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

[inferus]

It is unclear, and I doubt we will receive useful answers to the questions of how it was given and who has the amount of power to do so.

( To reach into Hell itself and summon one of his hellhounds at will. )

I believe I was not the only one who received something.

[somebadnews]

You're not, but I don't see the connection.

[ Five found an unusual compass that someone may have assumed would be useful to him. ]

It might be worth seeing what Hatisse knows. She's the only one who has been able to reach your world with the beacon, and she has the motivation.

[ Because she's into you and all. ]

[inferus]

( Wrath has considered the possibility, of course, even if he is uncertain why Hatisse would care what they did for the city itself, but he will take the gift regardless of where it came from. )

I will not speak to her so that line of inquiry would have to be taken up by someone else.

( Wrath has no interest in having any interaction with that witch again. In Hell, he would have removed her tongue a long time ago (and any other limbs that might be appropriate) and banished her to another realm for her behavior toward both him and his wife, but they are not in Hell, and she is responsible for powering up the beacons so she is a necessary evil.

This is nothing he would talk about on the network where she could be watching. When they do have those drinks, he would explain this to Five in person. )

[somebadnews]

[ No reason at all that she'd be trying to get back into his good graces by leaving him gifts. Five doesn't press the issue, but wouldn't it be nice if they had a simple explanation and a clear target? ]

Fair enough. [ He could speak to her himself if he wants to be sure, but it would only explain Wrath's gift. She isn't obsessed with the rest of them. ]

If you don't think there's any reason for concern, I trust you have it handled.

[ Not that he isn't curious, but the world is going to end anyway. Might as well ease into Hell while they've got the time. ]

[inferus]

( Wrath appreciates the trust. He is unaccustomed to having his skills be distrusted, to having anyone doubt him, but they are in a world where that is the case. He has been King of Hell for an incredibly long period of time, but it means little here, and he constantly has to remind himself of the fact. )

If there were reason for concern, I would ask for your assistance.

( He is not concerned at present.

If he thought there was reason to be worried, he would remove the threat. )

[somebadnews]

[ Five hums in response. He knows how Wrath feels about Hatisse. She's only alive because she can operate the beacons, but it wouldn't take much to convince him that she isn't worth the trouble she puts Wrath through. Barely crosses his mind that taking on a powerful witch might not go as well as he assumes.

He's aware that Wrath has been on shaky ground with Emilia, so in retrospect it isn't a great time to bring it up. ]

You know where to find me.