the 002nd. || voice

[pike]

[ Much like Nigel's first post, there is only silence when the device first clicks on. Eventually, though, the young man on the other end of the connection clears his throat. His tone is politely curious. ]

I've been told that the dead do not stay dead here and in ways much more involved than the occasional curse. Which leaves me wondering, City: is there no need for undertakers here?

[ There's a pause and then Nigel adds: ]  I had hoped to make myself useful.

Comments

[pike]

For varying definitions of 'mercy'.

They say idle hands are the devil's playground, so I'm left to wonder what sort of lesson we're meant to learn from them. [ Not that Nigel wouldn't find ways to keep himself busy. ]

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you'll find some way to occupy yourself. Most of us have.

[pike]

And what do you do to pass the time?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Besides seeing to my household, my sister's education, and our well-being during the curses, of course I've acquaintances I like to speak with, the Network to amuse me, and a cafe to oversee. It isn't much, but it is something.

[pike]

'Your household'. Are you a royal or a domestic?

[ There were other options besides, but Nigel's upbringing meant he automatically assumed a patriarch or a servant of some kind. ]

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I'm hardly a royal, but I am an earl.

[pike]

An earl. [ Nigel mulls over this, trying to decide how he feels about it. It takes him a moment or two to make the connection, but eventually he does. ] Are there many earls in the City? A friend of mine had been meaning to make introductions to one for my benefit.

Cain, I believe his name was.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I know of one other, but I'm the only one named Cain.

Apparently we've a mutual friend.

[pike]

The princess Rosella. [ He says this with the sort of reverence he thinks one should afford a proper princess. ] I live with her here, in the Warehouse.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

So you're her new acquaintance, the one she meant to help find his way in the City.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

[pike]

That would be me, yes. Though I'm under the impression that Rosella is the type to constantly meet new people. And be always so very helpful.

[ A beat, then he remembers: ] My name is Nigel. Nigel Colbie. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Yes, that is rather her tendency, for good or ill.

Cain Hargreaves. Likewise, of course, Mr Colbie.

[pike]

Does it lead her to trouble sometimes? [ Vaguely amused. ] She does seem to have quite a mind for adventure.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, yes. And she'd call it 'adventure' where others would call it 'trouble'.

[pike]

And what would you call it?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

'Trouble' as often as not, though not all the time.

[pike]

I'll have to remember that for future reference. She's gone to great lengths to see that I'm comfortable. And I'm looking to return the favor.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you'll find some way to repay her.

[pike]

And how long have you been a resident here? As long as her?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Longer, actually, which is the subject of a bit of a joke between us. I've been here for three and a half years now. And I think she'd been here for perhaps two or two and a half.

[pike]

That's the longest I've ever heard for this place.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I know. It's something of a dubious honour. I hope you're not here this long.

[pike]

Have you ever tried to escape? Or seen others attempt it?

My impression, based on the Network, is that most tend to accept their situation fairly quickly. Usually at the insistence of others.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I have tried and I have seen others try and I have even aided in several attempts. It has not, as yet, succeeded.

Yes, most do, which is unfortunate in my opinion. If one gives up, then the 'deities' have already won.

[pike]

And have you found purpose or reason for our capture? Beyond satisfying idle boredom, of course.