aefenglom | Video

Name: Sokie Undertown
Date: Septeril 1st
Format: Video

[The video starts off with a woman sitting on the couch-or rather sprawled over it, holding up the Watch to her face level. Her expression, while it's usually amused and laid back, is a little grim. It seems she's seen the message that the Coven leaders have posted, and she's following through with her own response as to not clog up the feed.]

My name is Sokie, and I happen to be one of the new witches around here. And while I could go on and on, I'm just going to get into the heart of the matter. It's about the diplomatic and not so diplomatic mission.

Some of us should stay behind.

[Briefly, she holds up a hand.]

Hear me out. This isn't because of anything lacking, it's not to make it easier on the Dorries. It's more...we're going to be on their territory, far away from our own base. Whatever way we go in, they're going to have the advantage of the place, even with the resistance in their midst.

It may be possible that we'll somehow have our Watches not work in the city, for some, utterly mysterious reason.

[Her eyes widen, exaggerated, about the "mysterious" thing. Mystery her eye.]

It may not be a terrible idea for those of us to bond, and have one half stay behind. I know this is a crappy choice, and I know that it's terrible to be the one to be left behind. I'm planning on going myself, mostly to play the voice of compromise.

But if we're captured, if we're cut off from all communication, those remaining in the city need to know. We need each other, and I for one want to make sure that if they plan to screw us over, we can screw them right back.

[She brings up a hand in a salute]

Anyway. Sokie, out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Just a bit. Slightly. I have experience canning my emotions but-it's a difficult thing to do on the fly. Especially when there's a lot of pressure to do things right.

[There's a smile in her voice as she adds,]

But I'm sure you know something about that right? In doing things right for your partner.

Though if he teases you more, I'd take back the dinner idea.

Yeah. And, this is an emotional situation. People as products, things like that.

[ The next words come easily. ]

I take good care of my friends. It's the way it is, no reason to revoke dinner.

And knowing people have been abused makes it more difficult, particularly if they're friends or Bonded.

[She chuckles quietly.]

I'm sure they appreciate your kindness.

Yeah, it was pretty...unpleasant, to be honest. I'd honestly wonder what was wrong with someone if they weren't bothered by what they saw there.

[ amused ]

Who knows. I don't really care if they don't.

I'd certainly wonder what they were thinking. I've seen some things in my time, but- the idea of how they were using what has to be a very intimate connection into that is twisted.

[Snort.]

Aren't you soft 'n sweet.

I'm really not sweet, but I've been told my fur is pretty soft.

[ Yeah, he went there. ]

Seriously, though. While I'm curious where it goes... I don't feel optimistic.

Fur? I didn't know you had fur.

[Someone missed the declaration.]

But yeah, it likely will go pretty badly. The best we can hope for is that it'll be...less bad as it could get.

[ Flatly: ]

I'm a deer. Before getting here, so we're clear. I'm a Witch here.

It's going to be bad. I've seen rough negotiations before, and force is almost always required.

[ He just doesn't want anything to happen to anyone. ]

Deer witch. Got it.

[No teasing here. Just some silent nodding.]

We're going to have to be firm and assertive. Thankfully, I've been in some bad situations before so...I'll try to stay calm, and keep other people calm, if I can.

...not through spells, that'd only get me punched.

Yep.

[ He considers. ]

Good luck to you then. I mean, that's not a challenge I want or need. I'm done making others problems my own. Especially in a place that isn't my home.

It's new to me. More or less.

[She snickers.]

I just figured that since I'm here-and I'm going to have to stick around for awhile-I want to keep informed as much as possible.

We might end up dragged into a fight that's not our own.

We probably will. People like this only understand force. But if I can avoid it for awhile longer, I'm going to.

Sometimes it helps to butter them up with a little bit of self interest. We'll see what we can do.

You're smarter them me at least. Have fun and enjoy some peace with your bonded while you can.

They're not prepared to take responsibility.

And I will, for now, that's the best thing to do. I like his company well enough.

Most people aren't.

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