Ryslig IC INBOX

[noasark]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, GREATFLOOD. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 950.04.933.05 *** GREATFLOOD has joined 950.04.933.05 <GREATFLOOD>This is the inbox of Noa Kaiba. <GREATFLOOD>Leave a message, and I should reply shortly. <GREATFLOOD>Undesirables will be banned.

Comments

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

Name the exact date we spoke or texted last.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

You know I could, but it's really beside the point. If anything, it just means that enough time has passed that we should talk again.

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

It also means you're avoiding the question.

If you had bothered earlier, you would have realized I'm preparing for a trek near Vandare.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

Maybe I could go with you. Why are you going to Vandare?

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

Crab eggs.

I've learned to trust standard medical practices here only to a point; this is that point. I'll be helping to retrieve the eggs and making sure a few others actually swallow the things.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

You're going to trust the word of the creature that did this to us over what medical practices can accomplish? For all we know, those eggs contain more parasites.

Which others are you intending to make sure about?

<GREATFLOOD> dats harsh noa

[noasark]

Considering said creature has no reason to lie at this point, yes.

I actually had someone down there for me to obtain information; the insects are fatally allergic to the sunlight, and their holes can easily be blocked at this time. If, that is, holes can even be plural.

The holes of Rota stink of sulfur. The hole of Hemlig is underwater.

Their only exit is Kulen, and all of us would merely return if for some reason they turned their backs on us, so do tell me why it would not be easy enough for us to simply cave the entrance in at that point in time.

I trust this over blades because records of every other incident involving some attempted work-around through 'alternative means' has ended in failure. You've no doubt looked into the 'monster cure' of Rota for yourself, I'm sure.

We all know there's a reason Rota is rebuilding.

As for the eggs they contain more crabs, don't be ridiculous. Have you ever seen a crab egg? It's fairly simple to tell.

Evidently I can cross you off my list, however.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

[...that is harsh.]

Your reasoning isn't unsound, but those floating the prospect of surgery have had some success in extracting parasites from preliminary trials, or I wouldn't be considering it. Cross me off your list because I'm strong enough to survive a little bit of pain on my own terms.

[And not, you know, because you don't care.]

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

Let me know how the sun feels; as I recall, they need to expose you to it quite liberally. I'm sure THAT hasn't caused any deaths on the table...

If you still want to visit after your surgery then we can have some blood and coffee.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

Do you promise?

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

Only if you refrain from commenting on any possible evidence of guests.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

Who have you been spending time with?

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

A number of others, actually-it's been a curiously busy few weeks.

Which is another thing you would have known if you were paying much attention. That's beside the point however.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

I don't understand why I'm only recently interested, but the interest is genuine.

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

You may want to think about that then.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

Does it bother or concern you tremendously?

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

That you're doing it? No.

That it only occurs to you now? Yes.

It feels less honest and more like a ploy of some kind.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

I'm very opportunistic. Ordinarily I'd agree with you... except that in this case, there's actually nothing I want outside of spending time with you, hearing more about your world, and finding out what's important to you.

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

And this started when, exactly?

I hope you realize you sound like someone looking for romance, by the way.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

Recently.

Do you think so? That would be strange and inappropriate. I do mean everything I said purely at face-value, with no romantic subtext. But if you want to tell me about your romantic inclinations, I'd be happy to listen and give you advice. You're at the age where crushes on people are normal.

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

'After infection' recently?

Oh haha. I'm hardly interested in anything like that-my references are entirely based in current social culture.

Believe me, if this were an audible conversation, you would have been getting a few questions and possibly rude remarks on what you say and do around children.

That or I suppose you could be mistaken for a desperate parent...it depends on how they take your tone really...

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

I suppose it would be, but I've been infected for months, now. That's a large window of time, although certain changes have been staggered.

You think I sound like a parent? I'm touched. I've never heard that before.

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

It's the sort of thing parents in fiction who are distanced from their kids say, yes.

If you noticed, the infection has only recently become as severe as it is however.

<enpawnsant>

[hearthebell]

I am willing to let you call me 'Father' if it would improve our relationship.

It's been growing more severe over time... it's nothing new. You're implying that this is a symptom?

<GREATFLOOD>

[noasark]

[oh god

He isn't even going to acknowledge that line.]

We are definitely not meeting until after you have your chosen surgery.

Does that answer your question?