video. un: a_civil_serpent. [set before the Colosseum-attacks]

[inferus]

( Wrath has the device pointed toward himself, but over his shoulder, the rest of the crew who went after the news shouters are clearly in view. It is possibly an amusing village with Wrath being so entirely tall and broad, and the rest being much shorter, smaller: Kamala, America, Hermione, and Five walk behind him. Together, they enter Wrath's current residence (it's quite fancy, because the devil likes fancy things) to review what they have learned and make sure the coast is clear after breaking the shouters out from where they had been taken.

It's only when the door has closed on his magically warded residence that Wrath speaks: )

Kamala was right to worry about the veteran news shouters. We found them being held captive in the House of Scribes. According to these shouters, they had been beaten as a part of... conversations they were made to have over their 'poor civic spirit' - a direct quotation.

They were apparently detained for refusing to spread fearmongering about the supposed imminent resurrection and upcoming apocalypse of the Chained God. Their orders to do so were signed by Caius Justus himself. It is their belief that Caius Justus weaponizes this fear to stir the public in a particular direction - usually toward violence, bloodshed, fighting.

The shouters did appear to admire Messalina. They consider her message to be of one of... peace and liberation of the dead. As with all things, take that final particular information not as fact necessarily, but as their opinions to take into consideration.

( ooc: threadjack away, feel free to address any of the crew/threadjack, and also, replies could come from any of the crew )

Comments

in person.

[inferus]

( Wrath will wait for a moment after Kamala has had her tea but before the group of them disband. They are all free to say how ever long they would like. )

Remain on your guard when you do return. They will likely be looking for the news shouters we freed. ( Which means their colleagues are the most likely to be asked about their whereabouts )

[cosplayqueen]

[Kamala nods. She imagined there would be consequences. As usual, she has zero regrets about trying to do the right thing. She doesn't appear to be really worried about it overall.] Good thing I have no clue where they are. I suck at lying.

[That should be concerning. Kamala is unbothered still. She does want to stress one point while they're still together. She smiles softly and tells Wrath as earnestly as ever:] I really can't thank you enough for believing me. I know we don't exactly know each other well, but it means a lot to be heard. So thanks.

[inferus]

The best lies rely primarily on the truth as well as withholding crucial details as opposed to making up entirely new fabrications. If they ask if you've seen them or heard from them recently, you can simply say, no. After all, recently could refer to as short a time as an hour ago.

( In general though, Wrath appreciates that she is not prone to lying despite the fact he comes from Hell, which is made up of it - lies. ) I know you place my wife in high esteem, and I also know the sentiment is returned in full. Beyond those feelings, your concern was a valid one, you came to the group for advice and assistance, and you're open in your intent and determination. Why wouldn't I believe you?

[cosplayqueen]

[Kamala's eyes widen. She states the reason why within seconds.] That's really good advice.

[She can actually follow that. It warms her heart to hear Emilia feels the same as she does. The rest earns a small laugh until she realizes Wrath is serious. Kamala quickly sobers up to answer seriously.] Because I'm sixteen? No one ever listens to teenagers. They always assume we're being dramatic or don't know anything. That's why I got so defensive. I was waiting for the eye roll and speech about minding my own business.

[inferus]

( If there is anything that the master of deceit can do, it's to teach someone how to withhold information with ease. Then she goes on to explain. There's twofold reason why it did not necessarily occur to him. He comes from a time when sixteen year old mortals were working as much as adults, looking to be wed, and the second reason is that he is ageless. )

Mortal years mean little to me. I find action to be a far greater determinant, and you have shown in your action to be a thoughtful individual in the way you approach situations, and you came seeking aid even with that expectation in mind. ( She did not let it pull her away from her task. ) No one within the group should have any valid reason to not listen.

[cosplayqueen]

[It is a pretty reasonable explanation. The respect given in it means the world to Kamala. Her eyes are practically bursting with a sincere affection earned from the explanation.] That is seriously one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me here.

[Kamala rubs her bare wrist self-consciously. She's about to share big feelings. She can never be sure how that will go over.] If you ever need anything, let me know. I would have helped you before because Emilia is great. I'm sorry, I've just been thinking of you as her pretty boyfriend this whole time. You're pretty great, too. I should have noticed that sooner.