II. ♔ Video

[oathwalk]

As the collection and sharing of information seems to become an increasing problem the more newcomers are brought in and old residents are lost, I have attempted to collect what data is available on the network and record it in audio so that it can be understood by all. A link is attached to this post.

[Look! A link. Enjoy information about the Malicant, Asti, the Mainland, and more!]

The information is sparse enough, and I'm afraid that I am not accustomed to this kind of information gathering. If there is data that I have overlooked, I would welcome it.

[Richard wears the mask of measured calm and confidence that he is accustomed to sporting for all official matters, so he does not let himself look tired, but he is. He is so very is. He has searched through as much information archived on the network as he could, and he now understands why his advisors seem kind of irritable sometimes. New appreciation for the clerical staff in his administration right here.]

The intention of this collection of data is, first, to have it given to newcomers on arrival, and second, to have a central location to which we can add new information and updated reports. The hope is to keep us all better informed and make it easier to establish what information needs to be gathered from what is already known. While we can give his file as asked for by new arrivals, any suggestions from those technically inclined on how to make the data more easy to access and update is welcomed. Commander Evandau has also expressed a willingness to give this information to new Foreigners on arrival, should the Emperor give consent. [If only to spare Evandau and Eshai getting the same questions over and over at audiences, but hey: it will solve problems of distribution if they can do that.]

Comments

Re: [action]

[heartofgraces]

I don't think they can get that way from eating them.

[Please don't scare him like that.] Probably, but if they're multiplying this fast we want to get them in as large of swathes as possible. I can't think of anyone who'd be better at that than Wanda.

[A beat of pause.] ...Well, Temeraire, but...[He doesn't really want to bother him right now.]

[perma-action]

[oathwalk]

[There is no need for Asbel to say it; Richard understands the implicit statement.] Then let's contact her now. [He goes to get to her inbox, there is an assumed conversation here that we are handwaving, Wanda is going to attempt to neuter them let's see how it goes, hooray.

After he hangs up, he taps his lip thoughtfully.] The extent of her abilities truly is impressive. I have no idea what the limits of it may be.

[what she said]

[heartofgraces]

From the way she spoke, it sounded a little like she and Tony were from a much less peaceful world...

[Asbel's not sure how much Wanda will talk about her life. Tony, however, might talk a fair bit. He seemed to like talking.]

I guess it'll take some time before they'd feel like telling us everything.

[oathwalk]

[He finishes up his food and delicately dabs his fingers on a tablecloth. (Manners!)] It isn't so surprising that they may have subjects which they prefer to keep to themselves. [A slight frown creases his brow.] After all, we have our own matters which we keep out of conversation.

[heartofgraces]

['Just the one, really' Lambda helpfully chimes in, and Asbel grimaces faintly. Dammit, Lambda.]

That's true. It's up to them if they ever feel like talking about it, right? Same with us.

['Same with you', Asbel means. He's nothing but open, even about the things that hurt, and not talking about Lambda or Richard's pasts is out of respect for them.]

[oathwalk]

[Richard notices the grimace, and his own expression twists slightly. He knows what Asbel is reacting to when there's no apparent stimulus.

He knows what Asbel means.] There is little purpose in sharing certain matters with those entirely unrelated to them.

[It is not a rejection of Asbel's ideas, but Richard is not like Asbel. Where Asbel is open and truly friendly, Richard is reserved and merely genial. He always has been. A crown prince can't tell others that his royal uncle has poisoned him; a king can't share state secrets or risk his country's stability by confessing his crimes. Richard has spent hours compiling information in order to make it easier for people to be open and honest, but in his own life, he guards himself around all but his closest companions.]

[heartofgraces]

I understand.

[Asbel smiles a little, simple and gentle. He does understand. He won't talk about it. When and if is Richard and Lambda's decision. What he's told Evandau, what Lambda's told Evandau, is edited and will stay such.

It's Richard's business. Not anyone else's.]

[oathwalk]

[Richard's smile is the appreciative expression of a man who knows that he has lucked out on the best friend department.

And now that we've used up our feelings budget for the day—] But I've been terribly rude. Have you eaten? You're welcome to my natto.

[heartofgraces]

I ate already, it's fine. I just brought it over because you seemed like you could use it.

[NOPE DODGING THAT BULLET THANK YOU.]

[oathwalk]

If you're certain, then I'll put it away. The offer is open. [Stop judging his food. But Richard packs it up and put it in the fridge. Fridges are amazing.]