deernet | video; un: natsume.takashi

[Natsume begins the video message with the best intentions. He's sitting very calmly in his apartment (which is strange, he's sixteen, he isn't old enough to have his own place to live), legs crossed, expression very composed for someone who just arrive in Trench. His voice is even, shoulders squared, like he isn't the least bit disturbed by the circumstances.]

Please excuse the interruption, but I had a quick question. Where is --

[Then he stops, mouth hanging open, eyes widening, staring at something just past the camera. Long, loooong seconds pass as Natsume stares, face slowly turning pale, barely blinking, barely breathing. Then his head moves, eyes fixed on the something as it sloooowly approaches, closer and closer, until he's staring off to his left, watching the thing. It's moving closer, it'll appear in the camera frame at any second...

...but nothing does. Natsume is still watching, still silent, craning his neck around, then turning in his seat to keep an eye on whatever-it-is, as it apparently moves past him, behind him, then off to one side. Either he's a very good actor, or there's something he's seeing that the camera isn't.

Natsume keeps looking off to the right, where the unseen thing had disappeared, for another couple moments. Then he blinks, turning back to the camera. His face is still very pale, his voice quite a bit fainter, shakier when he speaks:]

Where is the nearest shrine?

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[Ordinarily, a video message would be lost on Illarion. The very long pause, however, prompts him to summon his Omen, who watches the last half of that long shot for him.

That's disturbingly familiar behavior.]

The Pale Sanctuary in Cassandra may not be nearest you, but it is the safest shrine in Trench.

Forgive me for being so direct: Are you in danger from what you are seeing?

[Just the voice is sort of nice -- Natsume isn't used to being seen while talking to someone from far away. He doesn't have a cell phone, and things aren't exactly technologically advanced where he's from.

Still, it's odd not to be able to see who he's talking to, all the same. No way to tell who -- or what -- they are.]

Cassandra. That's a -- district? [The question gets a weighty pause, before:] I-I'm not sure.

[That's what's most concerning to him.]

A district of the city, yes. Not a woman. [Strange how some stories, some names, were shared between very disparate worlds.] If you require help getting there, I am glad to assist. Though if it is being very urgent, there are safe places throughout the city--you are where, now?

[...Right. Yes.]

Then it is perhaps better to assume that it may be hostile, than harmless. But not to panic. You are doing well.

What is it doing now?

Right. [Quieter, more to himself:] Strange name. [Then he clears his throat, looking over at the -- presence again.] It's not urgent, no. I'm in Crenshaw, but I wouldn't...want you to inconvenience yourself.

[Then, a little wryly:] Thank you. I've had some practice.

[Natsume breathes in, exhales, slowly.] Watching me.

No inconvenience. It is my duty to help others to safety. [Crenshaw's far from the worst place he could be, at least.] Then you will need to pass north through the Hunter's district, Prufrock, to get to Cassandra, but you are at least not so far. Say the word, if you need.

[While Illarion's no stranger to someone downplaying the actual trouble they're in, this young man--] You strike me this way.

[Deserves some deference to his familiarity with the situation.]

Mmm. [Not bad, but not the best, either.] Like a cat that will pounce? Or do you think you can move away?

The Hunter's district. [Natsume pauses momentarily to scribble that down in his little journal, trying to get his bearings by writing everything.] That would be...very kind of you, thank you.

Do I? [It's always interesting when someone can tell.] Like a cat, yes. Not...ready to pounce, but...getting there.

[But getting there.

That clinches it; the rest of this conversation can be had on the way to Cassandra. Or a safe-house.]

I am on my way. If you think it is safe to move away from it, get outside and describe to me where you are.

[He'll be on his way to Crenshaw in the meantime. And having Iskierka divinr what she might from the video's background.]

[Natsume hesitates for a moment, because he isn't used to being honest about...well, anything. But the thing is still there, and it's still staring, so --] An apartment. It's -- people suggested that new Sleepers go here.

[He stands, slowly.] Are you an exorcist?

Ah. This narrows things. If you can see through your window--the number of lampposts on the street you are facing, this would narrow things further. [Though there's only two buildings he'd put a high likelihood on, now that that rules out a rented backroom.

Appearing at Crenshaw's central Lamp, he starts for the nearer of those two buildings.]

A Disciple. And a necromancer, if the gentler methods do not work.

Ah, yes -- [Natsume stands, peering out of the window and frowning slightly.] There are --

[There's a sound then, like a rush of wind, and Natsume stumbles a little against the window, wincing. A small cut opens up on one cheek, trickling blood, and he presses his palm to it.] Sorry, let me just--

[The thing is angry, and sneaking by it isn't an option anymore, so he's going to just -- open the window and climb out. It's only second-story, he'll be fine. Then, as an afterthought, almost cordially:] Oh, I see you, hello.

video; un: natsume.takashi

voice, private; un: imyarek

private;

private ∞;

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assuming this is ok with others also running to rescue nat!!

heck yeah, down for a bunch of different threads~

glorious!!

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