[CONSOLE] video; BACKDATED to 8 JUNE

[gistful]

[When Anton turns on the video he looks a little ruffled. His tie is gone, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, and there's blood on his vest, for the observant. His expression is flat but with an edge of exasperation, and behind him ... Behind him is Skulduggery and Erskine. They're bound together with a five-foot length of chain, Erskine with a manacle on his wrist and Skulduggery with a manacle around his neck-bones.

[Skulduggery is missing his hat, and his suit is tattered. Erskine's in obviously clean clothes, but he's missing a jacket, he's limping slightly, his arm is in a sling and he has a spray-bottle. And they're arguing. Loudly. Anton's voice is raised to be heard over them and, perhaps notably, he keeps his hands out of view of the camera.]

Let it be publicly known that these two reprobates are grounded.

[He jerks his head at them without looking around.]

If anyone sees them on the streets while Erskine, that's the ridiculously pretty one, is not wearing a dog-collar, please punch them both and return them to the Midnight Hotel. If anyone finds them not in the company of each other, please, again, punch them and return them to the Midnight Hotel.

Rest assured that the damages they caused will be repaired at their expense and any loss of revenue reimbursed. We'll be by in the next few days to arrange this.

[Pause.]

Ah. Yes. Skulduggery, that's the idiot who's forgotten his skin, has lost his hat privileges. No hats for Skulduggery. Thank you.

[This broadcast is also available as action, for those staying at the Midnight Hotel.]

Comments

[edgeoftheknife]

Please, I was annoying people long before you were born, junior. [a pause] ...probably. I was probably annoying people long before you were born. What year were you born, exactly?

[Oh yeah, smirk still firmly affixed to his face.]

And I have problems with commitment. Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be.

[irishthor]

Mm... I don't think you're privy to that information.

[You must be a Lvl 10 Friend to unlock his tragic backstory.]

Might want work on that. No-one wants a wife who can't commit.

[edgeoftheknife]

Christ, I asked what year you were born, not your mother's maiden name. Look, it's easy--was it before or after 1606?

[irishthor]

Mm... [LONG AND THOUGHTFUL PAUSE.] ...No, I don't think I'll be tellin' you that. At least, not until I get to know you better.

[edgeoftheknife]

[Ravel reaches up with his good--chained--hand to rub at his temple, eyes closing briefly in exasperation. He's very sorely tempted to upgrade Shay from "vaguely" annoying to "oh god why do I put up with you" but that would be admitting defeat. So after a second of letting himself de-stress he drops his hand and smiles sweetly.]

Is that an invitation, Mister Cormac?

[irishthor]

Unfortunately for you, no.