caughtinanetwork | video;

Entry tags:

video; | evening

[Well, so much for feeling better finally.

Ioder looks a bit worried when he comes up on the network this evening. He's fidgeting, tugging at little strands of blonde below his ear and looking for all the world like an anxious child waiting for news of something.]

Ah... just... in case anyone is looking for her, my cousin Estellise seems to have left. Her name is no longer on the residency list and I can't get through to her voice mail.

[He forces a smile, though, as if trying to convince himself of something that he's struggling to believe is true.]

But... I'm sure it's just temporary. Yuri came back, after all.

[There's a little more fidgeting, and the forced smile quickly fades. He hesitates, but after a moment he reaches forward and turns the feed off]

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... then what would have been the point of saying something sooner?

Because I know Estelle would be heartbroken if she saw you feeling this depressed, your Majesty...

... I--...

[Owch.

Right in the heart, Yuri.]

[ YOU KNOW HE'S RIGHT, DAMMIT... ]

Look, I know it's gonna be hard. You're not the only one who was affected by her leaving...

...

... can't let it stop you from moving forward, though. And who knows... maybe if we find our way out here, then we can reunite with her, too.

... yes, I know. I'm... being selfish, I'm sorry...

Don't be. Just... start small, I guess.

[ A pause. Yuri's not that good at this comforting thing... ]

Do something that'll help keep your mind off of this for even a little bit. Got anything in mind?

... well, I do still have her stories that I can work on. Though, I suppose that's not really taking my mind off of her, is it?

I suppose not, but... if it helps, I won't stop you.

... Estelle mentioned that I should try writing a story of my own sometime, now that I think of it. Wonder if I should try it now...?

Oh, did she? You could try! I'm sure you have a lot of stories you could tell.

I suppose, but where would I even start? I'm not the kind of guy who like to write, you know...

Well, the simple answer would be "from the beginning", but if that's too vague, perhaps just start writing and see where it goes?

... could work. I have too many things I want to try writing down... I'll just pick one and see where that takes me.

Seems like the best course of action then. I wish you all the luck with it.

Thanks.

... what about you? Are you just gonna stick to pictures, or are you gonna try writing something too?

I've never had the skill for it, I'm afraid. Artistic talent in our family line is wide and varied but it seems that between Estellise and myself, we're evenly split between writing and drawing.

It doesn't bother me, though. It's a good hobby to have if nothing else

[He pauses thoughtfully for a moment, before adding]

I did play flute, once upon a time, but I haven't gone to the trouble of finding an instrument here.

Sounds fun. I don't have much in hobbies, unless cooking every so often and swordplay count.

[ A pause. ]

... maybe you could find one here?

I can see those counting as hobbies and practical skills.

I've... considered it. It would bring an interesting skill to my job at the club, wouldn't it?

I think it would... bet you'd have more than few fans on your hands, your Majesty.

Mm... perhaps. I would need some time to practice, though. It's been a while.

Really? Mind if I ask how long ago that was?

Maybe... two years?

[Might have been longer and his memory was just fuzzy. He merely recalls getting too busy with imperial dealings to really focus on music or art for a time.]

... that is a long time out of practice. Still, cn't say I'm surprised, with the Imperial stuff and all...

Yes. It wasn't at the forefront of my mind, that's for certain.

But if there was ever a time to take advantage of not having to rule an entire empire, now would be it.

Why not? Who knows, we've been here a while anyway...

...

A really long while...

We may have to resign ourselves to the fact that we're truly in this for the long run.