faithfulflame | Twelfth Prayer: Some Flames Never Die [Action/Video] Late Afternoon

Video

[A video feed flickers to life, showing a teenage girl dressed in long, thick looking priestess's robes sitting outside the little shrine on the riverbank. And for once in her Luceti life, Rei Hino looks genuinely happy with how things are going. Everything has gone...strangely well...for her lately. Despite the invasion, the discovery in the tunnel, and all of that, everything was actually alright in Rei's little world. So much so that it seemed like an ideal time to have a little celebration for an event that had been pretty significant for her a year before. It's not much, she never expects a large crowd for anything she does, but then she's never been one for that sort of thing, either. And who knows, it may even help to lift people's spirits after their own troubles.

There's no sigh, no subtle frown, no vaguely irritated look in her eye. She's even smiling at the camera as she addresses it.]

Good afternoon Luceti. My name is Rei Hino, and as some of you might know...and some might not...I maintain a small shrine here across the path from Community House 2. I haven't broadcast about it in a while, but I thought today might be a good day to extend an invitation to anyone who might want a peaceful place to spend some time before the weather changes. It was one year ago today that Brave Vesperia completed building it, and it felt appropriate to mark the date with a little something.

[She gestures to some tables of food she's prepared or gathered from the shops and bakery, a variety of snacks, along with curry, pasta, and various other easy meals really. Rei can cook alright, but this was kind of last minute, after all.]

So please, come eat and relax. If you like, I'll read your fortune and give you a good luck charm too. I know things have been stressful lately, so please consider it. It may do you some good.

[A pair of crows flap into view, landing on her shoulders as she turns to look at the building. With a laugh Rei playfully runs a finger under one's beak and looks to the journal.]

And you know...it's strange, having been here as long as I have. I've had a lot of friends come and go, and seen a lot of strange and unsettling things. But looking at this building...it makes me happy. Maybe it's because it's like my home. My...real home. [Rei's smile grows almost wistful, weary even.] Does anyone else have a place like that here? A place that makes you feel at peace, maybe even a little nostalgic? I'd like to know...even if you don't come eat.

[And then she waves a hand, whispers a word, and the book closes with a sudden gust of wind. Harry would've been proud...]

Action

[Rei will be available at the shrine all afternoon after around 2:00, or if you like you can catch her earlier in the day in the shops with armfuls of food. Nothing too fancy is going on, just a little impromptu anniversary party.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Why so? It's nothing special, I just sort of remembered things on reflex.

It's still impressive! I'm not sure I could take down a single police officer, much less several.

Well I've been studying magic for a long time...

[Not admitting she's a magical girl though!]

Oh, from the spirits here?

[His first assumption.]

At home, actually. I've got a gift for manipulating fire and seeing the future.

[And other things.]

I see, I see. It's always so hard to guess whether someone comes from a world that has magic or not. I'm almost surprised by how many worlds don't seem to have anything of the sort.

Well, I'm...a little different. Most people where I'm from don't believe in it.

But you're right. It is a little hard to tell, isn't it? Some people think it's insane and impossible, and others just take it as a matter of course. I guess you're from a place where it's normal?

I wouldn't call it normal, but something like it does exist, even if many people haven't heard of it. So in that sense I suppose we're somewhat similar.

Oh? So it's just uncommon then? I haven't heard of many places like that, really. Usually it's so...all or nothing.

Yes, the sort of magic we have is a bit like the Filial spirits here. One has to make a contract in order to use it, and there's no guarantee you'll be accepted. Most people go their entire lives without ever encountering it or even knowing much about it.

That's not so different from what I do at home, really. Anything I do comes through the spirits that live in my world. Most people don't believe in them, of course. But I've felt them. They're quite real.

[Well, Rei's spiritual powers anyway. Sailor Mars is a whole different story.]

It's a shame, isn't it? That some people won't believe in something just because they've never seen it for themselves.

Honestly, it's more than a little sad. People just don't have any concept of faith anymore, at least in my world.

That isn't a problem limited to your world.

No, I suppose not.

[Rei lets out a faint sigh.]

It's always hard to think of it dwindling, but...I guess that happens anywhere as people move away from traditions.

If you had the ability to stop that, would you? Or do you see it as just being part of the natural flow of things?

It's not my place to tell people what they should and shouldn't believe, Jack-san. As much as I'd like for them to, I can't force it.

Mmm... you're probably right. But it would be nice if everyone did believe, wouldn't it? Things would be so much simpler that way...

But in a way, that would be kind of horrible. Violating who they are like that, forcing it. If they'd open their eyes on their own, it would be lovely, though.

Of course, of course. It would be lovely if everyone could come to that realization for themselves, but I suppose forcing it wouldn't do anyone any good.

Right. Forcing spiritual matters is just...well, it's wrong. Some have tried that in my world, and it's just started wars.

So, Jack-san, are you someone that believes in that sort of thing? I don't think I've ever asked you what you do at home.

Edited 2013-10-11 15:57 (UTC)

My world isn't very spiritual in that sense, though I do believe in the magic of our world. It would be hard not to after seeing it in action for myself.

Before I saw it... well, I must admit, I'm not sure I would have believed in it either. It does all seem a bit fantastic.

Oh? So it's uncommon. Well, at least you were able to keep an open mind. I think that's the most important thing, with things like that.

What was your first experience with something like that? Was it like my charms?

My first experience...

[And he recalls chains, and a rain of blood...]

... ah, well, it wasn't all that memorable in itself. Just someone being able to summon up something out of nowhere, that's all. A small thing, nothing complex at all.

That's how it usually starts. My first time involved visions. Like the one I shared with you last year.

[Voice]

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