exsilium | [video]

[Preaching is something Kevin can do blindfolded, but socializing is not by far his specialty. In fact, right now he wishes he was blindfolded. And yet he is braving the terrifying audience of strangers to deliver his very important invitation. It is that time of the year, after all.]

G-good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please allow me to apologize for infringing on your time. However, I wonder if any of you would be interested in joining a little amateur choir? The city seems odd without proper Christmas carols, wouldn’t you agree? Fortunately, I have had the honor of directing a few church choirs in the past, and happened to find a place that seems just right. [He casts an uncertain glance over his shoulder, revealing a dark and creepy museum hall.] …As long as one refrain from feeding the penguins, I suppose. [He redirects his attention to the tablet with a self-conscious cough.] Perfect acoustics, I tell you!

Ah, and for those adventurous enough to give it a try, there will be cookies and hot cocoa after every rehearsal.

[Cookies and hot cocoa should not be viewed as a bribery for heaven. Not at all. Why, even the most prayerful can use a little nudge now and then.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Christopher seems to have focused in on the setting. The creepy museum hall, specifically.

So, serious question from this freakshow.] If we're all mysteriously murdered there, will the novelization be called Last Dirge at the Museum?

[Living with a murder mystery junkie has had an effect on him.]

[Kevin has never met someone like Christopher, so he is currently wondering why he does not ping precisely as demon.]

...I certainly hope not, sir.

Please, call me Christopher. We're choir friends now, aren't we?

Oh, don't worry. [He smiles gently, even kindly. It doesn't work that well with those teeth, but the effort is made.] Even if you're the murderer, I'll still consider you a friend.

[Note to self: warn in advance that creepers are banned from proper Christmas carols.]

I-I see.

[It is not murder when God tells you to do it, okay.]

[it's still murder, bro]

No, I'm afraid you have it wrong. Here, I'll help you. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is—"

[He looks expectantly at Kevin. Have some manners! Introduce yourself.]

[Oh.

Oh.

That is truly embarrassing.]

K-Kevin Cecil, sir.

Delightful! [Despite it being video, Christopher makes the special effort to offer a florid bow.] My name is Christopher Chareau de Red. Let's sing Heaven-worthy songs together in this Purgatory, shall we?

Mister Chareau de Red....[He gives the man a short but very proper bow.] May I ask why you would be interested in such things?

[Demon-like creature is so not the type.]

[And there is Kevin's fatal mistake: asking Christopher a question.]

Do people need a reason to enjoy song? Do animals? I'd say not even machines need a reason. Song is a part of us all. Song is the communication between hears, between souls. And what soul does not want to speak? To sing at Christmas with others is to speak in harmony at a time when harmony is most disrupted. How could I not?

[He does seem as infatuated with the sound of his voice as Lucifer...]

...A commendable thought, sir, though I cannot help but wonder which disruption you are talking about.

[wow rude

he loves his voice more]

Haven't you ever had all of your family over for Christmas dinner?

[He and Lu should have a lonnng conversation.]

I...Young master and I get along rather well, though he does not believe in Christmas.

[That is all family Kevin has, unless one counts Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, though he doubts anything they ever did together would ever qualify as "family dinner".]

That's the problem. [Christopher nods.] It isn't a real Christmas with the family if there isn't at least one fight or argument.

...

...

I am sorry, sir.

[You must have a terrible family.]

[Christopher liberally misinterprets this because that's what he specializes in.]

No need to apologize. I'll find you new family members who can kick you in the throat or throw the cranberry sauce at you, or each other, to help make your holiday complete. Who here would you call your family at this stage? Oh, and don't worry if they aren't quite close enough yet. Potential family members are fine too.

I volunteer to kick you, as Christopher's dear friend.

[What is up with the sudden child.]

I believe there is a little misunderstanding. I am not seeking an inharmonious family.

But what about discovering the true spirit of Christmas? [Christopher's face becomes sad. No, it becomes melancholy. Mournful. Like Kevin is kicking sharkmouthed puppy.] Don't you care about this day marking the birth of humanity's saviour?

M-my dear sir, I fear we have very different opinions on what the true spirit of Christmas might be...

Do we? [Christopher smiles at Kevin, his usual serene expression.] Don't you believe that Christmas is about being together with the ones you love even when you hate them? About finding unity despite conflict? About seeing the wreck, ruin, and sin in the world and embracing hope and community even as disharmony threatens to destroy it all?

[He pauses.] I suppose it also has something to do with the Christ child, but that's harder to celebrate as a heresy. Vetoed! Much better to focus on family.

[Well, that is getting better and better. And Kevin is getting that particular headache one gets from suppressed smiting impulses.]

"Being together with the ones you love even when you hate them"...Huh, sir, about that heresy claim...

Edited 2013-12-23 11:19 (UTC)

Oh, don't worry. Being heretical won't stop me from singing religious carols! Just because I exist out of the cycles of God and Nature, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate them. In fact, the great bounty of Nature is one of my greatest loves. [Because that is obviously the biggest concern here.]

[W-what is this person, why does it exist?]

...

[So, if he discreetly tries to turn off the tablet, will Chris notice?]

(no subject)

inhumanity - 2013-12-23 17:35 (UTC) - Expand

senseandcecilbility - 2013-12-24 13:34 (UTC) - Expand

[Blame Chris.]

I think that type of family is best. I enjoy differences. Otherwise it's just so boring, don't you think? Isn't more stimulating to be surrounded by all sorts of people?

[Oh yes, he is blaming Chris.]

I would hope so, madam. In a peaceful manner.