♠ 09 | video

[beauchevalier]

[In the early hours of the morning, what people will see over their SFCs is a very large room that takes on the appearance of an art studio. Despite the many artistic supplies spread in various locations, the room does house a single man in it. This man is sitting in front of a canvas that doesn't have much on it, yet he's staring very intently at the canvas before setting the brush down. What can be seen is a painting of three hearts; one white, one black, and one gray. After a few moments of staring at his creation, he picks up the SFC which was already switched on prior to him painting this odd picture, the expression on his face rather neutral. Not happy or sad, simply neutral.]

Do call me curious dear Vatheon, but this is something I have been pondering for some time now. Why should we celebrate holidays we don't celebrate back home? Certainly some have been for the amusement of it, but take for instance this one we currently celebrated. For those who don't believe in love, a holiday entirely dedicated to it is seen as ridiculous. But that can be said of all people who don't believe in certain holidays, doesn't it?

Though this holiday especially can also arouse questions within us, particularly to matters of the heart as that seems to be its theme. A few I can think of are: Is there such a thing as true happiness or love? Is the feeling truly there or not? Can the supposed happiness and love gained with another who said they felt the same remain always? Or will it fade away like sand being washed away by the ocean?

Comments

[bufudine]

[He's faintly amused, but Serph doesn't let that show on his face.]

Like throwing pillows?

[But he does reseat himself slightly closer. Slightly. Like, one butt length. So there's still some space between them.]

[beauchevalier]

[He can slightly feel that Serph may or may not be amused by this, yet he doesn't care.]

I have a very legitimate reason to throw pillows at you.

[However, when Serph complies with moving closer and he takes the opportunity to seat himself again nearer to Serph.]

[bufudine]

[Uh huh. Sure. But he glances at the quickly shortening distance between them.]

This is close enough.

[beauchevalier]

[Keeping the distance between them, there was a sigh escaping his lips before he moves no more.]

Why does it matter to you what's wrong with me?

[bufudine]

[The answer comes easily.]

You're my friend.

[beauchevalier]

[Instead of sighing, he silently looks at Serph with slight surprise and confusion.]

You truly consider me your friend?

[bufudine]

[A nod. Despite the, you know, harassment.]

[beauchevalier]

[He sees no harrassment between them and stares at Serph closer.]

Would you do anything for me as my friend then?

[bufudine]

[Serph matches Angelo's stare. There isn't a change in expression as he tells Angelo flatly--]

I have limits.

[beauchevalier]

[A sigh before he pulls back slightly and frowns.]

So I cannot ask favors of you?

[bufudine]

[He shakes his head, though it's more a "no, you can ask favours," rather than a "no, you can't."]

It depends on the favour.

[He elaborates slightly.]

It is peoples' choice to do as I ask, not their obligation.

[beauchevalier]

[He sighs again and takes a deep breath in then out before replying. His eyes even close slightly while he looks down at the floor.]

When you spoke of my brother and feelings before... You were correct in your assumptions. However I... I simply ask that if my brother were ever to come to the city, you allow me to handle him alone. No defense force or interference from anyone else, he's my problem and no one else's.

[bufudine]

[Hm. He'd made a similar argument with Ky, with regards to justice and the potential that there would be more of his kind -- Tribe or not -- arriving in Vatheon.]

I'll allow you to sort your problems with your brother.

[That is Angelo's responsibility, not his. However...]

But the Defense Force will step in, should your dealings escalate before then.

[beauchevalier]

[He shakes his head and puts on a more serious tone, in both face and voice.]

While he's not to be taken lightly, I don't want anyone to step in and fight him. He'll try to twist my words or his own to make him appear to be innocent in any given situation. He's abused his power with the Templars and the church, who knows what he will do if he can get the Defense Force wrapped around his fingers.

[bufudine]

[This is the smirkiest lineface you'll ever see, Angelo.]

Then you'll just need to sort your problems with your brother before we are required to step in.

[beauchevalier]

[He turns his head away from Serph.]

I'd rather not ever have to see him again, his presence alone makes me ill. I detest him to my very core and only pity him because he was too foolish for his own good.

[bufudine]

[Mmm. Serph's expression and voice slip back into his usual lineface and calm, even tone.]

Currently we have little choice in who arrives and who doesn't.

[It's a shame. He sometimes wonders if someone like Bat would arrive in Vatheon. Wonders whether he would change in Vatheon.]

[beauchevalier]

[Serph will notice Angelo's expression becomes more melancholy, almost sad.]

I'm...afraid of what he'll do to others in this city too, Serph. I already said he's not someone to be taken lightly... It's very possible he'll try to murder someone for power if he can.

[bufudine]

[Serph shakes his head.]

Who would he murder for power?

[The only ones who really have power are the ones who have brought them here, after all. The leaders of the Defense Force? This isn't the Junkyard, where the killer of the leader becomes the leader themselves.]

You know what happens to those who kill foreigners.

[Riffael, and his subsequent blindness.]

[beauchevalier]

[He lays back down on the bed and sprawls himself out.]

If he can manipulate his way into the Defense Force... It'll be every single one of the leaders, that's who. Or even the people who brought us here, should the possibility arise. [He's also quite aware of what happens to foreigners who kill, but he knows his brother too well.] I do know, but for him... The consequences don't matter when his goals are achieved.

[bufudine]

[Serph tilts his head.]

What goals would those be?

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo rolls onto his side and gets closer to Serph again, but not too close.]

To obtain power and possibly convince the people to let him rule this city.

[bufudine]

[Serph watches Angelo's movement, but doesn't react.]

He'll be disappointed.

[It doesn't matter how charismatic Angelo's brother is, there are too many people of too many varied backgrounds for him to have everyone toe the line. The Defense Force is less of a governing force, but one to provide safety and guidance. But there are just as many in the city who do not need it. At the very least, Serph's own people are loyal to him, though Heat's is not guaranteed.

But supposing he does rule the city, then what? What is the point of it all?]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo lays against the pillow near the bed's headboard, still relaxing on his side. He seems tired, melancholy, and as if nothing matters.]

This talk of my brother depresses me, let's do something more fun together.

[bufudine]

[Serph tilts his head.]

Like what?