video | november 12, 2016

[inkulcation]

[Right off, what will be remarkable is that China has enabled video; those familiar with her network habits will probably recall she doesn't usually.]

[The second remarkable thing is the small fluffball she's holding cradled to her chest. It's a rabbit. It's small, it's white, it's adorable, and it's got a collar around its neck with a soul gem. Which means yes, the small animal China is cuddling is none other than Erskine Ravel.]

[She's stroking the bunny very nicely.]

I wonder. Wasn't some fine gentleman giving us updates on the weather, occasionally?

I find I miss his gardening tips.

[She sounds and looks entirely earnest, blue eyes wide, face innocent, and she pauses only a moment to scratch behind the bunny's ears very delicately.]

And some sort of a forecast would be useful, I think, as things turn cooler.

[This is completely and totally the only reason she's made this post. Really.]

Comments

[inkulcation]

By the responses, it seems any number of people have missed your updates.

[Smile. It's not even just about her own personal amusement any more.]

He's much calmer like this, yes. And people are naturally inclined to bestow attention on small animals.

[Indeed, so far as she can tell, Erskine is nearly constantly cuddled or otherwise held by someone.]

[purered]

I truly hadn't realized. They had come of a rather lighthearted jest from Mr Cormac.

[He straightens his tie. ....Again. He's still a bit flushed.]

I admit, Mr Ravel's new shape is rather... [Adorable? Precious? Tiny and fluffy?] ...charming. I do hope I didn't frighten the poor man when I discovered him in this state.

[inkulcation]

Master Cormac need not always be taken seriously, but in this case, I think the results rather speak for themselves.

[Encouraging. Gently smiling. Come, Klaus, weather and jokes.]

He's certainly less argumentative this way. Frighten him?

[China sounds faintly incredulous.]

Well, I suppose at this size it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. What did you do, my dear?

[purered]

They certainly do, Miss Sorrows. I shall resume keeping track of the weather patterns then.

[He clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.]

When I discovered Mr Ravel in this state, I did not realize it was him. I may have been, perhaps, overly familiar.

[He nuzzled the bun. Pet names were involved.]

[inkulcation]

How kind of you, Klaus.

[A smile again. Still encouraging. Klaus is so very accommodating and sweet.]

Overly familiar? Oh, my darling, how closely did you cuddle our dear Erskine? Ought I be concerned for someone's purity?

[purered]

Miss Sorrows! It was nothing so inappropriate!

I just displayed a level of affection that would be deemed unprofessional.

[inkulcation]

I believe there may be exceptions to professionality for small and adorable animals.

[China is restraining laughter.]

Even so, I suppose that's a relief to hear.

[She is definitely teasing, though.]

[purered]

I don't recall that being in the rules back home. Alas, it was the wiggling of the nose that finally did me in.

[He hangs his head, utterly abashed.]

[inkulcation]

One really must be wary of small animals.

After all, the slightest gesture can be... incapacitating.

[And oh, Klaus should not be that adorable. China's head tilts to the side, and she smiles indulgently.]

[purered]

It wasn't that bad, I assure you!

[It was that bad.]

[inkulcation]

[Uh-huh.]

I'm sure it wasn't, Master Reinherz.

[purered]

[He hangs his head. He's the worst liar.]

It is quite obvious, isn't it?

[inkulcation]

[You tried, Klaus. You tried.]

Yes. You blush, Master Reinherz. It's quite a giveaway.

[purered]

[God how he tries]

[He manages a small chortle, though he's still pretty pink in the ears.]

Ah. You've discovered my terrible secret and why I never play high-stakes poker.

[inkulcation]

Oh, I don't know, I certainly wouldn't mind playing with you.

[Because she would take him for everything he has.]