(V i d e o)

[hallowedhorcrux]

(A certain man has awoken a strange side of Lord VoldemortTom Riddle. A large serpent is resting on his shoulders, draped over the back of his chair and there is a...game controller in his hands. Long, pale fingers move over the buttons stubbornly, learning different combinations through trial and error.

Muggles.)

These are infuriating. (And not because he's bad at them. He's not.) So many look forward to Christmas, yet I thought to give you a friendly reminder.

The days that bring you joy or stand out especially are the very days fate could intervene. She would need to be blind, deaf and dumb to not know of Christmas and the enthusiasm it breeds.

(He drops the controller and strokes over his serpent's triangular head.)

Do you like to be obvious targets?

Comments

[mightthinkthat]

Do you like being a wimp? 'Fate' doesn't care if you're happy or sad, it's fate.

[ video ]

[enucleation]

It has happened plenty of times before. But if everyone decided not to do something simply because they are afraid of fate, no one would ever do anything.

[hallowedhorcrux]

One of the Fates is responsible for us being here. You would be a fool to think she isn't watching.

[ video ]

[hallowedhorcrux]

Fate is not a blurry concept for us. She exists; she brought us here. Not all who exist amongst us are well-intentioned. Everyone would do well to be cautious.

[mightthinkthat]

We're not talking about whether or not 'she' has bothered herself in watching us. Her giving a damn about how happy we are is where the conversation began.

Honestly, just admit you don't like Christmas instead of all this doom-saying, people will respect you more.

[hallowedhorcrux]

I do not recall saying she cares for our happiness. I think, instead, she is aware of our weaknesses.

Once more, you are incorrect. I am fond of the holidays and have celebrated them in the past. But I have not forgotten that we are in a dangerous new world either.

[mightthinkthat]

Our main weakness seems to people who enjoy spreading fear instead of recognising that morale is important to our general well-being. [ Well, Crane doesn't give a damn about the general well-being, but he's not going to say that when he's lumping 'Tom' in with him. ]

Fate doesn't react to how we feel, it does whatever it feels it needs to be done to achieve what needs achieving. It's goal isn't to spread misery or to exploit weaknesses.

No one has forgotten anything. In the face of fear it is important to defy it. Sometimes that means stoicism, sometimes that means finding ways to be actually happy.

[hallowedhorcrux]

(The idea that he should be some sort of cheerleader is amusing. He has to take a moment to fight down a smirk.)

I do not coddle. They need to know the truth. We are in a mysterious environment that could turn on us when we least expect it.

(Not that he wouldn't take advantage of that.)

Some would disagree. (Cold amusement makes his eyes shine.) You are awfully defensive, sir. Why do you seek happiness so desperately?

[mightthinkthat]

If you're not coddling, then what do you call this? If you're right, then let them find out on their own. If they're idiot enough to not realise that happiness isn't a guarantee that terrible things won't happen then they deserve the consequences.

Yes, but they would be wrong. [ Simple as that.

He outright laughs. ] You're bringing the mood down by vague portents of doom and I'm the one who's defensive? Well, quite. [ He chuckles a bit more. ] People are happy. Get over it.

[hallowedhorcrux]

They will inevitably find out on their own. I thought to be kind. (Haha right.) Once again you refer to happiness. Originally I was referring to people letting their guard down around the holiday. Whether that be because of happiness or some other emotion matters not to me.

(He shrugs callously.) Are they vague? The Port has brought this city certain dangerous individuals has it not?

(You're looking at one.) Again with the happiness.

[mightthinkthat]

You did not.

And once again you run from happiness like a teen who wears black because it represents their soul. Originally, you used the word 'enthusiasm' from Christmas. That's joy. Bringing me into a semantic argument will not mean you win.

Yes, they're vague because unless you have specifics, it is therefore vague. Honestly, look it up.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come. [ Yes, he's singing. He's not a terrible sound. But honestly, stop being such a weasel. ]

( video )

[chancetoatone]

[Thane doesn't look annoyed or anything. Just curious.]

We are not a group of people who live in fear. I'm sure we'll continue to have whatever celebrations we find traditional, and be prepared.

[hallowedhorcrux]

You know nothing about me. (This man is now given the nickname "Mr. Presumption".) Specifics are what you seek? What of Dr. Crane? He easily found the weaknesses of the populace and, believe me, he is not alone in his specific talents.

(Though the methods differ.)

I'm beginning to think you are drunk.

( video )

[hallowedhorcrux]

Fear can be a fine instructor if you let it, but I do not suggest living in it. (Unless he desires it to be so.) It never hurts to be wary, however.

[mightthinkthat]

Well, it does rather come from having far too many of your type here, you know. Perhaps you should actually do something surprising. [ Not 'F. U.'? How disappointing. ]

Specific and useful is what I seek. Dr. Crane is a known quantity. Even if he wasn't, he generally makes it pretty clear within a conversation. And, frankly, I dispute that he found any weaknesses at all. In attacking us, he made us stronger, albeit against him and those like him, but your type believe that fear is a weakness.

A personal attack, eh? Losing the argument so badly are we? I don't mean to hurt your feelings, you know.

voice

[bindsthedead]

You forget that Lachesis is not in the Porter- for all we know, she has fled this world entirely. And whatever resides in the Porter has not acted for- or against imPorts, despite us residing here for more than a year.

Why would it act now?

video;

[hoboagogo]

-Nice snake. [And for once, he actually means it. Do snakes have playdates, he wonders. COULD SHE AND HIS OWN HUGE PYTHON BE SNAKEFRANDS?? likely not.]

So what're you trying to play there? [he'll get around to asking about who he's talking about, but first: priorities.]

( video )

[chancetoatone]

[The reptilian man nods once.] I can assure you, we are ever-wary.