Final Fantasy: Crystal Quest

[Fawkes]

It's a busy morning in the city of Corneria. People from across the continent have gathered to see Princess Vela Corneria inaugurated as the newest Queen of Corneria. The large pavilion where the festival is gathered is crowded with thousands of people of all shapes and sizes. The magnificent Corneria Castle looms tall over the south side of the pavilion.

The local taverns are all packed, but most of the people are wandering about outside. Many people are grouped around the large ornate fountain in the center of the pavilion. Near the fountain, a young Human woman in blue with long black braids has been dancing and reading fortunes for travelers. A passing Seeq winks at her and drops a coin in the hat she had laid out to collect donations. A young white Moogle sits nearby on the edge of the fountain, enjoying a roasted Kupo nut and watching the crowd.

Merchants from Rabanastre, Kaipo, Kalm, and Narshe have set up tents and stands alongside the storefronts of the local merchants. A reddish-brown desert Bangaa outside one of the Kaipo merchants' tents momentarily removes his turban and raises his head to feel the cool breeze. A scholarly Nu Mou carefully inspects the merchandise at one of the smaller stands.

A wooden stage has been set up on the west side of the pavilion for an outdoor performance of "I, Moogle," led by the famous Moogle actor Kormanser. A brown haired Human in a red hat passes by, making note to catch a later performance.

A large number of Cornerian soldiers are keeping watch and patrolling the pavilion. A brown-haired man with a somewhat noble air about him attempts to ask one of the soldiers if there are any openings for officers, but the soldier interrupts him, saying only "Welcome to Corneria" before marching off.

Three Humans in the crowd are receiving a good deal of attention. Daravon Cagnazzo, a rich noble from Jidoor, stands near the castle gate with two young Vieras and a retinue of bodyguards. Cagnazzo is a short man, flamboyantly dressed in royal blue, and wearing an obvious hairpiece. He turns one of his Viera companions and hands her a few coins.
"Would you go to one of the desert merchants and fetch me some Kaipo tea?"
The Viera bows and heads off toward the tents.

Near him is Minister Clemens, aide to King Damcyan, who is accompanied by a humble escort of Damcyan soldiers. Clemens is a thin bespectacled man in his thirties, dressed in a white and green frock. He appears nervous, fidgeting anxiously and occassionally mumbling to himself.

Councilman Halim of Rabanastre stands in the crowd watching "I, Moogle." Halim is a tall man with graying hair. He is dressed in a simple ochre longcoat. With him are a young Moogle, a brawny Seeq, and a slender Bangaa, the latter two with swords visible at their waist. Halim applauds as the play reaches the end of a performance.
"Quite the show, wouldn't you agree, Mocchi?"
"Yes, sir, kupo! It's my favorite!"

OOC Thread

[Emong]

Spoiler

Show

Quick note: Having grown up in a familiy of Viera, and thus speaking Elvaan most of his life, Eunos tends to have a rather noticable accent when he speaks Common.

Eunos sighs and shakes his head at the slavish treatment of the Viera, knowing full well that if he did anything it'd just make a scene and he'd most likely end up being killed.

Although...

If he fired now he might be able to get that slavedriving excuse for a noble at least.

Hmm...

"Nah, not worth it."

With that urge resisted Eunos walks toward the center of the pavilion and notes a dancing woman that seems to be telling people's fortunes. Approaching her he asks "Think you could tell me my fortune?"

[littlebottom]

A Nu Mou with blonde hair, and very "intelectual" looking just finishes watching "I, Moogle" and applaudes, then turns and begins to walk off, as he passes a guy asking for his fortune to be told

"Fortune? Hah! To be able to tell a fortune you must be able to see the future, an area in which i am working on... Well the bending of time anyway."

[Northforce]

"Hmm."
Kuna's eyes wander as he distantly watches the bustle of the city. The bright patterns and varied banners no not excite his senses near as much as the brilliant smells and sounds running thick throughout the plaza.
"Once the shopss close up, maybe I can give thiss town a proper look."
He sets the turban down onto his head again, the bright sun shining down on him and his employer's stall.

[Vox Clamantis]

Kormanser

With an artful expression of grief and despair, Kormanser falls to his knees beside his brutally murdered lover and raises his arms to the heavens in mute supplication. Although the last act of 'I, Moogle' is performed in complete silence, it is generally agreed to be one of the most affecting in all of tragedy.

The moment the curtains fall, Kormanser collapses on his back next to his co-star. It may not put much stress on the vocal chords, but 'I, Moogle' is a long and intense performance.

...

Water. Need...water.

Sometimes it's good to just lay back and bask in the applause.

[Verdigris]

August is nonplussed by the casual attitude of the Cornerian guardsmen towards his offer of service; obviously, they don’t know quality when they see it. But it is no matter! The morning sunlight cheers the dragoon, and he continues circulating through the festival grounds. He munches on a honeyed scone purchased fresh from a bakery stall and admires the scenery with detached interest.

At the sight of the Jidoorian nobles, he snorts derisively. He thought he had left their kind far behind after resigning his officer’s commission on one of the many condottiere armies that fight in petty wars far to the south. A month ago, he would have been a bodyguard just like one of Cagnazzo’s armed retainers. The sight of them leaves a foul taste in August’s mouth, and he quickly moves on in time to join the applause accompanying the last act of “I, Moogle.”

“Bravo! Masterfully done! I’ll have to come again to see another performance.”

[Hecore]

Pomog

With a last bite his Kupo nut was finished. Wiping his hands on his jerkin, Pomog stood up. The sounds of applause had died out a few minutes ago, and there was little reason to hang around the fountain any longer. He would have loved to go, but tickets were nearly 100 gil each, and that was for the bad seats! Maybe next time, he consoled himself.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out what remained of his money for the sixth time that hour. Each time he retrieved it he hoped that it had somehow multiplied magically, and that there would be a coin he had missed. Counting each of them again he arrived at the same figure as he had before. He might be able to afford an inn in the bad side of town, assuming they weren't all occupied for the coronation. Even if he could afford a room, he thought, he still wouldn't have enough for breakfast next morning. Glumly, he returned the twelve little coins to his pocket.

Finding another group wouldn't be easy, but Pomog needed to get on the road again and earn a little money. He wasn't making any progress just standing around, and resting on the cobblestones later that night would remind him of this fact. Hoping down from the edge of the fountain, Pomog began to search for somewhere he could rest for the night - a place where the guards wouldn't bother him and where he could be away from the elements. It would be hours before the sun went down, but better to find a resting place now then start looking for one when it got dark.

[Glyphic]

"Each star must have their time to shine, and to lay in rest among the clouds.." Chara laid her feet to rest, as the theatrical display stretched as long as evening shadows. She dipped a hand into the fountain, breaking her clean reflection. How dirty.. I should wash my face!


She rose, wiping away sweat and water from her gleaming complexion. She met the gaze and boastful remarks of two passer-by's with a waxing smile, "A glimpse is what I offer, of the twisting path we all must travel." With a crooked finger, she beckoned both the Man and nu mou forward. A smooth flourish of her fanned fingers brought five cards into view, as she set them on the brim of the fountain. three of the cards kissed at their corners, forming a line, while two cards lead off the basin and into nothingness.

Her smile returned as she met the Red Man's Gaze, "The first step of your path lies here, with the seven cups."Her voice came soft, as the applause died out. She pointed to the inversed card, tapping it twice, "Where your mind's Fantasies and delicate daydreams become real and tangible."

Her finger crossed the the next card, depicting a foreboding, onyx black tower. She found the stranger's eyes, as she ushered the dark words from her lips, "Catastrophe comes for you. But should you elude the false paths luxury, debauchery, and golden promises, you will come to final step of your journey."

Her hands displayed the two false paths, one depicting a radiant sun, the other a windswept landscape with archaic symbol blazing in the amber sky. Her left foot inched her rather empty cap toward the young man, the few coins clinking. With a coy smile on her face, Chara tapped the last card, obscuring it's image.

She found herself captivated by the man's eyes, susurrating, "...Such brilliant eyes you have.."

[Emong]

Eunos smiles slightly and flips a few (five) coins into her cap.
"Brilliant eyes you say? I've never thought of them as anything but dull, but to each his own I suppose."

Eunos tips his hat at her slightly and glances at the Nu Mou before returning his gaze to the woman.
"Now, please go on."

[littlebottom]

The Nu mou pulls several coins out his pocket at random, which total 14 gil, and hands them over to the fortune teller. "What can you see in my future?" The Nu mou listens intently to the reply. Fasenated by the cards the fortune teller is using.

[Glyphic]

Flashing an amenable, yet patient smile to newest charitable donor. Her hand whisks away, presenting a cruel card, lain inverse to the others, "The nine of swords; A card of despair and gloom, where we allow fear to overcome us and corrupt our health." A grin flickers over her face, "But your fears will not bear down upon you. Your suspicions are reasonable. That card is also that of completion; look for a new beginning in your life."

Chara's cards crackle as she collects and shuffles them, her gaze lingering on the Red Man. As she greets the new customer with a subtle smile, her movements slow with the last crisp claps of cards.

"It is no small fortune, that you would come in pairs, warriors. I see brilliant stars in both of your eyes. Her gentle whispers promised your arrival, along with others of our vision.. I am Chara Moon-fang- I desire to know your names, for we have a linked destiny."

As she babbles, she draws a single card, placing it into Nowe's view. It depicts a blindfolded and bound woman. Her head is hung low, as wind rips through her hair on a treacherous road. She has no place to march but forward, as eight swords block her retreat, thrusting her to face her shame. "You must endure the humiliation that lies ahead, as you struggle with your past. Though the swords that contain you are sharp, their cuts will set you free. "

[Emong]

At Chara's explanation for the final card Eunos cants his head slightly and quirks an eyebrow before breaking into a grin and saying "So doom 'n' gloom in my future, eh? I think I can live with that."

He then bows before continuing, "I'm Eunos Paola, Red Mage extraordinaire, at your service milady."

With the air of a man just noticing something he adds, looking at the Nu Mou, "And what would your name be sir?"

[littlebottom]

Turning to Eunos, the Nu mou says loud enough for Chara to hear too "I'm Nowe, I am one of a rare breed, the time mage."

[Glyphic]

Chara fanned her hair as she sat on the brim of the fountain, letting the beads rustle and clank among her braids. Without fanfare, she let her deck disappear, as she lounged, "Nothing make a person smile more than their own name. Please, leave such titles to the courtiers, Eunos."

With a smooth motion, Chara brought the cap of gil to her lap, treating it with casual indifference, "I am esteemed to find and meet both of you. I'll be staying at the Raven's Inn, should we separate. I would like to seek more who's eyes shine like yours."

[Vox Clamantis]

Kormanser

Having been revived by a glass of cool water brought to him by the director, Kormanser wasted no time replacing one costume with another. Utterly fearless before a live audience, he's secretly terrified of a crowd that has already seen the show.

Now dressed in plain brown peasant clothing, his mask concealed beneath a very low-rimmed conical hat, Kormanser makes a made dash for freedom. The hat, so suitable for a disguise, only allows him sight through a few cracks in the reedy material. Barreling through the crowd, he stumbles into stranger after stranger before running headlong into a small crowd near the fountain. Having picked up speed like a little white pinball, the moogle hits the human hard enough to knock him sprawling.

Dazed by the impact, Kormanser sits heavily on the ground, rubbing the top of his head. Only after several long moments does he see his hat floating away in the fountain and his half-mask lying on the ground at the dancer's feet. Slowly he raises his gaze from the mask to her face, and slowly raises one paw to cover his scar.

...kupo...

Everyone slips up a little when they're nervous.

[Verdigris]

August is startled out of his reverie by the sudden appearance of a sprinting moogle. He attempts unsuccessfully to sidestep the furry missile while finishing the last crumbs of his scone but is jostled and drops them into the fountain; it is not until several moments later when the small creature is knocked sprawling to the cobblestones a short distance away and is divested of his hat and mask that August recognizes him as the actor he just seen on stage in the pavilion. Brushing crumbs off of his jacket, he approaches the moogle, his curiosity piqued.

"Do you need a hand, little one?"

[Hecore]

Pomog

A short distance from the fountain, Pomog hears a dull thud and a light ...kupo.... It sounds so familiar - who could it...

That's it! Pomog realized. It has to be the lead of "I, Moogle" - Kormanser, his favorite actor!

Pomog had idolized Kormanser since first seeing him perform in "Moogle's Game" during his eighth birthday. While Pomog had been on the road he had tried to catch all of Kormansers performances when he could afford them, and when he couldn't he'd find some place to sit down and just listen. Pomog tried in the past to meet him, to shake his hand and tell him how much he enjoyed the show, but Kormanser was notoriously secretive; he always ran off as soon as a performance was complete. Very few people ever met him, and those that did only managed to do so through sheer luck.

Pomog knew he couldn't pass this chance up! Turning on his heels, he ran towards the white body sprawled out on the stones.

[Glyphic]

"A starry-eyed star!" Chara wore her own mask, of serene countenance as she stooped to pluck the fallen mask. A full smile lit up her face, as she crept toward the moogle, "You're cute enough to bottle." she whispered as she replaced the moogle's mask, brushing a thumb against his cheek, "Would you stay to have a word with a gentle fan, Mister Kormanser?

Chara's eyes sparked with hope, as she desperately tried to conceal fits of laughter.

Spoiler

Show

Eh, this really has no bearing on the situation, but I just want to test it.

Flirt! CoS= 61% (my mind) - 19 (Kormanser's M.Eva) = 42%. I'm trying to roll lower than 42%. Success indicates that the moogle won't attack Chara directly. Yes?

Here Goes Nothing - (1d100)[33]

[Northforce]

The commotion by the fountain catches Kuna by the ear.
"Heh. Who's making a messs now?"
He strides through the crowd gathering, cloth wraps fluttering gently behind him. He spots the vibrant blue cloth of the woman kneeling before the moogle.
"What did he do? Trying to tell you what he thinkss your future should be? Ha ha heh!"
His laugh was loud and guttural.
"Good thing you've got that massk to hide the slap mark, little moogle!"
He grabs the moogle by the arm and lifts him to his feet.

[Emong]

Eunos does a quick double take at the mask in Chara's hand.

"W-wait a second. Did you just say Kormanser? As in the actor in that play? That's incredible! But, who are all you other people? No offense intended of course."

He has a slightly confused expression on his face as he says the last part of his sentence, noticing all the people that seem to have cropped up in a short amount of time.

[Vox Clamantis]

Kormanser

More than a little put off by the whole proceedings, the diminutive actor adjusts his mask with one paw and then turns to the fountain and makes himself look busy tossing a coin into the water as a pair of nobles walk past. He appears to be perfectly comfortable in his drab brown sackcloth garments.

Shhhh! Don't say my name!

He looks over the group out of the corner of his eye.

What's going on here, anyway? You all know each other?

After a split second, he adds

Sorry for running into you, mister. I just...hate crowds.

[Fawkes]

"K-Kormanser?"
Councilman Halim and his group have taken notice of the commotion by the fountain. The young Moogle girl Mocchi hops up and down with excitement.
"Kupoooo!"
She runs excitedly to meet her idol, dropping the bag of fruit she was carrying. Halim laughs softly as he stoops to pick up the fruit his assistant dropped.

[Glyphic]

Chara

Chara slides to her feet, casting an apologetic glance at Kormanser. Unheard words drifted from her lips, before she turned to inspect the new comers, starting with the moogle girl. With marked silence, she sauntered past the two Armored men and moogle, searching for their gaze. With a demure twirl, she stops and bows her head to the distant councilman.

[Verdigris]

August looks up with renewed interest as Councilman Halim approaches the gathered crowd. He steps forward and helps the Councilman to pick up the scattered fruit left in the wake of the excitable moogle. Afterward, he offers a slight bow.

“Here you go, sir. Clearly the apple of your assistant’s eye is there by the fountain and not in that bag. That Kormanser is really something, no?”

[Vox Clamantis]

Kormanser

Hearing the pitter patter of small feet coming towards him, Kormanser knows he's doomed. With a last yearning glance at his disguise as it drifts around to the other side of the fountain, he sighs and turns to greet his fans.

H-hello, kupo...

He hopes they just want autographs. It's the hugs and handshakes that really get to him.

[Glyphic]

Chara

As August strides past, Chara aims quiet words at his ears, sharing them with all those around her, "Your eyes are magnificent, and filled with Brilliant stars.."

[Hecore]

Pomog

It really is him! Pomog can't believe his eyes; THE Kormanser is standing right there before him! He'd never seen him so close - even when he could afford to see his performances it was never in the good seats. He could almost reach out and touch him...

No! Pomog catches himself. You can't just reach out and touch him! How weird would that be? How would you like it if some random person reached out and touched you? Okay, maybe I can't touch him; could I get an autograph? Or shake his hand? Surely that would be okay.

These thoughts race through Pomog's mind as he tries to think up the best way to introduce himself to Kormanser (THE Kormanser). He's oblivious to everything else; the humans speaking to him, the moogle girl, and even the councilman. Trying to calm himself down, Pomog waits for a moment when it looks like no one is talking to his idol (their may have just been a break between words, but it's their fault they don't talk like a run-on sentence).

"KormanserIt'sSoGoodToMeetYouI'mYourBiggestFanKupo I'veWatchedAllYouPlays!"

With that, Pomog thrusts out his right hand and grabs Kormansers left, shaking it up and down vigorously in an almost parody of a handshake.

[Northforce]

"Shussh, chatty people. I think he was hiding his face for a reason. Give him room, yess?"
Kuna motions as to shoo the crowd from Kormanser's breathing room. In the back of his mind, he hopes the crowd notices the greatsword strapped to his back.

[Fawkes]

Halim smiles as August hands him the last of the fruit.
"Yes, it was quite the performance. My friend Mocchi especially enjoyed it."

Mocchi ignores Kuna and excitedly grabs Kormanser's other hand.
"I've seen them all, too, kupo! You're my favorite actor ever!"

[Vox Clamantis]

Kormanser

By all rights, Kormanser should be miserable. He's been swarmed by fans, they're making a fuss, and both of his paws are in the clutches of the enemy. But he didn't grow up around moogles, and there's something wistfully pleasant about having them around. His smile is suddenly quite genuine.

A pleasure to meet you. And you, too! It's always nice to hear that someone's enjoying your work.

He makes a brief effort to retrieve his forelimbs, then resigns himself to their loss. Oh, well.

If you should find yourselves at one of my performances, tell the bouncer that the password is 'Scarlet', and he'll let you backstage. But don't tell anyone else, kupo!

He hopes they don't notice that his kupos aren't quite as natural as they could be. His adoptive father didn't use them, after all.