video; un: eraserhead

[eyedrop]

[ Aizawa's lolling against some tree somewhere. Terrible, slumped posture; hair wild about his face. His expression is neutral, bordering on irritable, and his voice is an exhausted monotone. He sits with one leg folded over the other, idly tossing a cat figurine from hand to hand. ]

Hey. Myself and a few others did some looking around. Apparently, both the sea clan and the mountain clan have their allies--but they're not within easy reach. In the case of the sea clan, the empress's brother is married to some far-off queen. The mountain clan's allies aren't too nearby, either.

[ He shifts minutely. His eyes flutter briefly shut, and he sighs. ]

Point being, war between these two would be irrational. The old man we spoke with said no one really wants to start anything, but I don't know how true that is. I haven't tried to approach the nobles.

[ He really doesn't look or act the part, and he knows it. Nor does he have an escort. ]

If you've spoken to any of them, what's the mood? What do they want?

[ He cards a hand through his hair, frowning slightly. ]

They're the key to this, I think. Certainly the key to actually meeting that empress of theirs. So if you've got info, or if you've made any connections, spill it.

Comments

[refashioned]

We can take instruction, but you have to keep in mind that no matter what we do, we are outsiders. We can't change that. And since we can't, we can rely on it.

In terms of not accidentally disrespecting someone ... your advice will be needed. I believe that. Though you might want to add some honey to make those words get somewhere.

[kisha]

How confident.

[They hadn’t been chased out for being outsiders... but as for it being something to rely on? She can’t be sure.]

Then you will have it. If you intend to flaunt your alien natures, then I would even escort them. Gladly.

But they won’t learn much if the only thing they find palatable is honey.

[refashioned]

I'm telling you to be a little nicer. You caught that, right?

[kisha]

You are not my lord. I offer my help, not my obedience to your every request.

[refashioned]

[Veronica doesn't even bother to try to hide her frustrated sigh.]

Ever heard of the phrase that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar? I'm not trying to boss you around. I'm telling you that acting like you're condescending and superior to the whole lot of us is only going to make it difficult for us to listen. We're on equal footing, no matter what you claim. Don't be mean and assume that people don't want to listen.

But you are. Already.

[kisha]

If the way I speak is so grating to you, that is little concern of mine. I do not enjoy falsities, and unless it is required for the success of the mission, I will not play a part nor affect my speech.

It is not mean, we are not children playing in a courtyard.

[refashioned]

You don't have a lot of friends, do you?

[kisha]

I am not here to make friends.

I am here to serve Hathaway until they provide me with what they promised me. Until that day, I will do what I can to assure the success of their missions.

[So, no.]

[refashioned]

So, that's a no.

Sounds ... lonely.

[A beat.]

But honestly, I'm not enamored enough by your personality to try to change that. Sounds like a lesson in masochism.

[kisha]

I do not need your opinion on my circumstance, either.

All I require is that everyone here does their job, and I will see to it that my skills are put to use assuring it. Honey or no.

[refashioned]

I pity you a little.

Still. Good luck in ensuring our mission goes well. I'm certain people will be glad to take your advice.

[kisha]

Save your pity for a creature that needs it.

[despite the grave insult, though, she'll hammer what she knows into the heads of anyone who will listen]