2.3 ✞ written & dictated.

[bloodsugar]

[filter to: GALADRIEL]

[there are a few hesitation marks on the page, here; he had been mulling over what to say to her in return for the words she'd written for him -- ones he'd read over and over again along with Lilith's letter. in the end, he fails to produce half of the eloquence either of them possessed.

so, he goes with what's from the heart, instead.]

...Thank you.

[filter to: NANAKO]

Hey... Nanako -- are you maybe up for some ice cream? Maybe in town? I kind of feel like taking a walk, if you want to go with me! [not like he needs a reason to spoil her, but... you know, he has a feeling she could use it, too.]

[filter to: JOSHUA CHRISTOPHER]

[this takes a while to write as well, if for different reasons than the others before it. but eventually, the words find their way onto paper.]

Are you up for that game of chess?

[filter to: THE FREELANCERS; dictated.]

[well, it's a little late -- but Caterina had sent him on a mission, and he still had a job to do. so! he sounds cheerful and amicable, maybe a little sheepish as he starts talking:]

Ah-- I'm sorry for how random this must seem, but... my name is Father Abel Nightroad, and I'm a friend of York and Delta's? I'm sending you this message in hopes that we might be able to talk about Agent Maine's situation, as well as the issue of the armor. I know things are... rocky, at best right now -- and so I appreciate your taking the time to talk with me in advance.

[filter to: CATERINA, visible to TRES]

Caterina... are you in the mood for a walk? Tres, too.

There's something I want to show you in town.

[ooc: apologies for any slow tags in advanceeee]

Comments

[bloodsugar]

[...ah. right-- right. he's glad she brought it up, because he would like for her to be informed. and didn't he just say that he would do anything he could?]

...That boy, with the horns, is strong. [he is strong without -- but in an entirely different way that isn't relevant, now.] The most obvious problem when dealing with him is his ability to stop time... or, specifically... a person in it. They become frozen, like... a statue. No methods, even by a goddess, was able to reverse this effect once it had been done.

[because it had, and... he tried everything.]

Joshua seems the only one capable of freeing someone once they've been 'stopped'. But while 'stopped,' they don't seem to be hurt in any way. [he rubs the back of his neck thoughtfully. hm...]

He's fast-- very fast. 'Blink of an eye' sort of fast... and strong. Much more powerful than the average human, physically. The horns manifest when he uses any of his stronger abilities, but it's not much of a warning as it tends to be so quick. He can also read a person's thoughts -- but it's not something that he has control over and causes him some measure of pain and uneasiness. He calls it 'noise.' It gives him a lot of trouble.

[inafadingcrown]

Extraordinary. [Excessive speed and strength- that she's heard of. But stopping time itself? Amazing.] I see well why he would make a formidable opponent.

[That last part, though. She understands that better and it gives her all the more reason to pity the boy.] He is not the first I have heard of here with such troubles. "Noise," indeed! Little wonder he is disturbed; if I had not such great control of my gift, I think I should have gone mad long ago.

[bloodsugar]

[a small nod of his head in agreement.]

It's something that comes and goes. Sometimes he hears it exceptionally loud, and sometimes... I guess it's almost nothing at all. But it makes him unpredictable.

[inafadingcrown]

[She gives a small thoughtful hum.] I would imagine the large and- shall we say "eclectic"?- population of the castle does little to help him.

[bloodsugar]

No... it's why he keeps away, most of the time. Even when he isn't a 'fugitive.'

[he still can't believe this mess ;/]

[inafadingcrown]

[A small sigh] I will pray, then, that this gentleman is successful in his endeavor and that Joshua will accept our assistance. You will keep me informed, I trust?

[bloodsugar]

[he nods again with a little smile.]

Of course. As soon as I hear anything... I'll be sure to let you know.

[inafadingcrown]

You have my thanks for that. [A pause and she sips at her tea again before changing the topic abruptly.] You neglected to tell me that your employer is such a charming and capable young woman. [They've met. They've had tea. The castle is doomed.]

[bloodsugar]

[this... this is quite the welcome change of subject. something eases in his eyes, and his smile is instantly more sincere. :3]

--Aha...! You met Caterina...? [HE'S PLEASED. now that he's thinking about it, they do seem like they'd get on quite well, don't they? HM.]

[inafadingcrown]

I did, indeed and I must say, I quite enjoy her company.

[bloodsugar]

Caterina is my oldest friend, Galadriel-- you won't see me arguing about her company being enjoyable at all... [first friend, too! his very first. Caterina is the best forever ;;]

I count it very lucky she came back from Paris with Lilith and I... her memories intact.

[inafadingcrown]

Then I am more assured than ever of your excellent taste.

[bloodsugar]

[alskjdlfkj Mamadriel.]

Well, considering my current company... you already know it's impeccable, right~~?

[inafadingcrown]

[She laughs a little] I do not think so highly of myself.

[bloodsugar]

Then let me think highly enough of you for the both of us! There's no harm in that. In fact, I think I have just the right opinion of you, for your information!

[inafadingcrown]

Do you? [Suddenly a bit more serious.] I believe you think far too much of me.

[bloodsugar]

Far too much of you...? [he rests his chin in his palm. honestly...]

Do you really think so?

[inafadingcrown]

I do. I am not without my faults, my friend. I think, at times, you forget this.

[bloodsugar]

No one is perfect, of course, but... [well. he likes to think certain women in his life are as close to that foil as one can be, but still. he isn't completely delusional!!! ...mostly.]

...Is something wrong?

[inafadingcrown]

Nay, nothing that need concern you. [Thoughts, she has so many thoughts. But she doesn't necessarily want to share them.]

[bloodsugar]

[he's practically exuding question marks of perplexity.]

Ah. Are you... sure? [DID HE DO SOMETHING WRONG...]

[inafadingcrown]

Quite. [Okay, she'll give him a little more, just so that he knows it's nothing he did.] This matter with Joshua has brought to mind certain circumstances in my own world. Nothing more.

[bloodsugar]

[oh... well, that's plausible given her reactions earlier, so...]

...Is it familiar to you?

[inafadingcrown]

[...Why does she feel compelled to be so honest with him? It's harder to brush him off than it is most people.]

To be offered great power at the cost of oneself? To face corruption from that power? Yes, it is familiar to me.

[bloodsugar]

[ah... he shifts his grip on the cup slightly, a little concern in his eyes.]

Were you... taken by it? Or... someone close to you?