nexus_crossings | (no subject)

(no subject)

There's a new addition to the nexus; a young woman in her early twenties with a small duffel bag slung over one shoulder, wearing a completely bewildered expression as well as pointe shoes, tights, and an oversized jumper over a black leotard.

She was expecting to leave her class and end up in the main theatre for rehearsal; instead, she's God knows where. After walking a little, she stops and looks around again, trying casually not to panic in a way that only the British are able; usually this involves a couple of deep breaths and muttering to yourself, but is subject to change.

"This is fine. Totally fine. I'm just completely lost in a place I've worked for years. Totally normal."

and then, at normal speaking volume;

"If there's anyone here, I'd really appreciate a hand. Anyone?"

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Her brows raise in surprise as she takes a step back, and she opens her mouth to comment, but thinks better of it. How a staff that size was concealed so well under a cape is - or at least, probably should be - the least of her concerns.

What the stranger is saying makes pretty much no sense to her, and the suggestion that she could be dead doesn't faze her much either. Class and rehearsals were gruelling, yes - but not enough to kill her.

The idea of going back is definitely tempting at any rate.

"And I'm guessing that someone would be you..?"

"You catch on quick! Yes, I make portals to and from places should the need or request arise. Child's play for someone as skilled and magnificent as myself." And he's humble too! "Oh, but here I am, yammering on about our surroundings without giving proper introduction."

There is a grand flourish and twirl of his claw before the mage dips into a low bow. "Ixis Naugus, master of the elements and sorcerer supreme! I'm a very important fellow here in the Nexus; how lucky to have met me so soon after your arrival, hm?"

At this point, Grace really has no idea what's happening here; all she can do is listen to him tell her how amazing he is while she tries to process her situation.

Maybe she fell asleep and this is an elaborate dream, in which case she can just roll with it and hope she wakes up soon enough to not be fired. Only, this doesn't feel like she's dreaming. Her feet still hurt and her legs ache, things she's usually spared when sleeping.

When Ixis bows to her and introduces himself, she manages a small, somewhat nervous smile.

"I suppose it's is, yes" and then, after a pause, "...I'm Grace"

"Grace!" He straightens up back to his not-so-impressive height (only clearing five feet by a few inches, not including that weird horn on his head) as he repeats her name. "A lovely name. A meaningful name! So do tell; where do you hail from? What is the name of your zone, should you know it? What do you last recall before arriving here with us?"

(The fact that he's 5" and she's 5"9 just made this whole interaction that much funnier to me)

Her smile can't help but widen a little when he compliments her name; she's more used to people commenting on how it correlates to her livelihood.

"Thank you - and I'm not sure I know the name of my 'zone', but I'm from a place called London?" there's a little inflexion there because, honestly? She's not sure he'll have heard of it. Or Earth, for that matter.

"I was in one of the studios at work, rehearsing. I left the studio and walked out into this place."

((He's so not used to being the short one. IT IS UPSETTING TO HIM.))

"London. Hrrmm. I recall Viatorus mentioning such a place. Earth, then? Or some version of it. Walkers know there were countless variants of Mobius, I'm positive Earth is no different. But no need for fuss! Tracking it down is always a trivial matter for someone like me. Assuming, of course, you'd care to employ my assistance? I wouldn't blame you either if you'd care to explore first? Maybe you're here for a reason! Odds are good you're not, but you never know!"

She's starting to get the idea that Ixis likes the sound of his own voice. Just a little. Still, her face lights up very briefly when he says he could possibly help her get back.

"If you could get me home, I would appreciate it - but I have no way of repaying you."

Given that he used the word 'employ', Grace is assuming he'd want payment of some description in exchange.

He adores his own voice, just as much as he loves all of himself and also his powers. Nothing is better! He reaches to pat her arm consolingly with the crab claw he has instead of a left hand. That's probably not very consoling due to the fact.

"Much like your name, I am quite gracious when the desire strikes me. I've helped create portals for little more than a gentleman's agreement! No muss, no fuss. And if you were still insistent upon payments, I'd be happy to take in a favour when the need arises. You'd be surprised what I consider useful."

She doesn't outwardly react to his hand - or lack thereof - except for a slight eyebrow raise. While having a crab claw instead of a hand isn't usual at all, she still has manners.

"That's very generous of you - I'm just a dancer, so I'm not sure what sort of favour I could grant, but that sounds like a better deal than nothing"

Naugus rasps a laugh. "Hhhhaha! You'd be surprised! Everyone has their talents and their uses. But how about I continue to express goodwill and give you time to dwell on it? I'm certainly not so crass to crowd a fresh-faced arrival into a snap decision." Not today, anyway.

"Here. Look yonder, if you will." He reaches again to usher Grace into turning her gaze towards the distance behind her. Well and far away from the forum they currently stand in, slightly hazy due to the distance, is a tall and slender tower. It nearly looks like a natural feature made all of craggy stone and irregular surfaces. "See that? That is my tower. My home and study. Should you spend enough time here and find neither a way back or anyone able to assist you in your return, make your way there posthaste. Present yourself at the door and state your name and business and, if I am home, I will answer and see to solving your problem. Does this sound fair?"

Following his prompt, Grace looks to the skyline and soon catches sight of the tower he's talking about. It looks a long way off, but then if she gets desperate enough to leave, perhaps it would be worth the journey.

She's unsure about Ixis, or rather what he'll expect her to do for him if she does end up going to him. That's a bridge she'll cross if and when she comes to it.

"It does, yes...I'll bear that in mind, thank you"

"Excellent, excellent. You're a smart girl, I'm sure. You'll find your way around, you'll take in the sights, and then remember your friend Ixis Naugus when the time comes to return home." Okay, Naug, you might be laying it on a little thick here.

"But for now, I must leave you, I'm afraid. I'm a busy man! Places to go, things to purchase, matters to research. You understand, I'm sure. But until next time, Grace." And with another grand flourish of the claw, a deep bow, the bizarre figure evaporates into smoke and drifts away on a sudden sharp breeze.

Showoff.

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