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[ Wonderland's been living up to its name, for better or worse, in Moana's experience thus far. Knowing there isn't a way home, having tested and witnessed the truth behind certain magics on the mansion's grounds, has progressed to the unreal realization of really being stuck there. So, she knows she needs to meet more people, and she chooses now to make an appearance. A handful of days after the wild, random carnival disappeared in a flurry of dramatics. A promise of war made. She's had a couple of months to familiarize herself with the basics of the mansion, its inhabitants, and the piece of technology meant for easy communication. She's even used it a couple of times! ]

I... [ longest drawn out pronoun ever. Lips parted, teeth clenching slightly, Moana looks uncertain, clearly uncomfortable. Yet, she has set the device up so she can be seen from the waist up, rows of books around her, a window nearby pouring light in. She's in the same wardrobe she showed up in, opting for the familiarity instead of, well, anything else. The top of her skirt shows, tan and made from a variety of plant materials; red sash around it, matching red top that bares a small part of her stomach, two rows of shells adorning her chest in a horizon, necklace draped down onto it, hair in the same beach waves she's always known.

Sighing, her arms come up, hands out in front of her chest, fingers splayed ]...I reeeeally don't if I'm using this thing right, so, um. Hi. [ hello, awkward smile, complete with a brief pause and wave ] I'm Moana. Of Motunui... [ she trails off on that; no one else has heard of her home yet, but there's hope in her eyes that you, dear listener, have ] Here, with all these... [ she looks over to a bookcase, squinting ] books. [ Libraries aren't what you'd call existent where she's from, much like most of the rooms in the mansion, but the written word isn't foreign to her ] Anyway. I'm...new...ish, and I was -- kind of wanting to talk to...anyone at all, that wants to talk. [ She offers a careful smile. Then, her expression turns a bit more serious. ]

Especially if you could tell me what exactly a war around here would entail, 'cause...I've never been a part of one, and it seems sort of on the...dramatic, side? [ She's hopeful that someone's gonna quash that silly idea! War; what is it good for? ] But...either way, it's pretty serious, too, so... [ she twiddles her thumbs together, lips pursing slightly, eyes widening just so as she gazes down at her hands before looking back to the camera ] we should be prepared. If it happens.

[ A long beat as she takes a slow breath, giving a firm nod before her hands move to work toward shutting the device off, taking several seconds to do so. She really wants more information on the reality of this war occurring, and of perhaps even greater importance, making allies. Friends. After all, you can always get more done when you have people banding together. ]

[ ooc: open to action as well! ]

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I'll come meet you at the library.

[Just wanted to send her a message telling her first since he didn't want to just show up unexpectedly or scare her.]

[Hello Moana, have a goat face looking into the camera.]

This is the first time I've heard about a war happening here. I have no idea what's going to happen.

You're not wrong about bein' dramatic, but if it's any comfort, most of us are out of our element here, too.

[Not Caleb, though - After a few years, war's where he feels most comfortable... Weird how that happens.]

I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as a non-dramatic war.

[ Sorry, Moana, Ange isn't too helpful when it comes to looking on the positive side of things. At least it's someone to talk to, right? ]

Unless you include pillow wars or something.

[Frank would make the reply video, but that's a kid, a kid who seems, uh, REALLY out of her depth. And he's pretty sure the backdrop of his room right now would not be comforting. He has guns. Lots of guns.

He hates that this place drags kids here. And he hates it extra hard with the announcement of war. ]

Anything bad happens, you contact me. I'll keep you safe. [Unlike the others, Frank is just fine with war. It'd be a relief, in a way, something he knows, something he can do. He can keep a kid safe.]

Hi Moana! I'm Greg!

[He waves, smiling out of the screen at her.]

I don't know much stuff about war. I think we haven't had a war in a long time back home. But I can talk about other stuff!

aw, hey, it's you again. got the network to work for ya, huh?

Greetings.

We are uncertain what a war will entail. However outside of what is necessary in the defense of others, we do not intend to fight.

I wouldn't worry too much about this whole war thing. The Queen of Hearts is always pissed off, for one reason or another. And if angry Mirrors aren't already knocking our doors down, I doubt it's gonna be a conventional kind of battle.

[ Moana doesn't hold back the beam in the expression at seeing his familiar face, and it's a nod that starts her reply. ]

Okay -- great! I'll be here. And...thanks, I appreciate you coming.

[ Meanwhile she'll have sat down on a wooden chair at the table, ankles crossed over one another as she fiddles with her device and replying as messages come in. ]

[ She hasn't seen this face, but at least she's grown accustom to being around walking, talking people who aren't human. Her lips part in silent surprise at first, but she gives a soft smile instead.

Her brows furrow a hair. ] I...hadn't heard anyone talk about any kind of fighting going on around here, much less a war, before either. [ And she desperately wants to be realistic about all of this, but there's hope in her voice that it might just not even happen at all. After a pause, she continues. ] How long have you been here?

[ Moana's forehead creases as she takes a slow breath. Is that really a comfort? She knows what he's getting at though, and instantly sizes him up as being a kind adult. #instajudgmentcalls ] But if a war does happen, wouldn't we want to be more prepared? [ She knows she's thinking aloud, blinking once and giving a steady glance through the lens.

Leaning forward a bit, she goes on suddenly with another question. ] Do you think it'll actually happen? She doesn't know why she's asked when she can't possibly know how valid his judgment might be, but there it is. ]

[ Perhaps not helpful, but that latter comment gets a laugh out of Moana. Her head slowly shakes. ] No, I mean...I'm, I just don't really know much about the whole -- [ her hand gives a circling wave of emphasis ] deal with that woman who sounded like she was threatening everyone all at the same time, so! [ A beat. ] I thought I'd ask people who know more about her? People who have been here longer than me.

[ Her lips press together, eyes going a little wide. ] But fighting with pillows. That's actually kinda really funny? And sounds way better.

[ Ramble, ramble. She does like having someone new (another girl!) to talk to! ]

[ The serious timbre of his voice cuts through each of his words, and Moana finds herself gulping slightly, face suddenly less put-together. She's not used to videos or voices coming through the weird little device, but she's kind of glad this one is just with their voices. Entirely because she doesn't want to look scared: she's done the bravery thing lots of times! She can do it now, too!

Still, she is a kid. Uncertain, unaware of the breadth of reality pushing down on them. Tempered discomfort comes through in her tone. ] All right. [ A long beat. ] But...how? I mean, since there's so much to be unsure about around here. How do you know we'd be safe?

[It wasn't any problem at all. He was happy to see her again. She looked like she was doing okay in general, despite this whole declaration of war thing. He waved a bit to her, not wanting to interrupt but also letting her now that he was here.]

Hi. I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have.

[As she said, everyone should be prepared.]

[ Greg's smile is positively contagious, and Moana sincerely returns the expression. She nods, realizing it's probably not too strange that another kid doesn't know about the war either. ]

Hi Greg! [ a small wave ] Yeeeah, I don't think I've ever heard anyone in my village talk about any actual wars. [ her expression shifts back to a light smile ] But! Other stuff...what was your home like? Mine's a lot different than here.

[ She smiles knowingly, smiling. ] Hi! Again. Yeah, I guess I did. Even though there isn't anything like this [ a nod toward the camera ] at home.

How're you, Sans? Any opinions about the, um, war and if it'll be an actual thing? [ Her lips smack ever so slightly: she wants to believe it won't happen, okay? ]

[ Moana smiles and gives a little wave before she nods slowly, then appears deep in concentration for a few moments. ] Helping others is really honorable. I would to, if I could. But...you'll fight back if it's just you being attacked -- won't you? [ That wording concerns her, Legion. ]

(They chatter, headflaps lifting slightly. She is concerned?)

Pacification is preferable to violence. Otherwise we will seek to disarm.

(They're not going to let people just kill them.)

[ Moana's brows rise at that name -- Queen of Hearts. She hadn't been paying attention to the woman's name, er, title... Her nose scrunches at the mention of mirrors too: they're a part of Wonderland she's super unfamiliar with, only knowing that they exist. Somehow. ]

And the idea of a full-blown war doesn't sound like a thing that's happened? [ Her tone is agreeing rather than question going along with this logic, 'cause she likes it. And it makes sense! ] She's really always that mad? [ Get over it, Queenie. ]

[ She's been trying to settle as best she can, and that there are a good amount of friendly people around definitely helps. Her finger brushes over a button when she spots him, and she sets the phone down, smiling in welcome. ]

Hi! Please, sit? [ She nods to another chair at the table. ] And, I'd be careful saying stuff like that. Do you even know how many questions I have? [ She's playful about it, wry smile and all, amid how true the statement is. ]

[ All forms of life should have someone be concerned about them! And, Moana cares about everyone she knows, so. Legion is part of that group.

Breathing in, she gives another slow nod. ]

Have you had to do those before? Pacify and...disarm? [ It's an awfully nosy question. ]

(Chattering.

It surprises them, even and especially now, how quickly others accept them.)

Yes.

(Admittedly, experience in both is limited. Usually, Shepard-Commander does the pacifying for them.

Now, they are on their own.)

[ It's still not entirely normal to communicate and have robotic elements literally mingling into the conversation, but Moana doesn't let that cause her to skip a beat. She deeply appreciates anyone who was considerate enough to talk with her on her weird arrival day, even if they'd come by through circumstance.

Another breath. ] But. [ Because there's always a but. ] You're not worried about what kinds of -- things, you'd have to do that to here? The, um...mirrors? [ That final word comes out sounding awkward, foreign. ] I'm not really sure what they even are? [ Primers only go so far. ] Would you be okay against them?

(They make an awkward chattering noise, then just stare at her for several moments.

Finally:)

The mirrors are not monsters. They are alternative versions of us.

Some mirrors are our allies.

Not as far as I know. There've been times in the past where she's pitted the real side against the mirror side, and it was never flat-out warfare. There was always some kind of game or trick to it. Which is kinda predictable, since nothing's ever straightforward around here.

She's never happy. I've talked to some mirrors about it, and they all confirm she's horrible pretty much 100% of the time.

[Welp, she's fucking got him there.] I can keep you safer than anyone else here. [That. At least. He can promise. ] How old are you, anyway?

yeah, there's a lotta folk here like that. not used to technology or any of it. all takes some figuring out.

[He can sympathize. The Underground was always about ten years behind the Surface, technologically speaking.]

i'm alright. not looking forward to this war business. but uh, hearts sure sounded serious.

[He scratches the side of his skull with a finger.]

considering it's wonderland, i think we can probably expect some kinda...exciting twist on it, at least. probably won't be your typical definition of a war. but who knows.

[Minato nodded at the invitation and did take a seat. He smiled though and was undaunted.]

I'm ready. Don't hold back, okay?

[That's what he did like about her so much. She always seemed so cheerful and optimistic even when she was worried.]

There's plenty of us who came from war, just not... This sort. Whatever this sort is plannin' on bein'.

[The question catches him offguard... People don't really tend to declare war without intending to follow through, right? But it's a good question. This place is strange and unpredictable. He considers for a moment before answering.]

... I think so, but even if it's not - Better to get ready for a war that doesn't happen than to ignore one that says it's coming, right?

I'm not quite sure what war per se will entail, but I rather suspect it won't be pleasant. Just having seen the events that occur and knowing some of what lurks on the other side of the mirrors promises that much. Deaths have thus far proven to be temporary, though it takes days to recover, and I don't suppose that is likely to hold out forever.

But we're preparing. There are a lot of people here who have valuable experience and skills that can help us survive.

[All in all, she sounds like she's taking the news rather well. Maybe she's just in shock. Either way, it's a rather friendly face.]

My name is Jemma, by the way.

[ She lets out a small "hmm" at the first part, at least. But Ange knows she's not exactly the expert when it comes to.. well, what seems like the native residents of this place, or whatever they are. She's not been here long enough for it.

So instead she focuses on the latter part. ]

It's called a pillow fight. People tend to do it at sleepovers. Have you never tried it before?

Mine too! We didn't live in a big fancy house. Although I went to one once while me and my brother Wirt were lost in the woods! It had ghosts.

[Well, it didn't really, but Greg's not great at details.]

[ Oh, well. This is a telling revelation, which leaves Moana blinking in surprise. Her mouth opens for a few moments before she's able to utter a reply. ] Uh...um. Just some of them? [ A long beat. ] Have you met your mirror?

[ Danger Will Robinson, this is gettin' weeeeird! ]

(They chatter.)

...Yes.

Our mirror is not an ally.

I'm noticing that trend, and I haven't even been here that long. So -- at least I know I'm not alone in thinking how random some of the stuff that happens seems to be.

[ Her forehead creases. ] That's. Just. Really depressing? Someone being miserable all the time. Do you think it'd be dangerous to talk to the mirrors now, after this? I mean. I haven't talked to any of them before. But, it sounds like they might know some useful stuff. [ She's trying to play it cool, considering going to talk to the mirrors, when she's pretty out of her depth regarding this whole world of the other side. ]

[ She nods to herself, taking a deep breath. Then, he asks that easy question. ] Sixteen. [ A beat. ] I've just...always kept myself, and my village, safe. Or I've tried to. But, it's... so different here, so -- thank you. For offering that.

It's nice not to feel alone, when it comes to that. [ A bright smile. ] And I think I've been learning pretty quick.

[ Listening closely, she gives a slow nod. Then, her brows lift just so. ] Exciting twists happen a lot around here, don't they? But, who knows how 'exciting' [ her eyes widen a tiny bit ] will pan out.

I wonder what the queen on this side thinks of all this. The way that, uh, Hearts was talking...it sounded really personal, like we're caught in the middle of some feud? [ She doesn't know if she's close to correct, but the queen she paid more attention to (not by choice, but that lady was cray) sure seemed to take things insanely personally. ] Between...sisters? [ Sans seems to know a bit of what's what, and he's fun to talk to, so Moana doesn't mind casually passing info by him in a quasi fact-checking manner. ]

learning quick is real important around here.

[They might get a warning for events, but they happen abruptly, and it's not like they get any real details beforehand. The fact that most events are some flavor of survival situation just makes it worse.]

[He gives a wry smirk.]

yeah, heh. exactly. more twists than a plate of spaghetti.

[He sighs a little and shrugs. He's not really fond of either Queen.]

they're sisters, yeah. wouldn't know it from the way they seem to fight.

[All siblings fight, but it always baffles him when people just plain don't get along with their siblings at all.]

hearts is easily offended, i think. as for read...i dunno. it's hard to get a read on her.

No, it's totally random. I came from a world where things are pretty simple-- no magic or anything-- so it took me a long time to get used to all the madness.

Mirrors are safe or dangerous on their own basis, so you have to get to know them first. Like any other person. But they are bound by whatever the Queen tells them to do, so even if they don't want to fight, they might be forced to against their will.

Edited 2018-03-31 18:40 (UTC)

Village. [Yeah, he's gonna read a lot into that world. No one in the US calls where they live a 'village'. ]

If anything looks too good to be true, get the hell away from it.

[Best advice he can offer. ]

You got a weapon you can use? [She did say 'kept safe'--in Frank's world, that means by means of weaponry.]

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