video; the road not taken

[rathercommon]

[ Sitting before the screen is Kitty Jones...or, well. A girl who looks like Kitty. A girl who sort of looks like Kitty. Because whereas Kitty Jones tends to be cute, this girl is flawlessly, sleekly elegant - fiercely beautiful in a way that only very expensive haircuts and very expensive cosmetics can accomplish. Her bearing is different - unsmiling, haughty, eyeing the camera with contempt - and her accent, too, is altered - posh, educated, a little drawling. She speaks in a low and authoritative voice, beginning straightaway with no hesitation. ]

Since quite a few people are having a bit of trouble with this, I'd like to first introduce myself, so that no one calls me anything silly. My name is Medea LeFay. I'm a Junior Undersecretary with the Ministry for Internal Affairs. Some of you may think I have some other name, but I have reason to believe that the creature that resembles me was actually a demon taking my face in an attempt to slander and discredit me.

[ She...actually has reason to believe that the creature was in fact some other version of her, but, well...best to try to spread a bit of misinformation, to reduce the possibility that anyone will try to use the name Kitty Jones to cast harmful magic on her. ]

Second - [ She tosses her head, flipping her perfect glossy hair over her shoulder. ] I have been made to understand through my research and investigations that events such as those which have befallen us, with memory-alterations or dimensional displacement, are often followed by an attack by some foreign power or dissident group. My home is adequately warded, and as a magician of the first order I am thoroughly prepared and able to defend it. If an attack comes, any who find themselves in need of sanctuary may find refuge with me.

[ And doesn't that seem like an attractive offer? Because this girl seems like someone who would be so fun to spend time with. So fun. ]

And third...I have heard speculation that these changes have been brought about by magical means. As I stated, I am a magician myself, and have no knowledge of any spells that can cause confusion of this sort. What evidence do we have that magic is at its root? Any who have knowledge of this, speak; I charge you.

[ Then a beat. ]

And fourth...My home seems to be infested with these - small creatures. Crab-like, but with colorful shells. They seem to be pets. What are they, and how does one care for them?

[ what a nice-seeming young lady this is. ]

Comments

[rathercommon]

About my pets?

[dendarii]

About - well. If you don't know I won't tell you.

[rathercommon]

Because you want to keep being smug.

[dendarii]

Because your reaction is hilarious.

[rathercommon]

Because you want to make me look like a fool. Or is it to brag about sleeping with me?

[dendarii]

Because I'm fond of you. And I tease all my partners.

[rathercommon]

You're fond of me?

[dendarii]

Of course I am. Aren't you fond of me?

[rathercommon]

Why would I be?

[dendarii]

We did sleep together. And apparently the shorter version of me is in love with you.

[rathercommon]

[ She turns very pink. ]

He's...what?

[dendarii]

In love with you. Other you.

[rathercommon]

[ She flushes darker. ]

According to - Who said that?

[dendarii]

Nobody said it, but it has to be true. He's madly in love with Gregor for sure, and all three of you are involved.

[rathercommon]

Gregor? The - Gregor Vorbarra?

[dendarii]

That's him. Emperor of the Barrayaran Imperium, etc.

[rathercommon]

That's rubbish. He - he has better taste. He insulted her.

[dendarii]

He's sleeping with me except shorter and disabled. Surely he doesn't care about anything like conventional taste:

[rathercommon]

So you're saying he misled me. Lied to me.

[dendarii]

... What did he tell you?

[rathercommon]

I just told you. He said she was a dreadful commoner. Which she was. So either he was lying to me, or he was sleeping with her while hating her, and both options are vile.

[dendarii]

Or he was trying to go along with you?

[rathercommon]

By lying to me. I'll speak with him.

[dendarii]

... Oh my god, LeFay. I'm not trying to start a fight.

[rathercommon]

Why do you think I care about your intentions?