maskormenace | video

Entry tags:

video | o2

[ Laurent looks as he always looks when addressing the network at large - the epitome of relaxation. He has his phone wedged up against a book on the coffee table for a better vantage point, one leg bent at the knee, the other stretched out before him, an arm draped elegantly against the edge of the couch, wrist loose. As ever, it’s a very careful production. If he’s aware his last post made quite the negative impression on the people, then he doesn’t show it. In fact, his expression seems almost friendly, if a little cold. ]

I want to talk about the Porter cities. [ Not politics this time, everyone is very safe. Well, mostly] It has come to my attention that the information I had before is outdated, and what better way to fix that than to ask those who live there? Currently, I reside in Heropa. I’ve yet to be charmed by the alligators. But what of the rest? What do you like about living where you do? What do you not? Is it a safe area? Or do the vigilantes of this world rule over it? How are imPorts treated on a daily basis?

[ He could go on, but there’s a flicker in his composure when a door is opened off screen. His face instantly transforms. It loses the sharp politeness and softens, eyes warm as he regards the man who’s just walked in. This might be the first time Laurent’s smile has lost its thinness. It’s certainly the first time it has been so helplessly genuine and it makes him look younger, sweeter. Damen has that effect on him.

Damen had been busy in the kitchen, as is evident when he comes into view. He's carrying a large tray with an assortment of what looks like finger food. He's learned to use the microwave, it's called progress. His smile is as warm as Laurent's, though he manages to look confused at the same time. ]

Were you talking to someone?

Just asking questions. [ Gone too, is the frost in his tone. It might not have been noticeable in the first place, but there’s no denying it now. Laurent shifts slightly, as his lover takes the seat beside him, carefully balancing the plate before them. Without thinking he picks up a small pastry and holds it before Damen’s mouth as if in offering waiting for him to take it. There is no embarrassment in the action, no self-consciousness. In fact, this new smile is like a private joke. ]

[ Damen is fixed on Laurent, his smile amused while he accepts the little quiche. He seems to be in on the joke. He may even be about to comment on it, but then his eyes fall on the camera and he looks suddenly alarmed. ]

You are filming this?

[ Of course Laurent is filming this. Damen pushes the tray aside while Laurent turns back to the camera. ]

Yes. [ His smile is still real, but more amused now. ] How else would I speak with people? [ But he should probably get back to talking and not looking like he’s hungry for more than mini quiches, actually. He doesn’t care but people here are very small-minded. ]

Tell me anything you would have liked to know upon your own arrival in these cities, that would help greatly.

( ooc: Laurent is in blue and Damen is in red. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Damen glances once more at the camera. He slides just out of sight before he snags another of those quiches. ]

I assumed you were calling, not sending video.

[ He says. He generally doesn't care about appearing on the devices. He just tends towards private intimacy, and sees no reason to display every aspect of it to the world's supply of imports. ]

Anyway, why are you asking about the cities? You know we can visit them ourselves.

[ Laurent leans forward, turning the camera off until such a time that he has a response. It means when he settles back and lifts a hand to push Damen's hair from his eyes they are entirely unwatched. ]

I like the personal touch.

[ He cannot stop looking at Damen. That is the peril of being helplessly in love. ] Why should they not see that I love you?

[ Without even a hint that more is whirring away with several different plans. ] And we said we'd think of moving one day. I thought perhaps we'd be better equipped were we to know what we were getting in to.

It's not our love that I dislike them seeing.

I am interested in what they think, even so. I have travelled to each city, but a visit tells me little. I liked Nonah.

[ He doesn't know if that helps remotely.

Now that the camera is off, Damen comes around again to sit next to Laurent. He chooses one of the canapés and lifts it, now offering it to the other man in turn. There's amusement in his eyes. ]

Sweetmeat?

Nonah.

[ He smiles, like that's a particularly interesting answer. In reality, it's extremely helpful. He's seen some places there he liked. ] It seems the more evenly tempered of the four.

[ One single golden brow lifts and Laurent leans in a little to take the treat, lips just ghosting over his fingers like before. He's quiet as he eats, thoughtful. ]

I might look into our options. Do you have any requirements I should keep in mind?

[ Damen shakes his head now. He stays close to Laurent, their bodies almost touching. The ghost of his lover's lips is on his fingers, and he can't stop thinking about them.

What does it matter where they go, when they have this? ]

Only that we stay together. This is not the life we planned, but a life with you is what I want.

The place matters little.

[ He means that. Nowhere in this world is really going to feel like home. But even in their own world, he doesn't know where they'll make that home. He's not sure it even matters. All he wants is Laurent. ]

Would you be happy in Nonah?

[ Laurent knows he means it, Damen does not lie. When he is sweet and honest like this it is almost impossible to defend oneself against it. ]

I'm happy now.

[ He is with the man he loves, how can he not be? ]

But I think I could be comfortable in Nonah. [ His research suggests it is the best of this world. And he wouldn't turn into a chargrilled mess of a prince, living there. ]

[ Damen smiles at him. That means a great deal, to know that Laurent is happy with him even though he knows he does not like Florida. He nods, as though this means the decision is set.

As far as he's concerned, it does. ]

Then we shall seek a new home in Nonah. I want you to be comfortable.

[ He reclines back on the sofa, pillowing his head against his hand. ]

We should go there together. See it for ourselves, and confirm it is all you have heard.

[ Some days looking at Damen is like looking into the heart of the sun. As a boy he had tried to do that far too often, as if by sheer force of will he could see beyond all that bright and figure out what lay beneath. He knows the shape of this man, though. He knows what he is made of, and that is far more of a rewarding thing than blinding oneself in the pursuit of knowledge. ]

I love you.

[ It's soft, earnest, his lips curling up at the edges as he shifts closer to press a kiss to his lover's cheek. ]

I am glad we ended here together.

[ Damen's heart flips over in his chest. He wants to say I know, because he does, and has not doubted it for some time. Instead his fingers trace over Laurent's cheek, sliding across his jaw. ]

I could not have settled if we did not. I would have walked this world until I found the way back to you.

[ Which isn't actually how it works, but regardless, Damen means it. He tilts his head to press a soft kiss against Laurent's lips. Soft though it may be, it sends his useless stomach fluttering.

Quietly now. ]

I love you, Laurent.

[ Kitty's voice is firm and matter-of-fact. ]

Maurtia Falls has got the most character. It's got associations with organized crime, too. But it's not bad, for all that. Charming in its way. De Chima's a bit slower, but it's nice, too. Nonah's a bit more businesslike.

[ In contrast, Laurent's voice is amused.

He had let her under his skin last time. He won't make the same mistake again. So his expression is devoid of anything real, a polite blandness accented only by the way his lips have gone thin. ]

Well, if Damen and I ever decide to become smugglers at least we know where to start. [ It would be very exciting, actually. Perhaps they can pretend to be. ] Which one do you reside in, Miss Jones?

[ She eyes him as she responds. She'd expected silence, coldness, or maybe even anger outright - curious that he's showing her courtesy.

Well. Such as it is. Honestly, Kitty always prefers anger to indifference. ]

Heropa. That's where the trouble tends to be.

Is it?

[ They've not exactly been involved. That is because Laurent, while not about to shy away from a fight, thinks they have suffered enough to get involved in most of the comings and goings. ]

So far it has just been hot and crowded.

[ And full of annoying people.

Actually, it makes sense Kitty Jones is from here. ]

Oh, well. We've had a calm few months. You two actually showed up at a very peaceful time.

How fortunate.

[ It is, actually. He thinks perhaps they needed this time. ]

Though, no matter how exciting Florida is, I do not think it is for us. [ Or for Laurent, who withers in the sun like an unhappy flower. He's already been burnt. However he will cope in Ios during the summer he does not know, but he's more willing there. He wants to see Damen on his throne. ]

[ She, as ever, lives up to her name, asking curiously: ]

No? Why not?

[ Will she want to know every little detail always? Because that sounds exhausting. ]

It is unlike my home. [ He's careful to say my. Damen is from somewhere equally as hot. When they're wed and he has to spend half his life there, he'll have to figure something out. ] And I do not like living with strangers.

[ He's not very ... personable. ]

Unlike it how? In terms of climate, geography...?

Well, those are two differences, yes.

Vere is - well, the closest I can find in the history books would be France, though not of this time. [ Guess who's been terrifying librarians by reading too much and scowling? This guy. ]

Oh. Eurgh.

[ As soon as that's out of her mouth, she realizes it's a very impolite thing to say. She clears her throat, then says - ]

Erm - sorry. Anyway. That's nice. I hear that France is very, uhm - pretty.

Is it? I doubt it would hold a candle to Vere.

[ France can fight him, honestly. ]

[ A little dryly: ]

Oh, a nationalist, too.

[ He doesn't smile but he does lift one single golden brow high. ]

Does that surprise you? If I advocate for king, it makes sense I would do so for country too.

[ Firmly: ]

Oh, hardly. The government and the nation are very much not the same thing.

To me, they are.

[ He sounds genuine, there's no imperiousness to his voice, no haughty condescension. ]

I love Vere. Somebody has to.

[ It has become a poor, broken thing under his uncle's ruling. He will help heal it. But then, he continues: ] And I would support the King in whatever campaign he required, because his kingdom has my heart.

[ That gets a small huff of frustration in return. ]

They are. One and the same. So...when the government is bad and abusive, the nation is bad and abusive?

No.

[ One day he's going to get really annoyed with Kitty Jones. ]

Do you blame a child for the faults of his father? No. But you can still love them both.

You can, yeah. Or you can hate the one and love the other. I've known plenty of people with real bastard relatives.

[ A huff of his own. ]

You can. But sometimes it is not that simple. Our last ruler was a tyrant. But I did what he asked, because I owed it to my country. [ Like riding to the border, because his uncle would have used his disobedience to take away what little power he had. Like so many of his games. ]

To protect something, Miss Jones, you have to give up a part of yourself. Maybe you would prize your decency above protecting others. But I do not.

Don't talk about decency like it's a quality that only benefits me. The point of decency is that people are helped by it. Far more than can possibly be helped by giving up your decency.

[ These are all good questions. This is a transmission she will definitely be monitoring, but she will try and add to it so she's not simply leeching. ]

The variety of food here is extensive. It's no longer difficult to find exactly what you want—Actually, no, it's become more difficult because there's so much to choose from.

[ Take that as you will. ]

But... [ What does she wish she had known? ] Hmm, I wish I had known every one in this country had a portable recorder... My first day would have been a lot less embarrassing.

[ He has opinions about the food and nobody is surprised. Laurent has opinions about having opinions in the first place. He's contrary like that. ]

There is an abundance of cuisine, yes. [ In Vere, the food is always delicate, usually in small portions so as to ease the task of a pet when it came to feeding their master. He and Damen have been living off finger food for a month. He's sure the grocery store cashier thinks they're damaged somehow. ] I'm afraid we're rather set in our ways on that front. I would not know where to start.

[ His mouth twitches slightly. ] I must have missed that. Did something unfortunate befall you?

If you ever want to get adventurous, I'd be happy to expand your tastes. [ Son, have you ever had Mexican food? No you haven't and that is a crying shame!! But moving on, this business with her first day... what a way to intro. ] Oh, well, I may have. Destroyed one of those large buses. With my hand.

[ Maria tries hard to answer with composure and grace, but it's hard to be when you're talking about wrapping steel around your body to save the man you love. Gdit Manolo. ]

I'll keep it in mind. [ Maybe he'll be very scandalous and take her up on the offer. ] But for now, perhaps a recommendation? What is your favourite dish?

[ He can be friendly. Just as long as you're not Kitty Jones. ]

And that definitely sounds like a story. New power causing trouble?

Maurtia Falls is probably a little too rough for you. Maybe not for your friend, though.

[He's baiting more out of habit than meanness. Damen's obviously got his attention; Yuri's eyes follow him curiously as he moves off screen.]

[ Excuse you, it is a matter of scale and he can kill people! ]

Believe me, I'm not some delicate flower.

[ Also stop looking at his husband. Or future husband. ]

What exactly is the problem there? I've heard conflicting tales.

Uh-huh.

[Chill Laurent Yuri's a fighter not a lover.]

That's because there's a lot of problems. I guess you could sum up most of them with 'crime', though.

You'd definitely get mugged.

[ That's what all the fighters say and then they meet Damen. ]

Would I? I've never met a man who could divest me of anything I wasn't already willing to give. [ People underestimate him. ]

Someone would definitely try to mug you, [Yuri amends.] That's a pretty strong claim, though.

Yes, but I have the means to back it up.

[ He moves a hand, lazy and loose. ]

Are you much of a fighter?

It's how I make my living. I'd say I'm pretty good.

[One of the best but Yuri doesn't brag unless he's trying to sass someone.]

For sport?

[ A pause, then just as casually. ]

Or something more bloody? Are you a soldier?

Not a soldier. [Firmly.] Mercenary's close enough, but guilds are considered political entities, so it's not completely the same.

Not that I don't do it for fun.

Ah.

[ He can think of the kind of man who would have a politically motivated violence. ]

And how do you find it here, where everyone so wants the world to be a better place? There must not be much joy in it.

[The corner of Yuri's mouth tucks down, catching an implication he doesn't like.]

I find it a lot like home. Everyone wants peace except for the people who can really make it happen; they just want money. I keep busy enough. There are still the same amount of lowlifes hanging around.

My sister has been here for a year, and claimed a farm on the outskirts of De Chima, in which we currently reside. The countryside is peaceful. I've little familiarity of the city itself, though from what I've seen, it's quite charming. Less busy than the likes of Nonah and Heropa, and the locals are quite friendly.

[ Though Edmund is still figuring out if it has something to do with the fact that his sister is the imPort ambassador there, or if they simply like imPorts that much. ]

Were you looking for a change?

I do not think we would like to be so out in the wild.

[ Nor any place too quiet. He quite enjoys having things to distract himself. He just thinks the people in Heropa are annoying and also the sun needs to go away for a little while. ]

We were. Someplace for the two of us. And where we are has not managed to charm us much yet.

We do have neighbors! We see them sometimes. [ Edmund laughs a little. ] Though I suppose the cities would be enticing to someone who prefers them. I'm only too used to open spaces by now. Besides, I don't believe the horses we have would take too kindly to the city noises for an extended period of time.

I see that others have made their suggestions. Have you had luck so far?

You have horses? [ Now he's interested. ] I have not seen a horse since coming here. It is strange. Usually it is my people's preferred form of distance travel.

[ A small, thoughtful hum. ] I think we are close to coming to a decision.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

video | o2

action

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video;

video;

video;

video; i'm very sorry about how late this is!!

video

video sO SORRY THIS IS SO LATE.

<3 it's cool dude

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

video ;

video ; i'm so sorry i took so long, rl :c

video ; no worries c:

and again, jfc i promise i'm not always like this pls ask mici lmao