( 01 ) video.

[oversleeps]

[ when the feed clicks on, marduk is in what appears to be a ruined building near the edge of town. there's snow on the floor and holes in the walls, but he's not wearing a single scrap of winter clothing. more importantly, he doesn't look especially pleased to be doing this. ]

Recently, one of the locals here went missing. Don't ask me what his name was, I'm not the one who gives a shit. I'm just here to solve the mystery.

He's missing because he's dead, and he's dead because I killed him.

[ he pauses here. it looks like it's for dramatic effect, but really he's just trying to figure out how to end the announcement. ]

Most of you would call that murder, wouldn't you? Can't remember if you all figured out what to do about that, but-- if you want retribution, you can come and get it.

[ good enough. the video ends there. ]

Comments

[miscreant]

[This is getting dangerous -- thank the sun this was encrpyted, or someone would surely have her head for this. But she cant stop herself, even knowing somewhere in the back of her head that she was thinking dangerous thoughts.]

Are you too proud to disconnect, precious? Or do you think I will hunt to down for daring to disengage? Maybe I will -- you look easy enough to pick out of a crowd. I could find you...perhaps bring that man back so this will all go away.

[alittlesweptup]

[They'd all get run out of town from a mob with torches and pitchforks.]

Don't fucking kill the locals. Or a transport. Just don't fucking kill anyone for Christ's sake this is not a difficult concept

[oversleeps]

Conceptually?
No
Of course not.
But I've yet to see a good argument for it still.

[oversleeps]

You will not find me.

[ possibly the biggest bluff on this post. ultimately, there's nothing he can do to stop her from tracking him down, but he's confident enough in his ability to avoid things hazardous to his continued health. ]

Your threats are idle and have no sway. [ he spits each word, unmindful of how heavily accented his words have become. fuck you, sev. seriously, fuck you. ] One elf and a half-broken corpse won't be enough to finish anything.

[miscreant]

Is that a challenge?

[Say no. Or yes. Just acknowledge it.]

[oversleeps]

Interpret it however you'd fucking like.

[ that's likely the closest thing to a direct yes she could get, to be fair. ]

[miscreant]

Oh, you just cannot commit to anything, can you?

[Definitely a dig in her tone.]

[oversleeps]

[ a visible flinch, followed by a wordless hiss. he pauses, seemingly to compose himself.

flatly, in sharp contrast to everything he's said previously: ] Are you going to take it as such or not.

[miscreant]

[All he gets is a lowering of eyelids and a curved smile before the feed suddenly cuts. Let him stew in uncertainty.]

[deadelfwalking]

[HEY LOOK DADDY IS BACK TO HIS SENSES.]

Seviilia.

[miscreant]

[her parents are dead you little shit.]

You're looking better.

[deadelfwalking]

[SO'S THIS ONE]

What are your intentions here.

[miscreant]

Just a little conversation, your Majesty.

[She gives him an unimpressed look.]

It gets rather boring out here, you know.

[deadelfwalking]

[like he cares about whether or not she's IMPRESSED.]

I realize that. But he is not free game simply due to this confession.

[totallytrustworthy]

its taken less in the past

so drop the act. why kill one of the locals

or are you just not a fan of humans in general

[miscreant]

[She smiles this time.]

I am honored that you think so highly of me, Commander.

[deadelfwalking]

I am not interested in banter. I am interested in comprehension. Do you understand me, Seviilia?

[miscreant]

[You are literally zero fun.]

Yes Koltira.

[not.]

[deadelfwalking]

Truly? I have doubts.

[hymnals]

[DOESN'T.]

I need you to be a little more specific. I'm not the police, Marduk.

[oversleeps]

I didn't know that
Being wise enough to dislike humans for what they do
Also meant that you could never have motivations beyond that.

[miscreant]

It is not as if anything I say will erase them.

[deadelfwalking]

No. I will simply have to wait and see.

[In other words: don't start none; WON'T BE NONE.]

[miscreant]

As you always do.

[This is a challenge, she thinks. But Marduk's is stronger, and promises reward. If Koltira has nothing left to say, she will take the opportunity to disconnect.]

writes private again in this subject line sixty times aRE U SATISFIED

[oversleeps]

No
Thankfully
You're insufferable enough as it is

[ ... ]

It is a distraction
I guess

There actually was someone stupid enough to kill one of the locals here
And it wasn't me.
Is that good enough