realmofstories | The Little Prince • 01

Entry tags:

The Little Prince • 01

Characters: Lotor [ Reynard the Fox ]; anyone
Campaign: Break
Format: I start in [ brackets ], but you choose
Open
Summary: Lotor's introduction, settling in, etc.

A. An unexpected journey
[He hadn't been able to resist the lure of a mysterious book, especially since books are relics of the ancient past. Help us it had read. No one has ever asked him for help before, making it doubly mysterious. He'd been so eager to go on an actual adventure that he'd agreed. Father never lets him do anything! Well, Father had nothing to do with this.

Now he's—here, in the middle of an unfamiliar city, on his own. Well, not completely on his own. His cat is still with him. Kova is sitting on his shoulder and gives a sharp mew, not any less confused than Lotor is. Lotor notices an unfamiliar collar on Kova's neck and frowns at it, tapping it with a clawed finger. The collar has a small plaque on it which reads: Tybalt: Prince of Cats. That's not Kova's name, so it's odd, and he doesn't know what to make of it. What's also odd is the fact that Lotor's head... feels weird. Lotor reaches up to feel very real, very furry ears rising from his head. Furry ears aren't strange to him, but he shouldn't have any. He hadn't realized that would be part of the adventure. His ears and his fox tail twitch.]

Do I look like you, Kova? What do you think?

[Kova doesn't seem to approve or disapprove. He mews again. Lotor pets his head. He's still beyond delighted with his new cat.]

—Stay with me, and I'll look after you. We're going to be of assistance.

B. Home is where the heart is
[His new residence is... a cave. Well, more of a den, really. It has a low ceiling. It looks like it was dug out of the earth, and the bed is a raised platform of earth. And while the place is snug and cozy—as well as neat, in spite of its earthen walls—Lotor can't imagine anything different from his usual spacious rooms aboard the greatest ship in the Galra fleet, with their smooth, metal walls. It's so bizarre. And he's meant to live here?

After walking in, Lotor walks out. He could use some assistance. He's sure there must be something he can do about this. Maybe someone else has more information on the subject.]

Excuse me—do you know how to apply for a change of residence?

C. A book in the hand
[Lotor is sitting outside in the snow, still unsure of what to make of his new residence. The cold never bothered him (anyway). He's trying to figure out how the journal works. It's a completely mystifying new technology. Although it seems primitive, it's unlike anything the Galra Empire has created. He's apparently deep in thought, exploring all aspects of this curious device.

It does seem to be capable of sending messages to others. He finally uses his quill to write a message, viewable to everyone:]

I am Prince Lotor of the Galra Empire. Who are you, and what planet are you from?

[Handwriting. It's so old fashioned! As he's sitting and experimenting, a playful child throws a snowball at Lotor, as if trying to start a game. Entirely unused to the idea of "playing", Lotor plucks the snowball out of the air and neatly throws it back.]

D. The quick white (and purple) fox
[Having discovered his powers, Lotor is very excited to try them out, which why there is a small white fox with a purple-tipped tail darting (and sneaking) through the streets of the city.

Lotor is very curious about everything, and as a small fox, there's basically nowhere that he can't fit. He does blend in with the snow, but the touches of purple at his tail, ears, and paws stand out. He may even brush right by you.]

E. Wildcard
[Message my journal or

teacuppity if you have any other ideas!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The Disciple was heading back into town after doing some "tests" out in the forest when a young...fox child? Suddenly comes up to him.]

Not that I'm aware of. [A pause, the ears and tail are a bit distracting.] You could try writing to the Storyteller, though I can't say if he'll answer.

And how am I to do that? Using the book?

[Lotor's ears twitch with interest.

Lotor has his book, of course, all in red leather, with an unsurprising fox motif. A fox-tail shape swoops across the front. Lotor turns it over in his hand. It's very much an archaic artifact, from his standpoint. Much like his strange residence. He turns it over in his hands, not for the first time.]

I'd heard of books before, but I never saw one for myself until now.

[That's a...curious statement. Is he actually a fox turned person?]

In this case, yes. Normally books are meant for reading where I'm from, but here, the books we receive are a means of communication as well.

Texts like these are all digitized where I'm from, and we use the comm system on our ships to communicate. Books were something the ancients used.

[Not that he doesn't like the book. It's kind of interesting, especially since this one functions like a computer in some ways—so, it's a different kind of technology. He drums his claws against the leather cover, curious.]

What do you know about this Storyteller? You called him "he"—Have you met him?

[Lotor has communicated with the Storyteller, but hasn't seen or spoken to his person directly, so they remain a figure of mystery.]

...I see. [Digitize? Comm system? By that blank look on his face, he has no idea what any of that is. The child is from an advanced world with futuristic communications, that he can gather as much. Definitely not a fox then.]

I haven't met him, no. He's only been communicating with us through the journals, leaving us with assignments. [A shrug.] Certainly able to use some kind of powerful magic to be able to bring us here and maintain this place.

I do like seeing how the ancient technology works. Although these books are—magic, so they're different.

[Lotor really is fond of the magic book, no matter how technologically ancient as books are from his perspective. He wishes he could do magic...]

If I write to him to ask for a new residence, do you think he'll write me back?

[Lotor gestures in the direction of his "home".]

It's just a hole in the ground.

[A very nice hole, relatively, but still. Galra don't live in holes.]

[...Children sure talk a lot.] I couldn't say, but there's no harm in asking.

[He glances over to the "hole"] Even if he doesn't answer, I don't think you'd be in trouble if you chose another home, as long as it's vacant.

I will ask, then.

[He would like to see if he gets a response.]

You mean I can enter any unoccupied residence and claim it for myself?

[That's an interesting idea. But not a bad one.]

Are there many vacant homes here?

[He hasn't been here long enough to have explored extensively. He's also not used to private, separate homes.]

[A light shrug.] Couldn't say, but I'm sure there's at least a few. You'll have to take a look yourself.

[...Was that suffice information for the kid? Because he's turning to make an attempt to head deeper into the forest.]

I will look, then, and see if there's one that's suitable to occupy.

[While he tries to make his escape, Lotor isn't having it. He's much too curious. So he continues to ~~annoy~~ accompany the stranger.]

And who are you? How long have you been here?

[He's guessing from this person's words and bearing that he was also brought into this world from somewhere else.]

[Oh no, now he's a babysitter.]

...A few months. You never introduced yourself. [He walked up to him, didn't he?]

[Oh. That's a good point. Lotor is not in the habit of introducing himself, because at home, everyone already knows who he is before they encounter him, and royalty means not being obligate to make your own introductions. However, now that it was pointed out to him, he does the work himself.]

I did not. I am Prince Lotor of the Galra Empire, and I have arrived here recently.

...You're a prince. [That gets a glance from him. Well if he had said anything out of place, Lotor hasn't pointed it out. The title doesn't mean much in this world as is, so what was he concerned about?]

Disciple.

Yes, I am. My father is the emperor.

[This is something else Lotor usually doesn't have to mention, considering how well-known it is. He doesn't know the customs of this place, however, and he's currently more interested in learning about them than in imposing Galra customs on them. He usually never gets to go anywhere like this!]

Disciple. Is that a name or a title?

A title. [He comes to a stop, turning to the boy.] Is there a reason you're still following me?

[Lotor has no issue with being given a title. In the empire, people are referred to by titles rather than names quite commonly.]

Yes, there is a reason, Disciple.

[Not a full answer, but at least an answer!]

[He crosses his arms.] What is it that you still want with me? [He's not moving to his destination while the kid is still with him.]

I want to speak with you. I'm interested in learning more about the people who were brought to this world.

[Lotor can sense that his presence is not exactly welcome, but it usually isn't welcome back home either, so he is unfazed by the Disciple's manner.]

[If he wasn't in the middle of something, he'd probably tolerate this more. He sighs.]

Could it wait for another time? [...] Your highness.

[Lotor does appreciate the added "your highness".]

If you agree to return, then you may depart now.

[Noblesse oblige. But he's not going to make it too easy.]

When will you be back?

[He wanted to point out that he doesn't really have any power over him here, but chooses not to vocally say so.]

Tomorrow. [He's got a whole list of things to do, you see.] It's a long wait, but I promise I keep to my word.

[Lotor doesn't really have power over people at home, either, but he chooses not to point that out, and he enjoys being (somewhat) respected.]

I will allow it. Then I will meet you here tomorrow.

[Lotor isn't in a rush, as he has exploring to do and a new house to find, so he's not that worried about the wait.]

Hm. [Why is he even agreeing to this?

So come the appointed time and place the next day, the Disciple will sure enough return to meet with Lotor as promised. He'll put his bag down and sit on a log to wait. He doesn't expect this to take very long, not when he barely knows much about himself. Considering how curious that boy was though...well, it's a good thing he kept the rest of his day open.]

[Lotor decides to take him at his word (if he doesn't keep his word, Lotor feels sure he can find him somehow anyway).

When the Disciple arrives at the same place the next day, he doesn't have to wait long, because Lotor has been looking out for him. This kind of social appointment is new to him. It's always Father who schedules meeting and does everything. Lotor doesn't get to do anything interesting. Usually. Here, things are different.

Because he's also having fun being able to change form, he dashes up in the form of a small white fox, with purple-tipped paws and ears. If you can change into a fox, it's hard to resist doing it. Once he reaches the Disciple, however, he shifts into his own form.]

Greetings, Disciple.

[He's using his princely formality.]

I see you're on time for your audience.

[...Did he just see a fox turn into a person? Maybe he's just a little curious as what this boy's essence is. He closes his eyes for a moment to regain his composure.]

I said I would, though I doubt you'll get much insight from me. What do you want to ask?

[Lotor, having the essence of a trickster fox, is a little amused to have unsettled the Disciple's composure. But he doesn't mention it, because he does actually have a lot of questions he'd like to ask. Not Disciple, but in general. This is his first time getting to form relations with other species—since obviously he's a representative of the empire here (if not doing what his father would want him to do in any way).]

I'm glad you kept your word. What does it mean that you're the Disciple? What do you do?

I'm an apprentice, practicing law in my world. [Doesn't quite explain why he's not giving a name.]

[Lotor was expecting that he was some kind of apprentice or student, but he was not expecting that.]

Law? How is that practiced? Isn't it absolute?

[The Galra legal system may not be the most fair system in the universe.]

No, it is flawed, like the people who create them. [There's a bitterness to his words. He relaxes his tone.]

At least where I'm from, there is a system in place that keeps it's own people in check. No one is ever above the law, and everyone has a right to be judged fairly regardless of status. That's the idea anyway.

We don't have a system like that. In the Galra Empire, people who are accused of wrongdoing are brought before the tribunal and judged. The government appoints the tribunal members.

Though military commanders do have the right to order executions without tribunal in the case of treason.

[Might makes right, basically.]

How do you practice law?

...Almost like a jurist system, but not made of the common people? So you have a more military government?

[This is admittedly interesting to listen about. He may have forgotten everything about himself, but he was always rather attached to the handling of the law.]

On a broad scale, practicing law means having the qualifications to offer legal advice and consoling. There are a number of professions in the field. As a prosecutor, we represent the government in the court of law and my job is to present a case against the accuse.

Yes, the military is the government. The emperor leads both of them, and his word is law.

[It's 100% about Emperor Zarkon, 100% of the time. Lotor nods. Some of what the Disciple is saying is familiar, but—not all of it.]

We don't have anyone to offer advice. But we do have prosecutors to present the evidence.

[Legal advice? You're not going to get that if accused of a crime in the empire.]

Hm, I imagine there's no need for it, when the Emperor's word is law. [He'd...probably drive himself mad if he was under that kind of system.]

[An older teen boy happens upon them. He's garbed in green, and he's wearing a green hat atop his short blonde hair. Also, his entire right forearm/hand is currently made out of some plant-like substance.]

Yo. [He says, waving to the unfamiliar boy and looking towards his cat.] Nice cat!

Yo? What kind of greeting is that?

[Lotor's more curious than critical. Galra generally don't say yo. Not that he's heard. Finn's appearance is strange to him, but his education has familiarized him with a wide range of species, so an unknown alien with a plant arm isn't the oddest thing he's seen. He may simply be from a plant-armed race of people.

The stranger has the sense to compliment his cat, at least. Lotor reaches up to scratch Kova under the chin, and the cat purrs.]

He is, isn't he? His name is Kova.

[Such a good boy.]

[Finn just gives a casual shrug in response to the question.]

I dunno, it's just a greeting. One that's all casual-style, y'know?

[He smiles as the cat purrs.]

Awww! Hey there Kovu, little guy! I'm Finn!

"Casual-style?" Is Casual the name of your species?

[The Empire doesn't really do "casual", and Lotor has no frame of reference for the term, even though he understands what this alien is saying otherwise. Lotor doesn't like not knowing things, but so far, there seems to be no downside to asking questions here. Meeting a new alien—he never gets to do this kind of thing all on his own, back on the Command Ship.

Kova seems to take no issue with Finn, so, encouraged, Lotor introduces himself.]

And I am Prince Lotor.

[Finn chuckles.]

Nah, I'm a human. Being casual isn't a species, it's just a way to be! Y'know, all relaxed and laidback. [He shrugs.]

Oh, a prince! Cool. Nice to meet you! [He's used to working with royalty and gives a little bow.]

Oh. So casual speech is like a dialect based on your culture?

[He is interested in the idea. Relaxed and laidback. That's—not like home at all.]

A human. I've never met one of you before. What planet are you from?

[This sounds like a safe place to start a conversation. He can't remember ever hearing about the Empire attacking humans, so—probably they're not enemies. This human doesn't seem hostile, anyway. And he even bows with respect, which pleases Lotor. He is very excited to be meeting a new person from an unknown planet. Father would never allow him to do this—which is part of the reason he'd agreed to help the Storyteller.]

Did you also make an agreement with the Storyteller?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Little Prince • 01

B

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

A

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject