around noon \o/

[secondchances]

I was going to say something about this being--uh, being my two year anniversary, but this whole perpetual darkness thing we have going on is sort of distracting.

Not to mention the sounds. Those aren't very nice. Pretty sure it's not just me.

I'd rather be kicking something's butt than whirling around in the dark every time I think I hear something behind me. I'm going to have a heart attack at this rate. Or have an accidentally-punching-someone-in-the-face attack. On that note, it's not a good idea to approach people from behind right now. Are we actually in mortal danger, or is the castle just trying to be cute since it's Friday the 13th? Boo, let's be spooky and--

[And, as if on cue, there's a gasp as Stephanie gets the distinct feeling that someone's gonna grab her from behind. FOR REALS, THIS TIME. Aaaaand there goes the lamp beside her bed. CRASSSSSHHHH.




A sigh.]

I see how it is, Paradisa. Happy freakin' anniversary to you, too.

Comments

[heloise]

The candles as well. There is an unnatural draft in the castle. [ But Lucrezia is so not scared of suspicious winds. Totally not. ]

I could... meet you somewhere?

[secondchances]

Thought that was just my imagination... [And Steph could totally try asking the castle for candles. But being around someone right now would probably be nice.]

I can come to you. Where are you at?

[heloise]

[ That may have been her actual intention for offering candles. ]

I will be by a stairwell to the Ortus tower.

[secondchances]

Convenient, seeing as I live in the Ortus tower. There in a few.

[heloise]

I will see you then.

[ And so she will be sitting on the steps, sheltering a flickering candle, with a box of unlit candles beside her. ]

[secondchances]

[Thankfully, Steph's gone up and down these stairs half asleep many times, so she knows the way down even in the dark. She still keeps a hand on the wall, though, just in case.]

Lucrezia?

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia wrings her skirt until her knuckles turn white at the sound of footsteps. There have been too many eerie sounds today, but a monster would not be calling her name, would it? ]

Here I am. Is that, Stephanie?

[secondchances]

The one and only. [She'll move closer.] I think there's a joke in here somewhere about meeting in the dark, but I'll think of it later.

[heloise]

[ She chuckles, standing up and offering the box of candles to her. ] I could not find the matches.

[secondchances]

I'm sure I've got a lighter somewhere in my room. Thank you. [She'd just have to... find it. She takes the box and rests it against her hip.]

So, were you just passing by, or do you live in this tower too?

[heloise]

[ She brushes one hand down her skirt with her now free hand. ]

No, I-- Could I see your room, Stephanie?

[secondchances]

[A smile, even if it's difficult to see. It's easier for Steph to put on a brave face when someone else is around.]

Sure, if you want. This is probably the best time to see it. The darkness will cover up the mess.

[heloise]

[ It is easier for her too. She gives Steph a grateful smile and offers her a hand to hold. ]

The company will more than compensate for the mess.

[secondchances]

[Ooh, a hand. That takes Steph a moment, but she thinks she means for her to take it. So, she does with her free hand. Easier to make sure Lucrezia doesn't go face first into the stairs this way.]

Luckily, I'm on the second floor. Not too far to stumble along. [She begins to lead the way, a little slower than she normally would.]

What a day, huh?

[heloise]

I think I should be more afraid of the castle, now that it has proven capable of blotting out the sun.

[ But she gives her hand a gentle squeeze as she follows Steph up the stairs a few steps behind, and giggles. It helps to smile in the dark. ]

I would catch you if you fall, Stephanie.

[secondchances]

Being wary isn't a bad thing. Today's sort of asking for paranoia, though.

[Steph laughs a little when Lucrezia giggles. She seems so very dainty to her. Like a princess.]

Are you sure about that? I weigh more than I look. Might crush you.

[heloise]

Paranoia, yes.

[ She quickens her steps so she could walk beside Stephanie, tipping her head up to look at the shadows cast by the stairwell. ]

I am stronger than I look.

[secondchances]

If it's just for today, it'll be over at midnight. That's only... around twelve hours away.

[Steph does her best to resist the urge to spin around to look behind her.]

I'll keep you to that, then. If I end up tumbling down the stairs, we're going to have a discussion, you and I.

[heloise]

[ She laughs, the sound echoing much louder in the darkness, before she abruptly stops to look over her shoulder. She could hear scuttling footsteps, blades unsheathing. But no, it's all in her mind. ]

How terrible. The castle has power over the skies and our senses, and it is most capricious.

[secondchances]

You caught on fast. [She smiles, leading Lucrezia to the second floor. Letting go of her hand, she pauses to open the door.]

Here we are, home away from home. Actually, hold this for a second. [She'll be moving to hand Lucrezia the box of candles, then disappear into the room to shove aside the mess she made when knocking over her lamp. Safety first.]

[heloise]

[ She beams in reply. ] I have well-informed friends.

[ Lucrezia does take the box, though she isn't patient enough to wait outside, hovering by the doorway to squint at the room. ] Have you an invention to help you dress, Stephanie?

[secondchances]

To help me dress? [Once the floor is taken care of, Steph kicks aside a few pieces of stray laundry as she opens her curtains a bit wider. That helps. Sorta.]

I'm not really sure what you mean. [She moves to take the box, ushering Lucrezia in so she can shut the door. Feels slightly more secure that way.]

[heloise]

Yes. [ Her hand reaches to her shoulder, where there are several ribbons tying her sleeve to her dress. ]

It is quite a hassle to dress without helping hands. And if you have invented a machine for washing them, there must be one for wearing them, surely? [ She tries to see what Stephanie is wearing. ] But, perhaps, your way of dressing differs from mine.

[secondchances]

Oh. That. My clothing is a one person job. [She attempts to show her current outfit off in what little light there is--a simple white t-shirt and jeans.] Most modern clothing is like this. Hop into the bottoms, pull the top over your head, and you're done.

[heloise]

Ezio is right. The inventors have made life so--easy. [ She claps slowly in appreciation of the GENIUS. ]