[ 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

indeed!

[edgeoftheknife]

[Ravel is in no mood for jokes, China. Even yarn jokes.]

Call them off. However many there are. I don't care who else you spy on in this place, but leave the Hotel out of it.

[inkulcation]

[Oh, he's very serious.]

You expect me to kindly submit to leaving a central fixture of the city a blind spot?

[It rather does sound like he's in the mood for jokes, if that's what he's suggesting.]

[edgeoftheknife]

That's exactly what I expect.

[inkulcation]

[That's adorable. Grand Mage, she expected better from you.]

I believe you've forgotten how threats work, if that's what you were trying for. You'll need a better stick than your pretty face all twisted up in disapproval, my dear Grand Mage.

[edgeoftheknife]

[Unfortunately, short of physical violence, he doesn't have much else to threaten her with right at the moment. Not that he's going to admit that.]

Not a threat, my dear China. Merely a statement. A pointed one.

[inkulcation]

[Oh, please try physical violence. It'll be funny. To one of them.]

Well. That rather loses something of its imperative, doesn't it?

[A beat, and the sound of a sigh.]

Do credit me with some measure of common sense.

[edgeoftheknife]

Oh I'm trying, believe me. Although you'll have to be kind enough to explain the connection between "spying on the Hotel" and "common sense," if you would. I'm afraid I'm not seeing it.

[inkulcation]

[Another sigh, this one a little bit more pointedly dramatic and put-upon. China slows her words, sweetens her tone a little as she explains. Like she's talking to a child.]

Knowing what's happening in the city means I can respond to it. Leaving the Hotel unknown would be as foolish as ignoring the Sanctuary.

I will also remind you that knowing doesn't mean acting; it simply means information has been gathered. And further, as I have hopeful expectations for a significant remaining lifespan, I don't plan to take any action against the Hotel, or its proprietor.

[Notably missing from the list: Ravel.]

[edgeoftheknife]

[The line of his jaw tightens at the patronizing tone of her voice and that little sigh.]

"Respond to it." How you manage to make yourself sound so altruistic without a drop of compassion in your soul is truly a wonder, China.

So I'll tell you what: I want to know everyone you've got in the Hotel, at all times, and I want to know if anything comes up that's going to threaten the Hotel or Anton.

In exchange, you can keep them... and maybe I'll even forget to tell Anton about all of this.

[inkulcation]

There are so very few of us here. It's only self-interest, really.

[Besides, China can spin nearly anything in her favor. She's hardly going to take offense, though, when he's right. Compassion is for other people.]

[She thinks about his offer (ultimatum) for a few moments, evident in silence and the slow tap of one finger against the console. He's transparent about his goals, but she already knew what his priorities would be, really. Dead Men, then other Foreigners.]

I suppose I can inform you of any rising threats. And maybe none of my informants will... slip my mind.

[It's prickly. Ravel has to do a little better than just 'maybe.' But her tone she makes resigned: she'll let him think, for now, that tattling to Shudder is an effective thing to hold over her head. In all fairness, it would be if she depended on Shudder. And his goodwill would be valuable. But she doesn't have it, probably won't, and can't bring herself to be too torn up about it.]

[edgeoftheknife]

When is it ever not self-interest?

[Ravel's finding it harder to play these little games, harder to overlook the threats and plaster on a veneer of friendliness, the longer he's in Keeliai. He just doesn't have the head for it anymore--and any threat against Anton, whether real or perceived, sinks twice as deep as it used to.]

And what's it going to take for you to do better than that?

[Can of worms: opened.]

[inkulcation]

Oh, I'm sure there have been one or two occasions. [Smile, as though he can see her even with her video turned off. It comes through in her voice.] Perhaps. Do tell me if you ever meet a genuine altruist.

[She doesn't believe in it, which should be obvious.]

[Ravel's tired of playing, it seems. China rarely is, but she meets him halfway.]

Shudder stays out of it.

[Let him believe he has something over her. She'll see what he does with it.]

[edgeoftheknife]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out.

[Ravel's not stupid enough to believe that China isn't playing some angle. Probably even running circles around him. He's not sure if he would know, though, not with the way things have been going. He'll just have to keep an eye out for her.]

...fine. He won't hear it from me.

[inkulcation]

[China Sorrows? Playing an angle? Perish the thought.]

How wonderful that we can come to an agreement.

Wilson's the only informant I have in the Hotel currently.

[This is true. Not her only informant among the Foreigners, of course, but Ravel gets what he pays for.]