[Console | Video/Action?] did I disappoint you (possible spoilers)

[edgeoftheknife]

[The man in the video is gorgeous. True, there are dark circles under his eyes as if he hasn't slept well in weeks, but it kind of gives him that "I just stepped off a movie set and wow am I tired from being beautiful all day" look. If you've been around the Midnight Hotel at all over the past couple of weeks you've probably seen him there, shadowing after Anton Shudder like a lost puppy--which is pretty nearly the expression on his face most times as well. He looks lost.

He looks like he's forgotten what he came on here to say, as a matter of fact.

After a few more seconds he perks up, looking up at the camera instead of off to the side as he had been. When he speaks it's with an Irish accent.]

Right, hello. Ah, sorry about that. I seem to have misplaced my... brain, today. Anyway, I've met a few of you already, but for those I haven't, my name is Erskine Ravel. I also answer to "Grand Mage" or possibly "hey you."

[He gives a little two-fingered salute and a slight smile.]

I was hoping...

[He goes quiet, frowning.]

What was I hoping, again? I.... Mm, nope, it's gone. Ah well, if it was important it'll come 'round again. At any rate, I hope everyone's having a lovely day. Pay someone a compliment and don't forget to tip your waitress.

[The video abruptly stops.]


((ooc: possible spoilers, please mark comments as needed!))

Comments

[video]

[needmetoo]

How do you lose your brain?

[She's heard of losing one's heart but not one's brain. And yeah given how... well, scattered that whole thing was, she doesn't really doubt he's right.]

[edgeoftheknife]

Very carefully, one would imagine. Except I've forgotten how I managed it. If I remember I'll let you know, if you like?

[video]

[gathersnomoss]

Grand Mage?

[With the exception of that, Zel would slot him into the space normally reserved for Gourry Gabriev: good-looking, competent enough in his area of expertise, but having the brains of a bowl of custard. Stupid mages don't live long, though.]

[edgeoftheknife]

Yes?

[He looks at the image on the screen expectantly for a moment before giving a short laugh.]

Right, I know. And yes, of Ireland. For... [He pauses, eyes lifting as he counts in his head] Three years? Two, three? Something like that, I can't recall at the moment.

(Video)

[stonebird]

Are you...well...ser? (He sounds scattered and that worries her.) Have you hit your head recently?

videoed action; visible to all

[gistful]

Ah, there you are.

[Anton, with his usual impassive expression, walks up behind Erskine, still on screen.]

I have a surprise for you in recognition of your diligent attempts to learn how to perform housework.

[He brings his hands out from behind his back to present ... a frilly maid's apron and hat.]

[gathersnomoss]

So it's more like a guildmaster than a title of skill.

[which makes even less sense. Zel might be able to believe someone could be skilled at magic but not be able to tell you today's date, but guildmasters theoretically need other skills.]

{On the other hand, Zelgadis had worked for the Atlas City Sorcerers' Guild during their succession troubles... maybe the fact this man had yet to cause a major magical catastrophe on Keelai was a point in his favor.]

[needmetoo]

Um... sure.

[She is very slightly concerned.]

But don't you want to get it back?

video;

[wintershepherd]

[ Smarmy winter spirit couldn't resist. ]

Whoa guys, I'm not judging roleplay or anything, but keep it off camera, would you? There are kids who use the consoles.

[edgeoftheknife]

I... [Yeah not even going to attempt to answer that first question.] Not recently, no. Unless you know something I don't?

[He looks at her through the console for a moment before shaking his head with a smile. No, he doesn't actually expect a real answer to that.]

I'm fine. I've just... had better days, I suppose.

[edgeoftheknife]

[With a completely straight face, looking over at Anton:]

Yes darling, there are children on these things. This couldn't have waited until tonight?

[gistful]

Absolutely not.

[Tosses apron over Erskine's head.]

You've been avoiding scrubbing the toilets. At least now you'll be protected and pretty while you do.

(not here)

[denyamenti]

[ Great, more Set-damned Irish magicians, just what this place needs. Not. ]

[edgeoftheknife]

[Completely rolling with this now just for fun]

Oh I'm certain it'll turn up after a while. Sort of like a bad penny. I haven't quite dusted all the corners in the common room yet, maybe it's hiding in there.

[wintershepherd]

So... it's like a task-reward thing. That's cool, that's been around a while. I'm glad you guys make it work.

[edgeoftheknife]

...really more of a "no one else wanted the job" sort of thing, although on that score I did get a resounding number of votes. And I have managed to scrape us through more than one end-of-the-world scenario mostly intact so that's got to count for something, right?

[This is completely leaving out certain giant details, but he's pretty sure only a small handful of people who might see this actually know said details. It'll be fine.]

[stonebird]

I do not. (For what comfort that brings.) Would you like to discuss it?

(She can offer a listening ear, though she is afraid what she might hear. Bad days are really bad in Westeros.)

[edgeoftheknife]

We try. When you've been together as long as we have, you have to do something to keep the spark alive, right?

[He throws a pointed look at Anton and fiddles with the strings on the apron.]

I'd better be seeing some reward out of this, though.

[gistful]

[Bland, bland smile.]

I'd be rather more concerned about whether you can keep up, Ravel. Or do you need help tying your apron-strings first?

[needmetoo]

... that seems a little weird for something that important.

[Are you yanking her chain, Erskine. If Brains are anything like hearts they won't just be lying around...]

[aquanimity]

[In the background behind Xion, Aqua's passing by with a vase full of familiar flowers in hand, smiling in laughter at the overheard conversation.]

Xion, I don't think he means literally.

[edgeoftheknife]

[The smile fades. He's a little surprised she's actually serious about this. Confused/surprised, more like.]

I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine. It's just an off day.

I... have I seen you around the Hotel?

[stonebird]

I believe most days feel like that in our current situation. (She will gladly accept off days as replacements for what awaits her in the Eyrie.) Perhaps? I have resided there for some months now. My name is Alayne.

[edgeoftheknife]

It's true, you're too much man for me, Anton. No wonder I can't remember anything today--you've knocked all the sense out of me.

...actually yes, here. If I have to wear this ridiculous thing the least you can do is tie me up.

[gistful]

Good. Stand up.

[Once Erskine's done that, Anton whisks the apron around him and ties it in a neat bow at his back, straightening the straps over the shoulders so they lie flat.]

There. Don't forget this.

[He puts the maid's cap on Erskine's head, tucking some of his hair up under it. It looks rather fetching, really.]