Applied to maisondeportes

[the_earths_salt]

Mundane,

A word, if you will?

First, allow me to commend you on your change of plans. As much of a dismal failure as your earlier attempt to place me was, this arrangement looks far more feasible; your commitment to this community should ensure me a stable home, and it's encouraging to see that you've finally managed to--- write and submit an entire application. I also appreciate the pains you've taken to ensure that I'll have some trustworthy company--even if I wouldn't wish such a situation on him, much less any of my other colleagues, Neophytes or Apprentices alike.

However--there is always a however, and I assure you, this is no exception. However, I'm afraid I must take issue with how you're proceeding with this affair. You claim that not giving me a distinct thread to establish my arrival will avoid triteness and repetition--and yet, you have no plans for how to replace it? If you truly do intend to insinuate me into a situation already in progress, you should at least begin to plan for it.

Far more important, however, is this matter of your vacation. I don't deny that you deserve one, but how you intend to make me vanish during it is wholly unjustified. Claiming that you want a legitimate reason for me to be gone, and some involvement in the overall plot is not an excuse for such cruelty--I would by far prefer to keep all of my senses intact, and my element working properly. You may not have the details established yet, but what possibilities you've considered are disturbing enough--until these things are settled, there's little for me to anticipate except what new brutality you're toying with.

Make a decision. I don't intend to beg for your mercy, but your reluctance to commit to specifics is appalling; whatever torture you intend, you have no hope of earning true respect from me until you act in a manner deserving of it.

Reluctantly yours,
Lexaeus

Comments

[the_earths_salt]

It truly is. Unfortunately, given that the nature of this directive is to torture me, I suspect she'll manage to pull it off somehow.

I'm told that this world is a mysterious, inescapable mansion, filled with people from many different worlds. As night falls, it grows dangerous, and fills with monsters and spirits. From what I know, it seems to be extremely inhospitable.

[the_earths_salt]

There is--however, there seems to be currently no way to access this outside world at the moment.

As for the monsters and spirits, I wouldn't be surprised if they were angry about the loss of territory, if not for one thing--many do seem to attack at first sight. Some even go so far as to actively hunt individuals down, and give chase.

[the_earths_salt]

[groan] Being run through such trials for others' amusement..... It's more plausible than I'd like to admit. I can only hope that such a system and player are both sophisticated and skilled enough to give me some hope of completing this game of theirs without too much sacrifice.

As for the outside world..... I certainly don't know what could be discovered, but I would appreciate being able to study it. Surveying a new world sounds far more agreeable than slaughtering monsters by the score.

[letxequalnull]

Well-spoken. It does not do to let them get away with anything less than true understanding, and it is heartening to see you are unwilling to sacrifice clarity in matters such as this. They are regrettably familiar with vagueness, these mundanes.

[the_earths_salt]

They are, and my own especially seems loathe to provide concrete answers to anything. I've certainly endured enough violence in my life to weather this, as well--but it seems pointless to do so if such understanding will never be reached. What else is such endurance then, if not spineless acceptance of constantly repeated mistakes?

[letxequalnull]

How very unfortunate. We cannot seek to make anything out of mere vaguery, regardless of how we might try. There must be something a solid to build on. A proper foundation, if you will.

[the_earths_salt]

I, of all people, know very well the vitality of a proper foundation..... I would be more inclined to submit to her plans, painful as they may be, if she would only provide such. Even one connected to the Void such as yourself made certain that we had a strong basis from which to construct our plans and pursue our goals.

[letxequalnull]

Indeed. Our plans would have truly crumbled to naught, had I done otherwise. Perhaps your mundane lacks the sight to see that clarity is ever preferable of a vague consideration? If she cannot see to the heart of the matter at hand then it may be that you need to direct her to that ultimate conclusion, by whatever means necessary.

[the_earths_salt]

She seems to lack the sight, courage, and strength of will to act on such an understanding. Directing her to such a conclusion would be far easier if it really were only a matter of sight.....

[illicitresearch]

Such simultaneous congratulations and criticism, but balanced as ever, Lexaeus. Skysplitter is feeling double-edged today?

I suppose it would be a bit old hat and presumptuous of me to offer timely dramatic rescue? However, if she is truly at a loss for ideas, I will readily provide a good opening.

I do look forward to seeing you again.

[the_earths_salt]

Pure congratulations breeds complacency and arrogance, and pure criticism breeds resentment and resistance; the most useful blade is one that can cut each way, coaxing and controlling at once. These mundanes are much like dogs in many respects--they accept a firm guiding hand with eager affection, but only so long as they accept that authority as legitimate.

She seems to believe for some reason that taking me to others, rather than requiring they come to me, would be a more effective and interesting arrival. I do look forward to seeing you, whether immediately or otherwise--but this period of imprisonment doesn't seem to be very amenable to a timely dramatic rescue. If anything, it would probably be more fitting for a belated discovery, or a bedraggled return.

[illicitresearch]

Prudently spoken as ever.

Ah, and I can see merit in the former, but this is going to be quite an ordeal for me, you know this, finding you in such a state.

[the_earths_salt]

I would be content to accept the former, if she would plan for the circumstances. Waiting until the last moment to see where I can be taken seems counterproductive at best.

As for the rest..... I apologize for all the trouble I'll be causing you; believe me, this is the last thing I would willingly subject you to. I'm hoping that she'll opt to leave me in at least a marginally functional state in the end.

[illicitresearch]

Believe it or not, while it has ever been lacking in our combined strengths, some do well with spontaneity. Have a little faith, Lexaeus. The perfect opportunity may present itself in time. The best you can do is steel yourself for whatever is to come of it.

[then, sharply] ...what do you mean by marginally functional? Surely you won't allow yourself to be fully incapacitated?

[the_earths_salt]

It's difficult to place faith in those who have yet to demonstrate that they deserve it--I will prepare for whatever comes, but because I must, not because I trust her to keep adequate control of the situation.

Regardless, I say marginally functional because it seems there's nothing about this situation I'll be at liberty to allow or deny. The shape of the situation remains murky and undefined, but the most likely feature to be included in the final decision, so far, seems to be blindness.

[dawnward]

I don't see you being the type to beg anyone for mercy, but from what I've heard about this place, I don't envy your position.

[the_earths_salt]

[Have a quiet laugh; if he didn't beg you for mercy, in the end, then who could ever make him?]

I appreciate the vote of confidence; you're quite right, Riku. What have you heard of this place?

[dawnward]

Oh, the usual. Damaged books, monsters in the hallways, lack of food...

[Nothing he'd like to see. But it doesn't stop him from feeling fairly sympathetic about Lexaeus' plight.]

It's a far cry from any of the usual worlds any of us have been to, that's for sure.

[the_earths_salt]

Mmmh, I've heard much the same..... Though it seems the food is more likely to be tainted, or draw rather deadly monsters if you try to cook it, than absent entirely. Still not an ideal situation, but a bit more manageable.

I'd have to agree on that--Halloween Town seems tame, compared to this. The closest I can think of would be The World That Never Was, to be honest, and even that falls far short.

[At least they could control the Nobodies and Heartless there, and the world in general wasn't actively out to get them. This is definitely the worst world he's ever set foot in.]

[dawnward]

Will there be any sort of supplies, though, or ingredients to be had? I mean...I heard that there's some sort of stew but that seems like it'd get old really fast.

[He's not partial to stew in the first place but...details.]

I don't imagine any of you will get much of a chance to relax. It sounds like a world full of darkness.

[the_earths_salt]

The world--or at least, what we'll have access to of it--is primarily a house. A decidedly strange one, but a house nonetheless. There are stocked kitchens, and clothes enough that hurting for necessities is liable to be the exception, rather than the norm, so long as you prepare thoroughly.

The issue is how incredibly deep the Darkness runs in this world, and how long. The daylight hours are said to be relatively safe, most of the time--but nights last for a week at a time, and the Darkness that comes with it summons quite a lot of monsters and spirits. As far as I know, none of them are Heartless or Nobodies, but..... Well, in this situation, they hardly have to be. A threat is a threat.