video — un: starburst | backdated mid to late december.

[valeas]

( The video opens with Emilia sitting in the snow, clad in a velvet cloak to shield her from the day's chill. She isn't much of a presence lately, her recent stint back home having left her in the foulest mood. Those that know her probably sensed the proceed with caution vibes she emanated the days following the beacon disaster.

But today is a new day, and some things need doing. It starts with contacting Red for a personal heads up, and now:

Standing behind her is her husband betrothed in his trademark suit, not looking the slightest bit bothered or affected by the weather.

And behind Wrath is — well. The reason for this transmission. A creature the size of a medium horse plays in the snow, one of its three heads gnawing on a bone. Needless to say, the threat posed by one of the more vicious wolves has since been eliminated. )

This is ...

( At Emilia's careful pause, Wrath fondly supplies: )

A puppy.

( It is not a puppy by mortal standards. The doglike creature's fur is white as the snow that continues to fall, its eyes a glacier blue holding pupils that dilate and contract strangely. Its fangs are twice the size of dinner knives, and appear to be just as sharp when another one of its heads bares them before perching on Emilia's shoulder. )

He is from our world. We thought it prudent ( Emilia shoots Wrath a look then ) to alert the group of his presence.

( Wrath raises an eyebrow at the look his wife sends before releasing a sigh — this is not the underworld and some mortals are easily frightened, which could complicate matters unnecessarily. ) He does not attack without my command.

( Comforting as always, Wrath. )

Let either of us know if you wish to meet him, so that he may become familiar with you. His name is a work in progress. ( Emilia ignores Wrath's snort to add: ) And a summoning ward will ensure he has a place to retreat to as needed.

( The puppy mainly just wants to play right now tbh. It really is a puppy by hell standards. They grow to the size of elephants, so. )

Comments

♡

[matermali]

Enough to know that they must struggle with doorways. No play time on the sofa?

[ A comedian. ]

What names were you entertaining?

♥ !

[valeas]

I've only just begun seeking, truth be told.

( Wrath has been sort of a buzzkill on that front, even if Emilia does understand his bafflement. To name a thing is a serious thing in their world. To know the true name of your enemy is to have his vulnerability in your palm. )

But I do welcome suggestions?

( Help. )

[matermali]

[ Vanessa takes names quite seriously as well, and she's more than a little nervous to name anything spawned by Hell. The desire is strong, but she needs to be careful what connections she makes. To give a name is to give a new life. ]

I...cannot think of a name that would suit such a singular beast. [ Lies and untruths, which may be discernable from her hesitation, but one would need to be astute. ] But I am certain that inspiration will find you when you least expect. You seem to have a creative nature.

( private )

[ A beat, and her smile becomes a bit more tentative. ]

In truth, I was hoping to speak to you about that. I was lucky enough to taste some of the dessert that you gifted the Doctor. It may not have been intended for me, but I still wished to pass on my compliments.

[valeas]

A lovely girl by the name of Kamala has suggested Yadid. It means "a beloved friend" in Arabic. ( The irony of such a sentiment is not lost on her, of course. He is beloved to a select few, and an absolute nightmare to those he is set loose upon.

But though Wrath is an impassive wall on the surface, he does love his puppies, and Emilia loves Kamala, so. )

private.

( The rest of the message comes, and her own features warm. These reminders do her good: that she once sought to create, not only destroy. That she once wanted nothing more than a garden of her own, and fill up the bellies of whose who would be made happier for it. )

I'm pleased it's met your approval. It was intended, too, for anyone he wished to share it with. Some substitutions were necessary, but it is among my more successful creations. ( It terms of how close it is to what now only lives in her memory. )

[matermali]

[ There's a low hum of approval for the name while she nods. A good sounding name. She'll be sure to remember it, even if she plans to be careful approaching a hell hound. At least...this one. ]

( private )

[ Strange how suddenly shy she feels now that she has the opportunity to bring this up, and there's a momentary pause with lips parted while she tries to find the right words. She doesn't fidget or blush, but there are definite stops and starts to her glances. Vanessa Ives, nervous? ]

Oh, he quite enjoyed it as well.

[ Hence this strangely domestic request from someone like her. ]

This...may be forward, but I was wondering if you might... [ Spit it out, woman. ] I was hoping you might reveal the recipe to me? To teach me?

private ∞

[valeas]

I prefer the forwardness, I assure you.

( Emilia learned the art of cunning and deception — one does not survive in the Seven Circles otherwise — but it's refreshing and indeed her truer nature to be direct, to charge at things as opposed to not. She appreciates when people speak their mind.

This conversation is not happening face-to-face, but she's not completely without perception. She does sense a shift in Vanessa that leaves her curious, even as her smile warms when the question does come. Lan Wangji... has prepared her for the role of teacher.

Quite capably. )

Of course. I've been earning my keep by helping out in the kitchens. I plan to be there later on in the evening, if ( a slight pause, as Yadid dives into some snow that kicks up around her shoulders, melting a bit too quickly )

... you're available.