Fourth Flake [video/action for Goldenrod]

[defyingfrigidity]

[For once, when the 'gear flickers on, it doesn't show a hopelessly confused or concerned Elsa. This is good!! Very good.

Instead, there's a great look of excitement on the former queen's face. On her shoulder, a Kirlia clings to her shirt, eyes wide in the slats between its little helmet, mirroring its trainer's expression perfectly. Behind them, the massive buildings and skyscrapers of Goldenrod City can be seen, windows glinting in the afternoon sun.]

This is amazing! Don't you think so, Frigga?

[For someone who normally tries to stay as reserved as she possibly can while communicating over these devices, the sound of such unbridled wonder in her voice may be a bit of a change to hear.]

I didn't know buildings could get this tall... I've read about great castles and palaces in books and such, but I've never heard of anything as tall as this. [She smiles, turning to Frigga.] It sure is something, isn't it?

[Frigga smiles and nods, making a happy noise. Elsa then turns back to the gear.]

Are a lot of cities in this land this... big? Violet and Azalea were both decent enough, but they're nowhere near as extravagant as this city!

[There's a pause, then Elsa looks somewhat sheepish as she realizes just how excited she was just acting. O-Oh dear, and so many people saw...]

I'm sorry if I sound rather.... eager. But things like this... buildings and architecture and such... I've always had a fascination with them. And structures like this never got this big in Arendelle...

Are there more cities like this? Ones with interesting or unique architecture? [Boy, she sure does seem pretty darn eager...] Even if they're not anything like this... I'd like to know what cities to look forward to visiting!

[Oh Elsa, your inner nerd is shining through so beautifully...]

Comments

[majorcrotchgrab]

I wouldn't say horrible. Aside from the past two months, this place is practically paradise for some of us.

... But "reconnect"?

[defyingfrigidity]

Oh, it certainly is a nice enough land. I only meant that it must have been hard being away from everything and everyone she's ever known.

[Lord knows Elsa would have been much more stressed and on-edge if she didn't have Anna here with her...]

... Ah. [Oh, awkward subject...] It's a long story, but Anna and I were separated for quite some time. It was only a few months prior to our arrival here in Johto that we were able to see each other again.

[majorcrotchgrab]

It definitely takes some getting used to... especially the technology. We have nothing like this back in my world. Nothing this advanced, at least.

[He pauses.]

I see. It must've been a nice reunion when you arrived here then.

[defyingfrigidity]

I completely understand you in that regard. These communication tools, cars... even electric lighting! It's all so new to me.

[A soft smile crosses her face then.]

Yes, this place has been quite the opportunity. Being able to spend so much time together without worrying over duties and responsibilities is something that I'm quite thankful for.

[majorcrotchgrab]

I can't even begin to imagine how jarring it was at first for you two. Anna said it was in the 1800s in your world if I remember correctly.

And I know how that is. It's nice to just be able to live your life... semi-normal.

[defyingfrigidity]

Correct. It was.... startling, to say the least.

[She's just... not going to mention how long it took to get her pokegear working that first time....]

It's.... thrilling, in a way. I still miss home, and would do anything to go back, but... I'm also immensely enjoying myself. So it's really not all that bad, ehre.

[majorcrotchgrab]

Learning how this place works was far worse though. I'm still trying to figure things out and I've been here for over half a year.

That's good that you're enjoying yourself though.

[defyingfrigidity]

... Oh dear. That doesn't sound very good...

[B-BEST NOT THINK ABOUT THAT NOW...]

And what about you? Strange futuristic technology aside, have you been enjoying yourself here?

[majorcrotchgrab]

Yeah. I have been.

[His expression darkens a bit.]

...Anything's better than my world at this point.

[defyingfrigidity]

[Oh no, this isn't like what happened with Royce, is it...?]

... Is your world gone too?

[majorcrotchgrab]

No. Just... on the brink of another war.

[defyingfrigidity]

[...Oh...]

... I'm very sorry to hear that.

[War... she never liked the thought of war. Even in the stories she read, of the fantastic battles that took place during Ragnarok... those kinds of things have always scared her.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Gonna pretend this doesn't upset him as much as it is currently.]

Eh. There's nothing left there for me anyways. Better to start anew here.

[defyingfrigidity]

You're quote the optimistic person, aren't you? [Sometimes she wishes she could be like that.] That's good to see.

[majorcrotchgrab]

[He blinks, taking what she said into consideration.]

Hm. I guess I can be at times. It can be difficult though.

[defyingfrigidity]

... I know. Staying like that all the time... sometimes it seems impossible. I don't know how Anna does it.

[majorcrotchgrab]

It's easy to put on a mask for others.

[defyingfrigidity]

That I learned very quickly as well. [Oh BOY does she know about masks.] But a mask of constant optimism... it seems like one of the hardest to maintain.

[majorcrotchgrab]

Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps a person going.