ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ | ᴀ ᴄᴜʀᴇ-ᴀʟʟ ( ? )

[acatastoria]

[ it's in the early morning, when it happens.

a sudden burst of light, from the southern area of the temple. it rolls through the temple, and in it's wake, bursts of greenery. flowers. trees. a sudden cascade of life, eradicating the death and destruction that the sickness wrought. and with it, the plague is gone. . . . of sorts.

shortly after the burst of energy comes a faint voice. effervescent, faint. musical in nature, familiar. tired. ]

My dear Travelers . . .

[ a pause, the slightest of hesitations. ]

So many new people, joining us. I apologize for not speaking to you sooner, and for . . . bringing you here. The Temple is full of difficult energy, darkness, and it pulled you here when I did not want you to be here. Not that I mind you being here! No, certainly not, no . . .

[ she seems distracted. not quite all the way there. but she's doing her best to remember, to keep on track: ]

But it feels clean, now, pure, light, and . . . different, I think. But something has awoken in this place that has not be here for a long time . . . the Temple whispers to me. Dona. Dona is an ancient word, a beautiful place. Cina named it that, I think. I haven't seen the waters of Lake Dona in a long time . . . if I've ever seen them at all.

[ she pauses, again. ]

At any rate, I am here. I will do my best to answer your questions, to hear your calls, and understand your pleas. But I need time, to . . . to rest. I need to rest. I have exhausted my powers, for the time being . . . we may be stuck here for a bit longer before we can travel to the next world. I felt a disturbance, in a world known as Akvos . . . and a familiar energy, too. But I have to reserve my strength, for some time.

[ so there is your invitation, to speak with her. ]

Perhaps I will learn how to swim while we wait.

---

ooc: as a reminder, each character will get ten tags with astoria before the thread ends.

Comments

voice

[purrtagonist]

Astoria!

[it probably comes as no surprise that Akira's reply to this message is immediate, and laced with thinly-veiled concern]

Are you okay? What did you do? You're not disappearing on us again, are you?

video | private 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ astoria will grant akira a video feed, if only because he asked about her appearance. and she does, indeed, look pale, a little translucent. not see-through, necessarily. but she has circles underneath her eyes, and tiny sparks of golden energy seem to be flickering around her pupils, almost as if her eyes are glowing. ]

I am not disappearing, but I do think I have discovered the cure for the common cold.

[ it's magic, bro. ]

Are you okay, Akira?

(voice)

[ryuji]

Yo, so, uh... I dunno if this'll do anything for ya, but when I was feeling tired as shit, mom always used to drizzle honey on a lemon and make me bite into it. It always kinda worked for me, so maybe if you give it a shot, you'll get some energy back?

[That's not what she means by tired, right?]

Unless you're talkin' about your witch powers. Maybe honey on an eye of newt?

(voice) 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ . . . ]

Do you think honey lemons newt eyes would actually work, Ryuji?

[ she got that confused and backwards but she's here for it, dude. ]

text

[p_mortem]

[ Why is all of this so concerning... Minato had been meaning to speak to Astoria for a while now, after inquiring about her here and there and never really getting a good sense of what she's like. From just this little bit, he can piece together a lot, but...

He's hesitant, if only he understands exhaustion, and the pressure that comes with having so many people rely on you despite the exhaustion. ]

If you want to learn how to swim, a lake is a good place. The water's calm. And it's relaxing.

[ A text for her to reply back to at her own leisure, nothing very substantial, but. It doesn't feel like the time to badger her with questions. ]

text | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

I am not sure I want to go into Lake Dona. Something about that place makes me . . . I don't know. I don't think I can learn how to swim there.

[ tired. she feels so tired. ]

How long did it take you to learn how to swim, Minato?

voice;

[chromatized]

... Are you sure you don't mind me being here?

[ Ludger's voice is a bit wry - he fully expects the answer to be "no". ]

Thank you for curing us. Are you alright?

voice; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Why would I mind you being here, Ludger?

[ quietly, a bit faintly. ]

And I feel tired. I feel tired a lot, since you have all been here, but . . . it will pass, I simply need to rest. Thank you for asking me, though, that is very kind of you.

voice

[oculusriffs]

[hey, mom!!!]

You want some water wings?

voice | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ SON!!!! ]

Water wings?

[ that earns a faint laugh; what a delightful thought. ]

I would love water wings, Dave. Have you learned how to create them?

voice;

[uncommonsense]

[ Ah, she... sounds so... exhausted. Haruhi has a million questions to ask, but it's probably better not to overwhelm her. If a witch is tired, she must be tired. ]

Thanks for your hard work.

[ A rare bit of politeness from Haruhi, reserved mainly for those who are clearly above her in standing. Not many reach that level, but Astoria's definitely someone to respect, given that she wouldn't be here if not for her. ]

It's not the best welcome, but it sounds like it could've been a lot worse if you felt darkness everywhere. So everything's... [ The word feels kinda weird to use here-- ] pure now?

voice; | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Whatever was plaguing my home, and this sacred place, is no longer present. I destroyed it, with . . . I am not sure what. A piece of myself, I think.

[ she pauses. ]

I apologize, Haruhi, I am normally not so . . . I wish I could have a better welcome to my home for you, but I am afraid all of this has gone somewhat wrong.

( voice ; no need to reply to this thread! )

[sunborne]

Lady Astoria?

Um- I, um, just wanted to thank you. For the cure. For watching out for us. For giving it your all.

You sound pretty tired from everything so, ah, rest and recover yourself! What you did sounds pretty demanding so you've gotta take a good nap after this. Take it easy and if you need anything, you can ask for help from the others. I'll definitely do whatever I can to help you out if you need it.

Umm. Yeah. Thank you again.

Please take care.

voice

[invasif]

Difficulty is what one receives, when toying with darkness.

[ An exhale, then a bemused little hum of thoughtfulness ,]

I'd thank you, for releasing me, but I think you'd put me back where you found me, if you could. I don't believe that warrants my gratitude.

[ And, perhaps, makes them enemies after all. ]

voice | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ ah. someone demanding to be returned. a new person, someone astoria has not yet spoken to. ]

I'm afraid I cannot do that, in my current condition. I would, if I could. But your talents and skills may prove to be useful yet, in restoring balance to our worlds.

voice

[oathic]

Hey, so Ms. Dysphoria [no], was it? Well, I'm not too sure about the lake since I'm not a huge water fan, but you might've already known that.

You some kind of god, or what?

voice | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Astoria.

[ an automatic correction; names are important! ]

And many people refer to me as a god, here, but I prefer to think of myself as a witch. It's hard to come up with what I am, exactly. I hadn't thought about it before all of you arrived here.

voice

[theseuschip]

Wait. You didn’t bring the newbies here? So this “darkness” can do what you do?

[ oh

well, that’s actually really bad news, that there’s some dark force as powerful as the only person running this place, but now Simon feels kinda bad? Really figured it was just witch mom not paying attention. ]

voice 1/10.

[acatastoria]

No, no, the darkness did not bring them here. I think the Temple did, because the Temple was attempting to purge the darkness, and the magic took control . . . I am not sure. But it was not through my own actions. I would never bring more of you here while that was destroying my home.

[ what a frustrating thing. ]

I am sorry I am not being clear, Simon, it is a little . . . loud, and difficult, at the moment. But I did not intend to bring people here to suffer.

Voice

[unrecovered]

[There is a lot to process in here - most of it worrying - but there's one thing that stands out to Wash more than anything else.]

Who is Cina?

Voice | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ -- ah, she had mentioned that, didn't she. ]

Someone I knew, a long time ago. It's an ancient memory. I barely remember her, but . . . it was before I was stuck here. When I could leave, a long time ago.

[ astoria pauses. ]

I loved her, very much. She was beautiful.

voice;

[punshots]

Astoria? Sounds like you've been workin' overtime for us, heh...

[ He echoes the mingled relief and concern of the others, but he, uh, still can't see. That's...gonna come back eventually too, right?

But he won't bother her with that question now. No doubt she has plenty of other things to worry about — and she does sound exhausted. ]

Hey. I know you're here for us, but...what can we do for you?

voice; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Hello, Prompto.

[ cheerfully enough, despite the exhaustion soaking into her voice. ]

I am not entirely sure what you can all do for me, but I do know that the Lake is . . . odd. I have an odd feeling about it, I am not entirely sure how to put my finger upon it. It's something new that I haven't felt in a very long time . . . new and old. I don't feel very comfortable going near it.

Voice;

[bleps]

Thank you for your aid. I’m sorry that it’s taken such a toll on you; please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

[Connor, ever seeking to be useful.]

Can you inform us more about this “darkness” in the meanwhile? Or was that merely referring to the plague that was ailing everyone here?

Voice; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Connor.

[ warmly, in greeting. all of these new polite people! she should allow the temple to seize people more often. ]

I am referring to the plague, but darkness is spreading throughout this universe. It takes the form of plagues, poverty, greed, starvation . . . evil can take multiple forms. The sickness was just one of them.

voice;

[pidgeypidge]

Hi uh... I was led to believe that you were the one responsible for bringing us here.

[Which she's still honestly a little irritated about, because all she'd wanted to do was go home. But it could've been a lot worse. At least she wasn't alone here. At least she knew her friends were safe.

Or as safe as they ever were.]

It sounded like you were trying to say that someone else brought us here, though? [If that was the case, then she'd almost be tempted to apologize for having such a low opinion of Astoria thus far, despite never having met her or spoken to her.]

What can you tell us about the darkness? Is this the first time it's pulled people here without you knowing? [She has so many questions, and she's trying to pace herself, because she can definitely relate to being tired, if nothing else.]

voice; private. 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Hello, Katie.

[ in a conversation solely to pidge, though astoria seems hesitant to say the name. ]

Or is it Pidge? Which do you prefer? I want to use what is correct for you, names are extraordinarily important . . . and it was not someone, necessarily, but I believe the Temple's magic pulled you here without my knowledge, due to the darkness running through it. The sickness. Darkness takes many forms, you know.

[ did u know that, pidge. did u. ]

voice

[cadeuces]

( Angela can understand the sort of bone-deep exhaustion in the woman's voice; she's been there once or twice, after extensive surgeries that went well beyond sunset and sunrise, nearly seeing the sun disappear again, and the relief to know that it was all worth it. That someone (or someones) lived because of it.

She'll listen to the other responses here, she thinks, instead of posing a similar enough question to those already asked. Instead: )

I suppose you'll already know that I'm a doctor; is there anything that I can offer to assist you in your recovery?

( Others have offered as well, already, but it shouldn't hurt to be one more voice of concern in the crowd. )

voice 1/10.

[acatastoria]

I know quite a few things about you, but not everything.

[ tiredly, but cheerful enough. she appreciates all the offers of help. ]

But I am not entirely sure your medical . . . medics can help me. I simply need some rest, and to recharge my energy. The Temple will help me with that, it's a . . . we have a mutual understanding, I think.

[sendinthecavalry]

Oh hey, welcome back! Glad to see our magical lady in the sky is still around and kicking.

[Seriously.]

Just one small question: care to elaborate on the whole 'darkness' thing a little more? 'cause that sounds just a little too close for comfort for my tastes.

1/10.

[acatastoria]

I am alive and around and "kicking," though I'm not always in the sky.

[ pause. ]

Darkness can take many forms. Famine, greed. War. This sickness. It has been the first time in a long time that the Temple has suffered such ills, and I believe this place attempted to reject it the best way it knew how. I also believe that it brought you all with it. Or something, I am not really sure.

[ astoria is not exactly Great At This ]

[lumberlady]

Um... hello. Greetings. I'm... Konoha, from Tateyama. If you don't already know that. I'm not sure if you're really a god, or a "witch", or... what you are, but.

Please just tell me straight what you want from me. I'll do whatever you say if you'll let me go home, so-

Please. I need to get back to my village as soon as I can.

1/10.

[acatastoria]

Hello, Konoha from Tateyama.

[ astoria says the words with great reverence. she places heavy importance, in names. she wants to know who you are. and she sounds almost . . . apologetic, when she speaks next: ]

You should not do that. Offer everything in exchange for something. People would take advantage of that kindness, and desperation. Darkness takes advantage of that.

[ astoria pauses. ]

But I cannot send you home, yet. I am sorry. But all I want from you is to be your best person, to combat the darkness, so we can all live in happiness. And when that happens, I can send you home. But we are all needed here, for the time being.

audio;

[billionaires]

If we're not supposed to be here, send us back.

audio; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

I wish I could, Mr. Stark, but even if I had the energy to send you home, I have not figured out how to reverse the process.

[ astoria is New At This (tm) ]

And even if I could send you home, we are all needed throughout this universe. Surely you understand that.

[ given your profession. ]

audio;

[paladorable]

Astoria... thank you, for whatever it was you did. I'm sorry the rest of us couldn't do more.

[ Humans really are fragile creatures. ]

Are you going to be all right? Oh, um. I'm Arenvald, by the way.

audio; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

I know your name, Arenvald, but thank you very much for the well wishes and introduction.

[ the smile is present in her tone. ]

I believe I will be fine, I simply need some rest. I tend to get tired after I send you all to new worlds, but this is a little bit different. I think I just need what humans call a nap.

voice;

[hatamon]

Hi. I'm glad you're able to talk to us.

[Astoria: probably less of a dick than Homeostasis. ☑

Which brings him to his point, really. The others have the more pressing stuff covered, but one thing has been bothering Takeru pretty much since the moment he got here.]

That's something you can always do? You're not possessing anyone?

voice; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ ............ ]

Why would you think I'm possessing someone, Takeru?

[ what in the hell is wrong with the digital world takeru ]

text;

[gandora]

i apologize...i really don't want to trouble you when you are so tired...

i just wanted to express my concerns about being brought here and now that you've mentioned a darkness...well, it doesn't stop me from thinking of something that happened back home. is it alright for us to be here? this isn't something that is going to cause issues in our own world, right? plus...why did you bring us here? i know you must have some purpose, but i'm very confused as to what that is...

text; | 1/10.

[acatastoria]

You have a lot of questions, Yugi.

[ how she knows his name, astoria won't tell. or maybe she doesn't even know. but she readies her focus, to gather her thoughts. to be of purpose. ]

My purpose is to maintain balance in this universe. I don't remember when that began, or who created me, or why that purpose is. It just is. I am life, and death, and darkness, and light. Some people call me a god, but I prefer witch. Akira calls me witchess-san. Daylight calls me Lady.

Your world, I feel, when you are here. You are tethered to me, and for now, your world feels as it was when you left it. Was your journey at end, in your world, Yugi? Are you at peace?

voice

[eccitato]

[ Silence for a moment, a long one, even after he begins his response, because... Leo gets it. In a way, there's something that resonates in him,with what Astoria says. (I think) (if at all)

Sometimes, it feels like that in his head. His empathy for the situation, and for her, is almost immediate. It means he puts together something pretty quick, and pretty easily. ]

If you're so tired, mmmm... you could use something to help you rest, right? And maybe to help boost you up.

[ Everyone will get to hear it, playing with his Struxta tablet since his magic is a little fritzy, but he's specifically geared it towards something - calming? Revitalizing, maybe? But mostly, calming. Maybe she can get some sleep if she has something that can be calming. Something like so, and so. ]

voice 1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ there's a silence, at the music. and she is listening, quiet, entranced. she doesn't fail asleep, necessarily, but it is . . . soothing, in a way. and it certainly puts her mind at ease. ]

Thank you, Leo.

[ quietly. genuinely. ]

It is lovely.

voice

[moonlightbeast]

[...well! This certainly isn't what Atsushi expected. Not that he's expected much so far, he's kind of just going along with what everyone else thinks is supposed to happen here. But since nobody had really greeted him when he had arrived, he had figured that he was just supposed to make due on his own. It's a bit reassuring to know that isn't the case.

Still, he can tell how tired she is, and he's hesitant to ask anything.]

I do want to speak with you, but would it be better to wait until later? You sound tired.

voice 1/10.

[acatastoria]

Probably, but I am pretty bad at sitting still.

[ admittedly, with a tiny laugh. ]

So I can speak with you, but likely not for very long. I can do my best, though thank you, for being so worried about me, Atsushi. I appreciate it.

text;

[metagame]

[so she brought everyone here, but it was the temple that pulled them? horus' eye, what is she? he can't puzzle this out. there's a piece missing. however, the exhaustion in her voice is enough for him not to bombard her with questions.]

It's alright to enjoy yourself for a little bit. [magic is not an infinite resource... not for a witch, a king, or even a god.]

text; 1/10.

[acatastoria]

I sure get a lot of royalty, in this place.

[ it's the first thought that comes to mind, seeing atem speak to her. honestly, princes and kings and princesses and emperors and pharaohs . . . ]

What do you do for fun? To relax? To turn off your mind, when you need it?

[automailed]

[All these people being so nice and trusting with the one who supposedly dragged them here still grates on Edward, and while he's not expecting much in the way of answers, one thing has been bothering him from the moment he heard about it. There's no nice greetings or concern when he calls her out, just a simple question:]

Why'd you send him back?

[He's not mad, not exactly. Or- he is, but it's a quiet anger. He's still learning how it all works. But to hear about Al being here, with his body, to hear that he'd been around mere days before his own arrival? It hurts like a bitch.]

1/10.

[acatastoria]

[ there's a pause, as she searches around in her mind for what edward may be talking about, before: ah. ]

. . . I don't always have control, over whether people stay here. My power waxes and wanes; sometimes I lose connection with people, and they return to their universe.

[ she pauses. ]

But Alphonse is safe, Edward Elric. He is home.