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[cursedarrows]

[There is a pause. Silence as the channel runs, spinning faint static through emptiness. It's followed by a quiet, drawn breath –- as though the person on the other side of the connection steadies himself before speaking.]

Hello.

I'd like to know more about this place. Lady Unohana helped me greatly, but . . . just by looking at the walls near the diamond, reading through what is written here, I have the feeling this place is more complex than just a few words.

What do you think is most important to know about this place? Nothing in particular. Just . . . anything you have learned, from the large to the small.

[Faintly wry,] I take it that gold is not the currency in this land either.

Comments

[video]

[faustianism]

Gold is the currency of any land, dearie. It just depends on what form you put it in.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[Ashitaka hasn't ever been called "dearie." It gives him some pause, debating what exactly to make of it.]

Nuggets do seem to attract attention.

[video]

[faustianism]

Just so long as they do not attract the wrong attention. [Smiles. Don't worry, everyone is called dearie.]

I wouldn't go hawking them in an open square, as a recommendation. But if you find a good deal for them in a shop, you should be fine.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

How would I know if I am getting a good deal?

[It may be difficult to tell if the question is genuine naivete or a test of the man on the other side of the screen. It may well be both. Ashitaka maintains the same quiet expression.]

[video]

[faustianism]

They should be giving you the going rate of gold these days. It's such a good investment, to have a precious metal, and many places will give you a very good price for it. In my opinion, there are many pawnshops around here that offer good deals on it, though I suggest going to a Newcomer-run business, rather then any other.

[He shakes his head.] They will always try to swindle you, just because you're not from around here.

[video]

[electricitytrick]

I'm not certain about it being most important, but those shower things are certainly one of the more useful things here! Hot water out of the wall whenever you like, what's not to enjoy about that?

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[Ah, is that a bit of a smile?]

I am used to cold baths. But I have to admit . . . the warm feels good.

You also don't come from a place with heated water?

[video]

[electricitytrick]

[Anders grins and shrugs loosely. It's nice to meet someone else who doesn't treat his pleasure over apparent simple things as something odd or silly.]

Not unless I heat it myself. Then there's drawing the water or finding a natural pool... having it come out of the wall hot is much easier, if you ask me. We could do with this stuff in Ferelden.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[The faint smile is maintained.]

I remember having to pull the water as a boy for baths. My father always said that it built up strength. I can't say that I was impressed at the time.

What is your home like?

video;

[showbizpanache]

The most important thing you should know is that this City is at war. There are two large companies that are vying for control, and while it is wise to keep oneself updated about their affairs, it's generally best not to become tangled with them.

--Also, be sure to stay indoors after the sirens go off in the evening.

[Pause.] Are you all right? I know it's tough, first arriving here.

video;

[cursedarrows]

[The question is more personal than he expected from a stranger, and the flicker of surprise registers in his face -- though it is not unwelcome.]

I came from . . . a bad time. I owe Lady Unohana a great deal, though she insists that I do not. [With some wryness,] A Greeter also introduced me to the term "culture shock." I think it's appropriate.

Does everyone stay inside after the sirens? And also, then it is the companies at war, and not the city residents against the Newcomers?

[showbizpanache]

Most people do. It's generally a good idea.

And-- [He presses his lips tightly together for a moment.] As for native and Newcomer relations, that's a bit more...complicated.

[FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION THAT, ASHITAKA.]

[cursedarrows]

Could you explain?

[Ashitaka will approve of this post.]

[voice]

[theshortestbird]

Find somewhere to stay that's not in the Tower apartments. Preferably with one or more roommates. Trust me, it's safer that way.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

Safer.

[It's a question cleverly disguised as a statement.]

[video]

[theshortestbird]

Much safer. Sometimes the darkness proofing will crack, and monsters will come in. And if you're not alone, then it's harder for the companies to grab you and pretend you never existed.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[Still the same calm, thoughtful expression.]

Does this grabbing happen often?

[He glances sideways at the walls as though considering them.]

I have been told that I may stay here for a month. How do others normally find lodging, particularly if they know no one?

[inthejunk]

Don't go out after dark.

[cursedarrows]

[The answer is so simple, and almost the first thing that comes from a Greeter's mouth, that Ashitaka has to smile slightly.]

So I hear.

Do you have personal experience with these creatures that they speak of?

[inthejunk]

[In fact, he happens to be a greeter.]

A little more than I'd like, yeah.

[cursedarrows]

[This explains it.]

Is there anything in particular I should watch for?

audio;

[reginagloriae]

Huh. The most important is to stay inside before the sirens and don't leave until the morning.

Video

[cursedarrows]

I can't always promise that, unfortunately.

Should I be wary of anything in particular?

audio;

[reginagloriae]

There're monsters in the Darkness.

Video

[cursedarrows]

Yes. Though some monsters are worse than others.