Audio - UN: LaFleurDeParis

[repaintress]

[The voice that comes through on the network is elegant and precise - every word is weighed and considered before being spoken. ]

I am told this is a forum where one may solicit public opinion.

If there is one experience you could have again, what would it be?

What from your home do you find yourself missing the most?

Comments

[cache_coeur]

Really? I’ve never met a turtle. I didn’t know if they had ears at all.

[repaintress]

Their ears aren't like ours; you need to look closely. They're more akin to flaps of skin, but when you talk they can hear you and listen. If they love you, they come out of their shells when they hear your voice. If they feel truly safe, they'll crawl towards you and rub you.

[cache_coeur]

I’ll look next time I get close to one. I’ve never been much of an animal person but [But other people’s passion for them is infectious, endearing.] I like to learn.

[repaintress]

What then brings you succor?

Other than wine. That is assumed.

[cache_coeur]

Oh, plenty. Running, cooking, lovemaking, playing. I like listening to music and looking at the stars. I think I could feel comfort in anything, if I tried hard enough.

[repaintress]

I agree movement is comforting, though I was never partial to running for its own sake. It provides a singular avenue of focus.

That's very adaptable of you. You will do well anywhere. That is a gift.

I hope you find food, lovers, and games to your liking here to ease the sting of our kidnapping.

[cache_coeur]

Thank you. I suppose I am adaptable; I hadn’t even thought of this as a kidnapping.

[repaintress]

Tough life? For this to count as a vacation.

[cache_coeur]

We’ve an exit plan. I’ll accept creature comforts while working to secure my world’s future.

[repaintress]

I wish I were in your position, madame.

[cache_coeur]

What is troubling you?

[repaintress]

My parents and sister's souls are currently elsewhere - in a Canvas. I am watching over their bodies. I am concerned my absence will leave them vulnerable to those who wish us harm.

[cache_coeur]

[?]

Sounds lonely, even before you wound up here.

Who seeks to harm your family?

[repaintress]

There is a struggle for who is to wield the artistic Gifts in Paris.

[ The Painters are not the only wielders of the Gifts. ]

The Writers set our house aflame. There are strange intrusions into Canvases. Maman's position as the head of the Painter's Council must be preserved as we cannot afford factional infighting, so they must not be aware of her condition: I must manage the situation with enough strength that Maman's capacity is not challenged and enough diplomacy that they do not begin to search for a replacement. Parts of the manor are still structurally damaged - I'm overseeing the repairs and without that, something may give way and harm them. My sister is severely injured in addition to being absent and someone needs to attain medical care for her if necessary. Her body is in a fragile state, unlike my parents'.

[ There are so many things that could go wrong. ]

[cache_coeur]

[Interesting.]

How long has this been going on? I can’t imagine it’s easy, hiding your mother’s condition when so many look to her authority. And where has your sister gone, in such an injured state?

[repaintress]

((OOC: Just guessing on the time frame outside of Canvas land - if anybody remembers something I missed, let me know.))

My parents have been gone for several weeks. The work needs to be done, but if one of them doesn't return soon, I will need to start determining what to allow to fail.

[ For which they will inevitably judge her for her failings. ]

Alicia wanted to be of some assistance, but it would not have been safe or helpful for her to assist in most areas. I sent her in to the Canvas to try to retrieve one of our parents, but she was overwhelmed and will be stuck there until they finish fighting or I retrieve her. At least there, I knew she's safe and where she was. But her body needs more care than our parents' and she can't spend as long in a Canvas safely as Papa and Maman.

[ It hurts to think about. Not only the situation, but that Alicia of all people had attempted to render assistance. None of these affairs were suitable for a child to handle. Particularly one with Alicia's disposition: Clea could have handled being stared at in the streets, but Alicia would not handle it well. ]

all good!

[cache_coeur]

[That's... hmm.]

Could you explain what a Canvas is? I'm not sure I understand how their bodies can be in one place and their selves in another.

There are so many details I worry about forgetting them...

[repaintress]

A Canvas is an immersive experience or world created by a Painter using a piece of his soul and created with Chroma. When a Painter is working in a Canvas (or simply spending time in one), their physical body remains outside. While this is so, they cannot respond to events around them.

[ Which is why she will not be Painting at present. ]

How long someone can remain in a Canvas without harm depends on their physical and mental state as well as their skill as a Painter.

also all good! sciel doesn't know anyway lol

[cache_coeur]

[Where is Lune, in a time like this?]

Your family must be tremendously talented, to create such a thing. I hope they come home to their bodies safely.

You know, I feel awful, you're sharing all of this with me and I don't even know your name. I'm Sciel. What should I call you?

Lune would be amazing

[repaintress]

We are.

[ False humility has never suited her or her family. Papa and Maman are brilliant - they should be recognized as such. ]

It turns out speaking to strangers is easier. You have no preconceptions.

[ There is no Paris here. No Maman and Papa. Therefore, there is no need to maintain a united front. Clea is still alone, but she is free. If it weren't for her worries, she might even enjoy this freedom. At least this woman won't care about what Clea has told her, and the act of putting it to words had proven...helpful. ]

My name is Clea.

[cache_coeur]

Clea. It's nice to meet you, Clea.

Do you have no one to talk to about this at home?

[repaintress]

Likewise, madame.

No. Our divisions have been used against us before. It is wiser not to trust anyone and to maintain a unified front to the outside world. Our further wellbeing is more important than my inane desire to be listened to.

[cache_coeur]

I don't think it's inane to want to be heard. What perplexes me is the differences between these Writers and your Painters... it's a great cruelty that one artist would commit violence against another.

[repaintress]

And yet they have. They're barbarians, using a child's insecurities to attack. They are cowards and they will pay.

[cache_coeur]

What do you intend to do?