Lake Lady

Song of my soul My hopes and dreams Rise now, be heard, As songs and screams Reduced to ashes, Lost Carcosa

[lilihalifactotum]

Hello, hello! Welcome to my blog theatre!

I am Lilianne Hali Factotum, an Eldritch Vtuber!

For clarity's sake, please call me (the mod) Lily. And the character Lilianne or just Lili!

As you can see, from the middle name, Lilianne is the lake Hali from the King in Yellow mythos. There's a lot going on with my character lore, most of it will be in my lore comic and some more in-depth stuff sprinkled... Elsewhere... For anyone to find!

The jist of it, though, is that one fateful day, lake Hali darkened and rose, bringing Carcosa to ruin, killing the King in Yellow in the process, which caused the surviving gods to forever confine her to the remains of Carcosa with Hypnos as her "warden". Here, she basically remade herself as Lilianne!

Please feel free to interact with Lily, Lilianne, or even Hypnos as you'd wish! All that I'll ask is that you keep things friendly and the topics from going full NSFW, suggestive is fine though!

Additional info under cut

My YouTube

Tags:

General: #LHF

Ooc: #Liliyap

In character: #LHFthoughts

Hypnos: #Eepy talking

Trivia: #FACTsotum

Art: #Artotum

Lore stuff: #Lililore

[lilihalifactotum]

*a ripple could be heard behind you, before that same tear would reopen.*

*this time however, it’s larger. Enough for someone to step in without trouble.*

*accompanying the yellow light and the melody and lyrics of ‘Midnight, the Stars, and You’ are the silhouettes of guests walking around.*

*the rift will stay open as long as you want.*

*welcome to the ball.*

@the-eternal-golden-ball

With the final touches to her costume in place, the Ruinous Lake took a deep breath as she stood in front of the rift, invitation in hand.

She turned to the one playing attendant for her, trying to pass the anxiety off as excitement.

Ready, Chief?

@us-dms-casen333

[us-dms-casen333]

Chief. Hey Chief. Chief.

Imagine her just poking Chief constantly lol

You have any preferences for the suit?

@lilihalifactotum

[Jumpy from the constant poking]

Ow, cut that out- Uh...

[They're thinking. Pondering if you will]

... actually, no. As long as it is formal wear with pants, I'm fine. Do you have any design in mind?

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Something like that, I wanna try something a bit more extravagant than the classic suit.

She stopped poking them... kicking her feet from where she sat instead, and if they accidentally hit Chief... Well oopsies!

How do you feel about frills?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Building a bit of distance to not get kicked]

Not overly done... it can add to a good suit. I don't think I ever wore frills.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

She pouted when Vince got out of kicking distance.

Gotcha! This is a chance to experiment though! If you don't like it then you can just say it's uniform or something!

[us-dms-casen333]

[Very well noticed the pout]

I'll trust not to be dressed as a clown since that would affect YOUR reputation as well.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh true... Ah, speaking of!

She took something from her pocket: two pins, one black and the other a pearlescent white, each engraved with something different.

Wear the black one. It's my symbol and will tell any troublesome creatures that you're under my protection.

The other one is the Elder Sign, keep it hidden, but where you can easily access, in case any gods still try to harm you, it can ward them away, at least temporarily.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take both pins, for now both will stay on their pocket.]

Thank you... I think. You know you're not entitled to my protection, right? You could simply drop me somewhere else... I wouldn't mind or hold it against you.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

I know. Maybe I'll even drop you at the ball if the Benefactor's there. But till then, you're my responsibility.

She said, matter-of-factly.

[us-dms-casen333]

Chief. Hey Chief. Chief.

Imagine her just poking Chief constantly lol

You have any preferences for the suit?

@lilihalifactotum

[Jumpy from the constant poking]

Ow, cut that out- Uh...

[They're thinking. Pondering if you will]

... actually, no. As long as it is formal wear with pants, I'm fine. Do you have any design in mind?

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Something like that, I wanna try something a bit more extravagant than the classic suit.

She stopped poking them... kicking her feet from where she sat instead, and if they accidentally hit Chief... Well oopsies!

How do you feel about frills?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Building a bit of distance to not get kicked]

Not overly done... it can add to a good suit. I don't think I ever wore frills.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

She pouted when Vince got out of kicking distance.

Gotcha! This is a chance to experiment though! If you don't like it then you can just say it's uniform or something!

[us-dms-casen333]

[Very well noticed the pout]

I'll trust not to be dressed as a clown since that would affect YOUR reputation as well.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh true... Ah, speaking of!

She took something from her pocket: two pins, one black and the other a pearlescent white, each engraved with something different.

Wear the black one. It's my symbol and will tell any troublesome creatures that you're under my protection.

The other one is the Elder Sign, keep it hidden, but where you can easily access, in case any gods still try to harm you, it can ward them away, at least temporarily.

[us-dms-casen333]

Chief. Hey Chief. Chief.

Imagine her just poking Chief constantly lol

You have any preferences for the suit?

@lilihalifactotum

[Jumpy from the constant poking]

Ow, cut that out- Uh...

[They're thinking. Pondering if you will]

... actually, no. As long as it is formal wear with pants, I'm fine. Do you have any design in mind?

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Something like that, I wanna try something a bit more extravagant than the classic suit.

She stopped poking them... kicking her feet from where she sat instead, and if they accidentally hit Chief... Well oopsies!

How do you feel about frills?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Building a bit of distance to not get kicked]

Not overly done... it can add to a good suit. I don't think I ever wore frills.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

She pouted when Vince got out of kicking distance.

Gotcha! This is a chance to experiment though! If you don't like it then you can just say it's uniform or something!

[us-dms-casen333]

Chief. Hey Chief. Chief.

Imagine her just poking Chief constantly lol

You have any preferences for the suit?

@lilihalifactotum

[Jumpy from the constant poking]

Ow, cut that out- Uh...

[They're thinking. Pondering if you will]

... actually, no. As long as it is formal wear with pants, I'm fine. Do you have any design in mind?

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Something like that, I wanna try something a bit more extravagant than the classic suit.

She stopped poking them... kicking her feet from where she sat instead, and if they accidentally hit Chief... Well oopsies!

How do you feel about frills?

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Chuckling. On her face. Rude]

I don't believe it ends, but... it begins. Again and again, inviting new people, from all places and realms of existence.

[They place a hand on their head. Seems like more info than what they remember is being flooded in their mind.]

... courtesy of a deceased king.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Screw it, she's sitting here now! Criss-cross applesauce style!

A neverending ball? Sounds fun! It would make for a good opportunity to dress up if I could figure out how to cheese it.... Though... Another one of it? What do you mean by it being by its courtesy?

[us-dms-casen333]

I naturally know as much as this, if I try to understand more of it, I'll hurt my mind in the process...

[They're experiencing first hand Derek's struggle... but worse: there's no eldritch being inside their head to filter the impact of unlimited knowledge. So, trying to look beyond what they naturally know hurts a lot.]

Do the letters "RMP" ring any bells? I'm afraid I'll have to let the rest in the dark.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Don't then. I'll try to do some research of my own. I don't recognize those initials, RMP, but maybe I'll be able to find out something about it ...

She closed her eyes in focus and pulled a book from a nonexistent shelf. After a moment, a book did appear in her hand, leaving Lili visibly winded.

Damn... So much energy for such a thin book... Let's just see what's in it...

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince watches curiously as this goes.]

I did have a file on this individual... it just that eldritch beings weren't my interest of research, so I admit not paying much attention to the details. Just what interested me.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Heh, you probably wished you paid more attention to that now that you're so involved with so many eldritch forces huh!

She commented while skimming through the book before seemingly finding what she was searching for.

Okay good! Looks like I'll be able to go actually there! Chief, get those words for your Benefactor in order! I'll handle the clothes.

[us-dms-casen333]

Wai- what?!

[Stunned. Flabbergasted. At odds. I could add a bunch of adjectives to convey their confusion because they cannot understand helping someone you dislike and she is doing just taht by even assisting them to get there.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Her head tilted in confusion at their shock.

What? It's a win-win, isn't it? I need an escort and you need a talk with the Benefactor. You can see it as thanks for helping with the guest rooms if it helps the shock.

She stood up and stretched, already thinking of the possible designs for her suit. That's gonna be fun!

[us-dms-casen333]

[Still flabbergasted af. But they're not complaining...! There's even a hint of a little smile there.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Let's call it a day today, I wanna get right to designing! You can stay outside if you want, but don't wander too far!

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Chuckling. On her face. Rude]

I don't believe it ends, but... it begins. Again and again, inviting new people, from all places and realms of existence.

[They place a hand on their head. Seems like more info than what they remember is being flooded in their mind.]

... courtesy of a deceased king.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Screw it, she's sitting here now! Criss-cross applesauce style!

A neverending ball? Sounds fun! It would make for a good opportunity to dress up if I could figure out how to cheese it.... Though... Another one of it? What do you mean by it being by its courtesy?

[us-dms-casen333]

I naturally know as much as this, if I try to understand more of it, I'll hurt my mind in the process...

[They're experiencing first hand Derek's struggle... but worse: there's no eldritch being inside their head to filter the impact of unlimited knowledge. So, trying to look beyond what they naturally know hurts a lot.]

Do the letters "RMP" ring any bells? I'm afraid I'll have to let the rest in the dark.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Don't then. I'll try to do some research of my own. I don't recognize those initials, RMP, but maybe I'll be able to find out something about it ...

She closed her eyes in focus and pulled a book from a nonexistent shelf. After a moment, a book did appear in her hand, leaving Lili visibly winded.

Damn... So much energy for such a thin book... Let's just see what's in it...

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince watches curiously as this goes.]

I did have a file on this individual... it just that eldritch beings weren't my interest of research, so I admit not paying much attention to the details. Just what interested me.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Heh, you probably wished you paid more attention to that now that you're so involved with so many eldritch forces huh!

She commented while skimming through the book before seemingly finding what she was searching for.

Okay good! Looks like I'll be able to go actually there! Chief, get those words for your Benefactor in order! I'll handle the clothes.

[us-dms-casen333]

Wai- what?!

[Stunned. Flabbergasted. At odds. I could add a bunch of adjectives to convey their confusion because they cannot understand helping someone you dislike and she is doing just taht by even assisting them to get there.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Her head tilted in confusion at their shock.

What? It's a win-win, isn't it? I need an escort and you need a talk with the Benefactor. You can see it as thanks for helping with the guest rooms if it helps the shock.

She stood up and stretched, already thinking of the possible designs for her suit. That's gonna be fun!

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Chuckling. On her face. Rude]

I don't believe it ends, but... it begins. Again and again, inviting new people, from all places and realms of existence.

[They place a hand on their head. Seems like more info than what they remember is being flooded in their mind.]

... courtesy of a deceased king.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Screw it, she's sitting here now! Criss-cross applesauce style!

A neverending ball? Sounds fun! It would make for a good opportunity to dress up if I could figure out how to cheese it.... Though... Another one of it? What do you mean by it being by its courtesy?

[us-dms-casen333]

I naturally know as much as this, if I try to understand more of it, I'll hurt my mind in the process...

[They're experiencing first hand Derek's struggle... but worse: there's no eldritch being inside their head to filter the impact of unlimited knowledge. So, trying to look beyond what they naturally know hurts a lot.]

Do the letters "RMP" ring any bells? I'm afraid I'll have to let the rest in the dark.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Don't then. I'll try to do some research of my own. I don't recognize those initials, RMP, but maybe I'll be able to find out something about it ...

She closed her eyes in focus and pulled a book from a nonexistent shelf. After a moment, a book did appear in her hand, leaving Lili visibly winded.

Damn... So much energy for such a thin book... Let's just see what's in it...

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince watches curiously as this goes.]

I did have a file on this individual... it just that eldritch beings weren't my interest of research, so I admit not paying much attention to the details. Just what interested me.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Heh, you probably wished you paid more attention to that now that you're so involved with so many eldritch forces huh!

She commented while skimming through the book before seemingly finding what she was searching for.

Okay good! Looks like I'll be able to go actually there! Chief, get those words for your Benefactor in order! I'll handle the clothes.

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Chuckling. On her face. Rude]

I don't believe it ends, but... it begins. Again and again, inviting new people, from all places and realms of existence.

[They place a hand on their head. Seems like more info than what they remember is being flooded in their mind.]

... courtesy of a deceased king.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Screw it, she's sitting here now! Criss-cross applesauce style!

A neverending ball? Sounds fun! It would make for a good opportunity to dress up if I could figure out how to cheese it.... Though... Another one of it? What do you mean by it being by its courtesy?

[us-dms-casen333]

I naturally know as much as this, if I try to understand more of it, I'll hurt my mind in the process...

[They're experiencing first hand Derek's struggle... but worse: there's no eldritch being inside their head to filter the impact of unlimited knowledge. So, trying to look beyond what they naturally know hurts a lot.]

Do the letters "RMP" ring any bells? I'm afraid I'll have to let the rest in the dark.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Don't then. I'll try to do some research of my own. I don't recognize those initials, RMP, but maybe I'll be able to find out something about it ...

She closed her eyes in focus and pulled a book from a nonexistent shelf. After a moment, a book did appear in her hand, leaving Lili visibly winded.

Damn... So much energy for such a thin book... Let's just see what's in it...

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Chuckling. On her face. Rude]

I don't believe it ends, but... it begins. Again and again, inviting new people, from all places and realms of existence.

[They place a hand on their head. Seems like more info than what they remember is being flooded in their mind.]

... courtesy of a deceased king.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Screw it, she's sitting here now! Criss-cross applesauce style!

A neverending ball? Sounds fun! It would make for a good opportunity to dress up if I could figure out how to cheese it.... Though... Another one of it? What do you mean by it being by its courtesy?

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

[They take the invitation and have a look at it.]

Looks the same. And the music... yes, it is the same ball. Also you should walk properly or you'll trip.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Interesting... And you say this benefactor is there? Do you know anything else about the baAH-

She tripped. Seemingly on thin air.

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

You could say so... I just found it dropped behind my chair, but I did hear some noises that could have been very well a crack in space.

[They look to the side as both continue to walk, remembering how the invitation appeared, the promise of it... how it never got to happen, to see him again. Vince looked... sad, but was quick to mask it as boredom.]

Surely would be livelier than... this lake. No direct offense, but there's nothing in here.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

.... Does it look something like this?

She pulled out her invitation from her pocket.

A black hand thingy gave it to me through the rift. I think they were playing some music too?

Oh and no offense taken, I know. Still working on that.

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince follows without commenting. One thing that bothered them is how everyone of those beings seemed to know way too much about them. To even know about Benefactor... But they were in no place to protest.]

Well... I would love to do that. But he's at the ball, and I can't go to there, nor do I have my invitation to do so. It's back on Earth, in a drawer of my office- no wait they took my stuff away already... should be in a box at storage.

Why am I even talking about that? You don't know about what I'm talking, I bet...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

The ball, you say? Was the invitation to it delivered by a weird crack in space?

She turned around to face them, now walking backwards to continue their stroll. The path is clear of any obstacles, but she will be tripping over thin air soon enough.

[us-dms-casen333]

((It was getting really long so I thought it might be good to maybe do this lol

As soon as they were out of Lili's earshot, Hypnos appeared.

Confused, doctor Northwest?

Not as much, no.

[Here was Vince Northwest: from important researcher at the DMS' ArchIve to... carrying bricks in some sort of afterlife.]

Perhaps about the host, a so-called God, not being used to flattery. But I'll just take it as a newly conscious being struggling with those notions.

[Back to working that amphitheatre... that's some dedication]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

...I wish that was the case.

He mumbled at Vince's "hypothesis" before switching to a much more casual tone.

Oh she's not a god.

[us-dms-casen333]

... whatever she is. It's not like anyone would tell me anything in this place.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

We managed to get that she's the lake Hali, but for some reason, even with.... What we have access to... We don't have much more knowledge than you, if that's any consolation!

Hypnos joined in with the brick placing, so did the soft floating shapes, moving independently after Hypnos gave them a nod.

[us-dms-casen333]

Oh, so the lack of information is not out of spite to my person.

[They make a small pause to look at the work ahead. Oh they DON'T want to build all that with bare hands. Talking is a distraction, at least]

... maybe "nymph" is more appropriate term to her, then.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh no, some of it is absolutely out of spite!

He cheerfully corrected.

Maybe, though even then she'd be an anomaly. Nymphs don't tend to have the power to wipe of an entire city of gods, even for a child of The King. Hence: Lake!

[us-dms-casen333]

Her powers may be an anomaly to the rank of a nymph, but besides that detail, this seems like the most appropriate title. But that's just humans being insufferable in classification.

[They shrug.]

This kind of classification is anything but my field of work, so I frankly don't care. I merely dislike being left in the dark, if my personality didn't give it out already.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh yes, it's always quite the spectacle seeing humans try to classify stuff! Mushrooms in particular was quite entertaining, lots of nightmares from that one!

They laughed.

Speaking of, how goes that journey of self discovery there? Did you finally figure your gender thing out?

[us-dms-casen333]

[They stop and drop the brick they were carrying and glare at Hypnos, as if deeply offended. They open their mouth to speak, but as much as they want to throw in some carefully thought words, they're out of them at the moment.]

T-That's none of your concern. IF there was anything to figure out, I mean.

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

You-YOU'VE GOT TO BE F✨CKING KIDDING ME!!

Hypnos just burst out laughing at that. Like full on, rolling on the ground laughing. That was, possibly, the funniest thing he's ever heard in his eternities of existence.

ALL OF THAT INFINITE KNOWLEDGE AND YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FIGURED THAT OUT YET?!?

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince looked irritated but turned that energy into piling the bricks.]

Laugh all you want! That's none of your business, nor anyone's business! Having something to work would imply something is wrong— which is not! Everything is as it should be, no matter...

How... wrong it feels, o-or sounds to... I... just, leave me in my box. It's my box... I fit here... I have to...

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Oh I forget how fixated on imaginary boxes you can be-

A dark bubble surrounded Hypnos, cutting out his laugh completely. A hand rested on their shoulders.

You don't have to. Not here, at least. No one needs to fit into a box here. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Lili said gently, squeezing the hand on them as reassurance.

[us-dms-casen333]

[Vince froze for a moment, not daring to look at her, then went back to motion. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, they didn't know what to say...]

[Piling up bricks was a good distraction, at least.]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Lili sighed. They probably need that distraction right now. She glared at the sphere containing her ally for a moment before her gaze turned tired. The lake flicked her wrist, and the ball disappeared along with its occupant.

... Sorry about that, he's not good with... communication in general. I've sent him to the edges of my realm now, he won't bother you for a good while.

She started stacking bricks too, far enough away to give them physical space, but still close enough to keep an eye on the guest.

Let's go for a walk after we're done with this brick pile, I'll listen if you want to talk. You have my word that I won't mock you for your gender identity. We can walk in silence too, or I can even tell you what I know. Treat it as compensation for helping me with the guest rooms.

[us-dms-casen333]

[After a long while, and the first time ever Vince was silenced since... well, since being hired by the DMS, they broke silence.]

I don't want to think about it. It just... feels scary.

Rich coming from the same person who had no qualms about "torturing" others, I know. Being scared of a... concept. Especially one who studies the mind and is more than qualified to speak on the topic, the irony is not lost to me.

[That part was basically done. A fine looking wall was up. Vince looks more open to speaking, but still guarded: these people here hate them, after all.]

I don't have complaints about my life, but I can't help but feel... restricted. Shackled. Like I'm inside a skin that doesn't feel to be me. Someone's reflex of what I should be...

[There's more to say, but they're not talking. They already said too much. They probably look pathetic...]

- Vince

[lilihalifactotum]

Thinking about yourself can be scary huh... Don't I know a thing about that.

Lili chuckled. They were once again magically cleaned. She started walking off afterwards, gesturing for Vince to follow her.

That reminds me of the feeling I had, before I had this body...

She looked at her hands, they weren't perfect, their movements still stuff and jerky, her whole body was, but it was hers.

You're safe to experiment with it here, your identity I mean. I'll help where I can, Hypnos too. Despite what his reaction might say, he does understand the fears of that particular type.

If you do come to a conclusion though, you don't have to tell either of us if you don't want to. But maybe do talk to someone? Like that Benefactor person I keep hearing about.

[lilihalifactotum]

ask vince about the benefactor

Oh my ...

[lilihalifactotum]

heyo! mod of the ball here

should i crop out your acc and answer the ask itself, or answer it as is?

either way, welcome to the ball!

we've been expecting you.

Oh crap did I forget to anon? Oops! Yeah, please crop it out for me, thanks! And thank you for the invitation!