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[ex_savor461]

Character: Friedelinde Ceibeluru
Fandom: Record of Agarest War Zero
Player Name: Code Name Ellipses

[A young officer presumably in her twenties, Friedelinde, often known as Linda, is a busy woman indeed. With a stern face and mighty grip on her spear, she stalks the general vicinity of Vatheon daily, wary. Along the way, numerous encounters are made, and different facets of her are uncovered . . . ]

(defense force)

[As a lieutenant, Friedelinde has assumed both roles of the battle group and taken to patrolling on a regular basis. Vatheon proves itself peaceful for much of the month, but there are risks that she shan't take in this foreboding calm. At some point, she may meet with another Defense Force member to discuss patrol:]

No instabilities to report in this area. What of yours?

[Or someone sparks her suspicions. It may be as mundane an action as loitering at an alley, or something appropriately shady, but her hand rests on her side as she inquires:]

You, there. What are you doing?

(on love)

[Friedelinde is not very feminine by nature of her upbringing, but the natives seem to find her charming still. Enough so that a salesperson approaches and offers an assortment of jewelry, at which she bats a single glance.]

I commend your initiative, but I am not interested in accessorizing myself at this time. You may wish to try a more ladylike audience.

["Oh, but you are! You have a lovely face; wouldn't your boyfriend like to see you prettied up?"]

B-b-b-b-b-boyfriend!? I-I have no such thing! . . . I mean, I must dedicate my efforts to my duty first and foremost! Especially in Vatheon, where its citizens are ever at peril, romance is far below my primary concern!

[But her cheeks are tinged slightly pink, and the native has no intention of letting up. Friedelinde, on the other hand, appears about ready to run off in veiled shame. If her dignity snaps, she just might forget her pride momentarily to do so.]

(network; video)

It has come to me over the duration of my stay there there is a diverse population in Vatheon. The world from which I hail, too, houses numerous kinds of people. But there are as many of those races unrepresented here as there are those I have never encountered.

To avoid confusion and educate myself in the matter, I request that this announcement be treated as a call for information. Please, tell me about yourself and your kind as much as you wish. To prevent abuse of knowledge, I recommend sharing only what is common or cannot be used against you. In advance, your cooperation is appreciated.

Comments

(defense force)

[withdraws]

[gosh can't he just sit on top of a building in peace—]

... Enjoying the view?

[And, uh, dripping water but that's not intentional! It's not his fault he's soaking wet.]

[ex_savor461]

[No, he cannot; loitering is strictly prohibited!]

. . . are you by chance a new arrival, or did you indulge yourself in Vatheon's waters?

[withdraws]

[BUT IT'S LIKE HIS HOBBY ):]

Hmm, well... I can't say I often bathe fully clothed, so I guess you would call me a new arrival, then.

[ex_savor461]

[A HOBBY THAT CHALLENGES THE LAW. Still, the answer softens Friedelinde's scowl into a gentle smile, and she sounds distinctly friendlier.]

I see. Has anyone informed you of Vatheon and its mercurial nature? You seem quite well-adjusted already.

[withdraws]

[HIS VERY EXISTENCE CHALLENGES THE LAW BIG DEAL]

Well, I've heard a few things.

[Because yes, he did his research.]

I wouldn't be opposed to hearing more, though. And do I?

[Chill is kind of his standard mood. This is the guy who wasn't flustered when his friend pulled down her shirt and shoved her breasts in his face to show him a rash—]

[ex_savor461]

[ONYD.]

Most initial arrivals involve varying degrees of perplexity or indignation. [It is clear that this boy exhibits low to nonexistent levels of both. It's logical, if he has had time to settle down and eavesdrop.] But very well. How much have you heard?

[withdraws]

[IT'S NOT HIS FAULT THAT RACISM EXISTS IN HIS WORLD.]

Is that so? Maybe I'm just in shock then.

[Except probably not, but whatever.

He holds up the brochure, still smiling.]

Everything in this. It's a lot to take in, though.

[ex_savor461]

[MAYBE IT IS. HE'S SO OLD, YOU CAN'T TELL.]

If you have committed its contents to memory, then you're already fairly knowledgeable of the city's workings. As of this moment, should you be feeling a little weaker from the norm, I advise touching the coral for nourishment.

A member of the Welcoming Committee may be better able to answer your questions, should you have any, but I shall try my hand at doing so on their part.

[withdraws]

[OKAY MAYBE.

He smiles sheepishly.]

And here I thought it was because I hadn't eaten anything for a while.

[He nods.]

Thank you. You're a good person, aren't you?

[ex_savor461]

You have given me no reason to be unkind. I simply wish to help those in need.

[withdraws]

I certainly hope that that'll continue. Both of those statements, I mean.

[ex_savor461]

They will so. Now, do you have any questions?

[withdraws]

[Hmm. The brochure covered most of the important things, like getting back home...

Well, he has a few non-serious questions, but he has one serious question to get out of the way first.]

How much do you know about these time paradoxes mentioned here? Regarding being pulled from different times?

[He can make a conclusion based on that—and he certainly hopes that it's true, for his friends' sakes—but he'd like confirmation.]

[ex_savor461]

Not much from personal experiences. However, there are many cases of such in Vatheon; learning more about it isn't difficult. Generally speaking, individuals from the same world may be pulled at different times, but knowledge imparted here has no impact on home world events.

[withdraws]

So nobody back home will even notice that you're gone?

[HE NEEDS TO MAKE SURE

THAT TIME WON'T PASS BACK HOME

BECAUSE HE HAS TO PROTECT EVERYONE!!!]

[ex_savor461]

[CALM YOUR PROTECT BREASTS, YOUNG MAN.]

No. Time passes differently, if it does not freeze altogether.

[withdraws]

[NO.

But phew. He looks pretty relieved right now.]

Is that right? I'm glad to hear that, then.

[ex_savor461]

Whatever matter of importance back home may safely be put on hold for the time being. It is difficult to stray from thinking about, but you can at least rest assured nothing will happen as long as you're here.

[withdraws]

That's quite a relief. Thank you for telling me—this'll definitely make my time here easier to bear.

[ex_savor461]

You're welcome. If that is all, might I suggest catching a towel from the natives? It is unhealthy to stay in wet clothes.

[withdraws]

[... Ahaha, right.

Might as well.]

Well, let me just get off this roof first.

[ex_savor461]

Of course.

[Since he presumably went up there on his own, she expects he can come down just as well.]

[withdraws]

Then, see you in a few moments.

[A brief wave!

And now he is going to be a normal person and go down the stairs.

(I mean sure he could jump off and break some bones or his neck and then heal and possibly scare her, but he would... rather just walk down the stairs...]

(on love) BECAUSE JAE ASKED

[withdraws]

[D'awwww he heard all that and will just be approaching quietly now—]

That's very kind of you.

CODE NAME ELLIPSES DID, EXCUSE YOU.

[ex_savor461]

[His quiet entrance, unsuspected in her moment of fluster, does little to help her jittery reactions. It does, however, stray from the unwanted topic at hand, so she is quick to jump on the change.]

Ah -- it is my duty! I must not allow myself to be distracted when we are not truly certain of Vatheon's stability. In addition, there is still much to be uncovered of its origins.

OF COURSE, OF COURSE.

[withdraws]

[Smile smile!]

There really is, isn't there? But it's great that you're so concerned with looking out for its people.

DON'T PLAY SNIPPY WITH ME.

[ex_savor461]

[The clear change of topics earns a nod from the salesperson, who takes leave with kind words of "enjoy your talk." Friedelinde nods curtly, relieved. Though, her thoughts trail to those of Sieghart . . . ]

Yes, and it is a philosophy you will find in many foreigners, though we aim to protect ourselves and native denizens alike. I assume we share the same opinion on this matter.

I'M NOOOOOOOT.

[withdraws]

Is it? That's good to hear.

[Because protecting people is his liiiiiiiiiiife.]

And of course. Shouldn't we strive to help those we can?

LIES, YOU HAVE FAR TOO MANY OS IN THERE.

[ex_savor461]

[Friedelinde's life is doing her officer work and failing to woo her superior. They are both equally important, hush.]

Then I must ask, have you yet to acquaint yourself with the Defense Force?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

[withdraws]

[A blink]

Defense Force?

YOU WOUND ME.

[ex_savor461]

It is a volunteer organization dedicated to upholding peace and public morale within the confines of Vatheon's barrier. We are most active in times of strife, be it from a curse or internal disagreement.

With your appreciation for the assistance of people, you may find yourself comfortable as a member.

ILU TOO.

[withdraws]

[... Well, he's all for helping people, but...

He smiles softly at that.]

That does sound nice. Would you mind if I asked you something, though?

[ex_savor461]

[Eh?]

What is it?

[withdraws]

[...]

At what price would you say peace comes at?

1/2

[ex_savor461]

Huh?

[It is not the question itself, but rather its nature that surprises her.]

[ex_savor461]

[Friedelinde's expression hardens, her voice appropriately lower and more serious to suit her answer.]

That depends. Peace may apply to mundane situations, such as everyday arguments, to large scale wars fought between nations. Speaking in Vatheon's interest, which varies between levels, peace may come at the price of sacrifice. This sacrifice may be as small as a cut or as big as a death.

Regardless, peace is owed to the combined efforts of those sharing ideals for a better world. Consequently, price is relative.

[withdraws]

[Not quite what he was looking for, but as he doesn't know if he can apply his home situation here, he'll just continue along this line.]

That's right... it really is relative, isn't it?

So what will you do if someone disagrees with the price you think should be paid?

[ex_savor461]

Then that is their belief, and I shall hold firmly to mine unless given good reason.

[withdraws]

[This has not really answered his question at all but it's not like he can go WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE WITH SUPERPOWERS—]

But then how will you act, if a decision needs to be made?

—Ah, though if I'm bothering you with these questions, then I'm sorry.

[ex_savor461]

[IT IS NOT HER FAULT THAT YOU ARE BEING VAGUE.]

It's fine. I do not believe you mean harm, but rather seeking to validate the merit of the Force's character. [Or so she assumes. Without loud-mouthed Eugene to ruin their image, she can speak with far more ease and comfort now.]

They will have to be quick about presenting their case. I shall not risk both of us by hesitating.

[withdraws]

[HE'S VERY SORRY ABOUT THAT.]

Well, I don't mean to doubt you. I'd just like to know what I'm getting into.

Thank you for understanding, though.

[ex_savor461]

[BE NOT SORRY FOR SOMETHING SO EASILY MISUNDERSTOOD.]

Indeed I do. In my own world, I had endured numerous defamatory comments, indubitably caused by the behavior of a certain unprofessional lieutenant. As a result some people have thought our men better as minstrels of all things! Such a reputation, if widespread, might have ruined our troops!

. . . therefore, a clear and accurate understanding of the organization's true character is crucial. Yes, without a doubt!

[withdraws]

[blink blink

OKAY.

This is the guy whose group passes off as a company that owns some weird playground/greenhouse/hybrid thing.]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure, though, that if you do your best, everyone will see otherwise.

[ex_savor461]

[She has many pent-up emotions regarding her hideous, lazy cousin.]

No, there is no need to apologize. If anything, the lieutenant owes his captain and subordinates an apology. Thankfully, the captain's virtuous personality overrides the foolish gibberish that escapes the creature's loose mouth.

[withdraws]

[... Pfffffff.

It's a little like Takao and him, with this girl being Takao and him being the cousin—]

Do you still respect him?

[ex_savor461]

To be sure, he is an excellent swordsman and his ability to gather information is passable . . . But he is lazy, obsessed with women, and far too uncouth for a man of his position!

[withdraws]

[Quon just smiles sheepishly.]

Well, we all have our flaws.