pipers_son | 004 // Video

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, hello!

[That sure is Joker, the backdrop being... somewhere near Azalea maybe? The forests look familiar enough. Anyone who hasn't seen or met him before can probably see very clearly that his right arm is completely missing and the shirt sleeve simply hangs limp. No prosthetic for him, not that he'd want that one in particular anyway... In his right hand, however, there are three brightly colored balls. He's as chipper as usual.]

I've been teachin' my Invidia a few tricks of the trade, as it were, when it occurred ta me that I could show you fine lot a thing or two. Invidia, say hello. [There's a beat, and then the hand of a Zoroark slowly comes into frame to give a quick wave before retreating. Joker chuckles.] He has a bit a stage fright, but nothin' that can't be worked on. Anyway, we've been workin' on jugglin'! I can't show the whole thing, bein' a bit impaired, but knowin' how to juggle three balls in one hand is really just somethin' ya need ta learn anyway if ya want ta juggle six with both! [He clears his throat and starts to speak a bit slower and more clearly, accent less noticeable. Thanks to one Maka Albarn, he's remembered that not everyone is from dear ol' England as he is.]

So let's get started, shall we?

For the beginners in the crowd, it's best to start off with just two. [He tosses one of the balls off-screen to Invidia before showing how he's holding the balls in his hand to the camera.] You aren't going to want to toss them up too high right now- since you only have two, it shouldn't be much of a problem. The one in your fingers is what you'll toss up first. When it's at it's highest, then you throw the second one. [He demonstrates.] Just focus on catching them, and not the juggling part just yet. When you've gotten the hang of that... [He starts to keep the pattern going, hand moving in a slight circular movement.] Just keep it going.

[Joker keeps this up for a moment, actions smooth and effortless. It feels good to know he can still do these kind of tricks even if he's a bit impaired. Soon enough, he catches both balls again.]

Really, you have the same idea with three balls. [The third is tossed back to him.] You just have to be a little faster and toss them a little higher. I shouldn't have to tell anyone that eye-hand coordination is the key here. Again, don't rush yourself. Just do the catches first and then after a bit of practice...

[He starts to juggle the three, a blur of color going about in a circle through the air. Joker seems rather happy with himself.]

So that's how you do it! It's a bit harder than it looks, I'll grant you that, but you should get the hang of it if you practice. Got that, Invidia? [There's an affirmative sound from the Zoroark. Joker finally stops juggling, hopping a little bit as he rushes to catch the balls.]

So what about the rest of you? Anyone else have fun little tricks they want to share? What kind of things did you like to do before coming here? I'm all ears!

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[Oh, gosh, that was entertaining! Juggling isn't a skill that France has needed to show off in a good long while, but he does remember the joy of such performances.]

Bravo! That was an excellent explanation. I'm personally much more given to the ballet and grand opéra myself, but that's quite impossible to put on here without a proper theatre. Ecruteak's lovely Kimono Girls are wonderful, but it isn't the same.

Edited 2014-01-20 07:21 (UTC)

[That earns an impressed whistle from him.]

Ballet and the opera! That does sound like some fancy events- I've never been able ta see any of them myself. I'm just a humble circus ringleader~. [He gives a bow, his arm crossing in front of his chest.] Joker, at yer service and glad that ya enjoyed it!

[Hooray, someone else who has a flair for the theatrical! France gives a flourishing bow of his own, although the 'Gear cuts off part of his hand's motion.]

It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance for this Republic of France, Joker!

Republic of France? [The question marks can practically be seen floating off of him. He feels like this sort of thing has been mentioned before but by someone else in an entirely different conversation...] That certainly is quite a mouthful.

No doubt it's rather obvious, but I'm takin' it that means yer French then?

[France wouldn't be surprised. There don't seem to be many Nations hanging around any more from his world here in this one, and even when there were, it was as if there was a revolving door on all but himself. France has been in this world for a long time.]

Most people just call me "France," and, yes, I am French and all that concept encompasses from my world. I'm guessing that there is a place called France in your world, then?

I'll... try not ta think too hard on it, if it doesn't offend ya much. Ta be honest, that's how I've been dealin' with most a this whole situation.

[In comparison to a lot of other people that had gotten stuck in the same situation, Joker was really rather plain.]

But yes, that's right. I'm English myself. Suppose I should be feelin' a bit hostile ta ya and all.

[He says that, but his tone hints that he has zero interest in that sort of thing.]

[France's expression is sympathetic.]

No offence taken. This place is not the most conductive of explanations, pleasant or otherwise.

[His lips quirk, a mischievous hint coming back into his eyes.]

Ah, yes, my eternal rival. Are we currently at war where you're from?

Heh, not that I know of! I could be wrong, since who knows what's goin' on higher up the chain, but last I recall... [He taps his leg, trying to remember what he'd been taught and overheard.] I think somethin' had happened down in Africa. Name escapes me right now.

Currently we're under Queen Victoria's rule, if that helps ring any bells.

[Sometimes France doesn't know what's going on higher up the chain, and he's the nation itself. Politicians are such strange beasts.]

[France nods, grimacing slightly.]

Yes, that certainly does. There was quite a lot going on in Africa during those years.

[Not a lot that France is proud of any more. There's a clear expression of reflectiveness in his eyes.]

It's 2010 when I'm from. I don't know how similar our world's events have played out, but I'm guessing they must be somewhat similar if England still has his monarchy.

[He seems to shake himself mentally, putting back on a brighter expression.]

Are you part of a travelling circus then? Have you gotten to see much of the world?

Mhm, Africa and India are what everyone's talkin' about these days it seems like.

[But 2010, goodness. Joker gives a whistle as he shakes his head.]

Seems like everyone's further ahead on things than I am! But that's right. I'm 'fraid we never got a chance to go about much of the world, although goodness knows our animal tamer wanted to, I think. [A slight frown passes over his face as he thinks of the last conversation he had with her before he quickly covers it up with another one of his smiles.] The person who really ran the circus wanted us ta stay a bit closer ta home, so that's where we stayed!

Not necessarily too far ahead! I believe I've met a few people in the past who are from the relative time period, although likely not from your world. There's been a few of those like me who have come from further back than the 19th century, too.

[France makes an understanding noise.]

I know how that goes. Some of my bosses have been much tighter on how they've envisioned where I should go and what I should do. Of course, I'm not entirely bound by my bosses, but it's difficult when we don't get along.

Aaah, that's always a bother, innit? [Joker gives a sympathetic sigh.] Me, I just tried ta keep him happy. Things went a lot simpler and smoother that way. I'll be honest, I can't much stand fights like that!

[France nods emphatically.]

We have an expression that is is better to take than to run. One has to pick the battles that are worth fighting else you'll always be at war.

Well I'm sure a couple proper Englishmen might say somethin' about that expression. [But he gives a wink, just to show he's playing about. He's enjoying this conversation, after all.] At least the battles seem pretty simple here- mean that literally as well as not.

Seems like the biggest thing ta worry about would be that Rocket bunch.

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