animus_network | [Video]

[Very swiftly Lorelei determines that perhaps Hyrule has a more interesting spiritual life than Auldrant did.]

I can see why your world favors spiritualism over technology, in that case. With your gods so obvious, it would be difficult to not believe in them.

[Lorelei had a good idea that 'god' is basically another word for 'aggregate consciousness'. He doesn't say so.]

I think I can work with that, however. Easier than the technological explanation! Has Asch ever mentioned to you what fonons are, and their types?

The Golden Ones returned to the heavens long ago, and Hylia... well, it is a lengthy tale, but though they have never been seen, their power and designs are still felt in my time and beyond.

[Hyrule's destiny may not be as rigid as Auldrant's Score, but it's still not precisely kind to its chosen ones. Zelda tilts her head, questioningly.]

"Fonons"...? No, that topic has never come up.

[Apparently Asch doesn't mention a lot of things.]

I should like to hear the tale one day, if you're willing. It sounds remarkable. Far different from anything else I've heard of.

[And things he didn't already know about or remember, were always keenly interesting. Hearing about other people's worlds in detail was a great way to spend time. ..If he could find people willing to talk.]

Hmmm. Well. Fonons are one of the basic building material of everything on Auldrant. Everything. Air, rocks, people, animals.. every single thing exists through varying combinations of the seven fonons. These particles are aligned with various elements: darkness, wind, earth, water, light, fire and sound, not in that order. Humans and some other species are able to use these elements to power all kinds of things, from machines to things you might call spells. Ask Asch to show you sometime, I know he's got quite a few in his list. Are you with me so far?

[Lorelei isn't going to dump the whole thing at once, he wants to make sure it's actually understood! Zelda seemed like an intelligent person, but too much new things could confuse anyone.]

... I suppose, if you would truly like to hear it, there would be no harm in telling it. You have certainly been kind in your efforts to make this explanation as understandable as possible.

[She doesn't really get why he would be so intrigued by what little she's given, but then... she doesn't get a lot of things regarding the other Tower residents. That has hardly stopped her from being friendly.

She listens intently.]

I believe so. They are a sort of... elemental energy that exists in all things, if I understand correctly?

I would. Hearing about worlds I've never seen is ... it's very interesting to me.

[Lives and fates who's futures he didn't remember in painfully exacting detail. It was a glorious, wonderful mystery!]

Yes, exactly. This combination of elements in everything produces a unique resonance, like a fingerprint. No two objects share the same ... well, to me it is perceived as sound. This is called a fonic frequency.

[There's another pause, though this time he continues after a moment of making sure that registers.]

Oh, right. To backtrack a tiny bit, if a single type of fonon is gathered together in great enough concentrations, say wind, or darkness, or light, once it hits a certain amount the aggregation of fonons becomes spontaneously sentient. They aren't unlike what some might call a 'god' but honestly it's more akin to an elemental spirit of some form. Even this pure concentration of fonons has a single frequency it resonates at, the unique fingerprint of that type of fonon. There are seven total, one for each fonon, which the humans have named Shadow, Gnome, Sylph, Undine, Efreet, Rem and Lorelei respectively.

[Lorelei thinks a moment, backtracking over what he's already said. This is a complicated thing!]

Any confusion so far? Sorry if I've rambled a bit.

Then whenever you would like, I shall tell of it. It would only be fair.

[She definitely didn't expect this much explanation when she asked what he meant about Luke and Asch. Fortunately for everyone involved, she's a quick study. She gives the screen a discerning look, head canted slightly to the side.]

... You are Lorelei, the elemental spirit of... sound, I presume? ['To me it is perceived as sound' leads her to that conclusion.] And as such you possess a fonic frequency that is wholly unique from anything else in the world, including the other spirits.

That's right.

[No sudden thinking he's a god, good. He wasn't, or at least didn't feel like one.]

Well, mostly right. My fonic frequency is my own, all bits of me share the same frequency, like how your hand or arm is still you. Everything that is 'me', has that frequency. Asch and Luke have the same fonic frequency. The exact same one, actually; there is absolutely no difference between my resonance and theirs.

[He beams.]

It's not exactly something that normally or even abnormally happens, but it did. Twice, in fact. They are me, as your hand is. They have my frequency, my power, some other things including appearance and probably some habits, and so on. That those me's have been raised differently and are human means they are also themselves at the same time.

[More or less. Lorelei still was certain his isofons were and were not extensions of himself. Explaining that to other people could be difficult.]

Ordinarily this means we can even share thought the way you can hear yourself when you think, but it is ... I guess, unpleasant ... for them when I do this. Painful. I probably don't think much like a human. So I haven't for a while.

[He missed it. It had once been a reminder he wasn't completely alone.]

[No offense to Lorelei, but her mental image of a god is much more... impressive. Elemental spirit will do just fine for shorthand.]

... I suppose that explains his singing ability.

[Said off-hand, a comment to fill the air as she processes this information. And she's also been here for well over two years now - it's difficult to legitimately surprise her with this sort of thing anymore. Still, the dubiousness in her expression suggests some amount of uncertainty with this explanation.]

Though I cannot imagine they are particularly fond of being thought of as akin to a limb or some... mere extension of a greater self. And I fear I do not understand how, by that logic, you are not them in the same way they are you.

[... Oh, Goddesses, that sentence hurt to say. She sighs, lifting a hand to scratch at her temple briefly.]

Perhaps those are the limitations of my own mortal mind at work. Forgive me, and thank you for explaining what you meant.

[Lorelei favored forms that were not particularly impressive. His other one is a small fuzzy almost rabbit-like thing, and he preferred that shape over the human one.]

I find races that aren't aggregates have a very different idea of what individuality is than we do. Many things get lost in translation, so to speak. Comparing what we are to one's hand or one's heart is the best I can do to put it into a term you might understand.

[Nonetheless, his smile is bright and encouraging.]

I don't think mortality has anything to do with it, really. You've just always been one solid tangible being, and my default state is a cloud of particles. By our very natures our perspectives differ. The only reason I am me, and they are me, is because I have been existing longer. One day I might die, and then they'll be existing longer and when I reform I will be them. Don't worry. Asch is still your friend, that's not my doing. Honestly, I don't think he likes me much, but if he likes you, then it's a wonderful thing.

I suppose... it is not so different from another friend of mine. He is the personification of an entire nation of people, and his being is made up of the souls of all the people he represents. Though... I do not think the connection goes both ways.

[Hm, she's never really asked England about how the Nation Thing works outside of that one instance with the glasses he got from Zo.]

Sometimes... I have difficulty understanding him, because as you said, our perspectives are different. No matter how I try, I simply cannot put myself in the shoes of a millennia-old nation.

[It's something that upsets her to some degree, clearly, because she's solemnly quiet for a moment after that. But only for a moment because then--]

[... Ahem.]

And I fear I do not see what is so special about our friendship, but thank you.

A nation?

[That's new. ... Did Kimlasca and Malkuth have their own representations? What would they be like? The thought is shaken off. If such a being existed, he'd never met them. Maybe it wasn't something Auldrant had.]

It's not easy understanding those born to physical bodies sometimes either. I guess it's confusion and strangeness all around! But still worthwhile, for me at least. Something new is always interesting.

[Things he didn't already remember. Like the entirety of Hyrule!]

Ah? Oh. Well. You might not.. be aware of this, but Asch isn't the sort to make friends easily. Um, or at all, back home. So I think it's wonderful. He wasn't the easiest to get along with for most people, and friends are amazing things for anyone, wouldn't you say? Every friendship is something to treasure.

[Lorelei rocks back on his heels a little, wide-eyed.]

Besides which, somehow you managed to get him to sing for you! It's really remarkable all around, I'd ask you to tell me your secrets but that might not work well.

Mm, though it does not stop me from wishing a deeper understanding were possible, particularly in times of hardship.

[Wistfully stated, with that same hint of melancholy from before. Wanting to help people but being unable to sucks.]

He does seem like the type to prefer a few close confidants over a myriad of more distant friends. He has always been kind to me, so I suppose I am doing something right.

[She smiles, jokingly. ~~If only you knew, Zelda. If only you knew.~~]

But I must clarify that I did nothing in getting him to sing. That was something else that occurred in your absence: we were among the number that were ejected from the Tower, and the hike back was very long. Somewhere along the way, one of our mutual acquaintances began singing a sort of marching tune to raise morale while we walked, and Asch joined in after the first verse or so. [A pause as she thinks back on the event.] His pitch is perfect, and he commands a great deal of power behind his notes. His tone quality is a bit rough around the edges, though, but I suppose that is fitting.

[Music nerd life.]

Edited (tenses, my mortal enemy) 2014-04-13 22:40 (UTC)

Perhaps when all this hardship is over, there will be the time and safety to discuss such things at leisure with your friend. I'm sure he'd be willing to try, and it might just take longer than we have in this place.

[This entire place is a hardship!!

Lorelei's smile is quick. She certainly was doing something right. Asch ... well, more people in his life that were positive, that was never a bad thing.]

You must be! I won't even guess at what that might be for fear of ruining it.

[And not meddle overmuch. Nothing ruined a friendship faster than people getting in the way. He pauses at the following clarification, eyebrows rising slightly.]

Hm, still of his own volition, so I consider it a win all around. The roughness may simply be a lack of practice, but that would be awfully tough to test out. I wonder if he'd be willing to sing for you, if you did ask?

[If only she knew for certain she would be able to see her friend again or not once this tower of tragedy reaches it's conclusion! She doesn't, though, and it's not something she'd like to think about, so that topic gets a nod and a vaguely affirmative sounding hum before being dropped.

Asch's singing though, that is something she will contemplate. Hmm...]

I could try. I cannot guarantee a miracle, but I think he has listened in on my own playing enough to be used as leverage with a bit of cleverness.

[Because of course it's going to take some cleverness; there's no way to get around Asch's stubbornness otherwise.]

I won't ask for miracles.

[Not when he's already getting them. That would be greedy!]

Perhaps he could be easier encouraged into a duet then? If you've played for him, perhaps you and he could find a song both of you are familiar with, and he may feel less.. put on the spot.

[Maybe. Of course there's a new layer of thrilled on that; Zelda played music too!]

... A duet?

[She clearly hadn't considered that option (though it makes sense on second thought, given Asch only joined in on the marching song after Enoch had begun), and it's also clear she has some feelings wrapped up in that idea by the way her gaze drops off to the side as she considers it.]

I suppose... I have not played in a duet in a while. [Looking back to the screen.] Though, if I recall correctly, the only song I have played around him that possesses lyrics has been a lullaby.

[Which she somehow thinks he wouldn't be too terribly keen on, even if it is also the song of the Hylian Royal Family.]

[Something in her response makes him a touch cautious. Her hesitation, maybe. Was it an unpleasant thought for her? Bad memories or associations? Simply having nothing easily come to mind?

He didn't know, and was unsure of how to ask. As Zelda speaks, he tilts his head to one side like a curious dog.]

There are other options of course, if you find the idea of a duet unpleasant. I'm not sure why a lullaby would be a terrible choice, they're often songs of affection, are they not? And you are friends. It seems suitable to me.

[But Lorelei's grasp on what's suitable to everyone else is ... associative.]

[She smiles then, trying to be reassuring, though it's still a touch awkward around the edges.]

No, I do not find it unpleasant. Just... nostalgic, is all.

[She'll explain if asked, but if that's a satisfactory answer on its own, then there's no need to trouble someone she's just met with the stories of lost friends.]

And I am just uncertain if he would approve of it as a choice, given its softer and, as you said, more affectionate nature.

[Memories were always an issue with others, it seemed. He nods, slightly, still careful. Maybe another topic would be better? ..Except Lorelei likes music, and talking about it and ... .. choices.]

I hope a more pleasant sort of nostalgia than painful. I did not intend to stir anything unhappy.

[Asch versus lullaby. Well, not something you could probably coerce the errant young duke to perform in public..]

He might, if it were a friend to ask. Likely not where others might hear it though. It may well be ... nostalgic for him as well, to perform lullabyes. You never know. It may be worth trying.

The memories I have of those I have played with are fond, but as I said, it has been some time since I have had anyone to play with.

[So, a little of both, really. It's okay, Lorelei; she's not upset. Though she still looks a bit dubious about the prospects of getting Asch to sing a lullaby.]

I suppose that is true... [No risk, no reward, and all that.] I could try, but I will not insist if he flusters too much. The last thing I wish to do is scare him off of performing at all.

[That perfect pitch should not be wasted!!]

Ahh, I see. Then it might be a bit of a learning experience for both of you then. Some skills never truly go away. I like to think song is one of them. And then you'll have new memories alongside the old ones, bound by the same melody.

[He liked the idea.]

....That's the trouble with a prideful person, I've found. They're easy to scare off.

[Ruffle their feathers and they just shut down! But Lorelei's sure that Zelda would be able to find a way to pull it off. She looked capable of that sort of perseverance.]

As much as I'm terribly tempted to ask you to let me know how it goes, I'm afraid he'll probably outright refuse if he knew you might pass on his musical endeavors! So I won't. It's enough to think perhaps someone out there could give him a good reason to practice his singing.

[And why not? Music's in Asch's nature! Surely she can coax it out!!]

It sounds so sentimental like that...

[But as much as she might try to pretend otherwise on the average day, she is a terribly sentimental person at heart, especially when it comes to the people she has come to care for.]

But yes, I must agree with you there. There is a reason I made this conversation private, after all. [Casually poking into knight's background while he can't do anything about it, she is such a good lady.] As I said, I do not know if the reasons I could give would necessarily be good enough for him, but I can certainly try should we have the chance.

What's wrong with sentimentalism? If it wasn't a good thing, so many people wouldn't be fond of it, right?

[There is a glaring flaw in Lorelei's logic here, but pointing it out may or may not result in blank confusion.]

Ahh, I'd assumed you'd done so to prevent anger, not embarrassment. I seem to not quite bring out the best in him, it seemed likely. I wish you all the luck with this!

[She'll need it.]

On that note I should probably see about digging up the rest of the information I'm after. If you have any other questions though, I'll be happy to answer them.

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