Voice; UN: Deneuve

[onamissile]

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.]

Comments

[private]

[turmoiling]

[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.

[onamissile]

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.]