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 Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 6:30 pm
First Night
The room itself wasn't terrible. Four walls, a window that showed a view of the backyard, a ceiling and floor. But the decor was so... lavish. Walls covered with deep crimson paper melted into a carpet whose color matched perfectly. Mahogany bookshelves encircled the room, coming up the her chest. A four-poster bed owned the room from its corner near the window, richly colored curtains flowing from the top that matched the ones on the windows, silky yet sheer enough to grant a bit of vision to the viewer.
Whoever had this room before she did must have been very extravagant, she decided. A typical Gaian. Someone who wanted their surroundings befitting their supposed importance.
It made her sick.
Still, it was the room that was given to her, and she couldn't bring herself to ask for a different one. That would lower her to the same level as the person whose room she now occupied, and she couldn't allow that.
She'd deal with it in the morning then. It had been a tiresome day, and it was practically assured that the ones that followed would be much the same. Not much to look forward too, except for the day she could return home.
Completely exhausted, the Neilani let herself fall on top of the velvety blanket and fell asleep almost at once, still fully clothed, letting the day's events leave her mind.
A gust of wind rippled the shimmery curtains through the open window, causing a plain white envelope to fall off the polished bedstand. It twirled before floating to its resting place under the bed, where it remained, forgotten.
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Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:47 pm
Records
"What's this?"
It was two days after Melete's arrival, and DS's patience was starting to wear thin. Which didn't imply her snapping angrily, but more snapping and retiring to bed for a week. Either way, she hoped to appease her new charge somehow.
"It's a journal. So you can record-"
"I know what journals are for."
Melete studied the book with slitted eyes. Which probably wasn't the best way to get a good look at it, but she didn't seem to care about that at the time.
"Why are you giving this to me?"
"Well... since you're here to study Gaia, I thought you might like to write down your findings."
At least the woman didn't think she'd scribble down stuff about hormones and what movies she'd see and such. A small point in her favor.
The book itself didn't look too bad either. It was neither thick nor thin, and had an unmarked cover in a simple, unintrusive shade of brown.
"Well then, it's not really a journal, is it?"
"Hm?"
"It's more of a log than a journal."
"Call it what you like. Do you want it, or not?"
It's a good question. It might be interesting to record the evils she'll find on Gaia.
But then, her "gracious host" probably just wants it to keep her busy.
Partly, yes. But it's not like she can be blamed for that.
Startled, Melete nearly dropped the book.
"You can-"
"It's not like you were trying to mask your amniosity, you know. Whoever you are, you haven't got a patent on empathy. Xue should've showed you that."
"He- they're not Gaian, are they?"
"That's hardly the point."
Considering that for a moment, she glared up at DS. "Why couldn't I tell?"
"At the age of ten, you're supposed to be omnicient?" But she knew there was more to it. And reluctant as she was to reveal any sort of weakness to this girl, it would be better than having her find out herself.
"It's just not much is all. I... get it from somewhere else."
"H-how?" Her expression changed from discontented to horrified.
"Long story. And it's almost bedtime."
"Fine." Melete tucked the book under her arm and started towards her room.
"Good night, Melete."
"... Who said it was good?"
Before her host could respond, she had shut the door, with a click announcing the fact that it was now locked.
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Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:10 pm
Log One
Saturn's Day, the Twenty-Third of January, year 2005, in the Gaian Calendar.
I, Melete Ourania Kelahen, have come from Neilan to the dark planet of Gaia to study it and its secrets. Not by choice, but if Brother asks me to do something, I will do it.
So far most of my fears have been right. Gaians are selfish, extravagant, loud, and very attatched. I have two hosts, and they are both examples. One dresses in very fancy clothes and seems to look down on everything. And the other is annoying and thinks she's important and knows everything. And there are a bunch of kids here who are all loud and nosy.
But not everything is too bad. There are other empaths here, which is interesting. I met two of them at the Gate, and one of them lives here. His name is Xue, and he is very small. And deluded, I think. He seems to think that Gaians are good. I will have to explain things to him soon. Maybe he can tell me some about where he is from too.
My hosts have taken me to both a school for training people to fight, and a place where children who come from legends come from. Both are very strange. I think that the first is violent, and the second is heretical. But I will have to find out more, especially about that first one.
I met another Neilani there.
I want to meet more. To see why they came.
Tomorrow I will fix this room. All the decorations are an eyesore.
End Log
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:28 pm
Renovation
Melete faced the room, standing just inside the door, hands on her hips. Which was going to be more of a challenge, she wasn't sure- associating with Gaians, or fixing up this room of theirs.
It was theirs, not hers. Even though her hosts had said that whoever had previously occupied the room wouldn't be returning anytime soon, she still viewed it as a loan. Something that she would borrow in this time of dire need, but would never want to keep for herself.
The color of the room itself wasn't terrible. A nice, rich, earthy tone, that wasn't fancy by itself. But the designs on the paper made the girl want to rip it down. Still, that project would have to wait for another day, when she had more time and more tools.
In fact, as she surveyed the room, she found that not much at all could be done alone. The bed would be a hard task to tackle, and not much else could be done with the room itself without the proper materials.
A gust of wind fluttered the curtains on both the bed and the open window. The window ones were necessary for the time being, she supposed, but the bed ones were a nuisance.
Grabbing the shimmering cloth in both hands, she yanked hard. A ripping sound rang through the room as the cloth shredded at the top and fell, the top hem still attatched to the bed.
Was this all the care that Gaians put in their sanctuaries? Useless glory that could be so easily broken?
Teeth gritted, she shoved the curtains under the bed, not even wanting to think about it any more.
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:36 pm
Intrusion
It was late, but the hour didn't bother Melete. Not when she finally had what she needed. Not when she could finally expose Gaian living for what it really was. Not when-
Mel? Is Mel awake?
Her hand froze halfway to the wall, and the flat metal plate dropped to the floor.
Isn't it a little late to come for a playdate? stressed
Can Xue come in? It's important!
Sighing, Melete crossed to the door and unlocked it, revealing a fairly distraught Porcelain on the other side.
"What's so important?"
Kar has a friend over, which looked like fun, but they woke Xue up, and, and... sad
"And what am I supposed to do about it?"
Des told Xue to see if he could sleep in Mel's room, since the babies were scared. Scared of Xue. Xue was only trying to be friendly, but they were scared, and Xue doesn't know why! crying
Melete frowned. That didn't sound right at all. But then, this was Gaia, and there was no rule that said people had to be polite here.
"What did... what did Miss Des say?"
She said that they were scared about how Xue talks. But that's not scary. Mel isn't scared, is she?
It wasn't scary at all. Unless-
"They're scared of empathy." Melete sat on her bed, motioning for the boy to follow suit.
Xue wiggled up onto the bed and looked at Melete wide-eyed.
Why?
Because they don't understand. And what Gaians don't understand, they fear.
But not everyone is like that! Des is nice, and Eri was scared at first, but he's nice, and... well, Yei was scared. And Lion-man was scared too.
Is Xue a scary person? sad
The scary people are the people who look down on others because they think they're better.
But-
Doesn't Xue need a place to sleep?
Er... yes. Yes! Xue gets a sleepover with Mel tonight! And Mel won't think he's scary! biggrin
Hiding a small smile, Melete pointed under the bed. "There's some cloth stuff down there you can use for blankets."
This? smile
Xue held up the remnants of the bedcurtains jubilantly, and as he waved them, a small white envelope fell from their folds.
What's that? confused
"I don't know," the girl frowned as she retrieved the paper. It was addressed to her, in a familiar handwriting. Elgei's handwriting!
El-who?
"Elgei. My... my brother, in Neilan."
Can Xue see? surprised
"No! I mean... it's mine." Melete stuffed the letter under her pillow. "Besides, it's late. Go to sleep."
Night Mel! biggrin
... Night.
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:18 pm
Delibarations
Letter from Home Dearest Melete, I hope you have arrived in Gaia safely. Commander Haladet has assured me that you were received well, but it would still comfort me to hear it directly from you. The Elders aren't too happy with your departure, but I made sure all responsibility is on my shoulders, where it belongs. I would love to hear how things are on the other side; I have always been curious as to what things are like, but I've never been able to venture out myself. I can only hope that you will find it as fascinating as I do. Please tell me how your host family treats you, and please keep me up-to-date with what goes on. I hope to hear from you soon. Much love, Elgei
Melete read the letter for what she guessed might have been the twentieth time. A Gaian probably would have said a hundered or some ridiculous letter to bolster their efforts. But even twenty might have been an exaggeration. It had only been sixteen, she remembered. She read it six times directly after opening it, again the following morning, another three times after lunch, twice before dinner, and three times again now. And she still had no idea how to answer it.
Elgei expected a fair report, and she supposed she owed him that much. Even if he was the one who had sent her. Against her will. Against the elders' will. Against pretty much everything they stood for. But it was his wish that she discover Gaia firsthand, and she had to comply.
The problem in her eyes was that he expected something she cound not, in good conscience, tell him. He was "fascinated" by the Gaians? Maybe that was the right way to describe it, she herself had sort of a sick fascination with them. A morbid curiosity about how they could do what they did. That sounded right.
But it also sounded like her brother was giving them far more credit than they had coming. Sure, they weren't child-eating heathens, but they weren't saints either. Nor were they Neilani. And even though Gaia had a right to its own laws and traditions...
Wrestling with decisions, Melete finally brought her pen to the paper she had torn from her notebook.
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 10:00 pm
Letter Home
Dear Brother-
I have arrived safely. Commander Haladet took very good care of me, and the trip over was okay. I didn't get sick or anything, but I heard someone did. Either way, I am healthy and well, and have moved in with my hosts without too much problem.
My host is a man named Lionel Winchester, and he is a very strange man. Many things here seem to bother me. Maybe he is bothered by Gaia. He says that he is "not from around here," and that he too is a guest, hosted by the person the house belongs to.
This person must really like other people, since there are lots in the house. An older boy, a younger girl, and two other girls around my age. The boy seems like he thinks he is in charge, and the younger girl is very shy and hides all the time, and the other girls both like pink and pretty things and whisper a lot.
But there are some interesting surprises here too. The final person living here is an empath. He is younger than I am, but he is also very kind. His name is Xue. I am afraid that he had already fallen victim to the illusions that Gaians put on for others. Hopefully I can show him a little more.
The woman who calls herself the host is also an empath, sort of. I believe that she is not as honest about her abilities as she wants me to think, and I do not trust her entirely. She is nice enough on the surface, but I can tell that something darker is inside her. Do not worry, I am not in danger. I do not think she is clever enough to plan anything that would hurt me. And no evil plotter would surround themselves with children. But if I suspect any more, I will contact the commander at once.
Gaia itself is a nice enough mudball, but the people seem to enjoy spoiling the land wherever they can. Luckily, my host lives in a place where there is lots of untouched land, so I can see what some if it used to look like. I haven't met too many Gaians yet, so I can't say what most of them are like.
Enough about Gaia. How are you? I hope that the Elders were not too upset, and that they did not punish you. I am the one who left, not you. Have you been taking care of the garden? The Hyssop, Sage and Rosemary should be ready for trimming by now, and I hope you remembered to bring in the Summer's Hope just after I left, or it will have wilted. It needs to be dried soon, along with the Maiyros and the Sweet Annie, since those won't last the winter. It's Sweet Annie mixed with Chamomile that makes the good sleeping tea, isn't it? Gaian tea is so awful. They mix it with tons of sugar and milk, so it hardly has any of the taste.
I've promised to stop about Gaia, and there I go again. Still, I do miss your sleeping tea. It's hard to sleep in a new place. Harder still when it's so far from home, and you.
More than anything, I miss you, and hope you are doing well.
Lots of Love,
Melete
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 12:33 am
Revealing
Melete pushes the door to the embassy open quietly, in hopes that she wouldn't have to disturb anyone. It wasn't likely to happen, since once she got in she would still have to find out where she'd be able to send her letter, but the wish remains strong in her mind anyway.
"Of course," Vilden calls out from behind his desk, "most disturbances here are welcome."
He grins gently at Melete.
"Hello, little lady. What can I help you with?"
Had she been that obvious? Life with the Gaians had caused her to let her guard down, she admitted to herself. Perhaps she should come to the embassy more often.
"I'm... Sir, I have a letter that I would like to send to my brother please."
From her pocket she produces a plain folded white envelope.
"Handwritten letters, eh? Thought that was a lost art." Vilden continues to grin at Melete as he takes the envelope from her. "It's a little late for mail delivery, but I can pass it off to someone in the morning."
He leans forward, his eyes seeming to sparkle. "So how's your stay? Enjoying yourself?"
It was a tempting thought to say no outright, but that wasn't even entirely true. Most of her stay was tedious and horrific from her eyes, but there were a few things that made it bearable.
"Sir," she begins, "how do you manage here?"
"Well, when I was here the first time," Vilden begins, chuckling quietly, "I was in college, and that was the BEST time of my life. I worked as a model for the art department, and I tell you, THAT was a trip. Amassed a legion of devoted female art stude--" A pause. "...I probably shouldn't be telling you that story."
A quiet sigh. "In all honesty, it all depends on attitude. It's an out of the way place, Gaia. A lot of people are deaf, and even more are so closed-minded and stupid that it makes you wonder what the point of even living on such a hellhole is."
"But the fact remains that there are a lot of GOOD people here. Sure, they might not be able to hear, but they hold a lot of ideals that we do. They're not even that rare, either. We were careful to select only families that we thought would be the BEST for you squirts, you know?"
Vilden grins mischievously. "And just between you an' me, I was the one who assigned your host family."
"However! That is not important! The important thing is that you make friends, be the best person you can be, and keep an open mind. And always know that if you get tired of it or you need to talk, I'm always here."
His grin grows even wider. "Hell, we can talk about a lot of things. Gaia, our families, history, boys..." His eyes begin to glow faintly. "Lore..."
It takes a while for Melete to digest everything she was hearing. Gaians had ideals? Well, everyone did, so she suppsed that they must have to. But the same ones? How could they? They lived in completely different environments, cherished different things- and yet this man was trying to tell her that some Gaians were good?
Perhaps even more shocking was the fact that he chose the family she was staying with. Those horrible gossiping girls? That proud, dominating boy? And that woman, with all her secrets and surprises... but the man wasn't terrible, and neither was Xue. Maybe it made a little sense. But even so...
"M-may I sit down," she says weakly, her hands reaching to stroke her necklace.
"Pull up a seat," Vilden answers gently, gesturing to a row of chairs in front of him. "I didn't mean to spook you; I honestly thought that would be somewhat of a comfort."
"We wanted the best for you, Miss Kelahen. I don't know your host family PERSONALLY, but they're friends of the family, and I usually trust my sister's judgement."
"Thank you," Melete nods, letting herself sink into one of the chairs. It wasn't so much that she was spooked as that she was overwhelmed by the information. First that even a fellow Neilani had found good in Gaian, and then her family.
The comments about the man's family spark her interest more. "Does your whole family live here?"
"Nah. The parents are still back on the homeland. My sister lives here, though. Minimal ability; a lot of people say they find it difficult to believe she and I are related." He sighs. "But, you know, that's life. She gets around fine, and she feels a lot at home here. She runs a coffeeshop somewhere- sells a lot of Neilani teas. She already knows who you are; Commander Haladet told her about you guys since she's been asked to help keep an eye on everyone."
"Now my niece, that's another story. Still a baby, but she's pretty sharp. The father's a telepath, so that should be pretty interesting. I'm willing to bet ANYTHING the little squirt masters it."
"A telepath? Really?" Now this was something she could get interested in. "How old is she now?"
Despite her curiosity, something still itches at her from inside. So her family knew about Neilan? And didn't tell her? That couldn't be. No one in that house looked capable of doing anything worthwhile to her.
"Not even a year old, yet," Vilden murmurs, waving his hand. "Still an itsy little booger."
A pause. "I doubt your family knew too much about Neilan beforehand. My sis doesn't talk about it often."
A pause, then a soft "Oh." Well, that made more sense at least. Still, it left her needing somthing to say.
"Are you close? With your sister, I mean."
"Yeah, actually." Vilden smiles wistfully. "Been looking out for her all her life. We fight a lot, but we're really close."
"For a while, I was all she had. Then she came here, and... well..."
"...She doesn't need me too much anymore."
"I doubt that. I have a brother back home too, and even though we didn't think the same things about Gaia, and even though I'm here and he's there, I still miss him. A lot." Melete's eyes start to water, but she ignores it and goes on. "After all, he's the only brother I've got, and even if I meet other people, here or back home, nothing's ever going to change that. No one's ever going to have that same bond, with him or me."
"And it's good of you to keep that in mind," Vilden answers, nodding.
"But, while you're HERE..."
His eyes go completely white, glowing with a faint light as the rest of his features seem to change. Black, vein-like markings trail down the side of his face, his ears become pointed and large, and all around him is a faint purple glow that seems to rise up off of him in smoky wisps.
"WE are here to protect and guide you," he finishes, his voice seeming to split into two distinct pitches. "Remember that."
... Wow.
While watching the transformation take place, Melete has the unusual desire to both lean backwards in fear and forwards in interest at the same time, causing her to stay rigidly upright. A lone tear, the result of homesickness mixed with missing her family mixed with hating Gaia, trickles down her cheek, unnoticed. Automatically her hands return to her necklace, while here eyes are fixed on the form in front of her.
"I... you... how?"
There was only one explanation for what she was seeing. But it wasn't possible today, was it? Apparently so... but how?
"We cannot tell you why, and We cannot explain. Simply know that We show you this to reassure you, Miss Kelahan," Vilden murmurs, still smiling.
"Simply know that this program is very important to Us. There are more than this One in front of you, but you, of all people should understand why We do not come out often, and why We remain hidden."
A smile. "We hope you understand, and We hope this is a comfort to you. Know you are being watched over, and We will do everything in our power to change that which must be changed."
"You... we... why...?"
Okay, easy does it. It's clear what's happening, Melete tells herself slowly, forcing herself to take deep breaths. Next step, coherent thoughts and sentences.
BUTITHAPPENED!
Coherent, she's reminded, and tries again.
"T-thank you..."
It's an improvement, at least.
He smiles once more, and the light slowly fades, along with the markings and other transformations.
"Pretty neat, huh?" He finally murmurs, winking. "It's late, so you might want to head home before your folks get worried. If you still have questions, we can chat some other time, 'kay?"
"Try to keep it quiet though, yeah? I may be a frivolous kind of guy, but the others would kill me if they knew I was going around scaring little girls."
As the light fades, the excitement seems to follow it. Home? Already? But she wanted to ask more. Still, it was late, and she was in no mood for a lecture.
"I wasn't scared," she protests loudly. In a softer tone, she continues, "But I won't tell anyone, sir."
At that moment she realizes that despite the talking they've done, she still doesn't know his name, though he quite obviously knows her. The situation is easily remedied though, as she spots a large brassy plaque on his desk, blatantly stating "KETH."
"Thanks again, Mister Keth."
"Just Vilden."
"Mister Vilden then."
Waving a little, Melete gets up and races out the door. Hopefully she wouldn't be too late. Either way, she'd been given a lot to consider. More than she had thought she'd find in the dark land
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Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 3:40 pm
Log Two
Moon's Day, the Seventh of February, year 2005, in the Gaian Calendar.
Not much has happened. But at the same time, so much has happened.
My hosts have been trying to get me interested in Gaian culture. It's not that I'm not interested. It's that I already know what I'm going to find. Sadness, darkness, pain. Hatred, more than anything else.
It is harder than I thought it would be to fix the room. I managed to get some of the curtains down, but the paper is stuck to the walls tightly. Putting up something on top of that would be silly. I don't want to ruin the room, I just want to make it less fancy. It's silly, how much decorations there is.
Brother wrote me a letter, and it got lost. I just wrote him back a couple days ago. He is so hopeful that the Gaians are interesting, and I don't want to disappoint him. Maybe I should try to give them more of a chance.
That's what Mister Vilden said too. When I went to the Embassy to send the letter, he was the person there. He said that he was living on Gaia for a long time, and that people here are good and have our ideals. And that he chose my host family. We talked a little bit about family too.
And then he changed.
I think it is safe to write, since I am not going to share my notes with anyone. Still, I will have to find a lock to put on this book.
If he did what I think he did, he merged. With one of them. I don't know how, or why, but that's what happened. I think. I hope so.
I feel honored. One of them showed themself to me.
I don't think I should write any more.
End Log
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Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:26 pm
Cautious Dreamer
Lionel raised a fist, then paused. Even though that girl was technically his guest, sometimes she gave him the heebie-jeebies. He didn't know if it was how she spoke, or what she did, or...
"If you're going to knock, you should just do it already."
Blinking, Lionel looked down. The door was open a crack, and a single blue eye peered out from the space.
"That's not very nice of you, Miss Melete."
"Did you want anything, Mister Winchester?"
"I wanted the pleasure of your conversation for a few moments."
Melete grumbled inwardly, but pulled the door open. Protesting would just prolong their talks, and she had some questions anyway. Still, he'd have to find his own place to sit, as she took up most of the bed.
"Thank you." Lionel stepped into the room, but didn't try to sit, insead leaning against the back wall. "Now then, I have been worried about you."
That was a mild surprise. "What for?"
"I realize that you are not the most social person-"
"That's not-"
"-but you have been quite reclusive these past few days. Is anything troubling you?"
Troubling? Is that what he though? It wasn't troubling, it was fantastic, amazing! But no Gaian could possibly understand that.
As if set off by her own thoughts, Vilden's words echoed in her mind. Chosen... ideals... GOOD...
"What would you do if you had a story that you were told, only it wasn't going to happen- but it did?"
Way to go, Melete. Clear as Gaian mindspeech.
Much to her shock, Lionel began to laugh, his chortles tainted with bitterness. "You don't have to ask a what if scenario. I know what I would do because it happened."
His eyes took on a dream-like quality as he launched into his tale. "I come from a civilized land. I'm an Earl, you know, of a small fief known as Keburry. The trying duty of a second son. My brother Merrick inherited the dukedom our father held, and my sister Violet has- had, a barony as her dowry. Still, the people of Keburry are wonderful. My life was a simple one for nobility, but pleasurable."
"I always loved the stories that the troubadours would tell too. Myths of knights rescuing princesses, legends of magicians, which were outlawed but always amusing... one of them was able to travel through time and space. Merlin, I believe his name was. I always thought how fascinating it would be to be able to travel somewhere unheard of. Well, now I have, and as the story usually goes, I wish that I could journey to my home instead."
Melete stared blankly at Lionel as he finished. So he wasn't Gaian? And he found problems too? "How did you take it?"
"Badly. However, I had to learn the ways of this world to survive. I may not be doing very well, but I can hope to try. I suppose I must remember that my wish, however childish it was, has been granted. And it must be for the best." A dark, neatly trimmed eyebrow raised slightly. "Why the storm of questions?"
It took Melete a moment to respond. "Just curious," she finally muttered. "Is that it?"
"I'm trying too, you know. You're not alone." Lionel nodded his head in lieu of a bow, and left.
Hmph. Well, maybe he had a point.
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:12 pm
Teatime for Danger?
"Feel free to order anything you like, my lady."
Lionel shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Despite the fact that this outing was his idea, and that he was quite used to being waited on, the looks he was getting from the restaurant staff made him edgy. To say nothing of his dining companion.
The menu was a bit appalling to Melete, but one thing caught her eye. "Tea?"
"Oh yes, tea for two, what a nice idea. I'd like some English Breakfast myself." He gestured to a nearby waitress, who rolled her eyes and swaggered over.
"One English Breakfast tea for myself, madam, and for the young lady..."
"... Earl Grey, I suppose."
"An excellent choice," Lionel commented once the waitress had left. "One of my favorites; you should be in for a treat."
It didn't take long for the tea to arrive, and once it did, Melete stared her cup down. It looked normal enough.
The host took the first sip, after blowing on his drink delicately, and gave a contented sigh. "Bliss. Do try it, you'll love it."
Warily she did so, swishing the small amount in her mouth for a moment before spitting it back into the cup.
"BLEAH! What is this, are you trying to poison me?"
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:15 pm
Log Three
Frey's Day, the Eighteenth of February, year 2005, in the Gaian Calendar.
I believe my host might have been an aid in an attempt to poison me. I don't know why, but he took me out to a restaurant for lunch a few days back and said I could order whatever I want. But when I saw tea, he ordered some and made sure I did too. He said his was delicious, but mine was terrible. I was sure someone put something in it. Was it a Gaian prank? Or maybe someone was trying to hurt Mister Lionel. He did say he was someone important.
Xue wants to go out for tea now. He says that his Neechan (is that Nusumu?) is shopping, and he's hungry, and she's hungry, and that the Lion-man (good name) said tea was good. I just bet his was. But they know somewhere good, so we'll see.
End Log
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:16 pm
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Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:25 pm
Preparation
"You want to go where?" DS blinks and takes another look at the card in her hand.
Melete frowns. No one could be this slow.
"A par-ty," she says, enunciating each syllable slowly. "I have been in-vi-ted to a par-ty." A pause. "Practically pushed into it."
"I see. Well, I'll trust Jun on this I suppose. But you need something to wear, don't you?"
"I'll manage," Melete mutters through gritted teeth. If she left it up to that woman, she'd probably be decked out in something so ornate she wouldn't be able to move.
DS sighs. "If you insist," she says slowly, handing the card back to its owner. "Oh, and you got a package today."
A package? "Who from?"
"Beats me. I try not to intrude on people's privacy." Winking a little, she points down the hall. "It's outside your room."
"... Thanks."
Melete runs through the hall, stopping only when she reaches her door. Sure enough, an unmarked parcel is outside, which she picks up and gently puts on the bed next to her. The key to her room makes an adquate box-cutter, and within moments it's opened and the contents are spread out on the bed.
"Oh, Brother..."
Thin fingers trace the small tin containers, each bearing a different label. A small blue teapot is with them, with a wicker-like handle. The whole package feels so much like home it's almost too much for Melete to bear, and the note with it brings tears to her eyes.
It's so like him. To make her feel comfortable and tell her not to worry. To take everything on his own shoulders, making everything easier on her. For her own good, he says. Don't worry, he says.
"Don't you realize when you say that, it just makes me worry more?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:13 am
Socialize
Melete looks around the building nervously. Never, never ever, had she seen something so BIG. And so grand! Everyone was talking with flutes of champagne, dancing under crystal chandeliers, admiring the many works of art strewn about. And they all looked so amazing too, like something from a fairy story.
To her credit, she looked quite nice. The old bedcurtains, which had always been too fancy for normal use in her opinion, had been converted into a sari-like dress, with one shimmering piece wrapped around her waist, and the other draped over her shoulders. It was sheer, almost see-through, but luckily her normal clothes blended quite well with that particular shade of orangey scarlet.
Still, it is with some apprehension that she enters the room marked on the card, and looks around nervously.
Ah. Right on time.
Turning to glance at Melete through the crowd, Lillian holds up one orbed hand, accompanied with a loud projection that could be translated as "Over here!"
So she was expected. Not surprising, but not exactly comforting either.
Makeshift ballgown dragging a little behind her, Melete hurries over as elegantly as she can manage.
"You wanted to see me?"
"I'm expecting ALL of you," Lillian clarifies, smiling gently. "Would you like something to eat? Something to drink? Fish? Punch? Cham--" She pauses, and then finally smiles again. "I guess you would be mature enough for champagne, wouldn't you?"
"No, ma'am. And I'm not hungry either. I just came from having tea."
The all made her curious. She had been worried she did something wrong, or that perhaps something wasn't right back home, but if she was calling others, that couldn't be the case.
"No, nothing's wrong," Lillian explains. "I thought everyone would enjoy this."
"You, however, I specifially needed to speak to." A slight nod. "You and I need to discuss what you want to do after your stay here is over. You do realize that you won't be required to stay here much longer. You were the first to arrive, and your term is nearly at an end."
Melete's eyes widen. "I can go home?"
The thought was almost too good to be true. Going home, seeing her brother, being back in her own room, with her garden, her old friends, and...
But then, not everything about Gaia was terrible, and much to her surprise she found herself with a few connections that would be troublesome, if not painful, to break. The Porcelain for instance. Mister Lionel, Mister Vilden, Miss Keth. Some she might see back on Neilan, but it wouldn't be the same. Not that that was a bad thing, but...
"What are my choices?"
"You may return to Neilan," Lillian begins. "This entire trip could be nothing but a bad dream, if you so wish. In fact, you should return at least for a little while; Elgei misses you."
She smiles. "Of course, you could always continue your education here, and if your family wishes to keep watch over you, you may remain on Gaia."
"There is also the option of living here independantly. At this point, since you are still quite young, you would be granted a stipend by the government. This, of course, would only be until you grew older and became able to work for yourself."
Her eyes seem to glimmer a little as she takes a breath. "But there is another option..."
"...Have you considered a career in our military?"
As her eyes couldn't go any wider, Melete blinks and takes an involuntary step backwards, nearly tripping on her dress.
She knows she can't live by herself yet, much as that option is appealing. And as much as going home is tempting, part of her has become attatched to Gaia. When that happened she's clueless, and slightly resentful of it.
But the military!?
Neko walked around the room with her long black dress with a white stripe down the middle of her dress. She sighed as her long black hair shone under the crystel. She gazed at it as she sighed happily.
"Of course, you would have to be trained," Lillian continues casually. "It is not an easy road."
"However, you, along with all the other children, could grow up to be fine officers. Why do you think you were selected by the program in the first place?"
A pause. "We're not exactly what you think, however. We are nothing like the Gaian military; our defense is automated and our world peaceful. We have no need for armies."
As she turns to stare at Melete, her eyes seem to glow faintly. "We do, however, have brothers who need protecting in methods our technology cannot provide.
Your people should understand the burden we carry, shouldn't they, Miss Kelahen?"
Lillian quirks an eyebrow at the newcomer, smiling faintly. "Ah, lovely festivities, aren't they?"
Neko turned around her long dress following her. "Yes...Its lovely.."
And NOW is the time Vilden decides to make his entrance.
Lael at his side, Vilden strides across the ballroom.
His normally goofy demeanor has been replaced by strict professionalism, although he does smile broadly at his date before joining Lillian, Melete, and Neko.
"I see you ladies made it," he offers politely, bowing his head. "Nice place."
"I... you..." Melete stutters, trying to catch her breath. When did she lose it? She was so fixed on the commander's words, she hadn't noticed.
"Yes. I know."
What she does't know was why they wanted HER.
Her mind is so tangled, she doesn't notice the newcomers at all.
"Think about it," Lillian whispers before turning back to the newcomers.
"Ah, good to see you two came," she calls before turning to Neko.
"Lillian Haladet. And you are?"
Lael nods to the three women and gives them a small smile.
"Very nice place. Too bad our hosts are a little on the conceited side, but they do have a sense of style." His eyes twinkle behind his glasses. "Yes ma'am, we did manage to make it in one piece."
Without so much as a "hello" to the newcomers, Melete gathers her dress and rushes off, or tries to. Her mentally muddled condition leads to the overwhelmed girl crashing into someone unfamiliar, making her even more flustered.
"Excuse me," she murmurs, eyes lowered, and hurries out.
~~
Declan bounces (oh yes, bounces) happily up to Vilden and a person he doesn't think he's met yet, smiling from ear to ear.
"Hey, 'cuz," Vilden says coolly, grinning at Declan. "How's it goin'?"
"Really great actually," He replies rocking on the balls of his feet, "I've been cooped up in that stuffy house until now."
"Awesome. Enjoying your stay, at least? How's everyone treatin' ya?"
Melete wanders back into the room, her dress rustling slightly as she moves towards the center. She has managed to catch her breath, and is forming coherent thoughts again- barely- by shutting decisions out of her mind.
Deciding to enjoy the party as best she could, she looks around for company.
Lael blinks at the bundle of energy that and waves a little in his direction. "Um, hello," he says quietly, not quite as out of it as before but definitely working on getting with it.
"Good evening, Miss Kelahen," Vilden murmurs politely, propping Lael up with one arm.
"Ugh, you sobering yet?"
"Tess is nice, sweet, and has a very large temper. Tagon, have you met him? He's just pouring with hate. It's disturbing, and hard to deal with. Other than that it's fine, they're giving me odd gifts though." He sighs quietly and looks at Lael, "Hello there!"
"Working on it." His head was pleasently fuzzy and the aftertaste on his tongue was taunting him with memories of how good the drinks were around here. Lael was by no means a drunk or an alcoholic, but that stuff had tasted really really good.
"Could you point me in the direction of the nearest bathroom please? I think some cold water will help me snap out of this."
[mini edit]Lael gave the boy a pleasent smile. "Hello," he repeated.
"Hate...?" At this, Vilden frowns. "...You'd do best to avoid that. I wasn't aware there'd be much hate..." A sigh. "Oh well. You have good judgement."
[edit] With a lopsided grin, Vilden helps Lael to his feet. "All the way down there, take a left, then a right. Can you manage it on your own?"
Lael squinted past the people in the direction Vilden pointed and gently shrugged off his support. He managed a flippant grin before striding off.
"I'll scream if I need help."
"I hope it is one, Mister Vilden," Melete replies softly. "I hope your companion feels better soon."
Speaking of companions, where were hers? They should have arrived by now...
Vilden pats Melete on the shoulder. "He'll be fine. Just had a little too much champagne."
He leans close to her, laughing quietly. "If your friends don't get here, I'll be your date. Just don't tell Kiren."
Ok, so striding quickly became swaying and attempting not to stumble over something. Luckily for Lael, the bathroom was easy to find. Five to ten minutes of standing in here splashing cold water on his flushed face and he'll be as good as new.
Now to make sure not to get water all over his nice shirt and tie.
I can deal with anything Tagon or Tess throw my way, I hope.
Declan turns his attention to Melete, "I'm Declan, I don't think we've met. He itches the back of his neck awkwardly(sp?) Why do they even have tags?
Remembering Jun's comment from earlier, Melete blushes fiercely and shakes her head. "That's okay. I wouldn't want to get you in any trouble. And I don't need a date anyway."
Not like she'd planned on coming with a date anyway. Still, she was starting to worry just a little. If anything happened, she'd probably get the blame. -.-;;
Edit: Noticing the other child, Melete bows her head in response. "I don't think so either. My name is Melete. And I think the tags are there to annoy people." At least, that was her opinion.
"A PLATONIC date," Vilden clarifies. "No offense; I've already got someone."
A pause.
"And I know you don't like me that way anyway."
"........That's a pretty dress." sweatdrop
"Well, they're certainly doing their job!" He snickers quietly.
Geesh, subtle much? redface
"Thanks," Melete manages to say with an ounce of coolness. "I, eh, made it myself."
Funny what some pretty pre-hemmed cloth and a couple knots could do.
At Declan's comment she smiles, though even that is tense. "Yes. It makes me glad I don't wear much Gaian clothing."
And what she was forced to wear, she'd cut the tags off shortly after getting them. sweatdrop
"I actually like Gaian clothing," Declan says tugging at the sleeve of his shirt.
Melete shrugs, as if to say "to each their own."
"I just like clothes from home better."
"I'm open to new things, besides if I'm stuck here I might as well try and fit in." Why doesn't she talk?
"Do you like Gaia so far? I've seem some pretty odd things!"
Another shrug, this one flavored with more discontent.
"It's very different from home," she offers, not really answering the question.
"If you'll excuse me, Tess said she'd pick me up around this time." He bows politly and bounces off happily.
Hrmph. That was a bit rude. But if he had to leave, oh well.
Now then, she's missing HER ride. >.>;;;
Gathering her dress, Melete strides out, her mind returning to the clutter of earlier as she leaves.
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