruly curls that are beginning to fall into his face, sits at a bench in a dimly lit workshop. The table in front of him is littered with half finished projects and all of the makings of a dozen more. He turns when she approaches, pushes a pair of goggles from his eyes, and offers her a smile.

It's an nondescript scene, one she's witnessed on dozens of occasions. But this one is different. Things about him are different than the way Amelia remembers him. He's grown into his lanky limbs, his hair is longer, and there are small lines around his eyes that she doesn't remember.

"Hey, what are you doing up so late?" The young man sets aside the pair of boots, covered in tubes wire and gears and whatnots, and turns his full attention to her.

She shrugs and stops right next to him. "I couldn't sleep." She wraps one arm around herself and gestures to the boots on the table. "Any luck?"

He frowns and shakes his head a bit. "No, not yet. But I'll get them to do what I want someday. Hopefully without any more, uh, mishaps while I test them."

"That would be preferred," she agrees.

A comfortable silence settles between them for a moment before she leans close and kisses his temple softly. "Don't stay up too late, okay?"

He chuckles and takes her free hand in one of his. "Is that your way of asking me to come with you?"

The question is met with a grin. "You read my mind."

The mask falls from her hands as the vision ends and she intakes a sharp breath. This wasn't something she had ever experienced, was something she doesn't think she'll ever experience. She looks up at Theo with an accusing glare.

"What the hell was that?"

"...?"

[The question catches Theo off-guard, as he bends down to pick up the mask. He doesn't offer it to her again, merely speaking up in a calm tone of voice.]

"They say the heart and soul learn for things unseen. Whether it be the past, present, or future. One can conceal themselves, but sometimes in order to grow, we must look inside. To our true selves."

[He nods, having felt the energy come from Amelia's memory and despite not being able to see it, he knows she experienced something powerful.] I apologize if my Master's gift awakened something that slumbered within you, dear lady. My intent was not to cause any sort of malice. You may disregard the gift if you so wish, or take it with you for safekeeping."

"The future." Her voice is soft, her eyes distant.

Her world doesn't believe anything is predetermined. One's life is lived and then it is over. But this... gift suggested that there was something more to life than Amelia had previously seen, suggested that she had missed something entirely when she was still in her world.

"Are you saying what I saw... could yet come to pass?" There's a muted fear in her eyes as she looks at Theo again. Is she afraid because she doesn't want this to happen? Or is she afraid because she doesn't think it could?

"That is a possibility." [He catches sight of fear in her eyes and quickly moves in to comment about the possible future.]

"I know this sounds difficult to do, but I would not let this vision become an obsession. The future may seem daunting, but you must move forward with your life as you would normally. Let time run it's course, but stay strong and firm in your beliefs."

She wants to curse at him, to tell him to mind his own damn business, tell him that he doesn't know anything about her and shouldn't make any assumptions about her.

But... he's right.

"Then you need to destroy it." She motions to the mask he's still holding in his hands. "If this vision is still here, if I still have access to it, I might be drawn to it again and again. With no way home and no way to determine if such a vision could come to pass, it's best to have the temptation taken away."

A soft sigh escapes her. "But it is beautiful. Were it not for the "gift" upon it, I would gladly take it with me." It's a shame, really, to see something so beautiful destroyed. But if she could see that vision again, or if someone else could see it, then it was best to let it go.

"...Perhaps there's another way, rather than simply destroying something so precious."

[Theo walks over to the wall and finds a blank mask with the same features as the old. He removes it, and Amelia might notice the mask is changing to look like the first one she picked out.

He turns quickly on one heel, offering her the non-enchanted mask. The old one, well, he'll make sure it gets stored away for safekeeping elsewhere.]

"Here. I think this one will suit your needs just as well, without the spiritual imprint on it. As for the first one, I will make sure it gets disposed of properly."

She's very cautious as she reaches out and takes the mask from him. There's a very obvious relief in her features when no vision appears as she turns it over in her hands. The magic going on here doesn't make sense to her, but, for once, she's grateful for its use.

"Thank you." There isn't any good follow up to that and she knows it. Instead she asks, "How much do I owe you for the mask?" It's easier for her to focus on things she understands, like prices and haggling.

[Theo waits to ensure that the mask shows no additional visions, and once he sees that Amelia isn't reacting to anything, he merely bows his head a little. The other mask has disappeared from his hand as well.]

"Hmm...What do you feel it's worth? I am not particularly picky on a price, rather, I think it would be fair to let you decide the value of it."

There's a long pause and a thoughtful frown as she debates the value of something like this would be in her world. Eventually, she reaches into one of her pouches and produces a single gold coin.

"In my world, the currency we use is coins of pure gold, silver, and copper. Something of this level of craftsmanship and beauty deserves to fetch a high price." She offers the coin to him. "A gold coin is not often traded for something like this, but I feel it the only price good enough for such an item."

The beginnings of a smile tug at her lips as she speaks. Outwardly, it appears like the right corner of her lip is twitching, but getting the chance to name a price for such a precious thing makes her feel a lot better about the whole situation.

"Fascinating. I haven't seen gold, silver, or copper used as currency around here very often." [He takes the offered coin and examines it carefully, running one gloves hand against the engravements, as if completely hypnotized by the coin's details. Finding the payment satisfactory, he puts the coin in his pocket for safekeeping.]

"I will treasure this coin dearly." [He doesn't care about the monetary value of the currency, rather, just the fact that Amelia offered him something is enough to make him smile. He seems content with this trade.] "Thank you, dear lady. I am glad to have helped you find something precious this fine day."

"My world is very... old fashioned, I believe is the term I've heard used. But it has its charms." There's that smile that was hiding. It's rather adorable to see Theo so hypnotized by the faint etchings on the coin. It's such a common thing for her that she takes it for granted.

And then she's laughing, just a little bit, at him for treasuring the coin. It seems odd, but that's because she still believes it payment for the mask in her hand. A touch of color settles in her cheek at his last words, though. Compliments are a rare thing for her these days.

"I..." How does one normally react in situations like these? Amelia is uncertain. "Thank you, for being so understanding when I... you know..." The compliment has thrown her off her game and suddenly her cheeks are several shades of pink darker. When did words become so difficult?

"My name is Amelia," she settles on finally. "Amelia Ronsam. It's been a pleasure to meet you."

"Old fashioned is not a bad thing. Tradition and history are things people tend to not appreciate nowadays." [Theo finds himself smiling when he hears Amelia's laugh, as if the gesture inspires him to feel much happier than he already did. He bows politely to her compliment, still acting like a gentleman even while her cheeks glow brighter.]

"It has been my pleasure, Amelia." [He offers her one gloved hand, outstretched and palm open.] "In all the excitement, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Theodore, but you may call me Theo as well.'

That color in her cheeks isn't fading away as she'd like it to, so she's going to pretend it isn't happening and focus her attention on Theo and his words instead.

"It's been a pleasure, Theo." She smiles and gently places her free hand in his. "And don't worry about the missed introduction. I am as guilty of the transgression as you - a terrible thing for a lady to have done." Another small laugh. It lights up her face, washes away some of the worry lines there. "I do hope we'll meet again someday."

"Yes. I am honored to have gotten to opportunity to meet you here, Amelia. thank you." [He gently shakes her hand, before letting it go. Amelia might notice Theo's cheeks are flushed as well. His gaze turns away for a brief moment to regain his composure.]

"Ah...I should be the one apologizing, as a gentleman should always should respect to the lady first. You are not at fault in the slightest." [He finds himself smiling to her once more, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small wooden charm that has a key engraved on it. He offers it to her.]

"Please take this token of my gratitude for today. It will allow us to meet much easier the next time around. Whenever that may be."

Oh goodness, she didn't mean to make him blush. That, plus the offer of the key, causes her cheeks to darken another couple of shades to a rather rosy red.

"Thank you," she says as she takes the offered token. "How does it work, exactly?" She's so inexperienced in the ways of magic that they meaning of the charm is completely lost on her.

"It works like so...If you ever desire to talk, just hold it in your palm and think about me. I will be able to hear your call and come as soon as possible." [He nods, still smiling to her.]

"The Nexus is vast, but I'm sure out paths will cross again soon."

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Paying tribute to the ages

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