citynet | audio, @Conductor

[ 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.

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Frankly, I'd be shocked if he called us friends. I don't know him as well as you do, but he can be an insufferable dick.

[Which is an honest opinion. It isn't the whole opinion, either. Whatever Roland's definition is on them, Daan knows what he himself thinks and hesitantly does call him friend in his mind.

Not unlike Argalia, Daan is keen to use half-truths and evasiveness without technically lying.]

Sounds like you aren't a fan of him.

Nor is he mine. We've always had... something of a rocky relationship -- I didn't particularly like his involvement with my sister, he wasn't fond of me in return -- but I left them alone, because it made her happy.

[ And he'd do anything for her happiness, at that point. She'd deserved it. He allowed them that chance, turned a blind eye and careful ear from it -- and what had happened?

Oh, if only he could have protected her better. ]

I wouldn't take his distance personally though, Daan; that man has a heart of coal, and he's no stranger to killing "friend" and foe alike.

...The decisions we make for the people we love, even if we don't agree with it.

[Which is something he does understand on some level.]

I don't take it personally. I never had any friends back in my world anyway, and no family to speak of now. [So it is a luxury he is still learning.] Would you mind elaborating on the whole killing his "friends" thing, if you're comfortable with that?

[ Argalia smiles quietly. It would be nice, but not as nice as if Roland was there to see him do it -- for Argalia to see the furious look on his face, in his eyes. He plucks at the harp thoughtfully. ]

I won't tell the whole story; it isn't the time nor place. But do you recall what I mentioned about those who found true comfort in violence just a bit ago?

Understandable.

...Yes. I do.

Fixers do not come from wealthy households, Daan. They're born among, within, and around violence. Roland was no different -- if you ask, I'm certain he'd tell you the same. When my sister met him, he was an unpleasant man who wouldn't speak so much as a word to her unless it was to gripe, scold, or snark about whatever it was she or another were doing. A violent beast who didn't seem to care right from wrong, so long as there was meat dangling in front of him. My sister managed to tame him somewhat, I suppose, and taught him to speak -- the Roland you know now is a product of her care, gracious as she was in it.

[ A bit of tuning, then return to the piece he'd been making up. ]

When he's incited, though, he returns right to that beastly form of his -- why, he even killed the people he used to work alongside! His allies, who he'd done countless jobs with, who'd known him and my dear sister both. Not a single bit of hesitation in it, all for...

[ ... A soft laugh. ]

I shouldn't say, it hasn't happened to him yet. But I can say that if it's to alleviate his own sorrow, his own grief and suffering, he would most certainly drag the rest of the world down. I'd hate to see you caught in his downward spiral.

[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.

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?

[HMMM FUCK.]

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.]

... 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.

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?

... 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.) ]

[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.

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.

audio, @Conductor

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mi... minor ruina spoilers oh my god i get to do this now.

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more major ruina spoilers

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1/2

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