Oh. Yes. His name bears a curse--if I dare to speak it, much less provide a physical description, I fear I may drop dead on the spot.
[But, more seriously...]
I'm sorry. Were you looking for me?
[But, more seriously...]
I'm sorry. Were you looking for me?
Via mail, after the Sight event and just before he departs for the desert for a bit
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cryptsleeper
2022-05-01 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
[The letter is written on crisp, neat paper, the handwriting not sloppy but not as it should be.]
In deference to your version of fairness and out of respect for it.
I saw the use of blood, plant experimentation, and the consequences thereof. I do not intend to ask questions regarding this.
In deference to your version of fairness and out of respect for it.
I saw the use of blood, plant experimentation, and the consequences thereof. I do not intend to ask questions regarding this.
[On one hand, this is not necessarily something Viktor wants other people to see without context--which he, of course, would be glad to provide, given the chance (even if part of him knows the context might not make it any better). On the other, the fact that Alucard mailed this to him means that he might to be ready to talk in person, yet.
The last thing he needs is to accidentally push him away, especially after what happened in the Horizon. When Alucard is ready to meet again, Viktor is sure he'll seek him out. Until then, all he can really do is wait.]
The last thing he needs is to accidentally push him away, especially after what happened in the Horizon. When Alucard is ready to meet again, Viktor is sure he'll seek him out. Until then, all he can really do is wait.]
[A stack of three books is left beside Viktor's office. There is no note attached, but there doesn't have to be. These aren't subtle volumes.
A slim book in white vellum binding, aged and marked with chemical stains is titled CHEMICAL EXPOSURES AND CURES. It runs down only basic information, no where near as advanced as Viktor's day and age. Still, there are detailed diagrams of stills and natural resources needed for gathering material, written in a small, precise hand that is similar but not exact to Alucard's own.
A second volume, some 400 pages and bound in black leather with no embellishments or stamping on the spine sits below the first volume. Turning to the title page reveals Personal studies of transmutation as cure. More journal with a hasty index at the back than a true book, it is a remembered book in Dracula's hand. Within it are exacting experiments, diagrams, incantations, and studies of using the alchemical principal of transmutation to heal diseases. Scrapes and tears are fixed by regenerating existing tissue. More complex diseases follow the same principle, and there are even notes regarding vampire blood and how it regenerates and heals. Towards the end are notes about the process on organs. Only kidneys have been used, because humans have two.
The final book is the size of Alucard's torso. Gilded edging and elaborate tooling to create fearsome geometry mark the front and back covers of the text. On the spine is a title in Wallachian that has not been translated, and what lies within is unpleasant. It is a catalog of those who had wronged Dracula in the past and how the man returned the favor. Name by name. Date by date.
Most of the interior pages have been blurred. Where there is clear text there are Dracula's details about experiments performed and their results, along with the same kind of documentation as in the previous volume. Dracula's organ experiments continue there. The results are mixed, but the concept of regenerating organ issue does seem to hold. Greater success is had in the use of vampire blood in the proceedings, but I have turned this one by accident as well. It adds to the agony and aids experimentation, but does not prove a viable medical cure.]
A slim book in white vellum binding, aged and marked with chemical stains is titled CHEMICAL EXPOSURES AND CURES. It runs down only basic information, no where near as advanced as Viktor's day and age. Still, there are detailed diagrams of stills and natural resources needed for gathering material, written in a small, precise hand that is similar but not exact to Alucard's own.
A second volume, some 400 pages and bound in black leather with no embellishments or stamping on the spine sits below the first volume. Turning to the title page reveals Personal studies of transmutation as cure. More journal with a hasty index at the back than a true book, it is a remembered book in Dracula's hand. Within it are exacting experiments, diagrams, incantations, and studies of using the alchemical principal of transmutation to heal diseases. Scrapes and tears are fixed by regenerating existing tissue. More complex diseases follow the same principle, and there are even notes regarding vampire blood and how it regenerates and heals. Towards the end are notes about the process on organs. Only kidneys have been used, because humans have two.
The final book is the size of Alucard's torso. Gilded edging and elaborate tooling to create fearsome geometry mark the front and back covers of the text. On the spine is a title in Wallachian that has not been translated, and what lies within is unpleasant. It is a catalog of those who had wronged Dracula in the past and how the man returned the favor. Name by name. Date by date.
Most of the interior pages have been blurred. Where there is clear text there are Dracula's details about experiments performed and their results, along with the same kind of documentation as in the previous volume. Dracula's organ experiments continue there. The results are mixed, but the concept of regenerating organ issue does seem to hold. Greater success is had in the use of vampire blood in the proceedings, but I have turned this one by accident as well. It adds to the agony and aids experimentation, but does not prove a viable medical cure.]
Viktor! It works! But what is the small bag of white powder for? Julie said it looks like drugs but it doesn't smell or taste like anything and I'm definitely not trying any other methods. Or letting her.
I thought it was sugar! It's not!
[ As Ciri isn't paying enough attention to turn off the automatic signature that likes to accompany these mind-messages, her name neatly punctuates the end of the otherwise unusually chaotic message. At least that's one mystery solved. ]
I thought it was sugar! It's not!
[ As Ciri isn't paying enough attention to turn off the automatic signature that likes to accompany these mind-messages, her name neatly punctuates the end of the otherwise unusually chaotic message. At least that's one mystery solved. ]
Edited 2022-05-12 07:30 (UTC)
[Well, at least someone is having a good time. He supports you.]
Oh, sorry, I thought I left a note. It's a binder, for the drinks. So the milk doesn't separate. Perfectly safe. You should only need a little.
Oh, sorry, I thought I left a note. It's a binder, for the drinks. So the milk doesn't separate. Perfectly safe. You should only need a little.
[when the caravans arrive from their travels to drop off supplies from not-so-far-off lands, certain parcels get pulled away and taken to go through customs. they are not for businesses nor for sale, but for individuals. the fact that they are for summoned individuals raise an eyebrow.
and so, through customs it goes, opened, inspected, and then—when none of the items are deemed as questionable—they are repackaged and sent to their designated recipients.
viktor will find, whenever he returns to his lodgings, several bottles topped to the brim and soaps, and a leather-bound book. the bottles, upon closer inspection, are an assortment of shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and oils to be placed over candles to burn, their scents relaxing an individual and allowing for a good night's sleep if used in tandem.
he will find a piece of paper, blank. at first, anyway; the writing on the paper will appear to him in swathes of scarlet, as if being penciled for the first time by an invisible hand.
A man with many ideas deserves a safe place to keep them for his eyes alone. This book is enchanted so only you may open it; I hope it can be of use.]
and so, through customs it goes, opened, inspected, and then—when none of the items are deemed as questionable—they are repackaged and sent to their designated recipients.
viktor will find, whenever he returns to his lodgings, several bottles topped to the brim and soaps, and a leather-bound book. the bottles, upon closer inspection, are an assortment of shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and oils to be placed over candles to burn, their scents relaxing an individual and allowing for a good night's sleep if used in tandem.
he will find a piece of paper, blank. at first, anyway; the writing on the paper will appear to him in swathes of scarlet, as if being penciled for the first time by an invisible hand.
A man with many ideas deserves a safe place to keep them for his eyes alone. This book is enchanted so only you may open it; I hope it can be of use.]
Edited 2022-06-02 19:43 (UTC)
[ Jayce waits until it's a little bit into the morning before reaching out again, as an attempt to be respectful for when they may be resting. He's been up all night again, faced with the fear of everything that almost happened.]
Hi.
Hi.
So soon?
[He's joking. Thank you for waiting until he was (probably) awake, at least.]
[He's joking. Thank you for waiting until he was (probably) awake, at least.]
[Visiting the Horizon is inadvisable, on a trip like this. They aren’t alone, for one, and the last thing Viktor needs is to draw attention to him and Ciri when they’ve more-or-less furnished the journey back to Cadens on goodwill alone. He has to be careful about when and where he slips into his domain, and waits patiently until he can feasibly mask his meditation with sleep. Once the coast is clear, he sends Jayce a message about when and where to meet him.
He’s not in the lab—well, not his, anyway. Viktor opens a door and fills in a space he’s been avoiding since his subconscious started creating things, and when Jayce comes to meet him, it will be down in the caves, and past the wooden entrance. The lab inside is ominous, illuminated by green and purple, the a large containment tube creating the centerpiece of the room—inside it, a familiar silhouette.
His original plan was to have this conversation once he was back in Cadens, but Jayce’s words provide a much-needed segue into the things he wanted to say. Just as well, really. The longer he lets this wait, the more time he allows himself to talk his way out of it. He’s resolved not to do that, anymore. There are things about him that Jayce needs to know—that he has to talk about, if they want to be as open and honest with each other as they hope to be.
When Jayce enters, Viktor is waiting for him, seated at a stool and leaning his elbow against the worktable, his gaze on the glowing tank in the middle of the lab.]
Thank you. [Viktor says, something of an empty sentiment. He knows he doesn’t need to be thanking Jayce for anything, but his partner seems to have done a surprising amount of self-reflection in the week or so that they’ve been apart. He’s grateful for that, at least.] For meeting me here.
He’s not in the lab—well, not his, anyway. Viktor opens a door and fills in a space he’s been avoiding since his subconscious started creating things, and when Jayce comes to meet him, it will be down in the caves, and past the wooden entrance. The lab inside is ominous, illuminated by green and purple, the a large containment tube creating the centerpiece of the room—inside it, a familiar silhouette.
His original plan was to have this conversation once he was back in Cadens, but Jayce’s words provide a much-needed segue into the things he wanted to say. Just as well, really. The longer he lets this wait, the more time he allows himself to talk his way out of it. He’s resolved not to do that, anymore. There are things about him that Jayce needs to know—that he has to talk about, if they want to be as open and honest with each other as they hope to be.
When Jayce enters, Viktor is waiting for him, seated at a stool and leaning his elbow against the worktable, his gaze on the glowing tank in the middle of the lab.]
Thank you. [Viktor says, something of an empty sentiment. He knows he doesn’t need to be thanking Jayce for anything, but his partner seems to have done a surprising amount of self-reflection in the week or so that they’ve been apart. He’s grateful for that, at least.] For meeting me here.
[ Jayce has done a lot of self-reflection and has found that bouncing off of other people has been very helpful in him seeing things clearly. He wanted to get his shit together not only for Viktor, but for himself too, so he can find a way to live with himself and keep moving on instead of getting stuck. It isn't done yet, he is still growing, but it's a process. It's especially a process when you realize it wasn't only about your one bad act, but a lot of little acts on the road there.
It's been an intense time knowing Viktor nearly died without him there again, and waiting anxiously for their return. Their little notes have been keeping him sane, sane enough that Jayce started sleeping again and shaving, he's been cleaning the apartment for when Viktor gets there so it's spotless. Mostly to waste the time he has to wait. He didn't expect to be able to see him in any way until he returned, but to say he's jumping at the chance to is an understatement. He's leaping. Vaulting.
He hasn't spent a lot of time wandering their Horizon, partly because if Viktor has private spaces he knows better than to go in them without asking. Jayce's eyes are wide as he steps down into the cave, confused about where he is. He'd say this could be where Viktor grew up, his home, except it's a lab inside. And an unsettling one too.
When his eyes fall on Viktor something tense uncurls in him and he's just so damned grateful, relief flooding him, smiling at him. Jayce's eyes are only for him for a few seconds, fixed and adoring. ]
Any time.
[ He stays a respectful few steps away. ]
Where is th---why does that look like Rio?
[ It's a familiar silhouette indeed, one that has been a key part of comfort for Jayce the past few days. She let him snuggle her whenever he's in the Horizon alone. He isn't going to jump right to that is Rio herself, because he can't see Viktor ever putting her in a tube, but it's anxiety-provoking. ]
It's been an intense time knowing Viktor nearly died without him there again, and waiting anxiously for their return. Their little notes have been keeping him sane, sane enough that Jayce started sleeping again and shaving, he's been cleaning the apartment for when Viktor gets there so it's spotless. Mostly to waste the time he has to wait. He didn't expect to be able to see him in any way until he returned, but to say he's jumping at the chance to is an understatement. He's leaping. Vaulting.
He hasn't spent a lot of time wandering their Horizon, partly because if Viktor has private spaces he knows better than to go in them without asking. Jayce's eyes are wide as he steps down into the cave, confused about where he is. He'd say this could be where Viktor grew up, his home, except it's a lab inside. And an unsettling one too.
When his eyes fall on Viktor something tense uncurls in him and he's just so damned grateful, relief flooding him, smiling at him. Jayce's eyes are only for him for a few seconds, fixed and adoring. ]
Any time.
[ He stays a respectful few steps away. ]
Where is th---why does that look like Rio?
[ It's a familiar silhouette indeed, one that has been a key part of comfort for Jayce the past few days. She let him snuggle her whenever he's in the Horizon alone. He isn't going to jump right to that is Rio herself, because he can't see Viktor ever putting her in a tube, but it's anxiety-provoking. ]
I assume you've heard the rumors about Nocwich making an appearance.
We should talk about the blood sample request.
We should talk about the blood sample request.
I have no plans to provide such a sample to the ambassadors, if that's what you're worried about.
[Unless, this is not about that?]
[Unless, this is not about that?]
End of the month/post art-crawl; a dhampir needs a blender
cryptsleeper
2022-07-31 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I forgot to lodge this request earlier but: may I commission you for one of those blending devices, as Ciri has?
I'll just make you one? You don't have to pay.
To no one's surprise, Viktor has spent the last few years avoiding any and all situations that might have him in formal wear. Somewhere along the line, between his health and Piltover's general disdain for his attachment to Hextech, he'd decided that he was much better suited in the lab, rather than out in public where so many people might be reminded of his existence. Viktor had been fine with that--he suspected Jayce was less of a fan, given that it meant he was attending these functions without any support from his partner, but he'd always respected Viktor's decision to avoid galas and parties, and Viktor had been adamant that this arrangement was what was best for both of them. For Hextech.
Now, however, they're guests in a foreign country, and Viktor knows there's no real getting out of the ceremony. He's not about to let Jayce go alone, either--too many unknowns about this for him to be comfortable with it. If that means he has to swallow his pride and get dressed up and look presentable, well. He'll do it for Jayce.
(And Alucard, too, of course.)
Given the trip from Cadens to the portal, he and Jayce have elected to stay in one of the inns, and that's where they find themselves preparing for the evening's events. Viktor spends a not insignificant amount of time getting ready, as if he's still trying to delay the inevitable. When he finally emerges from the washroom in his dark blue waistcoat, buttoning his cufflinks, hair combed back for once in his life, he looks slightly uncomfortable.
"I need some of your, uh--" Viktor is learning a lot about Jayce in their months of cohabitating. Some of it he finds wholly ridiculous. "--Whatever it is you put in your hair."
Now, however, they're guests in a foreign country, and Viktor knows there's no real getting out of the ceremony. He's not about to let Jayce go alone, either--too many unknowns about this for him to be comfortable with it. If that means he has to swallow his pride and get dressed up and look presentable, well. He'll do it for Jayce.
(And Alucard, too, of course.)
Given the trip from Cadens to the portal, he and Jayce have elected to stay in one of the inns, and that's where they find themselves preparing for the evening's events. Viktor spends a not insignificant amount of time getting ready, as if he's still trying to delay the inevitable. When he finally emerges from the washroom in his dark blue waistcoat, buttoning his cufflinks, hair combed back for once in his life, he looks slightly uncomfortable.
"I need some of your, uh--" Viktor is learning a lot about Jayce in their months of cohabitating. Some of it he finds wholly ridiculous. "--Whatever it is you put in your hair."
Edited 2022-08-18 20:32 (UTC)
Jayce used to love those parties and maybe a part of him still does, there are some aspects about rubbing elbows with the elite that the lower house in him couldn't resist. He did wish Viktor came with him, but that is mostly because he liked having him around. Eventually it was a little tiring, being on his own, but it was good for their work and that's what matters.
It has been enough time since the last one that the idea of dressing up again is exciting to him. Different situation, different energy. Jayce did mention to Viktor back before they got together that he liked the idea of them dressing up and going somewhere together. His first attempt at asking him for a date. He still didn't expect it from Viktor this time, he asked but made it clear he respected it if his boyfriend would prefer to stay quiet in the inn or wander the other parts of the square while everyone was distracted.
Jayce couldn't hide his delight at Viktor agreeing though. At the moment he looks exactly in his element. His intricate red vest and tie over a nice black shirt and pants are pretty new for him, he usually wears light colors. His black jacket is thrown over a chair nearby and his cufflinks are already in place. His hair is clean, smooth, immaculate; his face freshly shaved. He knows this will not be easy for Viktor so he plans on making it as easy as he can.
Jayce's vanity is something he's a little embarrassed about, but not so embarrassed it would stop him from trying to look his best at all times. He is looking at the mirror when Viktor talks and he chuckles. "You are taking this that seriously. How lucky am ----"
He turns to look at him and the end of that sentence doesn't matter because his gold-brown eyes are looking over his partner. Jayce thinks Viktor is always attractive. Always. It doesn't matter what he's wearing or how sick he is, he loves him, and he wants him. Maybe it's because it has been a long time since he saw him dressed up, or because everything feels good and special right now, but he is drawn closer to him, smiling the whole way.
"Wow," he says, his voice low, his gaze in no way subtle. "Look at you."
It has been enough time since the last one that the idea of dressing up again is exciting to him. Different situation, different energy. Jayce did mention to Viktor back before they got together that he liked the idea of them dressing up and going somewhere together. His first attempt at asking him for a date. He still didn't expect it from Viktor this time, he asked but made it clear he respected it if his boyfriend would prefer to stay quiet in the inn or wander the other parts of the square while everyone was distracted.
Jayce couldn't hide his delight at Viktor agreeing though. At the moment he looks exactly in his element. His intricate red vest and tie over a nice black shirt and pants are pretty new for him, he usually wears light colors. His black jacket is thrown over a chair nearby and his cufflinks are already in place. His hair is clean, smooth, immaculate; his face freshly shaved. He knows this will not be easy for Viktor so he plans on making it as easy as he can.
Jayce's vanity is something he's a little embarrassed about, but not so embarrassed it would stop him from trying to look his best at all times. He is looking at the mirror when Viktor talks and he chuckles. "You are taking this that seriously. How lucky am ----"
He turns to look at him and the end of that sentence doesn't matter because his gold-brown eyes are looking over his partner. Jayce thinks Viktor is always attractive. Always. It doesn't matter what he's wearing or how sick he is, he loves him, and he wants him. Maybe it's because it has been a long time since he saw him dressed up, or because everything feels good and special right now, but he is drawn closer to him, smiling the whole way.
"Wow," he says, his voice low, his gaze in no way subtle. "Look at you."
About as safe as we can be. We’re aiding relief efforts in Libertas.
[directly after this.]
Jayce pulls his chair all the way across the workshop to where Viktor is only a few feet away and sits down again next to him, although in opposite directions so he can purposely put his feet up on Viktor's desk. Careful not to actually prod at anything important, but if they're going to be annoying (playfully), he knows just the ways. He plays with the ball of paper Viktor wrinkled up and tosses it at the back of the notebook. Unnecessary since he can reach over and pull it away if he wants to, but he doesn't.
"I pitched the idea to Steve to look at the new shield prototype and let us know what he thinks. We'll probably have to think of some ways to test it out."
Jayce knows Geralt's coming to him for some specialized work soon, that'll be interesting. He's already tested out the new metal by creating those items for Jaskier, and they seemed like a great success.
"I'm not stretching myself too thin."
Jayce kind of assumes that Viktor's 'we' was a lot more of a pointed 'you' since Jayce is the one making hundreds of blades while also being in medical school, healing, and now a part of the construction crew in Libertas. But neither of them could ever be accused of being lazy. But he may be stretching a bit.
Jayce pulls his chair all the way across the workshop to where Viktor is only a few feet away and sits down again next to him, although in opposite directions so he can purposely put his feet up on Viktor's desk. Careful not to actually prod at anything important, but if they're going to be annoying (playfully), he knows just the ways. He plays with the ball of paper Viktor wrinkled up and tosses it at the back of the notebook. Unnecessary since he can reach over and pull it away if he wants to, but he doesn't.
"I pitched the idea to Steve to look at the new shield prototype and let us know what he thinks. We'll probably have to think of some ways to test it out."
Jayce knows Geralt's coming to him for some specialized work soon, that'll be interesting. He's already tested out the new metal by creating those items for Jaskier, and they seemed like a great success.
"I'm not stretching myself too thin."
Jayce kind of assumes that Viktor's 'we' was a lot more of a pointed 'you' since Jayce is the one making hundreds of blades while also being in medical school, healing, and now a part of the construction crew in Libertas. But neither of them could ever be accused of being lazy. But he may be stretching a bit.
Viktor keeps his notebook covering his expression for a few more moments, holding it there even as Jayce pulls his chair over, not even lowering it at the sound of feet up on his desk. He only emerges from behind it when the wad of paper bounces off the spine, his gaze traveling from Jayce's boots to his face. He doesn't yet shove them off the tabletop, but he's certainly thinking about it.
"I'm sure he'd be glad to help us, when we're ready for practical trials."
He has some thoughts about an approach to this--the Free Cities already seem to have shielding technology which he's sure the two of them could make better. The real problem is making sure it stays defensive, and can't easily be turned the other way. Strange, how he's now so concerned with safeguards.
Of course, Jayce brings up the real topic in short order, and Viktor sets his notebook down so that he can reach across his desk and nudge Jayce's boots off of it.
"How many projects are you currently working on?"
"I'm sure he'd be glad to help us, when we're ready for practical trials."
He has some thoughts about an approach to this--the Free Cities already seem to have shielding technology which he's sure the two of them could make better. The real problem is making sure it stays defensive, and can't easily be turned the other way. Strange, how he's now so concerned with safeguards.
Of course, Jayce brings up the real topic in short order, and Viktor sets his notebook down so that he can reach across his desk and nudge Jayce's boots off of it.
"How many projects are you currently working on?"
[ Ciri drops in one day. It's been a rough couple of weeks, and yes, she is going to ignore it. But she might also be surreptitiously checking in on some of her friends.
Anyway. She has a reason. It counts. ]
Viktor. Got a new toy for you.
Wanna see?
Anyway. She has a reason. It counts. ]
Viktor. Got a new toy for you.
Wanna see?
Yes, obviously.
[Viktor always wants to see new toys. He loves new toys. So much, in fact, that when Ciri enters and announces a new toy, Viktor visibly perks up, sets aside whatever it is he's currently working on to give her his full attention.]
What do you have for me?
[Viktor always wants to see new toys. He loves new toys. So much, in fact, that when Ciri enters and announces a new toy, Viktor visibly perks up, sets aside whatever it is he's currently working on to give her his full attention.]
What do you have for me?
[ It's difficult for Ciri tell what time it is in the pit. Possibly, it's very late.
She's made a few attempts already, but she keeps trying until Viktor responds so she knows it went through. ]
V̸͚̞̍į̵̔̄ktọ̸̔̆r̴͔͇͗́ ̵̮̓͂I̵̬̚ ̸͖̳̉made̷̛̖̟ ̷͍͗̄ͅiṭ̵̒
̴͕̿͝ͅ
̸̧͐͊ͅǏ̸̯͘'̴͖̓̎m̴̢̺̾ ̷͇̮̾fine,̶̧̟̀ ̶̠͒f̶͚͝o̷̗̗͛͂und Geralt̶̲̻̓ ȧ̷̦n̸̮̆d̶̞̏ ̶̦͛Ĉ̵͔a̸͎̾itlyn̸̸̟͕̍͘
̵͖̈́a̷̖͇̓r̷̥͋͗ê̸͚̰̚ ̶͉̖́͝you̸̳̠̎͝ ̸̱̺̊gett̸͍̐ing ̸̳̗̔͑ầ̵̯̗ ̴͉̗̑s̴̩̽͐ignal̷͔̍̊?̷̟͇̐ ̷̫̬͋
She's made a few attempts already, but she keeps trying until Viktor responds so she knows it went through. ]
V̸͚̞̍į̵̔̄ktọ̸̔̆r̴͔͇͗́ ̵̮̓͂I̵̬̚ ̸͖̳̉made̷̛̖̟ ̷͍͗̄ͅiṭ̵̒
̴͕̿͝ͅ
̸̧͐͊ͅǏ̸̯͘'̴͖̓̎m̴̢̺̾ ̷͇̮̾fine,̶̧̟̀ ̶̠͒f̶͚͝o̷̗̗͛͂und Geralt̶̲̻̓ ȧ̷̦n̸̮̆d̶̞̏ ̶̦͛Ĉ̵͔a̸͎̾itlyn̸̸̟͕̍͘
̵͖̈́a̷̖͇̓r̷̥͋͗ê̸͚̰̚ ̶͉̖́͝you̸̳̠̎͝ ̸̱̺̊gett̸͍̐ing ̸̳̗̔͑ầ̵̯̗ ̴͉̗̑s̴̩̽͐ignal̷͔̍̊?̷̟͇̐ ̷̫̬͋
Edited 2023-02-22 04:39 (UTC)
[He's used to the scrambled messages by now, doing his best to parse it out. It doesn't really matter if he can't make out all of it--he'd tell her all of this regardless.]
We have a signal, but it's weak. It's coming from somewhere to the north of Cadens. I'm trying to improve the receiver to get a better idea of where you are.
Are you unharmed?
We have a signal, but it's weak. It's coming from somewhere to the north of Cadens. I'm trying to improve the receiver to get a better idea of where you are.
Are you unharmed?
Was it Ciri?
[It has to have been--she checked in with him upon her arrival, and he knows she must be trying to send updates.]
I still have a signal, but it's weak and intermittent. I can try to let her know.
[It has to have been--she checked in with him upon her arrival, and he knows she must be trying to send updates.]
I still have a signal, but it's weak and intermittent. I can try to let her know.
[ The message comes through clear, unobstructed this time by the usual glitchiness and difficult-to-read warping present every time Ciri tried to communicate with him before.
Not that she knows this. Which means she's not bothering with full sentences, and it probably comes through a bit manic. A lot's going on. ]
I MADE IT OUT
MOUNTAINS NORTH OF THE SINGULARITY
Not that she knows this. Which means she's not bothering with full sentences, and it probably comes through a bit manic. A lot's going on. ]
I MADE IT OUT
MOUNTAINS NORTH OF THE SINGULARITY
You're coming through clearly, but I've lost the signal. Do you still have the tracker?
[ In one of his few aware and present states, Blake reaches out to Viktor. Even now he's hoping to help, especially since he's not so sure he'll make it out now that the water's beginning to climb the walls of the holding area. ]
Do you have a signal? The acolyte with the tracker may have escaped.
[ That's Blake's assumption, anyway. The last of them are gathered and from all that he can tell, the person he and Jayden planted Viktor's tracker on is nowhere to be found. ]
Do you have a signal? The acolyte with the tracker may have escaped.
[ That's Blake's assumption, anyway. The last of them are gathered and from all that he can tell, the person he and Jayden planted Viktor's tracker on is nowhere to be found. ]
No, I've lost signal, but I'll trade it to be able to more clearly communicate with you.
[It's a relief, to say the least, knowing at least some of the group has escaped.]
Do yo know where they might be headed?
[It's a relief, to say the least, knowing at least some of the group has escaped.]
Do yo know where they might be headed?
𝕐𝕠, 𝕊𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕪 ℍ𝕦𝕤𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕕, 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕤,
𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕣 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘/𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕦𝕓 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖?
𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕣 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘/𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕦𝕓 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖?
A heat pump and circulator? This is what you ask me for?
𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘦! 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.
[ Hilda, why do you have to announce the birth of the lizards that way? Can you please be normal about this? ]
[ Hilda, why do you have to announce the birth of the lizards that way? Can you please be normal about this? ]
I don't really view myself as very paternal--uncle feels more appropriate.
When can I see the clutch?
[ARE THEY HALF ROBOT]
When can I see the clutch?
[ARE THEY HALF ROBOT]
Oh, yes. We have photography in Piltover. If I can acquire the necessary materials, I'm sure I could...
Viktor.
[she had heard about it through others, and then—consequently—had heard about how it had affected the one that had been left behind. wanda had hoped, despite knowing better, that she might catch sight of viktor going about in nocwich, but she's fully aware that perhaps the last thing someone in his position wants to do is to be distracted and reminded of what's been lost.
wanda has been standing a few feet from the portals those in the free cities use to get here, waiting for the past hour, but knowing that this is a futile endeavor in the end.]
Will you be coming to Nocwich?
I don't know. Maybe. I haven't thought about it.
[Which is partially true--Viktor hasn't had much attention for anything but work lately. That's mostly on purpose, though by now he's begrudgingly accepted that people want to check up on him. It doesn't mean he needs to be gracious about it, even though he knows it's a little unfair, to be brusque with Wanda when all she really wants to is make sure he's okay.
The next part of the message comes a minute later.]
Did you want me to?
[Which is partially true--Viktor hasn't had much attention for anything but work lately. That's mostly on purpose, though by now he's begrudgingly accepted that people want to check up on him. It doesn't mean he needs to be gracious about it, even though he knows it's a little unfair, to be brusque with Wanda when all she really wants to is make sure he's okay.
The next part of the message comes a minute later.]
Did you want me to?
Jesper told me you're the cranky inventor to go to if I have a thing I need made? I need a small holster I can wear on my hip that can quickly dispense marbles into my hand one at a time. I guess holding about twelve total? Maybe two back-up holsters in case one gets damaged (if they aren't too pricy).
And a slingshot.
He said he'd cover the bill.
And a slingshot.
He said he'd cover the bill.
"Hey, Viktor..."
Blake appears like a wraith at his employer's side without any warning. In his hand, he clutches some papers. It's been a day and a half since his trek back from the mines, still tending to and hiding wounds he shouldn't have. His return to work was unceremonious and as characteristically quiet as any other, but that typical silence is broken by an atypical question.
"What's this?" Blake asks, uncertainty mingling in the creases between his brows. "Somethin' for the mines?" He rarely has the need to question, but then again, it's equally rare Viktor has something in the planning stage that hasn't already been laid out for everyone in the shop who might be involved.
Blake appears like a wraith at his employer's side without any warning. In his hand, he clutches some papers. It's been a day and a half since his trek back from the mines, still tending to and hiding wounds he shouldn't have. His return to work was unceremonious and as characteristically quiet as any other, but that typical silence is broken by an atypical question.
"What's this?" Blake asks, uncertainty mingling in the creases between his brows. "Somethin' for the mines?" He rarely has the need to question, but then again, it's equally rare Viktor has something in the planning stage that hasn't already been laid out for everyone in the shop who might be involved.
Viktor doesn't answer so much as he grunts in acknowledgement, a little mmm sound as he straightens on his stool and puts down whatever he's doing (something small and fiddly). He seems to consider whether or not this is a conversation he can keep working through, but Blake has some of his notes, and he pushes his goggles up his forehead so he can have a better look.
"For more than the mines, but that is one of the practical applications, yes." The papers that Blake offers detail not only his automaton research, but the things he wants to use it for. He doesn't see why this should be a surprise, given his work clearing the mines some months ago, and he's always expressed interest in safer conditions for workers.
"Do you have automatons, where you come from? Artificial intelligence?"
"For more than the mines, but that is one of the practical applications, yes." The papers that Blake offers detail not only his automaton research, but the things he wants to use it for. He doesn't see why this should be a surprise, given his work clearing the mines some months ago, and he's always expressed interest in safer conditions for workers.
"Do you have automatons, where you come from? Artificial intelligence?"
Hello Viktor, this is Istredd from Thorne.
Thancred, Stephen and I followed up with authorities from here about your request, but I'm afraid Ambrose told us extremely little. He said that he believed that the Singularity's waning power was responsible for the rifts and its instability. This was before the conclusion of the rifts and the vision we had implying a Summoned was responsible. So his assumption regarding the Singularity was just that. He/they did not tell us if they got specific readings from the rifts that seemed concerning or connected.
I wish I had actual information but that was it.
Thancred, Stephen and I followed up with authorities from here about your request, but I'm afraid Ambrose told us extremely little. He said that he believed that the Singularity's waning power was responsible for the rifts and its instability. This was before the conclusion of the rifts and the vision we had implying a Summoned was responsible. So his assumption regarding the Singularity was just that. He/they did not tell us if they got specific readings from the rifts that seemed concerning or connected.
I wish I had actual information but that was it.
One of our number may have instigated it, but it was the Singularity's power that opened the rifts.
Do you have reason to believe that Ambrose was withholding information, or do you think he simply did not know?
Do you have reason to believe that Ambrose was withholding information, or do you think he simply did not know?
some nebulous time in the last several months whenever u feel
righteously
2023-10-03 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, boss. You got any spots open in your queue these days?
It depends what you want and when you need it.
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