Theodore (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
elevator_attendant) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
nexus_sages2015-10-21 05:43 pm
elevator_attendant) wrote in nexus_sages2015-10-21 05:43 pm
Entry tags:
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!))
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!))
no subject
And with that unpleasant business out of the way, she'll take hold of Katsuya's hand and hope he stops pouting. "So what's the shrine for?"
no subject
As for his appearance, it will thankfully stay and look the same, due to the space the three are standing in. Being in this Velvet-Room like setting helps the attendant look and seem normal to Nexus-goers, at least for a long period of time.]
"Shrines are normally carried as a part of the festival, to honor dead emperors who've longed since passed on." [Hesitantly, he looks over at the shrine, then back to Verity and Katsuya. "I'm uncertain if I can let you see the inside of this one right now."
no subject
"The masks used to be representative of older centuries, as a way to honor the dead through re imagining them in the present. The shrines were a means of bringing the memories of emperors past out to the people, where they could be respected by everyone." Katsuya gives Verity's hand a slight squeeze.
"There are many of the older generations that feel as though Japan is losing it's hold on it's history. The younger generations have phased out wearing masks to emulate the dead and begun wearing masks of things they find amusing in the present. Still, there is no denying that a sort of energy surrounds festivals such as these, when the shrines are brought out."
Keyboards just hate you I guess.
He's usually warm to the touch. This is enough for her to be a little worried. She'll make sure he isn't coming down with something later. "Things change, and people think there was some golden past that was perfect, but there really wasn't."
She's cheerful today isn't she?
"Maybe I should go, so you two can enjoy your festival." She knows she's a buzzkill.
no subject
He can sense that there seems to be some disharmony in Verity, although he's most certainly not aware of the situation that occurred on her homeworld. He gives Katusya a worried look, before walking towards the shrine entrance.]
"Perhaps we should all continue talking elsewhere...I believe the change of scenery will do us a great deal of good, instead of standing here in an uncomfortable place."
no subject
"It was lovely for you to come out all this way." He doesn't apologize for the inconvenience. He knows it will only sour her mood more. Still, it's put a damper on his own mood too. He gives Theo a somewhat apologetic glance. This clearly was not how he planned this meeting to go.
It would be more accurate to say the officer hadn't thought about this at all before he'd acted.
no subject
The change in Katsuya's tone hurts. She thought she'd get more than a week... guess not. "No, it's..." Sigh. She doesn't have the energy for this right now. "Sorry. I'm sorry."
She'll be going now.
no subject
[He just stands next to the shrine door, watching to see what she does next. Despite everything that's going on, he really does want what's best for both Katsuya and Verity, despite knowing none of their history with each other. For now he's done all he can.
Your move now, Katsuya.]
Luk is Katsuya's lowest stat for a reason.
The officer stands there, dumbfounded as Verity removes her hand from his and leaves. Stand there entirely too long without moving. Stands there until she's gone and then slams his now empty hand against his forehead with a few choice swears in Japanese.
"Stupid. So stupid...of course this place would be no good. Anything magical or illusory just makes her powers hurt her, or reminds her of Loki." And that whole thing is another can of worms Katsuya doesn't understand entirely.
"I'm sorry Theodore. I really..." He sighs, pulls the mask he's holding back into view. His expression is pinched and closed off. He almost throws the mask away entirely.
He can't.
He let his present walk away to hold onto the past. Again.
"....I can't believe I thought she'd care about this place. She likes stories, but not religion or traditions for the sake of them."
Re: gotta rebalance those stats
"Perhaps Verity needs her time to think, as do you, Katsuya." [He produces a box for the mask out of nowhere, offering to store the treasure safely, if Katsuya allows it. The next few words tumble out of his mouth without thought.]
"Can I offer you a drink?" [Because, as we've learned in Persona games, alcohol fixes everything. Sort of.]
But he needs max STR for putting his foot in his mouth
"I'm sorry Theo. Truly." He doesn't even seem to process Theo offering to store Tatsuya's mask away.
The old Katsuya would have let things be. Would have accepted this as just another failure added to the top of the pile and let things be. The old Katsuya bound by a self fulfilling prophecy of loss and loneliness.
"May I offer you my number?" Katsuya scribbles the battered cell phone's number onto a card and hands it to Theo. "I would truly like to talk more with you later. Find out what all has been going on in other worlds. Your world. But...later. I have to go find Verity first."
The old Katsuya is no more. The officer adjusts his sunglasses and turns to leave, still carrying the mask. His past and his present would have to learn to get along.
Re: or being reckless, gotta be tough for that
[Theo, instead of taking the mask, will be alright with receiving the card. In exchange, the attendant procures a silver key from his pocket and offers it to Katsuya.] "Of course. There will always be time to catch up in the future. This key will allow you to find us much easier in the Nexus next time."
[Theo says nothing more on the matter, but the look on his face is hopeful towards Katsuya's lament. He hopes the police office will able to fix things for the better.]