[ console | video/action ] we get to carry each other

[edgeoftheknife]

[Hello folks, it's your friendly neighborhood gorgeous janitor. Except he's not looking so friendly, today. In fact, he's looking more serious than most people have probably ever seen him, here in Keeliai. When he speaks it's with a gravity that his words normally lack.]

Anton Shudder is no longer in charge of the Midnight Hotel.

I'm taking over.

[There's a pause, while he lets that sink in.]

Since Shudder has proven himself incapable of the running of the Hotel--or indeed, simple things like standing and walking, I find myself forced to keep him confined to a comfortable chair in front of the fire. With tea. And yarn.

He knits, did you know he knits?

[It should be noted that while the tone of the video has become decidedly less serious, Ravel's face has not.]

At any rate, I'll be taking over the day-to-day operations of the Hotel for the time being. Matters such as employment and pay will still go through Anton, obviously. Day-to-day functions should come to me, instead. Any present staff are encouraged to pitch in as you're able--God only knows you don't want me doing the cooking. Not unless the lot of you fancy grilled cheese or cold cereal.

[He pauses]

Was that it? Yes, I think that was it. Er. Carry on.

Comments

[edgeoftheknife]

[He tries to suppress the grin that results from her squeak]

There's a pretty fair test for it, actually.

[He holds up an index finger]

One--is it Ravel?

[And a second finger joins the first]

Two--is he speaking?

If it passes both of those, you're pretty safe in dismissing just about anything I say. Everyone else does.

[stonebird]

I could never! (She actually looks offended.) You are a person and your words have weight.

(Her hands are THIS CLOSE to landing on her hips. A spark of Catelyn Stark lives within her after all.)

Why do you treat yourself so poorly?

[edgeoftheknife]

[WOW ALAYNE. Way to just... completely take the wind out of his sails. All traces of that grin are gone in an instant.

There's a good answer for it, of course. He could tell her but it would involve too much explanation, too many ugly words, and it really isn't that important. He looks away, swallows, and continues as if she hasn't said anything. As if they're continuing the previous conversation without interruption.]

Anton is my brother. I don't find it bothersome, taking care of him. It's what I was doing, even if it didn't seem like it.

[He forces a wan smile.]

Although any help would be appreciated.

[stonebird]

(Her stern visage melts and she shifts from foot to foot, nodding slowly.)

If I had a brother... I would feel the same. (Memories threaten to well up, but she scowls and pushes them down.) Family should hold a special place in your heart.

(So special that losing them leaves an irreparable hole.)

Ask what you will of me and I will see it done.

[edgeoftheknife]

[His throat tries to close up, to choke him. He breathes slowly, focuses on trying to keep himself together (because he really doesn't need a repeat of the conversation with Valdis, not here, not now), and nods.]

It should indeed.

[Eventually he shakes his head]

I don't have anything specific right now, but... would you help me keep an eye on things? You've been in the Hotel longer than I have. Tell me if I'm missing something. Tell me if I'm forgetting anything. My memory's not what it was, and I don't want Anton having to bother himself with any of this. Not just yet.