oo2 || Video

[thralls]

[When the feed starts, Athelstan is in his room, with one of Will's dogs stretched warmly across his lap. Athelstan rubs his fingers against her ears as he looks over the projection from his bracelet- right, recording.]

...'this is the end'. The tree has been- is being?- destroyed. I am not a commander of men, nor am I any sort of leader, but times are dire and I... [His lips press together firmly as he nudges the dog off of his lap- she makes a soft, indignant noise before skittering out of his room.]

Where I come from, the men worshiped these gods. This tree was their world, holding up everything they held dear. We must fight to keep it standing, we must- I can show you how these gods must be worshiped, I can tell stories of their exploits and wit, if that would give you cause to fight for them.

[There's a short pause, as Athelstan lets out a breath, contemplating his next words.] Even if you cannot fight, you must pray. All of your gods have guided men through their trials for hundreds of years- longer, in some of your worlds. They would not abandon us now.

[The words are encouraging, but his voice is hollow, preaching a message he's not sure if he can believe in.]

Comments

permanon;

[blackhand]

[Hello, Athelstan. Long time no text.]

I'm not one for praying, but it seems like I'm more inclined to fight.

permanon;

[thralls]

[Oh joy, just what he wanted.]

it seems that manypeople are.

[blackhand]

Losing my memory once was enough, back home. I'm not going to lose it here for good again.

[thralls]

You lost your memory?

[blackhand]

I'm missing a whole year of it. Last year, to be exact. Any part I try to remember is black.

[He hasn't admitted this to anyone, and this is the only time he probably will. Being anonymous has its uses.]

[thralls]

do you know why? Could it be the will of a god perhaps?

[blackhand]

Like I said- no gods back home. I've been told a few things, but they don't add up.

[thralls]

what have you been told?

[Now he's all curious!]

[blackhand]

That I was there, but not. Alive, but no one could wake me up. That people found me instead of me being dragged somewhere.

Things like that. Still don't have a lot of answers. I'm trying to find them.

[thralls]

is there anything I can do to assistyou?

[blackhand]

...why would you want to help?

[thralls]

i dont mind helping when i can

[blackhand]

You don't know me.

[thralls]

That does not make me immune to your suffering.

[blackhand]

Suffering? I wouldn't exactly call it that.

[thralls]

I will not force you.

Tell me if there is something I can do. Otherwise, thank you for your time.

[blackhand]

[For a long time it looks as if Garrett's chosen to ignore the reply. Then, Athelstan will receive this.]

I don't know what you could or even I could do, honestly.

[thralls]

i understand. all the same thank you for confiding in me