video, @DONQUIXOT3

[icanfixer]

[ you know her. you don't know her. you will know her, soon enough.

miss don quixote, brightly beaming, is not alone today. she has with her... three young men sat with various levels of comfort on a couch, all dressed in somewhat matching holiday sweaters.

only somewhat. herself? a normal cozy cream-colored one with cat paws trailing from one shoulder down. normal. she loves her friends, promise. ]

Salutations!!! Prithee, turn thy gaze, open thine ears, and pay mind to what this Don Quixote has to say! For two more of my coworkers hath arrived, and thus the Limbus Company is four strong!!! In addition to our stern boss, of course!!! I shall presently introduce the three here with some questions I have thus prepared.

[ let her... here is here notebook, dolled up with stickers. aHem. ]

From left to right, as well as answering order [ , hello? one of them has an issue with that-- ] is Emil Sinclair, Yi Sang, and Hong Lu. Young Sinclair is one who shall be more familiar to others by face or mention, as we arrived together so long ago... but they are all precious companions of mine.

Let us begin! What is thy favorite color?

[ okay. okay! this is easier than the first company introduction he did, for various reasons. not that he still isn't obviously a mild kind of timid about the whole thing, even as he attempts to. you know, not let that show. look, He's Trying. ]

Favorite... I don't think about it much, but. Blue. Green, maybe? Or... No, blue and green.

[ should he add more? reasoning? or pick ONE? ]

They're both calming. Like thinking about a sunny day. [ nodding, before he- looks around. help. ] Um. Do I need to say more than that?

[ he's nailing this? why didn't he go last so he could get an "average response length" reference? ]

[ because you have to go first and get over yourself, sinclair, lead the way as the senior to these two newbies-- ]

Nay, that is quite alright! I think thy reasoning is sound enough, Young Sinclair.

[ That's... not really something he's thought about. He'd all but forgotten what colors existed outside of sepia. There'd been no such thing as a "favorite color" in T Corp.'s domain, not when T. Corp. ensured everything was the same color within its borders.

But T Corp. is behind him, and his now properly-functioning photoreceptors allow him to contemplate answers other than that muted sepia. It doesn't quite solve the fact that he's not used to having things like favorites or preferences, but he'd like to offer a proper response.

He wracks his brain, sorting through every single color he can recall until --

Ah. Of course. That would have to be his answer. ]

Yellow.

[ ...no, that's not quite right. The word doesn't fully capture the exact shade he's visualizing.

He thinks of the spicebush flowers, efflorescing from ideal soil. He thinks of the way their soft petals catch the spring sunlight, glowing radiant underneath the rays. He thinks of the way they burst into season, blanketing the hills in gold.

Yi Sang prepares to repeat those thoughts, but instead of voicing them, he stops. ...perhaps it is best to leave it there. The color of those flowers -- it's something for him to remember, for him to hold close.

So he nods, deciding that one word is sufficient after all. ]

...yellow. That would be my ideal color.

Hello~ My name's Hong Lu. I hope we can get along well together.

[ the carefree flicker of a little wave of hong lu's hand, ]

I really like the colour of Don's sweater~ If I had to describe it, it's the colour of putting your face into the fur of a cat, but only if the cat doesn't run away.

Charming, are they not?! Now, thy favorite foods!

[ this is the part where he could lie and say he's not picky, but he is, even if it's less so now. there's a moment of thought, and then a rather sure: ]

Sauerbraten.

[ ... ]

It's not really about the taste... Not that it isn't good. But it's more about the memories, which is probably for the best... I remember it taking a while, so I don't think I could make it now, even if I wanted to.

[ He's never been particularly picky with food. Residents of the Backstreets were accustomed to eating whatever they could get their hands on. Yi Sang is no different. He's perfectly content to snack on anything that's edible.

Perhaps the question should be approached from a different angle. There's no need to limit himself to foods that aren't downright offensive to his taste buds.

It would take far too long to sort through that list.

Instead, a memory rises and breaks the surface tension within his head:

Three children sit in a field, one of them clutching a woven basket. It holds a few round items wrapped in cloth. She takes one in each hand, offering them to both boys at her sides. "Here," she says. "I got these for us. Don't tell anyone though. I'm only giving them to both of you because you're my favorites out of everyone."

Her companions take their respective offerings. Whatever it is, it's warm to the touch. The boy with glasses picks at the cloth, unwrapping it with care in his lap. The other, quieter boy does the same until the hidden item is revealed.

"Baked potatoes? You got this excited over baked potatoes?" the boy with glasses laughs.

The girl sitting between them scowls and goes a bit red in the face. "Just shut up and eat it, okay? Do you know how expensive these were?"

The third child simply observes, clutching his cooling potato. The other boy and the girl will stop bickering soon enough. Despite the argument unfolding before him, he smiles because he knows they'll laugh it all off eventually and enjoy their snack together.

Yes, that's how things had always resolved. It had been so easy then.

Yi Sang blinks. ]

...could you repeat your question?

[ oh, he seems a tad distracted. don tilts her head, but smiles brightly and nods. ]

Most certainly!!! Thy favorite food, Yi Sang!

[ Oh. Yes, that's right.

He glances down at his palm. It's empty, but there's a warmth lingering within it. ]

My favorite food?

[ Would they taste the same as the ones back then? ]

A potato cooked over an open flame; such is my answer. ...I shall have to procure some, enough to share with everyone else.

Mm, if I had to pick a favourite food... A cup of tea is a must after a greasy meal, right?

[ hong lu beams. ]

I was thinking that I didn't recognise any of the teas here. I wonder how long they're aged for, or if they're hand-picked. I prefer tea that's at least three hundred years old myself. That reminds me, is water supposed to burn? It really hurt this morning when the water in my pot exploded. Who knew that water could fight back? Eheh.

Have thee any dreams for the future? Be it in the near future or farther off, do tell!

Mm...

[ he hasn't- thought about any short term ones, honestly. at least not any he- wants to voice aloud. long term is- nda. just, nda. ]

Is a goal okay...?

[ wait. considering what he wants to answer with, that's- not a great lead up. he straightens up. ]

I-I'll answer with it anyway. I want to be a more confident, more certain person. I don't think I could've answered questions like this before, so maybe I'm doing a little better already.

[ he continues to really nail this. ]

[ There was a time when he could confidently respond with, "None." Things like "hopes" and "dreams" were for those capable of visualizing a future. But to say that he continued to lack any aspirations doesn't feel quite right anymore.

Yi Sang finds himself grasping for an answer. The options materialize in reflective shards, different choices displayed upon each one's surfaces. Perhaps those dreams had existed all along, and he simply hadn't possessed the desire to look closely enough at any of them.

He sifts through all the possible responses. He doesn't think any of them are particularly grand, and many of them are blurry, as though despite clearly existing they had yet to take proper shape.

Eventually, he finds there is an answer he can latch onto. ]

I think... I should like to build a stable one day.

[ He's never done it before, and it's been awhile since he'd designed anything that resembled a building. On the other hand, that doesn't mean it can't be done. ]

It would not need to be particularly elaborate. So long as it is a comfortable home for one calf, that would be ideal. I would ensure its access to plenty of hay and clover for it to graze at its leisure.

[ Yi Sang pauses, visualizing the stable and allowing the fragment to sharpen into better focus. What else should it contain to ensure its future resident's happiness? None of his current expertise touched on veterinary care. Surely, there would be someone who could assist him?

After all, it takes a village of at least three to care for a calf properly. ]

To have a fun time, right? I don't think that far into the future, though~

[ hong lu's head tilts must in the way of a thoughtful cat, ]

Yi Sang, by the way, what does it mean if you dream about a shark in a coffin? Do you think that's a lucky symbol?

[ Yi Sang makes a thoughtful sound and crosses his arms over his chest. Others might have dismissed Hong Lu's question as absurd musings, but Yi Sang's always taken Hong Lu's inquiries seriously.

Yi Sang always takes everyone's questions seriously. ]

A coffin is closely associated with death. But that "death" does not necessarily mean a demise. It may symbolize a change, a new path revealing itself to the dreamer. For instance, Hong Lu, you may recall how it is said that the ashes of a fallen phoenix will form a nest for its reborn self's egg.

[ The coffin is the easy part. A pensive frown settles on his face. ]

Within this dream, does the shark yet live? Has it ceased in its struggles to breathe, transplanted from the sea to the land? Perhaps the dreamer has imagined a shark with lungs, molding the creature within their thoughts to avoid inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon it. And thus, it is left to the dreamer to determine the shark's purpose. An ill omen of challenges ahead, perhaps, due to a shark's reputation as a formidable foe. Yet others would perceive the creature as a protector of the sea, prepared to defend the dreamer with all its might.

[ Hong Lu, however, has asked what a combination of those two items might mean. Another thoughtful sound escapes from Yi Sang. ]

Indeed, such a dream may be a lucky symbol. It is within the realm of possibilities. Yet, it is equally as likely that one may interpret the shark within the coffin as a harbinger of misfortune.

[ ...did that answer the question? ]

Now, a slightly more difficult one: If thee had the choice to live blissfully unaware of a fact that had the chance to detract from thy current happiness as much as it could increase it, would thee remain purposefully unaware or confront it?

... Why is this so different from the other ones?

[ can he ask that? he's asking. forget nailing anything, the look he gives here makes it absolutely clear he's wondering why these questions are escalating so quickly.

but he presses his lips together, swallows back his urge to sigh, and answers anyway. certain and true: ]

Confront. I would confront it. I don't want to live in ignorance, and look away from what scares me. I think... even if I was a little less happy in the end, knowing that I walked without running away would make me feel more... [ how could he describe it... ] More.

[ he's not sure how to explain it without thinking on it, ruminating, but no one's going to sit here and wait for emil sinclair to go through ten anxious paragraphs. he'll leave it at that. ]

[ This is quite a different question compared to the earlier ones.

Because it's quite different, it's much easier to answer. ]

Whether that fact would bring me additional happiness, or whether it would saddle me with new sorrows -- I... do not believe those outcomes affect my answer to that hypothetical. Favorable or not, I would confront it.

[ It's not a matter of being blissfully oblivious or bold enough to wager more out of one's life. No, it's much more straightforward than that. Hadn't he promised himself he wouldn't close his eyes anymore or turn from the world around him? ]

...I simply wish to live with my eyes open now. That is all.

[ Even if that information introduces harm, it is best to confront it in earnest. And if that information proves to be distressing, well, that's what one's companions are for, isn't it? If the weight of that information is too much to bear, and if holding it with his own hands risks shattering them into pieces, surely someone will reach out to support that weight? And if not, surely there will be someone to assist in plucking the broken pieces off the floor, to help with reassembling the fragments of himself?

Perhaps in the past, those musings would remain as questions. Nowadays, the question marks are replaced with periods. ]

Hmm...

[ hong lu hums; the cyan of his one blue eye glimmers. he says: ]

Does it matter, though? Life will always go on, even if what you're doing right now doesn't work out, so as long as you remember that, you'll be free of worries. So it doesn't matter if I know about it or not, I'll always be okay~

[ hong lu's neck cranes over, ]

Ah, Don, is this what they call 'food for thought'? Is this what commoners do to fill their stomachs when there isn't enough to eat?

And it works wonders, truly! One cannot feel hunger if they are debating the very fundamentals of life, and putting to thought their companion's answers. It has staved off the pangs quite well in my experience.

[ what good answers she certainly expected from her companions, two of whom have faced themselves and one who has not. of course, don... wouldn't turn from something either, depending on what it is, but we haven't the time to unpack that right now. ]

Don't look so nervous, Young Sinclair! Lastly, thy favorite hobbies!

[ was he TENSING slightly before the question came out thinking it would be something increasingly unhinged like WORST REGRET or THE TROLLEY PROBLEM or- yes. but the question comes out, and he visibly relaxes. ]

Thank goodness.

[ oh. did he say that out loud? ]

I mean... R-reading and drawing. I've gotten to writing, here, and that helps me sort out my thoughts... I think I just like doing quieter activities that help me think, or relax. But I wouldn't mind trying other things I haven't done too.

[ There are a few activities he enjoys in his spare time. Namely -- ]

Observing Sinclair and Don Quixote's chess games. They are... rather spirited when competing against one another. It is good to see them engaged in an activity.

[ Some might disagree that spectating his colleagues' chess games counts as a hobby, but it counts to him. Yi Sang enjoys watching both of them mapping out their moves, and he also finds himself feeling like a secret third participant. They do not know that he is not merely observing, but in fact, predicting what each of his colleagues' next moves might be.

Sinclair's strategies are easier to discern not because they are simple, but because they are proper. There's a certain elegance to his decision-making, even if he is slower to move compared to Don Quixote. Each choice is deliberate, seeking to corner Don's king before ruthlessly pursuing checkmate.

Don Quixote's moves are more challenging for Yi Sang to anticipate. In each of Sinclair's moves, there is always a sensible means for her to respond. But instead of selecting one of those options, she continuously surprises Yi Sang by choosing something completely different.

...there are, however, times when observing those games inflicts agony to the point where it stops being a fun hobby.

It's during those moments he finds himself hovering over Don Quixote's shoulder, gently offering her pointers after she's lost more than half of her pieces to Sinclair. And despite trying to be discreet about it, Sinclair catches him whispering to her every single time. It's a game within a game.

He probably shouldn't be helping Don in those moments. But the longer the game goes on, the more time he gets to spend witnessing his colleagues' moment of camaraderie. Allowing Sinclair to claim victory too swiftly means less time spent observing them having fun.

Maybe he'll ask to join in next time, requesting a match against the winner of their future game.

...which will probably be Sinclair. Yes. Definitely Sinclair. ]

I like seeing new sights, and doing new things. Can you have a hobby that's always changing?

[ hong lu folds his hands behind him, prim, much as if a child on a field trip; ]

Regardless, I hope to meet everyone here, and have lots of fun~

[ don turns the video back to herself and beams. ]

And that shall do for proper introductions! I ask that thee treat them as well as one may myself, and get to know each on thine own time as well as now as I have them held agai... kehm, that is, with their permissions for the evening.

[ and that'll do for that lengthy segment! off it goes, boys are freed, she is freed, now she just has to wait for all the friendship applications to roll in.

... did she not mention that's what this was for? oh well. ]

[ ooc: responses will come from everyone!!! this is all just for a bit of fun, go wild with it; click the questions for responses! ]

Comments

video, un: caster

[excaliburden]

[She is engrossed by this video from start to finish, honestly, eyes wide. She's learned so much about them so quickly! Is this how people make friends in the modern proper human era?

Wow wow wowwww!

When the broadcast is properly over, then she waves, beaming.]

Yi Sang, hello again! And these must be your colleagues!

[Let's see... "A crusader for those who do not possess the strength or courage to take up their own arms", "a capable but newly-hatched chick", and "is an enigma at times, but possesses a kind heart". ... She's pretty sure she can see each and every one of them from his descriptions.]

They all seem just as wonderful as you described them to be. Hello, everyone!

[also hello emil let's not talk about how awkward that first meeting was in general]

@DONQUIXOT3, audio

[icanfixer]

Salutations, young miss!!! I see thee have made the acquaintance of our Yi Sang -- he is wonderful himself, is he not? Kind, thoughtful, and in possession of a smile most sublime!

[ as a seatmate of his, she can totally gas him up. yeah. ]

How did he describe us? I am curious to know what words he has used.

[excaliburden]

Well... he didn't use your names, but I think I can guess based off of the answers to your questions!

I think for you, it was... brave! And enthusiastic! Someone with an admirable sense of justice.

[icanfixer]

[ oh, she is so pleased. ]

Hmhm, yes, that doth describe this Don Quixote perfectly!!! Additionally, I have been called cheerful, friendly, warm, and a fool.

[ gotta stick at least one mid compliment in there. ]

How did thee meet?

[excaliburden]

[She says that so easily... Altria is almost a little jealous. She's truly just accepted that she can be called a fool and it doesn't bother her at all...]

We met at the park! He came by to say hello, super smoothly and calmly and kindly.

[And he made her a gift, which is still overwhelming if she thinks too hard about it. ... Also she just cannot let it go.]

... I can see why people would call you cheerful and friendly and warm, but... a "fool"...?

[icanfixer]

[ sounds like her kind yi sang alright... his presence is like a tree in the moors, after all. ]

That is right! For I often do things my superior would consider foolish, and it is from he who I have been called it most often. I nearly consider it a term of his affection now.

[ alongside idiot, moron, and brainless monkey... stuff like that. ]

I do not mind, for I think it better to be a fool than not.

[excaliburden]

[She is also a fool, she thinks, reflecting on it... but she would not be able to admit to it so graciously or earnestly.]

You do? Why do you say that?

[icanfixer]

Who else would be able to move forward amidst tragedy but the fool?

[ it's a role of necessary strength, altria... ]

[excaliburden]

[.....!]

... Wow, that was... actually really profound, I think. I think you just said something really profound!

video, @vogel.

[halbird]

[ hey altria you're looking less chip-filled today

sinclair smiles a little upon seeing her. she looks like she's doing okay.

ignore the fact his face is a tinge red as he remembers the awkward. it's fine. don't talk about it. don't mention it. this is so much less awkward, as the ultra bright LEDs of his sweater go off. ]

Hello... Um. It's nice to see you again.

[ hhhhhhh ]

Mister Yi Sang talked about us?

[excaliburden]

[Help. We're not talking about that, Sinclair!! We're not!

Her face is also a little red, but she is happy to pretend it Did Not Happen as long as he is.]

Hello, Sinclair! It's good to see you again.

He did! He spoke so fondly of all of you. [baby bird. She can see it so easily now. It's so accurate.] You all must be really good-- [fffffriends. wait no, she can remember Yi Sang's face when she asked.] --colleagues!

video. @hong lu ☆

[yyds]

[ ah, a little blond girl. hong lu thinks, maybe she and don quixote are of the same ilk. they both seem cheerful enough. offers a little wave of his own. ]

Hello~ I'm Hong Lu. I think I'm wonderful too? What did Yi Sang say about us?

[excaliburden]

[Help. She looks at him very seriously, considering, and then firmly:]

You must be the kind enigma!

[Cllllose enough to what he said.

Probably.]

[yyds]

[ sparkles, but with question marks??? ]

I guess I must be. What's a kind enigma? Is it any different than an unkind enigma?

[excaliburden]

Well, yes, I suppose so.

[Given that "kind" and "unkind" mean very different things.]

I think it's a good thing. He clearly thinks very highly of you, to think that kindness is one of your defining traits.

[yyds]

[ hong lu thinks, that's odd. he's never thought kindness was one of his defining traits. how strange, the way other people see the world. ]

I'm glad, then. [ says he in a sing-song voice, and meaning it. well, enough of it. this sort of thing is odd, isn't it? ] What about you? What's your defining trait?

[excaliburden]

[.........]

Being normal, I think! Very ordinary and average.

[Average kindness, average unkindness.]

... And! What do you think of Yi Sang? I was so curious about it after he talked about all of you.

[yyds]

Hm? [ hong lu thinks about this for a moment... what does he think about yi sang. ]

I think his cheek tastes a little salty...?

video: @yisang

[reflexio]

[ It's Altria again!! Good, good, she can meet the three people he'd discussed with her. ]

They are, yes. I am pleased to see that you have made their acquaintance as well.

[ At least, it looks like the rest of them are getting along with Altria very well. It's fine. He supports Don and Altria's profound conversation about the values of being a fool.

He tilts his head a bit at her with a mildly concerned expression. ]

Have you found someplace to stay? ...indoors?

[excaliburden]

[This is a situation he's going to have to deal with from here on out, so it's a good thing he supports them.]

Oh yes, I have now! [Casually accidentally admitting she didn't before, it's fine.]

Did you know that all of these apartments have showers? [WILD.]

What about you? How have you been the past few days?

[reflexio]

[ He heard that...... but it's ok, he's letting it slide. ]

Do they? That is quite fortunate information, lest I require a new residence.

[ He raises his hand in view of the video feed. The bandages are gone, and the only traces of his injury is a dotted crescent line of new skin. ]

The condition of my hand has improved.

[excaliburden]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[Hooray! She beams, all honest relief.]

That means you've been taking care of it too. Good! You're the sensible sort of person who doesn't push it too hard.

[reflexio]

[ Um. About that... ]

There... is someone whom I would disappoint if I ignored the state of my physical body.

[ He remembers all of Daan's frigid words, the stern instructions to see him immediately if he suffered any injury. But he also knows those words had come from a place of kindness, from a man who did not wish to witness others suffering unnecessarily.

In truth, Yi Sang is very, very bad at taking care of himself. ]

But that person -- his disappointment stems from kindness. My condition has improved, thanks to the medicine he gave me.

[excaliburden]

[... She feels a little disappointed somehow too. Oh dear. At least he's honest with himself, but also...]

I see... well! I would be disappointed if you didn't take care of your physical body too!

So even if it was just for him, I'm relieved. Please keep looking out for your health!

[reflexio]

[ It's been difficult to remember that, while separated from their Manager, injuries are permanent and death is irreversible. Their Manger's abilities encouraged reckless combat from Yi Sang, who hadn't had particularly good regard for his own well being to begin with.

Technically, people who die in the City also come back, but... details.

He nods. ]

I shall continue for your sake as well.

[ He doesn't want to get chewed out by Altria too... ]