Israh Lukas @israh-lukas - Tumblr Blog

#ask game #oc ask game #tma #tma oc blog #tma oc #ooc.txt

// This seems like fun!

[A thin veil of fog stretches across the storage room's floor, and suddenly a person appears out of no-where. The fog quickly gathers up around the majority of their body despite them trying to maje it dissipate.]

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

[Silvester was just fixing an old chessboard onto the shelf with the appropriate amount of museum glue at the bottom - merely a dab, but a consistent one - when he felt shivers crawl up his spine from the cold. The fog dissipated just as he turned to look at it, and instead his eyes met with the intruder.]

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

And as far as I could tell - it didn't do anything. Though with the relization of its tie to the web - I think that thing makes a person more blind to manipulations? I've had it my whole life and grew up in a cult. Then got pulled into another. Think it probably had something to do with that, in hindsight.

Oh! Oh, God, I'm really sorry. [Not really specifying if he's apologising for not knowing what the Web is or, you know, the whole being in a cult thing. After using the tester - the beeping little scanner confirming it is a real gem - he fetches a small camera to take a picture of it. While aiming, he has to ask:]

Are you sure you want it contained here? Despite not being a very conventional family heirloom, I do think this could be a collector's piece, a pretty expensive one... If you ever wanted to come back for it, you could fill out the right forms to result as the rightful owner and retrieve it whenever you wanted, obviously for a fee.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

Right. I'm sorry, that must have sounded really insensitive. We've just had an issue with people dropping off pieces of absolutely normal jewellery and then coming back to try pawning them off. Most things here have absolutely nothing wrong with them...

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Uh- As I was saying, signing yourself off as the rightful owner puts us under obligation to keep the key out of display, if you so wish, in a drawer, cabinet or container that is only accessible to me, yourself and a third person you can trust. Obviously, this is to prevent theft or disappearances.

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

[While Israh is left to fill out some forms, Silvester places the key in a small box with cushioning, the kind you might see when gifting a pair of earrings. This box too is sealed in a bigger one, labelled with a serial number and signed.]

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

When he closes the drawer and the latch clicks into place, he turns around to speak, but is suddenly a bit too fascinated by the fog to. It doesn't take him a lot of guessing to figure out it's the client's doing, though he doesn't know exactly how. But he chooses to start messing with it, waving his hands inside and trying to cup it with a grin, all behind Israh. Please keep in mind, this is a tall and roomy man, possibly middle-aged, with an overgrown mullet, a moustache and piercings. Playing with fog like a child at the beach in the early morning.]

The fog is cold, but somehow welcoming. It tries to wrap around his hands as he plays with it. As the silence goes on, the fog gets thicker, and simultaneously tries to shroud Silvester's hands entirely, as Israh is almost indecipherable within it. After another long beat, Israh turns to ask a clarifying question with one of the forms and... just stares for a moment.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

Right! Sorry, I've just never seen this before!... Not fog, I have seen fog plenty, just never... Summoned. [He doesn't seem to realise how much the atmosphere has changed, at least not right away.] Uhm.. Does it happen when you're not paying attention?

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

"Kind of? More so when I'm not actively socializing. And paperwork has always been a thing that get really focused in on. I think it's also pissy with me so took the opportunity to come up while I was distracted."

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

[He's not really questioning any of it as much as he should be. Before he gets side-tracked again, though, he pulls out the code for the Artefact, written on a small piece of paper, and holds it out for them.]

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

Yes, estimates are fine. I have someone on staff who is an expert in narrowing down these kinds of things later on. He's pretty much always accurate.

[A beat passes. He is starting to get goosebumps...]

Can I ask, is the fog-- You spoke of it as if it could hear you.

"Oh- cool. Bet that's pretty useful, no? Is it just for the artifacts?"

"Ah... right. So - yes and no? The fog itself- no. It isn't really sentient? Not in the way that we are. At least not from what I've really gathered. But the other avatars of the Forsaken - I don't know that they're listening, but I do know that our voices can carry through the fog if we aren't careful. And - I've already been a bit of an issue for the Lukas' so if Peter puts together where I am it may not end well."

They ramble, over-explaining things that they think aren't as obvious, and not explaining at all what they think is.

[But surprising them both, Silvester actually seems to get all that on the first try. Despite having no clue what The Forsaken is.]

A mobile and intangible web of connections between isolated users, passing information only occasionally and indirectly. Fascinating stuff!

"Uh, yeah, basically-! You summed that up a lot better than I did pfh-. I shouldn't be surprised though, institute worker and all."

"Speaking of - if I can ask - does it not bother you? The 'being watched' feeling?"

[His demeanor changes, ever so slightly.]

So everyone does feel it, hm? [He crosses his arms over his chest, and he glances out into the hall, at something in another room. A painting.] To be completely honest, it has bled into the background for me by now, but neither because I've been working here for so long, or because I somehow tolerate it. I've just got my own paranoias dwarfing it into "not my biggest concern". What's a little chill up your spine compared to... The point is, it only becomes unbearable for me now if someone is doing the whole "Demanding knowledge" thing at me. Makes me physically ill, like there's something pressing against my head on all sides...

Oh, god. Sorry! That was graphic, and quite a bit too personal, I am very sorry... Have you investigated on the fog somehow making people more honest yet, or am I reaching?

They're quiet as he explains, and while theres a curiosity to follow his gaze, they keep their focus on him.

"Oh, huh. Thankfully I've not had to feel the demanding thing since before I became an avatar."

Israh puts their hands up at the apology and laughs a little before shaking their head.

"No, not as far as I know. And - it's fine - I asked in the first place, no? And being here is probably the more likely thing to make that happen. The Forsaken doesn't care much for knowledge, mostly just isolation."

Forsaken. You keep saying that name as well, that's... Probably not what I think it is... Anyhow, shouldn't dwell on that for too long. Are the forms ready?

"Yeah - it's my fear.. god - thing. I think it's typically called The Lonely. Apologies if that has been confusing at all. Oh - yes-!"

They look over the forms one more time to be sure they've not missed anything, and nod as they see that they haven't. They gather the papers and hand them back to Silvester.

"Oh, there's a slim chance that the address might just.. fade quicker than the rest of the information. If it does - it's Moorland House, in Kent."

So there's a "god" for loneliness, too? Huh, I never thought. ...Moorland House, Kent.

[Silvester now has a set of documents, a few pictures of the key and the key itself all in his custody. Still walking around in the fog, he collects the fee - the price of a single person ticket to a museum in Central London - with the grace of a person who, once again, does not see the point at all.]

From my perspective, we should be paying you people for not letting cursed objects stay around the public. But Mr Bouchard knows people will feel much more relieved if we sound like exterminators of some kind. Either way, our work is done! The key is sealed away. It shouldn't become an issue for anyone else.

"Yeah. I don't think they're really called gods by most - I'm just in the midst of unlearning and relearning things - and that term is the easist way I know how to refer to it."

"Huh, well, I'm sure he also benifits from not only the pay - but housing so many items full of fear? I really don't see the point in taking these things in, possibly endangering workers, if not for some positive gain. But - what do I know? I'm just... glad to not have The Mother medling in my life."

Israh looks around at some of the other artifacts after a moment, and then shakes their head.

"Uhm - Thank you. I know it's your job but - still. Nice to have that off my hands - and to have a chat. Oh - and if the fog doesn't fully leave when I'm gone, find someone to talk with for a while. It should leave if you're not locked up all on your own."

They smile, the fog thickens around them, and in a moment, they're gone.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

Yes, estimates are fine. I have someone on staff who is an expert in narrowing down these kinds of things later on. He's pretty much always accurate.

[A beat passes. He is starting to get goosebumps...]

Can I ask, is the fog-- You spoke of it as if it could hear you.

"Oh- cool. Bet that's pretty useful, no? Is it just for the artifacts?"

They ramble, over-explaining things that they think aren't as obvious, and not explaining at all what they think is.

[But surprising them both, Silvester actually seems to get all that on the first try. Despite having no clue what The Forsaken is.]

A mobile and intangible web of connections between isolated users, passing information only occasionally and indirectly. Fascinating stuff!

"Uh, yeah, basically-! You summed that up a lot better than I did pfh-. I shouldn't be surprised though, institute worker and all."

"Speaking of - if I can ask - does it not bother you? The 'being watched' feeling?"

[His demeanor changes, ever so slightly.]

Oh, god. Sorry! That was graphic, and quite a bit too personal, I am very sorry... Have you investigated on the fog somehow making people more honest yet, or am I reaching?

They're quiet as he explains, and while theres a curiosity to follow his gaze, they keep their focus on him.

"Oh, huh. Thankfully I've not had to feel the demanding thing since before I became an avatar."

Israh puts their hands up at the apology and laughs a little before shaking their head.

Forsaken. You keep saying that name as well, that's... Probably not what I think it is... Anyhow, shouldn't dwell on that for too long. Are the forms ready?

"Yeah - it's my fear.. god - thing. I think it's typically called The Lonely. Apologies if that has been confusing at all. Oh - yes-!"

They look over the forms one more time to be sure they've not missed anything, and nod as they see that they haven't. They gather the papers and hand them back to Silvester.

"Oh, there's a slim chance that the address might just.. fade quicker than the rest of the information. If it does - it's Moorland House, in Kent."

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

Yes, estimates are fine. I have someone on staff who is an expert in narrowing down these kinds of things later on. He's pretty much always accurate.

[A beat passes. He is starting to get goosebumps...]

Can I ask, is the fog-- You spoke of it as if it could hear you.

"Oh- cool. Bet that's pretty useful, no? Is it just for the artifacts?"

They ramble, over-explaining things that they think aren't as obvious, and not explaining at all what they think is.

[But surprising them both, Silvester actually seems to get all that on the first try. Despite having no clue what The Forsaken is.]

A mobile and intangible web of connections between isolated users, passing information only occasionally and indirectly. Fascinating stuff!

"Uh, yeah, basically-! You summed that up a lot better than I did pfh-. I shouldn't be surprised though, institute worker and all."

"Speaking of - if I can ask - does it not bother you? The 'being watched' feeling?"

[His demeanor changes, ever so slightly.]

Oh, god. Sorry! That was graphic, and quite a bit too personal, I am very sorry... Have you investigated on the fog somehow making people more honest yet, or am I reaching?

They're quiet as he explains, and while theres a curiosity to follow his gaze, they keep their focus on him.

"Oh, huh. Thankfully I've not had to feel the demanding thing since before I became an avatar."

Israh puts their hands up at the apology and laughs a little before shaking their head.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

Yes, estimates are fine. I have someone on staff who is an expert in narrowing down these kinds of things later on. He's pretty much always accurate.

[A beat passes. He is starting to get goosebumps...]

Can I ask, is the fog-- You spoke of it as if it could hear you.

"Oh- cool. Bet that's pretty useful, no? Is it just for the artifacts?"

They ramble, over-explaining things that they think aren't as obvious, and not explaining at all what they think is.

[But surprising them both, Silvester actually seems to get all that on the first try. Despite having no clue what The Forsaken is.]

A mobile and intangible web of connections between isolated users, passing information only occasionally and indirectly. Fascinating stuff!

"Uh, yeah, basically-! You summed that up a lot better than I did pfh-. I shouldn't be surprised though, institute worker and all."

"Speaking of - if I can ask - does it not bother you? The 'being watched' feeling?"

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

Yes, estimates are fine. I have someone on staff who is an expert in narrowing down these kinds of things later on. He's pretty much always accurate.

[A beat passes. He is starting to get goosebumps...]

Can I ask, is the fog-- You spoke of it as if it could hear you.

"Oh- cool. Bet that's pretty useful, no? Is it just for the artifacts?"

They ramble, over-explaining things that they think aren't as obvious, and not explaining at all what they think is.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

It's fine, doesn't really bother me.

You should hold on to this, just in case.

"... That's - a better response than I expected - but uhm.. be wary of the fog. If anyone - summons it."

They show a tight smile as they give the warning, feeling very much akward. They nod and take the paper from him, emanating the same cold as the fog.

"Right. Thanks- oh and, I don't remember the exact date I found it, is that important for the documentation - or can it be more of an estimate?"

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

[He immediately stops bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and hides his hands behind his back, like they've left prints on mere air.]

"No- no you don't need to apologize- I don't want it to take you or anything - that's all."

They tilt their head at the question and give a half-shrug.

They frown and again try to wave some of it away, but it's still not really budging.

"Sorry about the cold too - comes with the fog."

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

[It can't take more than a couple of minutes before he's found a drawer with enough space for the box and stored it successfully - with a yellow sticker at the bottom for safety.

"Oh - shit - sorry! Uhm - don't mess with it too much -"

They try to wave the fog away, to make it dissapate quickly, but it doesn't really budge. Gets a slight bit thinner, but also colder.

"I didn't think that it would crop up so quickly - I promise I wasn't trying to make it.. happen."

They stumble over their words, expecting there to be some anger about them trying to take him to the Lonely, even if they know they weren't trying to.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

Sure. If you want, the third person can be an assistant of mine, a trusted one.

No signs of discomfort or disturbance yet... Take your time with the paperwork. I will this put in a locked drawer and give you a copy of the code to access it. Is that okay?

"Right- well if they can be trusted... then that should be fine."

Israh nods and starts to work through the forms. As they get more focused on them, fog starts to gather around them. They seem not to notice, and for a beat too long don't reply to him.

"Hmm-? Oh.. yeah, yeah that's fine."

They speak with a far-off tone, not looking up from the forms as they do. The fog gets thicker as they lose themselves to the mundane-ness of filling out documents.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

[He picks up and turns the key in his hand again after taking the picture. He seems to pause, maybe catch something, his eyes narrowing for just a second.]

Personally, I wouldn't need to be "forced" to do it at all. There's more space in here than you'd think, I'd gladly do it all without question anyway. But bureaucracy is bureaucracy.

"Oh, no it's uh- it's fine. I had to be told that theres a chance it's hooked to a fear."

They speak a bit quieter, and fog slightly gathers around their feet. They don't immediately recognize it.

Huh... I don't really have a third person- but if that part isnt necessary... then I'll set it up like that. Just to keep it away from the chance of leaving.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

"Hm? No need - I'm only learning the actual muck behind all of them."

They absolutely just assume he's just apologizing about not knowing. They tilt their head at the question, then frown a bit.

"It's not really an heirloom, and - collectors or not - I don't think it'll be good to keep around if theres even the slightest chance that it has any sway in manipulation. "

"Uh - if I sign that paperwork, does it keep anyone else from checking it out..?"

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

[He's inspecting the key with clear fascination, turning it in his gloved hands before deciding it's best to use a diamond tester, just to be sure. While he fetches the tool, he makes a comment]

The Mother , I've heard that title before. Isn't that something to do with the Beholding? Has it given you any visions while held?

[He seems out of the loop on some aspects regarding the Fears, though well meaning.]

Eh - no, not the Beholding. The Mother of Puppets is - er.. fear of manipulation. That choices you make aren't your own? I think at least. I just learned this the other day-.

'Er- hello. I've got something that seems to possibly be an artifact of the web. Thought it'd be best to bring it here."

- 🌫

...Hello. Did Eryn let you in?

[But his question goes unanswered.]

Right. Please, set it down on the table over there so I can evaluate your find.

They listen and set the item down. A key made of pure agate. They're quiet for a beat and then sigh.

"I found it at Hilltop road. It was a long time ago now, but I've recently learned that the place I found it indicates that it could have something to do with the Mother."

Yeah, I'd love to find some sort of lawyer to work out a divorse but I don't think there are lawyers who work with the fears. Sadly.

Twenty two! The marriage actually happened on my birthday, so every year I get to remember my mistake. Fun!

-🌫

..holy shit you’re my age. Why the hell did you get married at 22? Like, ignoring the whole “eldritch fear thing”, that’s just a terrible idea. Good god you could’ve gotta married to my brother

Eh, usually not hard to do that. Hopefully luck helps me out though

Yeah, I'd love to find some sort of lawyer to work out a divorse but I don't think there are lawyers who work with the fears. Sadly.

Twenty two! The marriage actually happened on my birthday, so every year I get to remember my mistake. Fun!

-🌫

I was in a bad place, alright-! At the time I thought the choice was either "okay get married to this really sweet, if not a bit distant, dude" or "stay in this cult about the Eye and watch my cult-leader situationship turn into an Eldritch Creature who may or may not eat me" and I thought the former was the better option-!

In hindsight I can see that it wasn't but - hindsight kind of sucks.

……you were with The Eye?

I wasn't an avatar , but... yeah. Born and raised in it, and being out of it has been a culture shock - even outside of the whole.. switching fears thing.

yeah I would, assume as much.

must fucking suck though, thinking you’re out only get sucked into a different cult

Even the fears themselves has been a learning experience! I knew them by very different names and barely knew what they were, outside of just.. them being demonized to make the Eye seem like it was god and that if we swayed to any of the others the eye would punish us. Eugh-.

Oh yeah! It's the worst. Thing is I didn't even realize until like - a month or so in? I just thought I was being given space to adjust. And by the time I actually started putting any of it together I had already grown accustomed to the isolation

god that sounds worse the the insitute. I’m definitely bias cause of…connections but yeah sorry man. That’s kinda what the Forsaken does, it creeps up on you and you don’t know how far gone you are until it’s too late

The institute? I assume it has something to do with the eye?

Yeah, and as much as I don't want to give them any sort of 'points', they do know how to pick their targets.

Magnus institute. The head is a bitch (who was horrible taste in men) but I’m friends with the Archivist. He lets me chill in the tunnels

Ah, right. Sounds like I've got something in common with the bitch. ... I hate that I just compared myself to a watcher. Let's pretend I didn't do that.

Huh... you like to be under it's watch?

I mean, it can’t see in the tunnels. Also please do not compare yourself to Eliass bitchard, you deserve better

Oh, that must be nice, then! That's actually one of the only things I like about Forsaken. It keeps the eye off me. I think that may have had a big part in why I made the decision that landed me here.

Oh, that name sounds familar. I've heard it the few times I leave my room. I didn't realize he was a watcher, though.

there are definitely better ways to keep The Eye off you. The Dark for starters, but I’m definitely bias cause I’m dating a Darkvatar.

also, yes. Unfortunately Peter and Elias are dating. Sometimes. Are they divorced currently?

I suppose, I never really liked it though. Trauma and such. Now though - I think it would've been a better choice.

Last I left my room was a few weeks ago, Peter was muttering about "not letting him pull his stunts again" so - I believe they're currently split. I know a bit before that there was some sort of shakeup in the mansion, everyone was pissy and there was something about relocating - so I think Elias was trying to find Peter? Maybe? They seem messy.

yeah I don’t think they’ve lasted more than a year without at least one divorced, and they can’t stay divorced for a year without getting back together

Eugh - I am not one to talk but they both need to get better tastes. Seriously - I can't imagine the headache their mediator must go through whenever they get a call.

yeah I’d say the should go to couples therapy but there’s no therapist in the world paid enough to deal with that shit

Oh gods no. Not paid enough nor would they have enough money to get their own therapy after dealing with them. I only hear shit on the outskirts and there's no amount of money that would convince me to listen to the entirey of it.

The nossiness in me wants to know tho, just - like - 4th or 5th hand knowledge.

I don’t know the ins and outs but, like, these two need therapy, but no therapist deserves their ass in their office

I know therpists shake in their boots if they hear their names, pfhh-

You know, this is fun. Actually talking to someone... normally. I kinda feel like a gossiping teenager but, still

hey, it keeps the fog away.

also I would literally be no better. The archives are like my own goddamn soap opera

Yeah, it's nice to not be so cold.

Oh, really? Other than the Elias thing - I would think they're academics. With 'institute' in the name and all

yeah they’re technically scholars, but the assistants wouldn’t know common sense if it broke down their door with a bunch of fucking worms. They’re all dumbasses, I love them

Pfhh- maybe I should come over some day, bring popcorn for the show. That also sounds like it's something thats happened? Did they get an artifact or something? I think thats what they're called, the claimed items and books and such?

I mean, not technically, Gerry fucking smited the worm lady before she could do anything, but it was an apt metaphor

Huh... well - good that he uses the eye shit to protect his assistants. I don't know much of anything about him - but he seems the most... tolerable... of the watchers.

I mean, he doesn’t really like The Eye either

Oh - huh. I always thought it would - well - not favor those who dislike it. Old teachings, I suppose

well, I mean, it adores Jon and Sasha, and both of them hate it’s guts. It also couldn’t give a white whether Elias lives or dies and he’s served it for 200 years

Assistants, I take it? And yeah that's... like the exact opposite of what I knew. I guess it really doesn't care as long as it gets it's meals, huh.

I think it just, likes the tired and wet-cat looking ones with no regard for their own self preservation

Pfh- this was the first image that popped into my head-

well, it’s accurate

It sees the runts and just snatches them up - pfhhh - gods that really makes it just funny. I kind of want to meet the wet cats in question now

maybe. Unfortunately one of them is currently kidnapped by evil clowns but i’m working on it

oH! That sounds like one hells of a trip. Are the uhm- evil clowns entity related or just - people being strange?

yeah, The Stranger. Fear of the uncanny valley basically

Ah, so that's the actual name for them. I think we had an encounter with something of that nature when I was a kid. Freaked me all the way out - good luck dealing with them

oh, oh sorry. And well, I have my flock. I’ll be fine

You keep birds? I've always found them interesting. Specifically watching migration patterns

my crows! I love them to pieces. They’re the reason I’m with The Extinction, y’know?

Huh, that's interesting. I wouldn't think there are many animals associated with the fears outside of like- the hunt or.. uh the body horror one. I can't remember the actual name for it at the moment.

Flesh, and it’s a, weird situation. Like obviously they’re not, normal crows. But also, normalness is subjective and all that

I've got the image of like - little robotic crows. The gears creaking making the little bird sounds. But, it's good that you have them

not, exactly

*one of her crows lands on her shoulder, staring at him eyelessly* and, here’s an example

Oh- huh. Interesting. Oh, do they like trinkets? I've heard before about stones and such.

oh absolutely *she scratches the crow under its chin affectionately* the amount of times I’ve had to return the shit they steal from artifact storage is crazy

That would actually be a good way to spread fear. Maybe- or it might just get memed to hell. "Hey look at this crow, it brought me a weird book"

But- uh, I've got an old agate key. Doesn't go to anything, but it's pretty. I think they might like it?

huh, interesting. Thanks

do you think it’s an artifact or is it just old

I think it's just old, I've had it for ages and it never brought anything strange around. Might want to have it checked by people who know what they're looking for though? Just to be certain

yeah, I have, uh, no clue. Some where’d you get it?

I found it at this old house in Oxford when I was a kid. I think the place was an orphanage, or something? It was on the outskirt of the property so I didn't think it belonged to anyone

…..hilltop road?

Uh- maybe? That sounds familiar so I'm guessing yeah. Do you know it?

anddddd that’s probably Web. Hilltop road is a Web domain

Oh! Well - is there a way to be sure? I've not really dealt with spiders like - at all

my good sir The Web is only known when it’s wants to be. The Mother of puppets is a manipulator above all else

... Right. Eugh - I should probably get rid of this thing like - properly, shouldn't I?

yeah that’s probably a good idea

D'you know a good place to do that? I feel like if I just chuck it somewhere in the house it won't just stay

I mean, maybe you could submit it to artifact storage? I can’t promise arachne won’t steal it if you do though