un: pillar of the heavens | video

[inkfire]

[ For once, Mo Ran's expression is serious, bordering on troubled. his eyes are shadowed, and he looks rather morose, a rare sight for him. He looks younger than his age, more like a teenager than usual. The camera starts and he takes a moment to stare at it blankly before blinking and shaking his head as though it took him a moment to remember why he was addressing the network at all. ]

What happens when someone leaves here? At least I hope he left and didn't die somewhere, if we get to leave... [ He grimaces at that thought, though he abandons it quickly, not wanting to dwell on that possibility. ]

Do people return to their homes? I was working on a farm before I ended up here, would I go back there? Do we remember what happened here?

[ He needs answers! It'll drive him mad, otherwise. ]

Comments

un: absterge

[downswing]

He did not perish.

[inkfire]

Are you sure?

[downswing]

The Merchant tallies our lives jealously. He would have condemned a loss.

[inkfire]

So he wants to make sure we're all accounted for and able to do his biding.

[downswing]

Certainly accounted for.

[inkfire]

So what if we do something stupid and risky here, that might lead to our death?

[downswing]

You'd thought it a game?

[inkfire]

Why wouldn't it be a game? Or something close to it. He can just replace people.

[downswing]

Are you mere 'people'?

[inkfire]

No. But I've met my share of madmen who will use people to achieve their goal. They tend not to think much of their pawns.

[ he was one of those ]

[downswing]

You will not be a pawn.

I pledge.

[inkfire]

I'm not concerned about that, Senior. But thanks?

[ he was definitely a little worried about that ]

[downswing]

I thank the entrustment of a junior's welfare.

[inkfire]

Junior. Ha. No one's called me that in years.

Are you a teacher, Senior?

[downswing]

You require instruction?

[inkfire]

I'm beyond the age of needing instruction.

You just seem like a teacher.

[downswing]

I have a son.

[inkfire]

Really?

Did he materialize out of thin air and land in your lap, fully grown?

[downswing]

( Yes. )

[downswing]

Perhaps fatherhood is the teaching air you speak of.

[inkfire]

Most fathers are pretty shitty and would be even worse teachers. Except for my uncle, but he's a rare case. Maybe you are, as well.

[downswing]

A ( shitty ) disappointing father?

Perhaps.

[inkfire]

Don't feel too bad. At least your son hasn't tried to murder you.

I hope.

[downswing]

Your hope, in doubt.

[inkfire]

He's tried to murder you?