Perhaps you felt a rumble beneath your feet, a sensation of what you were standing upon giving way underneath you as something
pulled you in and away from what it was you were doing. Or, perhaps it was simply a gentle tap on your shoulder before you had the same tugging sensation from behind your navel. No matter which it was; there is one other constant:
lp...A quiet rustle of the wind, wherever it is coming from as it hits your face.
help... u...The earth grumbling beneath you resounds with something unintelligible. Of course; it's the earth. Dirt can't speak, after all. Yet it won't stop, nor does the wind. All you wanted to do was sleep...
Yet suddenly it stops, and as you begin to stir, you begin to feel the crisp wind still seems to be picking up, yet as it settles, it's almost as if it whispers something to your ear.
'elp... u... sh....Before you can make sense of it, it is gone; and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It looks like...a plaza of some sort? As they look around them, the ground beneath them is an intricate mosaic - a water fountain at the center of the plaza in this foreign world. There are many buildings around its perimeter, making this location seem like a central hub of whatever town this was. Some may even recognize the peculiar design of the buildings and sloped tiled rooftops as a Far Eastern theme. Were they somewhere along the Pacific? Who knows! But what is quite apparent is this: Along with the many buildings surrounding the plaza, the first thing that is noticeable is the amount of people sitting or standing around you in a similar daze.
You are not alone...One building seems to stand out among all the others; one that seems large enough to house all of the completely lost and confused masses gathered here to the welcome plaza. A sign outside the door reads:
WELCOME CENTER
Newcomers: Please come inside for refreshments and your welcome packets!Odd... This wasn't written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't enter on your own, someone comes from inside the double doors to usher you and everyone else inside.
"Welcome to
Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused as to where you are and what's going on, but we promise to explain this to you once we're inside and away from this windstorm!"
Whether you go inside immediately or linger outside a little longer, eventually you must come in from the slight autumn chill, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. ...What
was that shadow from the corner of your vision?
You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign and a person seated behind them -
Irene, General AssistanceDevin, Technological AssistanceMai, Medical AssistanceUnlike a few waves before, the only people in charge seem to be the people behind the desks. They look a bit busy.
However, before you can go over and give them a piece of your mind and ask questions, the same person who ushered you inside hands you a manilla envelope that contains your welcome packet, urging you to read this before asking the two figures questions that the packet likely answers.
Inside it, you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a
map and informational guide to the city, and a letter folded neatly on the top -
Welcome to Saeng Seong!
You are among a new group of arrivals to our city, from many far-apart worlds.
We have gathered you here because our city is in a crisis, and we are at our last resorts. The energy of the city is in a slow downward spiral, and is dangerously close to expiring altogether.
That's where you come in - you and everyone else we've brought to the city. Unlike those of us here, you have the potential to generate the energy the city needs, but you'll need to work together to do it.
Why? Because the energy can only be generated when two people touch each other. Any touch will do, but it must be between two of you who are new to the city. If you don't keep in contact with someone, eventually your energy will begin to drain as well, making you dangerously ill.
A few other things:
The closed-off sections of the city are closed off for a reason; approaching them will cause your energy to drain very rapidly. We're working to open the rest of the city to you as soon as we can, but for now, please remain within the four districts in the south and west parts of the city
You have been given a key to a one-bedroom apartment in a complex set aside for you and the other new arrivals, near the riverside in the 1st district. You're free to change your living quarters whenever you like, and we encourage you to move in with someone in one of the larger apartments. When you want to change, just come back to this building to exchange your key.
We've also included a cash card with a living stipend; if you're unfamiliar with this system, or the network established for new arrivals, you can talk to Devin in the lobby for help. It's what he's here for. If you need medical assistance, contact Mai, one of our newest and brightest doctors.
Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help.
Irene
Arrival Liaison
Back behind you, others still linger, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street in the blistering summer day:
WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)
no subject
It feels good to see someone who seems to understand.]
So you are from the stars? Like Lord Wing? Will you tell me about your world? What is it like?
[He seems very, very curious, but checks his questions for a moment.]
Can we? I am sorry to bother you, but I don't want to get sick. I don't want Grey to get sick either!
no subject
It is a pleasure to meet Grey, as well.
[Oh she certainly understands. It's part upgringing and partly due to her time on Earth. They may be warriors but the people of Tamaran also follow traditions and are respectful of one another- particularly royalty and elders. It's sometimes lost in her excitement over meeting new people but when proper introductions are given Starfire will always give as good as she receives.
She lands on the ground properly and offers her hand to escort him to her building, delighted by the curiosity he shows. She's prone to asking a lot of questions, too, and she's happy to encourage a thirst for knowledge.]
Yes. Tamaran is my home planet, but I have traveled to many in my time before and since coming to Earth. It was once filled with flowers and towering trees. There are all types of wonderful but dangerous creatures that live there.
no subject
Good puppy! Lady Starfire is a kind person so you have to greet her politely!
[The boy then turns to Starfire and takes her hand, showing that he is ready to follow her. However, her last sentences have raised so many questions in his mind that he seems to forget about being polite and just starts asking questions very quickly, his words almost tripping over themselves in an effort to get out of his mouth.
That curiosity is going to get him into so much trouble someday.]
That sounds like home! What kinds of dangerous creatures are there? Do people hunt them? Are there knights to keep everyone safe? I'm going to be a knight when I grow up! I already know how to use swords and I'm learning spears!
You said your world was covered with trees and flowers once. Is it not anymore? Is someone trying to fix it?
no subject
But puppy and leash and not a good idea probably. There's another delighted sounding giggle, for now the hugs will have to wait, but soon. She smiles and starts in the direction of the second building as comfortable in her stride as if she'd lived there her entire life.]
The people of my planet are warriors, we defend our home and sometimes perform the hunts. There are many different types of creatures, some are quite large. The portkins grow to be the size of houses! [Yeah guess who is happy to talk about home? This girl.]
That sounds most impressive. You are already mastering various weapons? I am sure that you will make a wonderful knight when you are older.
[She totally means that, too. He's got the kindness down already. If he keeps at his training she's sure he'll become a fearsome adversary for anyone that tries to cross him.]
Oh, well my planet was invaded by another race. They have left our planet in peace, but much of the land was decimated in the battles. But not all! One day I am certain that Tamaran will flourish again.
no subject
I'm sorry! Is it bad that I am asking you about it? That is a terrible thing!
[She doesn't seem upset, but her planet...]
Or is it okay because you know your people will fix things? Because they will never give up? That is how I know I will be such a good knight when I grow up. Father told me that as long as I keep trying, I will eventually be able to reach whatever goal I need to! I am sure your people will fix everything, if they really feel that way!
no subject
It is alright. Our experiences are sometimes necessary to help us grow. I have accepted my past and have many things in the present to be grateful for. My planet now has a very kind and strong ruler. I have every confidence that we will restore Tamaran to its former state one day.
[She places a hand atop his hair and gives it a gentle and affectionate ruffle.]
I hope that you will always keep such determination and kindness. It is the mark of a great warrior.
[Just met him? So what? She means it. She's barely known him for five minutes but she already feels both protective and proud.
Speaking of, they really should eventually keep moving so that he can get dry, she remembers.}
no subject
He giggles, the sad expression on his face gone as fast as it came.]
I am so glad to hear that! If all your people are as nice as you are Lady Starfire, I want them all to be happy! They deserve it.
[Diarmuid's expression grows more serious when she compliments him.]
Thank you! I am going to try. The people of my land are good people and I want them to be safe and happy! That is why I practice so much and so hard. I am fighting for their happiness and that is the most important thing!