[Open Commentlog] | [Audio] - Old Persian + Translated text

[trustedhisheart]

[It had taken Tus some time after waking up to actually notice the journal and pick it up. Possibly because he was not only wondering how he came to be in this place, but how he came to be anywhere at all. He was reasonably sure he remembered dying.

The only explanation was that the dagger was involved, of course. His first thought was that Dastan had activated it, but then, why did he remember? He must have activated it himself, without entirely meaning to.

He turns his attention to the journal, reading the note, and isn't aware that he's activated the audio function.]

This cannot be possible. The world itself, undone? Can you go back so far in time, as to stop the very world from existing? Is this the consequence of-

[He cuts off. It will do no good, sitting here and speculating. He must find Dastan, and the dagger. He must find Nizam, and put a stop to this. It is his duty to see that his kingdom is restored; no one else's.]

Whatever you have done, Nizam, I will stop you.

[Tus tucks the journal under his arm and heads out, determined to find those he's looking for, and a way out. He'll be moving from the barracks to outside, so feel free to run into him anywhere, if you don't mind likely not being able to understand anything he says. Or reply here?]

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[He watches her write in her book, curious, and willingly allows her to open his own book to the correct page.

And is a bit startled to see the script that has appeared in it. He reads it over, then looks up at the young woman, testing out the name he was given.]

Bryn?

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[brynkitten]

[Her smile is immediate, and she nods, pointing to herself.]

Bryn.

[She picks up her quill again and writes.]

Are you new to the Keep?

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[He smiles when he seems to have gotten it correctly, and points at himself.]

Pri- [And there's the smallest hesitation as he automatically goes to introduce himself as 'Prince Tus' only to cut himself short. He is no longer the prince, but he has not had occasion to introduce himself as king. It still feels wrong. He forgoes either title.] Tus.

[At the new question, he pulls out his own quill to write his response. Not only does the book speak, but translates as well? Had he not recently discovered the secret of Dastan's dagger, he would not have believed it.]

Yes. Do you live here, or are you another who has found themselves in this place?

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[brynkitten]

Tus.

[She tries to mimick the way he says his name, hoping she's gotten it close enough.

Bryn enjoyed this part of meeting new people. The initial getting-to-know-you period was potentially full of surprises.]

It's a pleasure to meet you. I found myself here over four months ago, but it has become a home of sorts.

[It was the first roof she'd had over her head in three years. It may not be where she was from, but for now it was home.]

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[He nods, smiling at her again when she says his name, then turns back to the book to read what she's said. This is certainly an - odd way of communication, but it does seem to be working.]

It is a pleasure to meet you as well. You have truly been here so long? Then the words I have read in this book are true?

[Not that it will keep him here, but it would be nice to know.]

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[brynkitten]

[She nods her agreement to the first question, but when the second appears, Bryn grows hesitant. It's clear in the halting way she writes that she doesn't like to give this answer, but it's in her nature to be completely truthful.]

Some believe the words are true. There are others who doubt, as we've been offered no proof and none of the guests here have met Lord Deior or even seen him.

[She shrugs, giving him an apologetic smile. It's unfortunate she has nothing concrete to give him.]

But yes, I have been here that long, and if given a chance down the line, I might even remain.

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[He nods as he reads her words. He would expect no less for a varied group of people being held with such an explanation - some would take the words to be true (perhaps some had even seen things that would lend truth to the words, as he had), and some would believe nothing without having seen it with their own eyes.

Her last comment, however, surprises him.]

You would? Why? Are you so fond of this place?

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[brynkitten]

[Bryn hesitates after his question, and after a moment writes her answer slowly.]

I am safer here than I was where I came from.

[In California, that she'd remained alive for three years had been lucky. That she'd remained undiscovered and not taken by the government, well, Bryn wasn't sure how she'd managed that.]

Not that it's always safe here, but comparatively speaking...

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[Ah. That, Tus can understand. What may be considered a prison to some may be a safe haven for others, when their previous circumstances were more dangerous than their new ones.

Of course, this is the opinion of a man who is part of the ruling force of an empire who conquers other nations and is convinced they're much better off under their new rule. But the point is still valid.]

I understand. Do I take your words to mean this place has dangers as well, beyond those of simply being kept here?

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[brynkitten]

There are. There are severe punishments for those who hurt others or damage the keep as well. There are also creatures in the woods and the water, I've heard, and there was once a rather alarming spider invasion.

[Bryn stops a moment, and then swallows before continuing.]

Not all the animals here are dangerous of course. Those kept on the main grounds seem mostly domesticated. There are also guests of the keep who can take animal form but they're quite safe.

[She doesn't try to explain Alex's once-a-month issue, not now. Besides, Bryn can be with him then to keep him out of trouble.]

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[trustedhisheart.livejournal.com]

[He nods at the first dangers she mentions - the spiders do indeed sound alarming - but he is not surprised to hear of severe punishments or creatures that lurk outside. In a place such as this, he must admit he had expected as much.

Upon hearing that there are actually those here who change form into that of an animal's, however, he cannot hide his surprise.]

Are there truly those who can trade their form for an animal's whenever they choose? Fascinating. I would not have believed it possible, had I not recently discovered there are more forces at work than I knew.