video; un: loveless

[limbical]

Oh, hello there.

[Standing in the video is what appears to be a man, even if his proportions are distinctly too tall, arms and legs far too long. The mask he's wearing doesn't help to offset the appearance, and the mouth does not move.

Despite the network username distinctly being Daan's, the voice sounds nothing like him.]

Ladies, gentleman, and all there in between, it's a real pleasure to take advantage of this nifty invention to speak to you all at long last. It's been a real kicker waiting this long, but I'm nothing if not patient! So here we are, and introductions are in order, aren't they? Or maybe we've already met? Well, a refresher couldn't hurt.

I'm called a lot of things, but Pocketcat has been the most consistent. Funny little moniker! I absolutely adore it. And so suitable, too, for my pockets are very deep indeed.

Usually I'm something of a merchant, but I'll admit, my usual goods are just not material right now. My apologies on that front, but perhaps we could all barter for something else instead. I do so love a conversation almost as much as I love to trade, and frankly what is a chat but a trade of words anyway?

Ah, but here I am, rambling on! I should get to the point. Do forgive me.

You may ask me questions, of course, but I'll want something in return. That's just how the barter system goes, baby. For now... let's say I'll want your best story or secret. I'll just have to give a story in return. If such things interest you, of course.

Ta, my loves. I'll be thinking of you all.

Comments

[immortalpoet]

Don't "darling" me. Where's Daan? You ate him or something?

[limbical]

Worried? How sweet.

What will you give me if I tell you, old boy?

[immortalpoet]

Most of these people are idiots, and Daan is one of the select few who can stitch them up. I'm not going to be doing his job for him.

Give you? I don't make deals with monsters.

[limbical]

So pragmatic, but what else could I expect? Tough love from this fellah!

Then I'm afraid I can't give you the answers you look for. Strike a deal, or strike out. But we can talk about something else if you wish. Just between friends.

[immortalpoet]

You aren't my friend.

Why do you like stories, anyways?

[limbical]

Such a heartbreaker.

Perhaps it's more that I like to reminisce. Think about how stories are told, and then retold. How they naturally change over the course of time, even if we've technically told the same story a thousand times. But each time, it's a little different, isn't it? A little unique. Familiar like an old comrade, but still refreshing. Stories are so fascinating to me in that way! A personal story, a fairytale, a cautionary poem -- it's probably funny, I've never been that much of a reader, but being told a story feels so much more personal.

[immortalpoet]

[........]

[He wonders, briefly, if Daan thinks about this in the same way too, or its just this damn cat.]

And what are your favorite kind of stories?

[limbical]

I'm ever so partial to a good tragedy. Something so beautiful and utterly easy to empathize with.

[immortalpoet]

How about you look at your own face in the mirror? That could give you all the tragedy you need.

[limbical]

You really have a collection of zingers! That's the kind of fire I adore about you.

But I've seen my fair share. Hell, even my own. Times are tough, and getting tougher all the time. Don't I know it.

[immortalpoet]

"Even your own".

[.......This really does smack of "Distortion", and he doesn't like it one bit.]

Do you work for a god, here?

[Since he remembers Daan mentioning that.]

[limbical]

You must mean Rher. Master, God of the Moon, Trickery, Envy, and all of the lovely mess it makes. He told you, didn't he? I seem to recall that conversation.

I'm afraid my connection to him isn't present. Can't hear a single inclination, not even a wave. So here I am, just trying to make an honest living.

[immortalpoet]

Yeah. That god.

[whoever the fuck it is]

Must suck for you. Lost yourself a job. So maybe it's not worth sticking around since your boss's not around, either?

[limbical]

So quick to usher me out! Well, it's not like I'm the only one unemployed here though, is it? Besides, now that I'm here, your old pal doesn't have a lot to worry about anymore. Frankly, I did him a big favor.

[immortalpoet]

[....................]


What favor.

[limbical]

[A single finger is raised, wagging at the camera.]

Tsk tsk. I hate to be a tease, but I'm gonna need something from you if I'm going to tell.

[immortalpoet]

[ughHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH]




[sighs]

Once upon a time there was a cat. And he was horrible. The end. There you go.

1/??

[limbical]

Buddy.

[limbical]

Chap.

[limbical]

Friend.

[limbical]

Comrade.

jk final

[limbical]

You're a real hoot.

You know what, you've made me smile, so I'm gonna just take that. Put it in the ol' noggin and keep it in mind.

Now then. You want to know the good doctor's fate?

[immortalpoet]

[Yeah, he knows he's a hoot and a half.]

.....Sure. Though I have half a mind you'll just lie to me.

private;

[limbical]

Vergilius, come now. I'm many things, but a liar I am not. I have always, always been truthful with you.

In any case, the big favor. I have unraveled his deepest, truest self. Poor old pal couldn't catch a break, you know how it is. Who'd have thought a little sip of tea would be the trigger though? Even I didn't see that one coming!

private

[immortalpoet]

[............]

Tea? What tea? Someone give that to you? [A beat.] Him.