A visit to Alexandria.

[3rdangel]

Mikoto has been almost overly cautious in picking the time to confront the younger of her brothers. She'd waited until she was certain Regulus had recovered, found suitable Gaian style clothing, and had the Mages arrange for transportation from their Village. They could PINPoint there, thus avoiding too many guests at the Desert Palace.

Mikoto has already dressed, and is in the sitting room of Kuja's former quarters.

So is Regulus, but he's still glancing over his clothing options with a look that, under the initial calm veneer, hints that he's more than a bit disbelieving that there are people who actually dress this way in public. It seems to have almost rendered him incapable of speech. He gives a particularly incredulous look to a wide-brimmed red hat with a big white feather in it. "Rather... foppish isn't it?"

Comments

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim leans over a bit, studying the gateway with delighted fascination. Such a primitive barrier and yet, from a human perspective, the scale feels impressive. There was a time when it would have awed her too...

"A gate like that raises all kinds of questions," she remarks out loud. "But I guess no-one on this world is a stranger to trouble."

[3rdangel]

"I believe they were meant to open routes for trade without sacrificing the defense the mountains provided," says Mikoto, as they start to fly through the passage.

Regulus wonders why someone couldn't just fly over, but soon decides the airship just can't quite manage that altitude. The right broom and a few protective charms, though...

The Magelets are still chasing the few remaining snitch-sketches, while Vivi watches. He's actually avoiding looking at the scenery at this point.

Which Regulus notices. "Is something the matter, Vivi?"

"N-no, not really," says the little Mage. "I was just thinking... about Black Waltz Three. We fought near here."

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

"They must be hard to close in a hurry," Telrim says, glancing at Mikoto. The Genome's been so quiet on the ride - she's not sure if it's due to the company, or Mikoto's characteristic economy when it comes to doing anything.

At the nearby conversation, she turns to look at Vivi and Regulus, but keeps silent for now. The name 'Three' implies it was one of Kuja's original creations, judging from the Mages' naming pattern. And Regulus has a knack for talking to the Mages - she's liable to learn as much by simply listening as by butting in.

[3rdangel]

"It's possible it had a Mist-powered mechanism at one time. Unfortunately, I know little about its exact operation," says Mikoto.

"I see," says Regulus. "Something unpleasant to spoil the view."

Vivi nods slightly, and glances towards the Magelets. He'll say no more about all of that where they might hear.

As they leave the mountain pass, they'll be able to see Alexandria in the near distance.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim's gaze returns to Mikoto for a second. "Oh- I see. I wonder what they do now..." How much of this world was accustomed to running on Mist?

Turning back, she catches sight of the city and leans forward again. "Oh, look! Is that it already?"

[3rdangel]

"My most recent information was that many devices were being adapted for steam power," says Mikoto. She glances at the capital city, surrounded by its cliffs and waterfalls, and nods. "Yes."

Regulus expects the place would have a great view, amd it looks like something from a storybook... but... "Whyever did they build it someplace this high? Doesn't it make trade difficult?"

"Alexandria was built after fighting destroyed many of the civilizations on Gaia. Exposure to the Mist made them more prone to this, so the city was built high enough to avoid such exposure," says Mikoto.

((Here's a wiki entry with some reference pics for the view))

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

"Security first." Telrim doesn't take her eyes from it. "It's amazing, isn't it? I've seen castles and things up on mountains, but this is... something else. I can just imagine what a sunrise would look like from up here- oh hey, I think I can see the palace there. Where are we going to land?"

[lil_mage_vivi]

"There's a place for airships to land over there," says Vivi, pointing with a little gloved hand. "I remember from the plays. The theater group that Zidane was with, Tantalus, they would land there."

"'Theater' group," echos Mikoto with a trace more sarcasm. "Tantalus might have performed plays, but they were - and I presume still are - a pack of thieves."

"Maybe..," Vivi admits, "but they're not bad people."

They are, indeed, heading in the direction Vivi indicated, and soon land. A boarding ramp will be much better than that shaky rope ladder at least.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim smiles to herself - actors and thieves? It sounds a winning combination to her. "You didn't tell me Zidane was an actor, too. I thought Kuja was the one with the interest in plays."

It's a curious perspective, coming in to land within a city, not a shipyard or an indoor docking bay. Strange to watch how the comparatively small buildings rise up around them, alien architecture taking over the horizon. But she has to drag herself away and get ready to disembark with the others.

((And seeing if the correct icon appears for this - if not, please disregard the alternate face! :P ))

[mage_hatchlings]

"Zidane's main interest in acting was as distraction. Putting on plays was not Tantalus' primary profession," says Mikoto. "Although, given the current farce, I suppose he has some talent." Oddly, there is enough of a trace of condescending anger in Mikoto's tone for just a moment at that to be noticed, especially compared with how impassive she usually is.

The Hatchlings are soon everywhere, resulting in Vivi trying to herd them. Luckily for him, Regulus helps there.

For Regulus, the place isn't too strange. Certainly, it would have stuck out in Muggle London, but near Diagon Alley not so much. It's alien, but not startlingly so to someone who is used to such a great division in appearance just within their own world.

As they reach the main streets, a cart heads past pulled by a pair of Chocobo. Vivi ends up leading the way as much as he can while trying to keep curious Magelets from wandering, as he knows the way to the Castle from here.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

"True..." Telrim studies Mikoto's face for a few minutes. Mikoto, truly angered, might be a true force to reckon with. The Yeerk remembers the videos of Kuja - and Mikoto's own skills.

She reaches out to nudge a wandering Magelet back towards Vivi, takes a moment to study the Chocobo before she asks, "What if he still doesn't want to tell the truth?"

[3rdangel]

"A refusal to speak would say something on its own in this instance," says Mikoto.

They might have made it to the palace quietly, except that they happen to pass a visiting group of Burmecians right about then.

Because Regulus is trying to stifle a double-take at the sight of giant rat-people, he also happens to see one of them pick up a loose cobble from the street and throw it at the Magelets. But even ex-Seekers are fast. "Protego!" The first rock bounces off the shield charm as Regulus counters with something that has the offending Burmecian dangling in midair as if suspended by an invisible hold on his ankle.

The spooked Magelets all huddle close to Vivi.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

The motion and Regulus's shout snap Telrim out of peering down a side street. Her hand jumps to her side as she whips around, eyes narrowed- but there's no weapon for her fingers to close on. A brief expression crosses her face as she takes in their would-be attacker, the scared Magelets. Something contemptuous and savagely amused. Then she steps forward, looking grim.

"What an idiot," she murmurs, mouth twitching in a stifled smirk at the helpless alien. Oh, how fortunate he is not to be at her people's mercy. "He wasn't aiming for who I think. Was he?"

She's genuinely surprised, if so. Never mind that this is meant to be a safe trip, there's usually such a fuss about protecting young ones...

[lil_mage_vivi]

"He was," says Mikoto, followed by a sharp, "I wouldn't." Those two words are directed at a couple of Burmecians who are stooping to find rocks of their own. One at least has the sense to heed this. The other grabs a loose stone... and a split second later drops it with a yelp, clutching a burnt paw.

There's the sound of armored people approaching, apparently city guard. Regulus quickly ends whatever spell he was using to dangle the first offender, dropping them roughly and re-hiding his wand up his sleeve.

Luckily, Vivi seems to recognize the soldier in charge. "Steiner!"

"Master Vivi? What happened here?" Steiner seems surprised to see Vivi in this mess, though as soon as he notes there are both Black Mages and Burmecians present he has his own guess as to what the commotion had been.

The Magelets are still spooked, but they've heard of this person. He's a friend. "He threw a rock at us," says Kaze, pointing.

"What are those things doing here?" asks a Burmecian, indicating Vivi and the younger Mages.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

So. Local authority. Telrim relaxes internally, pleased to discover her new associates have real connections. At least by Alexandrian standards.

She gives the speaking Burmecian an unimpressed look, the kind due a whining grub. Rather than count him worthy of an answer though, she turns her back on him and considers this Steiner.

"Excuse my curiosity," she asks, folding her arms, looking with concern between Steiner and Mikoto. "But what is the penalty for assaulting a child here?"

[3rdangel]

Steiner scowls. "If it were up to me, they would be escorted to the castle dungeons. Unfortunately, they are part of a Burmecian diplomatic group. The appropriate persons will be informed of this. I trust them to know what to do. Meanwhile..," and he'll look to the guards that came with them, "since I believe they were leaving, escort them to the main gate and see that they remain there until the rest of their group joins them."

As soon as the Burmecians are lead away, Steiner looks to Vivi. "Master Vivi... you should have informed me of your arrival. I could have seen to it that you had an escort."

"I.. I didn't think.. it would still be that bad," says Vivi. "They hate us so much."

"Clearly, they have poor tastes," says Regulus. Really, what else could be expected from overgrown vermin.

"Zidane did, at least, receive my letter..?" asks Mikoto.

Steiner nods. "Yes. His Majesty is expecting you. I just didn't know you'd already arrived, or that there would be Black Mages with you..."

(Still fighting LJ's new system...)

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim's grimace hides the smirk she's stifling - this is Burmecian diplomacy, oh dear. Vivi draws a sympathetic look as soon as she has her amusement under control, and Regulus a nod of emphatic agreement.

And then she pauses, a remark about needing an escort dying in her throat. 'His Majesty'? Well. This day gets more and more interesting. And the insight into local government should make up for any opportunities lost to the restrictions of a formal environment...

Such calculations take less than a minute, and then the Controller's tilting her head, smiling a little wanly. "Well, no-one got hurt, anyway. And it won't be a problem any further, will it?"

((You have my sympathies. The changes are maddening, although at least I can actually use non-default icons again...))

[darker_black]

Regulus blinks at the title as well, before deciding that Zidane is still, based on what Mikoto's told him, a squib.

"Certainly not, ma'am," says Steiner, who seems to plan on accompanying them all the way to the palace. Vivi takes the opportunity to get caught up with his friend, while the Magelets trail along after and listen in.

Oddly, while the city guards were male, it seems the palace guards are all female.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim settles back into walking and observing - especially when it comes to the security arrangements. It takes a while for the pattern to sink in, but as guard after guard proves female, she starts to wonder.

"Is there some rule about how the guards are recruited?" she asks Mikoto quietly. It occurs to her a second later that the Genome might have other things on her mind at this point, but she still wants to know.

[3rdangel]

"I'm unaware of any actual regulations," Mikoto says, "but I remember being told that General Beatrix prefers to work with her own gender."

They're soon lead to a waiting room of sorts, and it won't be too long after that before someone else joins them. It's easy to guess this must be Zidane. So far, he's been the only person in Alexandria with a tail. He and Mikoto almost look like they could be twins, not surprising given the origins of Genomes. He also looks a little uncomfortable in the fine clothes he'd been forced to wear because of visiting officials. He blinks at Mikoto... he'd heard things about girls and growth spurts, but she's still three years older than he expected.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

"Really? I wonder why..." Although it's as worth notice, to her, that said officer has sufficient power to indulge such a preference whatever her motives.

Though she tries not to act too eager to look around once they reach the waiting room, Telrim indulges her curiosity for the little time they wait. She's across the room from Mikoto when Zidane enters, fingers raised to trace the outline of a painting on the wall. She drops her hand swiftly, (along with the intent to check for any security on the art) and turns on her heel. It's a good opportunity to study the third Genome: while he stares at Mikoto, she can stare at him unnoticed...

[3rdangel]

Regulus actually looks more at ease than Zidane does, odd given that it's the latter who lives here.

"Hello, Zidane. This is Natasha, and Regulus Black. I mentioned them in the letter I sent to you," Mikoto keeps social formalities brief and curt, they're really not her strong point. Noticing Zidane looking a bit uneasy, Mikoto seems very slightly amused. "Are you finding life in the canary cage uncomfortable?"

"Nah, it's just these clothes," Zidane replies, loosening the collar a bit. "Any time there's some formal thing, I have to dress up. At least Tantalus always used elastic in the costumes..."

"One would think royalty would have better tailors," comments Regulus. "Perhaps you should have words with them."

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

Telrim drops her gaze instantly as she's named, inclining her head politely.

She shoots a glance over to Regulus: he's clearly very comfortable, speaking so casually. Granted he is of some kind of nobility and she isn't familiar with how humans conduct themselves around their rulers (as opposed to proud and triggerhappy vissers).

Since apparently there's no reason to fear here, the Controller summons a small smile and nods agreement. "It's not as if you have to take whatever they give you. Though maybe your clothes are the last thing you should worry about."

She glances toward Mikoto, a reflection of whence that thought stems.

[3rdangel]

"You look strange in those clothes," is Vivi's comment, as he gets a hug hello from Zidane. He'd tried to gather up the Magelets, but it had proven futile. They're scattered all over, curiously exploring the room.

"So..," Zidane seems a bit awkward when it comes to talking to Mikoto. Truth was, he'd never really known what to do about her. "The Mages said you left. And... you look older. What happened? Where have you been?"

"The Desert Palace," is Mikoto's simple answer.

It's enough to make Zidane go pale.

[in-the-cracks.livejournal.com]

It amuses Natasha to note that Zidane's attitude to Mikoto is not unlike Telrim's toward her mother: the awkward uncertainty, the dutiful, stilted asking-after because it's expected, not because both parties are eager to catch up.

It does not amuse Telrim: but she has her moment when Mikoto names the palace. The Controller's mouth draws into a slight, brief smile. Oh, his face. He knows, then, where this is going. She doesn't doubt he'll be squirming for as long as it takes Mikoto to confirm exactly how much they already know. And some time after, if he's pressed to explain himself.

"It's a lovely place," she says herself, her tone even and perhaps incongruously pleasant. "Dusty, yes, but fascinatingly well-equipped. Scientifically speaking."