un: a lifetime ago

[aprescoup]

( The transmission seems to come from an inside quarter battered by Anurr's howling winds outside. Somehow, the speaker seems unbothered. )

Is this wo — I'm never good at this. One, two, three. One, two, three. Hello? That's... that sounds right.

Hello, everyone! I'm Matthias. Awful weather, isn't it? Can barely hear myself think. ( As he finishes his sentence, voice increasingly chilled, the winds quiet. )

There! There we are. Much better, isn't it? You've been well? I don't know what you make of the place, but if you're hungry, there's... try old man Thrael's, down Gentian street. Best buns you've ever seen! And his food's not bad either, haha. Do try it! Kamala, have you tried it? I think there were... more nice little family shops with cookery, I just... don't remember. Don't exactly remember.

( An awkward pause. ) ...right. A little bird tells me your group has something of mine. Very... very literally. Some parts of mine, as it were. A heart here, a tongue there, a hand... small inconveniences. I think that was all of them? I don't quite recall. I was hoping to unburden you of them. If I may? It's just... very strange. Feeling part of yourself across a city. I'm, of course, open to barter. I know you've come a long way, I suppose you're expecting something for your trouble! A... finder's fee?

And... you haven't seen her yet, have you? My Cose — ...no. Of course. You've only just started. I'm sorry. Let's not speak of it! This is us: not speaking of it.

Comments

[cosplayqueen]

Sketchy is probably putting it too nicely. Slavery is an actual thing here. Gambling which okay is technically allowed back home, but isn't great. There are not a lot of kid-friendly activities or atmosphere is what I am getting at. I've got a few ideas of where to look in said sketchy areas now though.

[aprescoup]

...yes. The markets would... cater to children, I think. Well, you should know, shouldn't you?

Have the buns. They're delightful. And old man Thrael won't shortchange you, not if you mention me.

[cosplayqueen]

I would. That's going to be my stop. I'll grab the buns at the start of the day.

[She exhales audibly as her mind spins with possibilities for tomorrow morning.] Well thanks for answering my questions. I hope everything works out with Cossette. She's just a kid. They deserve to be safe and happy.

[aprescoup]

She's just a... yes. Yes, Kamala. You've always been so kind.

You've understood me better than anyone else.

[cosplayqueen]

I try to be and I don't know if that's true. I do get wanting someone back after you've lost them. I know what it feels like to have these big, scary things happening around you when you're too young to understand them. I'll help her if I can.

[aprescoup]

Yes, she's someone who's always struggled with understanding. You're quite right.

It'll be good for her to hear from you. You're so dutiful. A fine daughter.

[cosplayqueen]

I try to be. I have pretty amazing parents so when I mess up it hurts me as much as it hurts them. I hate it when I make them sad or disappoint them.

But, you know enough about me. If I find her, is there anything I can say to help her transition into all this? I'd promise to bring my sloth, but that's too big to cart around everywhere.

[aprescoup]

Tell her only she and I know how much we love each other, despite everything. And that I have missed her very much.

[cosplayqueen]

[It's such a dad answer that once again she is reminded how much she misses Abu.] Okay, I can do that for you.