audio, @Conductor

[entwinedfate]

[ Hello, you all. While no one's blessed with a pretty face today, his soft, soothing voice should be good enough. ]

Forgive me if this is something that's remarkably normal in this unremarkable city we're in...

[ A small beat, as if he's preoccupied with something else; there's the gentle strum of some string instrument in the moment. A harp, maybe, at the university. ]

... But is there a reason we were asked about our satisfaction in regards to the party they threw last month? Along with that odd question in the second half -- how many of you voted to turn towards the voice, I wonder.

[ You know. This satisfaction survey, that popped up on everyone's devices the first of the month. More soothing harp music, it sounds like he's trying to pick out a tune from memory. ]

I admit, I'm a little curious about everyone's answers! I gave it a pretty neutral score myself; it was novel, but I wouldn't go again. The string of letters and numbers they had in reference to it was rather interesting too, though I'm not certain how it was "for the good of the many". Have there been any others? I recall a similar phrase the day their party was to begin too, actually.

Comments

[limbical]

[The thing is, he doesn't even necessarily disagree all that much about Roland. Who seems keen to sweep everything under the rug and move on, to compartmentalize and shrug it off. But Daan isn't that different, in a lot of ways, he figures. What excuses can he really make about Roland? Very little, but love drives people to do the unspeakable.

They're both in blood, even if they went in different directions.

But distinctly, he also knows what Argalia did with Angelica's body. Who wouldn't go a little mad from that?

Daan certainly thought he was losing his mind when he discovered Elise as she was. Immaculate stitches, he always said.]

How considerate of you, Argalia.

[Daan's tone is even and polite. The video is off thankfully for him as well, and Daan is rubbing his sole eye.]

And do you intend on keeping the peace here while you two are present? I'm not keen for anyone to get caught in the crossfires.

[entwinedfate]

I do. There's no point in quarreling here, with him or anyone else. My dirge isn't for this city.

[ The other one, though. Tempting as it is to sunder those gloves from his body. ]

So, what is it he told you about me?

1/2

[limbical]

[HMMM FUCK.]

[limbical]

That there's bad blood between you two. That your sister was his wife.

[Those aren't lies. Daan has never cared for outright lying, if he can help it.]

[entwinedfate]

... And that's all?

[ For a man who's tone doesn't tend to fluctuate much, his is clearly somewhat disbelieving. ]

I don't think I quite believe you, friend, since I doubt that much alone would stir such a question -- much less the "transparency" you asked for us to have. [ ... ] Unless you have more of a nosy nature than I thought, Daan.

[limbical]

What do you want from me? I didn't ask for a lot of details from him.

He told me about a poem your sister liked. What it meant to him. Said I shouldn't speak to you, but I don't answer to him so I've made my own choice on that.

Unless there's something you think I should know?

[entwinedfate]

... I have nothing but my sorrow, and I want nothing more. It has been, it still is, faithful to me.

[ Quiet, reminiscent. Argalia's playing had stopped at the first word, notes dying as he spoke, and he sets his hands in his lap rather than begin again.

Such strange emotions, swirling within the depths of his chest. They claw at him, nameless and unwanted, and his smile drops. Who allowed it to be defined as a tragedy? Who said he should be pitied for it? Condolences? Sorrowed? What did he have to be sad about, when she surrounded him more than ever before?

...

There, she did. Here, she did not. He breathes his sorrow out softly, and remains amicable. ]

No, nothing else. Only that I'm glad his poor review of me didn't turn you away, Daan. He has a habit of twisting things to suit his conduct.

[ (They both do.) ]

[limbical]

[The lack of admission is telling, and it does cement his train of thought. Roland is a piece of work, but he wouldn't have a reason to lie about what happened to his wife's body. Especially not when Roland told him explicitly because, unfortunately, Daan can completely relate.

But he doesn't say anything to that effect, and quietly keeps it to himself.]

Sorrow can drive us to say and do things we never thought we'd do. I know what that's like.

[entwinedfate]

I'm certain you do, friend. We're birds of a feather in that way.

[ Grieving something lost, and all. ]

Any other questions you'd like to ask? For transparency sake.