victory_road | [01] video

...this is working, right.

[Well, here's... this guy, unsteadily holding the Pokegear a bit away from his face in the manner of those unfamiliar with technology and giving it a bit of a Look, before he turns to look at a somewhat chubby looking resident of New Bark Town in overalls and a pink shirt, who nods and gives him a thumbs up.]

...well, I guess you're right, then. Technology really is amazing.

[Right. So. time to pretend he's not as confused, annoyed, and creeped out as he really is. smile for the camera, and...]

Anyway, I've been told I'd have some better luck possibly finding someone who's actually heard of Republic City by using this, so... if you have, exactly what are we doing here? Did I just... trip into the Spirit World on my way to the office? That's definitely what this is starting to feel like, and while I'm sure it's extremely enlightening I have better things to do back home.

For various reasons, I'm sure that's not going to be as simple as I'm hoping, but someone has to have an explanation here, right...

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Well, I can't actually complain given that he's a friendly little guy, although I'm not entirely certain why the locals seem to think I'll be having him fight other strange, small creatures all the time.

[that's weird and not good...]

...so is this a common thing, then? You're just going about your business and then suddenly, you wake up here?

Unfortunately, it is. All the people you'll talk to on this device are in the same boat. Faster than blinking, we're just... here.

[She waves her hand around, motioning to her surroundings.]

I know it may be hard to believe, but it's not quite as bad as it sounds, when you learn more about our situation.

I've... been getting that impression, yes. I guess it's better than anything else to think of this as an unexpected vacation with no consequences, which... isn't entirely unwelcome, come to think about it.

That's a very good outlook to have on this place!

[She laughs.]

I'm guessing whatever role or job you had back home is a bit on the stressful side?

It certainly is. Politics are always stressful, of course, but things back home were... well, heating up, and not in the good way. Things were starting to get under control, of course, but it's certainly not going to be an easy thing to completely deal with.

[The good thing with Elsa is that she knows very well the need for privacy, and when people just don't want to expand on certain subjects. So she doesn't prod, but focuses instead on another thing he said, even though it's a bit worrying, what with people she knows hailing from Republic City and all...]

Politics? So you're a leader of some sort, then?

Indeed I am --- not a lone leader, of course.

Oh, wait, I haven't introduced myself properly, either, have I? That's not very leaderly of me, really. I'm Tarrlok, one of Republic City's councilmen, which is definitely not the easiest job in the world, but someone's got to do it.

[Luckily for Tarrlok, Elsa's never had any discussions with Korra or Asami about the people they've faced over the years, so that name doesn't ring any bells!]

It's quite a pleasure, Tarrlok. My name is Elsa, and believe me, I understand you quite well. [She laughs.] Before I was brought here, I was the queen of my kingdom.

[Not that she throws that out there much anymore... but yeah, she can definitely relate to his situation.

... Oh! Him mentioning Republic City again does make her wonder...]

Ah, if you don't mind me asking... are you one of the "benders" of your world?

Oh.

[...he suddenly feels like he hasn't been formal enough, but she probably... would've yelled at him for not addressing her properly if she cared, so...???]

Well, I suppose it makes sense that this place wouldn't really discriminate, all things is considered. Still, it's always a bit awe-inspiring to suddenly find yourself in the presence of royalty, so pardon any awkwardness.

And yes, I am a bender, though... obviously, I don't have any of those abilities here. I... suppose you would've learned about them from someone else here, then?

[Elsa blushes, looking a little flustered at his politeness. It's been a while since someone here acted that way around her...!]

Oh no, it's quite alright! I don't mind at all. Arendelle is in a completely different realm than this one, so... my title doesn't carry much weight here.

[It's... really nice, being treated like just a regular person. It's one of the things she's going to miss about this world once she returns home.]

Ah, yes I have. One of my good friends here is Avatar Korra.

I guess that's just something we all have to get use to here, then, for better or for worse.

[...hahahaah... haha... oh.]

Oh... well, that's definitely good to hear, then. She's... something, alright.

She is, yes.

[Oh god, that fondness in her voice... you've stumbled upon one of Korra's good friends here, Tarrlok. Congratulations!]

You knew her, then? I didn't want to assume, but if you're both important figures in your world....

Oh, yes, we've worked together on several projects, but... not terribly often. We're not... terribly close.

Oh, I see...

[Well, her smile doesn't seem to fade at all. If he's such an important political figure, and Korra is such an important spiritual figure, it would make sense that they're both likely too busy to have much downtime together.]

Well, even so. It's very nice to meet an acquaintance of Korra's. If there's anything I can do for you, please, don't hesitate to ask.

Well, I'll keep it in mind, but I don't want to trouble you too much. I pride myself on being fairly self-sufficient, but... I suppose there is such a thing as having too much faith in yourself, isn't there?

For the most part, I think that's a very admirable quality. [You know, because she's had absolutely zero faith in herself for most of her life and all.] But it's far too easy for that to turn into something like overblown pride, and that can be a bad thing.

Ah, but for however confident you are in your abilities to adapt to this land... you'll find that the people here are almost aggressive in their desire to help. It's endearing, honestly.

Well, you need moderation in anything, don't you? It's best to know your limits, but I definitely think it's worth challenging yourself when you can.

But it is good to know that I can find a helping hand if I'm in over my head.

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