[VIDEO/ACTION] First Dawn

[smothersome]

[Waking up in a strange place was one thing. It was a place that was filled with the oddest of scents, so much so that the air itself felt different. The people around him were dressed in gaudy, revealing outfits, or clothes that constricted the body fiercely. He was lucky that so far, he had not come across any cars. Instead, his curious poking at the phone in his hands had caused the video to turn on. He was crouching on the ground, knees tucked up to his chest as he tosses the phone from hand to hand, seeing what the buttons do. So far, a few things have appeared on the screen.

The feed twirls a little, showing first him, then people around him - a woman in green; a small boy. There are the faint sounds of voices-

Mom, what's he doing?
I think he's from some fair or other. Probably a street performer.
Maybe he's escaped from an asylum!

For his part, Aengus paid it no heed, and when the dizzying twirl stopped, he had it set on his knees. Ah. This looks like it is doing something at least. Hm... The people had scattered, leaving him alone in what appeared to be a park. Curiosity only goes so far, after all. A look of concern was set upon his brow, though he tried to mask it with his usual winning smile.]

This is a place of which mine eyes have never before gazed upon.

'tis an unusual thing enough to sleep in the Brú and awaken yet somewhere new. What dost thou require of me? It must be a matter of some importance for you to have brought me here, unknown to any, and even so to myself.

At the least, it would be expected to leave a letter before me.

...I saw a name most familiar and beloved to me upon this. If it be not lying, o Diarmuid, then tell me now.

Comments

[smothersome]

...

Let us talk of brighter things, then. If there are no words to be put in your mouth.

[Releasing the man, he sat back, drawing his knees up.]

This place has an odd look to it.

[croibhristeoir]

It...yes, it takes some getting used to.

[smothersome]

...Diarmuid. [He rose to his feet, looking fondly down at Diarmuid with a gentle smile.]

Please do not be afraid to tell me what is haunting your thoughts. Your spirit seems to have dimmed, I fear.

[croibhristeoir]

It's just...I have been in this city a few months short of a year. I have had the good fortune to see friends, rivals, and family arrive just as you have now--two of which I loved dearly and both of which I lost when they disappeared from this place.

How are we to know you will not disappear in the same way?

[smothersome]

...

[A slight sigh passes his lips.]

I promise thee yet, my son. Not once now will I allow you to suffer in such a way.

If they try to take me from thee, then no force in the world will pry me away. Perhaps it was not they, but fate, which drew me here today.

[croibhristeoir]

I don't know, Father. After so long there is still little I understand of this world or how it works. All that I know for sure is that those closest to me--most notably two I loved and one I called family--have all disappeared beyond my reach and without a trace.

[smothersome]

[His voice softened.]

Diarmuid. So it was in life, so it is here.

Do you not think that if there were no interferences, that those close to thee may have been lost in other ways? All that can be done is to be relieved that it was not painful, and to grieve for their absence.

Loss is always sorrowful, but to reject those close to you for fear of it repeating, that too is madness.

[croibhristeoir]

I know that. But...I did not even have a chance to say farewell, or to be certain they...realized how important they were to me. I know that such things are inevitable, but it is still recent enough to hurt terribly.

[smothersome]

I do not blame you for feeling pain, o Diarmuid! Far from it. Would that I could take the pain from thee, and bring a smile to your face once more. For yours is a face intended to smile, and yet suffering seems to have come so easily to you.

It is truly unkind of fate to do this to thee. But remember this now. Would they wish you to lose hope for the future?

[croibhristeoir]

...no, they would not. And I confess having you again at my side is a measure of relief I can not possibly express in words.

[smothersome]

I am pleased to be able to stand at your side once more. Indeed, what sort of father would I be if I could do nothing to even know of your troubles? Being here with you now pleases me greatly.

[croibhristeoir]

I've missed you dearly in the time we have been separate, Father. Rarely if ever have you truly left my thoughts.

[smothersome]

And now your thoughts have brought me back to you, through time and all that it encompasses. 'tis a powerful thought, is it not?

[croibhristeoir]

If I believed I could accomplish that much through the power of thought alone, I would be very worried about what else I could do.

[smothersome]

[A light chuckle.]

True; sad though it may be, it must be mere fate that brought me here. But still, in the end, to be here is a good fate.

Perhaps ye should test it, then. Try to think up some food.

[Smiiiile.]

[croibhristeoir]

[Sure, why not.]

...

[Dammit, he was almost hoping a sandwich would just show up there.]

[smothersome]

Ah, such is the fickleness of magic. Shall we go hunting, then?

[croibhristeoir]

That's not quite how it works in this era, actually.

[smothersome]

...have they driven all wild beasts into the end of their days? Pity.

[croibhristeoir]

No, not exactly. There's just a lot that's changed--don't worry, I can help you get used to it.

[smothersome]

It seems as if I hath stepped forth into another world entirely. I am lucky to have thee to help me.

[croibhristeoir]

I'll do the best that I can.

[smothersome]

I have faith in thee, o Diarmuid.