aefenglom | Voice; UN: Deneuve

Name: M; UN: Deneuve
Date: 3/1/21
Format: [Voice]

[There's a short blip of silence; Mello knows that even his voice can be identified if needed and traced. But he remembers the pain in his chest. The swirling of the delivery truck's mirror, and everything after that, well — ]

[A sharp clearing of his throat. It's so dry.]

I know what I've been told.

[Everything is bullshit until proven otherwise.]

And I know what I'm expected to believe.

[Definitely lies. And for one: he knows he's died. It doesn't take a previous heart attack in his situation to recognize one when it tears at your chest and throat and breath like a visceral assault. Besides, he was always due for one: wasn't he?]

I don't expect honesty from anyone. [And yet here he is: reaching out. Because what else can he do?] But a Witch?

[Or so he's been told. How appropriate. Another pause; another breath.]

Is this Hell?

[He's seen nothing that leads him to believe otherwise. The mirror with the objects and reflections from home. The things that just don't make sense. Maybe someone will honestly reveal that yes, he's earned this. Maybe not.]

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You could say that.

[What a terrible way of phrasing it, if unintentionally, when Jin Guangyao's forehead is still sore from what was done to him.]

My apologies. I only caught a glance of your conversation in passing as I went to reply, and thought you were well known to each other.

Regardless, I'm afraid I'm a little under the weather from recent events so I can hardly invite you for tea or show you about in person. But if there is any information I can help you with in the meantime, while you get settled here, feel free to ask.

You've met him.

[That's all Mello is going to draw from this exchange. Effigy or no, curiosity will always come to the forefront. No, Mello doesn't know L; one meeting doesn't constitute knowing. Especially with someone who is so elusive, even on paper.]

You can tell me what you know about him, if you're so willing to help.

[He's not falling into a trap, per se. Just. Following up. All other inquiries can come later.]

Not much, really. It was only in passing, as I said. He's quite fond of sweet things, and devoted to his Bonded.

[Never mind their recent... incident..., devoted enough to stake out someone's house, standing outside in the dead of winter, a fact which has not been forgotten. Who exactly said 'Bonded' individual is, is left unsaid.]

Oh, and I believe he's taken an interest in Divination, as a speciality of magic here.

[Added as if an afterthought... even though this is probably a useful bit of information. Look at how generous he is, offering first! Now...]

But surely you would know him better, even as a friend of a friend in some other world. What sort of life did he lead?

[Forgive Mello if he's protective and defensive. Or don't.]

The sort we won't speak about.

[For what it's worth, if anything at all.]

Besides, as I've told you: I don't know enough to be able to answer that question if I were willing.

[And that's that.]

What sort of life do you lead? You mentioned Divination. I'm interested in the subject. There seem to be different types of magic. Are you versed in it?

[He doesn't want to speak about "L" any more. Of the appropriation of him that exists here.]

Edited 2021-03-03 03:59 (UTC)

[Not much at all, indeed. But he can't say he didn't try. Still, it might be useful to get to know this fellow in the meantime.

Though the last thing he needs, really, is anyone else interested in divination.]

By observation only, I'm afraid, and my Bonded learns more towards other disciplines.

I should have introduced myself properly much earlier on. It's only that curiosity got the better of me. Especially when it seems many have at least one or two from their own worlds here. Once you've been here for some time, it's a fascinating trend to see.

My name is Jin Guangyao. I work as a trade advisor for a small business here in the city of Aefenglom, and help with the Mirrorbound Council, a group representing our interests with the local parliament.

Malakai Antonov.

[It won't take much for Mello to become accustomed to the alias. His entire life has been nothing but a series of aliases. Mihael, M, Mello, L (in some cases): what do they matter? He won't offer a pleasantry: it's just not in his nature.]

[But this person knows someone associated with his past. So he'll pry, because that's what he does.]

I've yet to learn the politics of this place. I only know that I'm not supposed to be here.

[True enough.]

And I've had enough people offer to show me around; don't feel obligated to do the same.

You said our Bonded practices other methods. I'm curious. Divination isn't my first choice, but it seems the most logical. [To have power over others, but of course, he isn't going to say that.]

[And then there's the heat in his veins. He knows nothing of this individual, however — ]

I feel as though I'm meant for something else, though. Your Bonded: what do they practice? I'm always out for a competent mentor.

[And oh, that statement holds more weight than either of them can possibly know.]

Voice; UN: Deneuve

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