(no subject)

[sheps]

Who: Commander Shepard... and YOU!
What: Another big damn hero gets pulled from the Final Battle and lands in a certain castle. She's going to find out where she is!
When: Today.
Where: Wherever you'd like to find her.
Rating: PG?



The last thing she remembered was an explosion, a flash of light. Then nothing. It seemed to happen to her a lot. The pain didn't even matter anymore, but she would eventually open her eyes, always having the will to get up.

The Citadel.

Earth.

She inhaled sharply, shaking her head as she sat up... looking at the desolate room. Bedroom? Infirmary? No, it seemed like the latter.

It was neither of the places she was focused on, was it?

Of course she wouldn't stay there. Last time she woke up in an unfamiliar bed to an unfamiliar ceiling, she had a voice talking in her ear, urging her to escape because she was under attack.
But it was oddly quiet here. Too quiet. This couldn't be anywhere on Earth.

Luckily, she still had a pistol on her, and her armor was still as jacked up as if she was still just fighting. So, she'd walk forward. Escape, if she had to.

She'd have to find out what was going on.

_{(ooc. OPEN TO ALL. ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE. EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING. Just say where you meet her in your header, I suppose! Also, if you prefer logging with brackets, I will match you!)}

Comments

[ensorceler]

It's rather impossible to miss such a commanding figure as they pass in the lobby, Anne's head turning on her way to the kitchen, and her soft footsteps halt. From behind, she can't even tell this is a woman, but she can tell that they are new. Though she may not grace all with her presence, Anne does her best to memorize the faces here just as she would at any court, taking advantage of the expeditions and parties that have unfolded.

Such an exotic creature would have been remembered.

Anne calls out, though not loudly, as she folds both hands over her bodice.

"Have you been welcomed, traveler?"

[sheps]

Shepard immediately turns around, finger instinctively steadying itself on the trigger as an inherent reflex, but she does nothing further to show any sign of defensiveness. If this person wanted her dead, she doubted she would have chosen such words.

"Welcomed? To where, exactly?" She cannot help but sound a little worse for wear, if not confused. This was hardly the first place in which she would have imagined herself waking.

[ensorceler]

A woman's voice. And...yes, that is a woman. To her credit, Anne barely reacts to this realization beyond a few startled blinks and lift of her chin. Otherwise, she keeps her tone as calm and soothing as she can, one arm sweeping to the side towards the rest of the lobby.

"Cair Paradisa, though it is not I who graced it with such a name. You may find it a well fit, and you may not. In time, all have their own paths to take in this forgotten kingdom, but the path home will be decided by the castle itself and not you. I am sorry."

[sheps]

"Cair Paradisa," she repeats, folding her arms and taking it in. It was nothing she had ever heard of. But it looks relatively peaceful, considering the fact no one seemed panicked or scurrying around for the sake of alien invaders.

"I apologize for changing the subject on you, but, do you know anything about Earth? What happened to it?"

[ensorceler]

She isn't ruffled by the question, near expecting it. Of course people would want to know what happened to their home, and in the least this assures Anne they are from the same world. Though, judging by this woman, clearly very different kingdoms, or even times.

"It is well and good, right as it was when you left, and shall be the same when you return. Magic flourishes here, and there is little the castle cannot accomplish. Time is of little consequence to it, as is life and death."

[sheps]

At least she finds solace in knowing that she did, in fact save Earth, and likely the galaxy the best she could with what ends she was given. But with the way the woman is speaking, Shepard is finding herself at a loss.

"Are you trying to tell me that I'm dead?"

Really, could you blame the question though?

"And what's this about a castle?"

[ensorceler]

"That is not an answer I can give, mistress, as only you can know the fate that befell you before your arrival to this realm."

Anne allows another glance over this rather masculine woman who seems scared and powerful all the same. It is not a very safe combination, as Anne is aware, and she lowers her gaze and walks on past the woman, moving for the doors.

"Come, and do away with your weapon if you expect more answers. I am no enemy."

[sheps]

Shepard stares at the other, before opting to oblige. This was so much to take in. Hell, even the minutes prior to this was a lot to take in.

The last time she died was only somewhat like this.

"Can't be too sure in a place you've never been before," She holsters her large otherworldly pistol, and slowly follows. "I don't intend on finding myself in any trouble if I can help it."

[ensorceler]

"Can you be sure anywhere?" she quips, though not expecting an actual answer. She keeps her gaze forward until they're outside at the steps, and then turns to wave her hand with a flourish in the direction of the expansive winter beauty that Paradisa offers, before settling on the castle they just left.

"Here, trouble will find you as much as pleasure. There is no preparation for the mind, but for the soul you must never forget refuge."

[sworn]

Vereesa's ears perk at the sound of lumbering footsteps before the woman even enters the kitchen, though she doesn't immediately think anything of it. Someone in heavy armor, no doubt, whose steps are more cautious than confident. Again, this is nothing too out of the ordinary; a handful of residents choose to wear their protective armor even when it isn't necessary. (Herself included, although on this occasion she's chosen to wear her much lighter leather armor instead.)

She's cooking something over the stove when the other woman enters the kitchen, and for a moment her eyes leave her meal to glance at the other. She can't help but feel her muscles tense and her eyes narrow upon realizing the woman is holding a weapon. It gives her pause and a brief moment of concern. Still, she remains calm, looking away but still listening to her movements as she fully enters the room.

"You would do well to put your weapon away. Many residents do not take kindly to threats, spoken or unspoken."

[sheps]

Shepard needs a second at that one. For one, wow, that was an alien race she had never seen before. Two... why was that voice so familiar? She takes a moment to catch up to her thoughts as well as her breath as she slowly holsters her pistol.

What kind of danger would be found in a simple kitchen?

"Sorry about that. I'm not exactly sure what to expect in a place like this."

[sworn]

That would explain the cautious footsteps. Vereesa doesn't completely relax; she's still unarmed against this stranger, after all. She does loosen up a bit, shoulders relaxing.

"I've spent years in this place and there is still no telling what the next day will bring. For now though, you are safe."

She removes her food from the stove before turning toward the other. It'd be rude not to introduce herself after making her holster her weapon.

"Vereesa Windrunner, Ranger General of the Silver Covenant," she says, extending a hand. Habit causes her to include her title. "You are a new arrival?"

[sheps]

Wow, that sure smelled good. When was the last time she's actually had a meal that wasn't military rations? Being stuck on Earth sure was something, but since the reapers hit and she was stuck in space again, it was back to the bare bones.

But really, though. Geniality and warm welcomes were certainly something Shepard was all about as well. Maybe that was why she was not placing the familiar voice.

"Ranger General." At least "general" was a term she could get on board with. "Commander Shepard. I'm under the impression I'm new here, but I'm still at a loss to what this is all about."

[sworn]

"Commander" is an equally familiar term for Vereesa. Perhaps this conversation will be easier with someone of rank; she can be frank and to the point. It still requires a very open mind, though.

"You've been stolen from your world, commander. This realm is separate from any place you are familiar with. There is no known way out, and we are at the whims of the being that controls this place. Many believe it to be the castle you and I stand in."

[sheps]

Wait.

Give her a minute.

Wh--

Shepard is looking around before replying. "So, what are we doing living inside the castle, then?"

[sworn]

Vereesa wants to laugh, but she restrains herself. Laughter wouldn't exactly add credit to her explanation, or her first impression.

"Some see it as the only safe harbor in this world. It serves as a protective fortress of sorts. Most of the time." She briefly rolls her eyes at that. "The further you venture from the castle, the more dangers you will encounter. Pass the barrier, and any magic or invention that you may possess becomes useless. As a great number of those living here are average civilians, most of whom live in worlds of 'modern' conveniences, staying within its walls works in their favor."

[sheps]

In the simplest terms? Just like a biotic's barrier. Great.

"What kind of dangers are we talking about here?"

[sworn]

"It varies."

She turns toward a cupboard, pulling out two plates and setting them beside her cooking pan. She continues to speak as she places the food upon the plates.

"It could be a creature of Paradisa's own invention, it could be a fellow resident. Recently an abomination of undeath was unleashed in our very halls. Past the barrier, we've only explored a fraction of this world's continent, and in that time we've discovered viruses that change the very core of its victim, large earth-boring creatures with a taste for flesh, and even insect creatures with the power to immobilize its victims."

[sheps]

"Whatever it is, it can't be much of a challenge if everyone I've met so far seems calm." All two people. "I can carry more than my own weight in a fight, and I don't intend to be an easy match for anything threatening at this point."

Clearly, considering her state of dress and her overall exhausted tone.

[sworn]

Vereesa could go on about the habitual complacency of the castle residents, but coming from someone so jaded it may come out more bitter than informative. She decides against it, and instead takes one of the plates and holds it out toward Shepard.

"Good. We could use more strength to help keep the others safe. In the meantime, however," she makes an offering motion with the plate, "here. You seem as if you could use this."

It's nothing compared to what could be wished up: grilled cheese as the humans call it, but with a few added vegetables and spices because elves can't do anything that simple.

[sheps]

Shepard looks at the plate, curious. Grilled cheese! It was something she always remembered eating as a child back on Earth, long before military life. It was a delicacy in those days.

"Haven't had this in years," She would say this in appreciative a tone as possible. As a fellow military specialist, she is sure the other woman knows the value of a home cooked meal. "Thank you."

Time to dig in!

[sworn]

She smiles in knowing its appreciated. As a general, looking out for her rangers is her top priority, and she knows how to tell when one has almost reached their limit. A bit of rest and some food and water will do this woman some good.

She takes a bite of her own food and leans against the counter.

"Your armor is impressive. May I ask what kind of military it is you command?"

[sheps]

Since she's spent a good thirty seconds savoring the flavor of this delicious sandwich, Shepard is now well-fed and gains a bonus for 15 stamina and 15 spirit for 30 minutes! So, of course she's a bit more comfortable.

"I'm a commander for the Systems Alliance, the military and political representatives of Earth and humankind throughout the galaxy," She'll say with pride. (For the Alliance! Alliances sure know how to represent humans!)

[sworn]

Those humans certainly love the word "alliance," don't they? Though at the mention of "galaxy," she raises a brow in interest.

"You speak of... space? Beyond the stars?" She's no expert, but with handling the sky maps of Paradisa, along with Rhonin and Brann's talk of planets and galaxies, the idea isn't exactly foreign to her. However, she's more used to hearing about traveling to other planets via portals.

here shut up

[sheps]

"You could say that." Shepard is very casual. She's trying not to sound like her mouth is full of food or have it visible in any way, but she's nodding and chewing between her words.

ilu

[sworn]

Well now Vereesa's interest is heightened, and she wants to know more. Maybe not all at once and not immediately, but she'll keep a list of questions for later.

"Then you must have seen many worlds! Tell me, how do you travel such great distances?" Is she part Draenei? They have ships for space!

[sheps]

Shepard can't help but curl her lips, completely comfortable in the curiosity of this... person. What kind of alien race was she? She looked human enough, but. Those ears. And those eyebrows...

Better not dwell on it.

"We use any sort of spaceship, really. All we really need to do is pass through the mass relay system and it takes us from one galaxy to another. It definitely something that will save travelers a lot of time."

[sworn]

Those ears are perked with great interest, seeming to hang on Shepard's words. Her cheese sandwich is very much forgotten at this point.

"And this 'mass relay system,' what is it like? It sounds similar to the portals that our mages conjure, allowing us to travel great distances in a matter of seconds."