video

[theguideless]

[LONG TIME NO POST. but hey, shiny new...typey-posty-devices. he must try. he must...fail to really get how this shit works.

the feed is sideways. a blink, a beat with an expression realizing oh hey it's doing a thing, and then a moment to quickly right the thing. this way. whew. okay.]

Ha, uh...Sorry. [sheepish.] I wasn't very good with the old one...and this one's stranger. [let him demonstrate by trying to fold one corner of it into view...but not really getting that far and just kind of. shaking the feed. oh well.]

Maybe it just takes getting used to... [by golly it only took months to feel comfortable with the old one what could go wrong with this.] I'll try not to do anything too strange or...press anything I don't recognize. [which is a lot.] I just wanted to make sure I could at least...hear from people again.

[a beat.

wait...]

I'm...being heard right now, right?

Comments

[deadelfwalking]

Sinu a'manore, Martin. Are you well?

[theguideless]

Yes. [of course. but forget that, he leans toward the screen a little.] But you didn't come and find me afterward. Did you forget? [hardly accusatory; he's still looking pleased.]

[deadelfwalking]

I did not forget.

[his expression falters a little. Should he really be doing this? Wasn't it best for the child not to interact with him at all? But it seemed as though Martin had more to say, and Koltira was not the kind to deny someone a voice.]

The battle was intense, and I had much to do. Nor did I wish to intrude upon you and Bariyan any further.

[since the guy was giving Koltira a death glare, basically.]

[theguideless]

[smiling a little more knowingly. ya that'd be a nice thought if it wasn't loaded with this sense of NOBODY SHOULD HANG OUT WITH ME...n battle's been over, sir. tsk.

...oh but yeah...zombie-dad...he nods.]

Then may I come find you instead?

[deadelfwalking]

[quietly.] Yes, if you would like.

[he's in his Initiative-assigned apartment for once, and he gives Martin the number.]

[theguideless]

[guess who's all up in the business of knocking on the door like a polite human being?? THIS KID!!]

[deadelfwalking]

[he opens it duly, and then steps back to let Martin in. The apartment is sparse as it stands, and any embellishments or decorations are not his own, besides. He's wearing plainclothes--only his tunic and pants--and his long hair is tied back. There is, of course, a drink on the table.]

You're quick.

[theguideless]

[smiling:] I was in the building already. [he steps inside after a beat, kind of unfamiliar with the courtesy. guess who has shoes and almost-not-hobo clothes.

he stops after a few steps, turning around and looking up at Koltira, giving him an appraising head-tilt and glance over. he looks better without heaps of armor tbh.]

Are you well?

[deadelfwalking]

[he shrugs, because he isn't, really, but he also doesn't see how it matters. Koltira returns to his seat on the little white couch and picks up his tumbler.]

As well as I can be, I suppose.

[theguideless]

[Martin remains standing, following the move with his gaze before letting it sweep across the place.]

I guess...[finally looking back at him.] I guess I wouldn't know any better. I know a lot more now, but not everything...

[deadelfwalking]

There is no reason to concern yourself, either way.

[he gestures to one of the chairs near the couch.] Come and sit, Martin. At least, if you intend to stay a while.

[Koltira uncorks the bottle of scotch next to his glass, pouring himself more.] I do not wish to delay you from other matters.

[theguideless]

[moving on command right away, Martin plops himself into the chair. he still slouches without thinking about it, smiling quizzically at Koltira.]

What if you're a matter, though?

[deadelfwalking]

[without hesitation.] I should not be.

[theguideless]

[not missing the beat:] Why do you think so?

[deadelfwalking]

Martin ... [he rubs his face, because to him it's just obvious.] You hated me. I horrified you. Is all of that truly --just--gone?

[theguideless]

[his eyes squint just a little.]

No, nothing's gone. [a slight pause.] But it's done. My life as Darkov...the things that came with it, all of that. It's done. I don't need to be scared of you anymore.

[deadelfwalking]

[he's so much more assured than before. It gladdens Koltira to see these changes--to see that the boy actually looks healthy and whole.

Still, he mutters.]

Perhaps you do.

[theguideless]

[peering.]

Why do you think so?

[deadelfwalking]

Your senses rang true, Martin. My body is monstrous--its desires, more so. If not for Arthas's arrival, I would have removed myself from this city entirely.

[unfortunately, total isolation is not an option with that guy running around--not to mention the still-murky situation with Chloe.]

[theguideless]

Arthas? [who dat. kid is not up on recent events.]

[deadelfwalking]

[oh, right. Koltira exhales.] A human prince from my world. He fell to corruption and madness, and in the process, destroyed both his kingdom and my own. He is the reason that I am this ... monstrosity. [gesturing to his body as he speaks.]

He will eventually become the Lich King--a terrifying entity of godlike power, the very same that enslaved me to his will for many years. Exsilium brought him here just before he ascended to that state, but he is still extremely dangerous.