23rd step: Spelling trouble [voice]

[favorthebold]

This blizzard will be a while, domi a domani, and will not be getting lighter. I would stock up if I were you - assuming that you are able to, of course.



This is no deception; I know the smell of storms, and this one might last weeks. You and I, and any one you think we may rely on, should make our plans - both for our survival and our benefit.

Comments

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Agreed. He is rash, but I still see some use to him.

You speak of the Hanging Gardens? Indeed, there is. I have visited them several times already; it is somewhere I always longed to take. Long before the time I was born it was destroyed.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

There are things a rash boy can do that a wiser man cannot.

They have a name? I should have realized, they've the look of a monument... and now they are yours for the taking. A fortunate woman.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Which is why he is of great use. More so, perhaps, than even Doom. What think you of re-recruiting Envy, speaking of use? There is more risk in recruiting him than others, as evidenced the last time I attempted, but there is still potential.

Of Babylon. A very old culture that has long since passed away. Indeed. I lack only a place to take it to.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

I confess that I've never quite understood that creature Envy, if only because why on earth would a man carry such a name? But I think, all things said and done, he and I might speak a similar language. I would do it.

Mm, yes, that is the meat of the problem, isn't it? There is this idea I've had, but likely it's a wild fancy.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

I do not think he chose that name so much as it was given him. I discussed the homunculi with Alphonse at one time - they are manifestations of the sin, so far as I gathered. So they do not so much chose the name as they become it.

Would you care to share this fancy?

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

You'll have to explain that again, I fear. Envy being a sin, I gather is a question of faith again, but I thought that homunculi were a dream of outdated science.

I don't know if there is much merit to it; but a man wonders. If something had come into this stable Safe Zone, will it remain stable once outside its borders?

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

I do not have all of the details on it myself. But Envy is not human. He is a construct, made to be the sin itself. It is said, in my world, that there are seven deadly sins. Envy, Greed, Wrath, Lust, Pride, Gluttony, and Sloth. From what I gather, Envy and Greed have been here, and there is some question about a third, possibly.

To carry it outside the wall. I do not know. It may well be something that warrants testing.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

The things in this place... I cannot imagine an equivalent to this. How can pride be a sin? But never mind that. Does this mean that he knows nothing and can act on nothing but envy? Envy of whom?

We would have to go beyond the borders of this city sooner or later.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

I believe they become so when they are taken to an extreme. The theology behind the declaration of them being deadly was not clear to me.

Most certainly. Many have already ventured out, but all have turned back. I wonder, if one was to bring shelter with them, however...

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

It's all beyond me, I fear. But I've observed that very few supposedly non-human things in this place actually act very different from men. I think you remember the duck? Anyhow, I think we can manage this Envy sort.

Hah, but none but you is actually able to bring any true shelter along.

[Private // Unhackable] Duck? What duck? Oh, you mean the one EVERYONE TRIED TO EAT. :P

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Indeed. And while most here are human, those who are not often must say so before it is realized. I believe you remember his specific skill set? Shapeshifting?

Very true. This may well be something worth doing.

[Private // Unhackable] Yeah Saul is still a bit miffed over missing that treat XDDD

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes. It's a splendid sort of power, I've never seen its like. We shall have to keep it in mind, if we plan cooperation with him.

Very much so, once the weather improves.

[Private // Unhackable] He'll find no sympathy here. heehee.

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

One of my men was able to manipulate the features on his face, but Envy's skills are particularly unique.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

Is that so? And how did you deal with him? You must forgive my ignorance, this is the sort of power a Guardian could not have.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Deal with him? I am not sure I understand. Neemoi did not change who he was, he simply moved around where his eyes or mouth were at any given time.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

Ahh, I see - no, in fact, I don't think I do. You mean he could simply pluck them out and place them elsewhere? That sounds vile...

((wtf pun not intended don't kill me O_O))

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Nothing came off or out. It simply moved about.

...Vile, does it?

[[ooc: lol, Carmen's very amused over here.]]

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

Well, not very attractive, to be sure. But that's a minor thing to demand of an ability.

So neither of us has any experience with true shape-changers... this calls for care.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

We both dealt with Envy the first time he was here. He was sentimental at times, but capable when called to acton. The second time, I found him to be far more volatile and loyal only to himself. Reaching out to him backfired slightly, though I was able to minimize the fall-out.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

I recall meeting and speaking with him, though not getting much out of him, that first time. Unreliable, it seems, but that isn't that important...

Backfired? What did he do?

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

He quoted me, using my face and voice, to the Elrics. But I naturally had given myself a measure of safety, and was able to convince Alphonse that clearly I did not mean any harm.

I am not fond of damage control, but I know how to do it when it is needed.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

Hah. Naturally. It's not idly that any man would trap you - he should have been more careful picking his target.

Why the Elric boys, though, do you know? I know that there is something unresolved between them, but not what.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Indeed. In the end he was the only one who lost.

They are of the same world. From what Envy has said, he wishes them both dead for taking something from him. But I have not gotten specifics.

[Private // Unhackable]

[favorthebold.livejournal.com]

A shame I was not present to witness it.

Mm, and that is that? As dangerous targets go, the boy Alphonse has a knack for acquiring ready protectors. To strike at its heart is to wound a community.

[Private // Unhackable]

[vile-queen.livejournal.com]

Indeed. And now Alphonse is telling me I should keep a closer eye on some people. Fascinating how only a few months can turn so much around.

I do not think that is all. There seemed to be something very personal to it. But I do not have the full details. Perhaps I will ask. Our conversation during the ball did not go awry.

It is. And very powerful. Though not something to be considered lightly. Hm. We must talk in person, you and I.