ic inbox

[manifestering]

ghost noises

Comments

[sworndevotion]

That is a hopeful message. I will try to take it to heart. Thank you, Octavian.

I have done little but sleep since returning... I should check on his Highness, but it is difficult to get up.


Ah, apologies, I do not mean to complain.

[manifestering]

It is a notion I have kept at hand for a long time
You are welcome

And also you are allowed to complain
I do not mind

[Shocking Development]

[sworndevotion]

I try to hold onto similar sentiments in dark times. Though, my sentiments tend to revolve more around a particular person.

Ah, I shouldn't. I should get back to work.

[manifestering]

I had particular people once
Now I have only myself

We are very different people
I would complain for another fortnight minimum

[sworndevotion]

Who was your person? If you do not mind sharing.

[That lightens his expression into the ghost of a smile.]

Well... One more. The corruption has made my joints very stiff. On top of the exhaustion, moving around is difficult. Otherwise, I might have been able to force myself to cook something.

[manifestering]

My brother
And someone I used to know

Are your joints now metallic in nature
Perhaps you need machine oil

[sworndevotion]

Ah, I think you mentioned him before. Is he still alive?

Somewhat. The metal grew in quickly and a bit... Wrong. The joints have not formed properly.
Machine oil is a good idea. I am unsure if it would resolve the issue entirely, but it would likely help.

[manifestering]

Perhaps I did
The cooking I imagine
And no he died a long time ago

You may also require the aid of a smith
Unless you would like me to poke around in there with a screwdriver

[sworndevotion]

Ah, I am sorry. I had a younger sister who died about ten years ago. Was your brother older?

Yes, I have contacted someone named Jayce Talis who told me he is experienced in a forge. He is a golem as well.
You are welcome to poke, if you like, though I am not sure a screwdriver will do much.

[manifestering]

No
We are twins

And oh him
The one with the notes
I do not need to poke though
It was only a joke

[sworndevotion]

I see... It must be doubly hard to lose a twin.

Ah, apologies. Yes, with the notes. He visited me, in... Well, I do not know where we were. Perhaps it was only a dream.
Anyhow, I hope he can at least remove the teeth. They are disturbing.

[manifestering]

Yes

Teeth
Wow
That is strange and disgusting
I hope he brings pliers in that case

[sworndevotion]

Yes. I am not sure what can be done, but we will see.

In any case, I'm glad that you are okay. I hope to see you soon.

[manifestering]

If he lacks the mettle to pull teeth I will do it

[This is only a joke insofar as Jayce, with all his notes, does not seem like he'd shy away from it. The offer is not a joke at all.]

And oh
Do you need me for something
?

[guy with one friend voice: why else would people want to see me]

[sworndevotion]

[He's certain that if anyone could pull teeth from this metal, it would be Jayce, having seen his hulking form in person by now, but this is duly noted.]

No. I simply enjoy your company, and it has been a while.

[Is that... Not what we're doing here? Is he being inappropriate? Hm.]

[manifestering]

Oh
Yes it has
You understand I have not had friends in quite a while
I am unaccustomed to the rituals these days
I will bring
A snack

[It might be coins. He's experimenting.]

[sworndevotion]

I understand. I am not great at the rituals either.

[Maybe that's part of why he likes Octavian. He is straightforward, impossible to intimidate, and there is no pressure to perform.]

Oh. That would be very nice, thank you.

[manifestering]

Frankly I do not find the rituals very interesting
Or important
My brother once said it is all about making concessions for others' comfort
But again frankly
I do not think I like people who prefer an inauthentic version of myself

But when you are done with the teeth I will come and see you

[sworndevotion]

That is admirable. I often try to make others comfortable, but it does not usually work. At least, back home it did not, but here I find it a little easier.

The teeth are a future project, once I hear back from Jayce. Come by any time.

[manifestering]

We are all anathema to the locals here I suppose
People love to have things in common

I can be prepared in an hour

[sworndevotion]

That is true. And the negative assumptions about my people do not plague me here, as very few know where I am from or why it would have negative connotations.

Very well. I will try to make myself presentable.

[manifestering]

That is a point
We need only contend with the cultural problems of this new world

Do not worry about presentable

[sworndevotion]

Very well. I will see you soon.