touchscreens | {first prayer} video

[The video starts with a close-up of a man's face. He blinks several times, and then breaks out into a wide grin.]

Ah! I believe it is recording now, yes? [He straightens to his full height, but since the terminals are set at a height equal to about his waist, the feed is filled with the image of his breastplate and robes.

He stops and makes a surprised sound, and he squats again so that it focuses on his face.] Goodness. Why did they place these machina at...? Ah, well. [He smiles brightly.]

Hello! I am Braska. I have two things I would like to address today.

The first is to offer my services to any who need it, free of charge. I am a skilled healer with years of experience, and I need not rely entirely on White Magic. I am also capable of using natural herbal remedies, though I need some time to accustom myself to what is available here in Saeng Seong. I have to admit, I am not skilled in the use of machina and other advanced techniques, but if anyone would be willing to teach me, I would love to learn!

Now, of course, I am sure there are those of you who are asking, "what's the catch?" If it would make you feel better, you may pay me, but I truly will not ask for anything from you in exchange. This is something I did for a living many years ago when I was a priest. I want nothing more than to help. Please, do believe me in this.

Now, my second topic! I would like to hear about the magic where you are from. I have been studying magic since I was young, so it is of a special interest of mine, you see! Or, if you are from a place without magic, as difficult as it is for me to imagine... How does your home operate without it? I am willing to explain these things about where I am from, if you are interested!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Are coffeemakers common there?

[.............. braska]

Oh? What kind of specific situations were they called machina?

Y... [Well that was an interesting start. Certainly one he wasn't expecting. He can't help but look a little surprised as he answers.] Yes, actually. Do you... drink coffee?

Mostly in old phrases that came from ancient languages. We got the word "machines" from the word machina.

Not often! But I saw one in the lobby of the welcoming center, and I have to admit, I've been fascinated ever since. Where I am from, what machina is available is -- was strictly mandated by the church. One as frivolous as a coffeemaker is something of a novelty to me.

I see, I see. How interesting! What kinds of machines are available where you are from?

I see... [He might have to ask you more about that later, Braska, but you're the one asking things at the moment, so he'll hold off for now.] It must be an interesting experience for you.

[He catches the emphasis and gives a quiet chuckle.] All sorts. There are some more essential ones, like refrigerators to keep food cold and lamps that work on electricity instead of fire, and things for transportation that are powered by engines... trains, cars, buses, airplanes. There are a lot of ones for communication, too, sort of like what we're talking on now.

Edited (html :() 2013-07-01 01:35 (UTC)

Hmmmm. We have ice boxes, electricity, and some engine-powered vehicles... but not many. We certainly don't have any machina like these terminals! If something like it was introduced to Spira, it would be revolutionary.

I can imagine. This kind of thing is pretty common in my world... Most of the people I knew had a smaller version they could carry with them, called a phone. You could just talk with people, do a video like this, or just send text. Most of the ones I know could take pictures or record video, too, along with a lot of other things. [He's starting to realize how complicated this all must sound to someone not familiar with it...]

I'm hoping to get a phone here soon, myself. It would be nice to be able to keep in touch with people on the network without having to be at a specific place...