(no subject)

[lapwing]

[On the network is what appears to be a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old. For a moment, he stares quite soulfully at the video output impossibly deep, black eyes, and then pokes at the screen with one fingernail.]

Not even a proper imp in there, how's that for you...?

[He pulls back and mimes clearing his throat. A voice far, far more booming than is fit for the child's face resounds across the feed.]

Right, broadcast. AHEM. This is just a friendly, non-suspicious question, inquiring on when the next coup or violent overthrow of this government is going to be. Not that I'm actually advocating it, I just know you humans really can't resist.

I'm pretty handy with a popcorn machine if anyone can provide good seats.

Comments

[rathercommon]

[ Oh ugh weird. That's super weird. ]

See, now at least you're taking an attractive form.

[lapwing]

Could use a bit more padding by modern standards, if we're being honest here.

[rathercommon]

[ uM ]

Excuse me?

[lapwing]

I don't make these things up. [ He totally does. ]

[rathercommon]

Right -

[ She puts her hands on her hips, eyes flashing. ]

So you're saying I'm deficient because I don't meet the standards set by society?

[lapwing]

Is this going to be a long and complicated sort of rant or a short but explosive sort?

[rathercommon]

Apologize and it'll be the latter.

[lapwing]

I can't apologize for the truth. I ran a focus group and way more attention was paid when I made it all top heavy.

[rathercommon]

Excuse me. A focus group?

[lapwing]

Well. One person. I told Mandrake to bring friends, but that really was my mistake. I should have known better.

[rathercommon]

Wh - rude!

[lapwing]

But true.

[rathercommon]

And even if it weren't rude, it's completely inappropriate to parade my body around like some...object. You're being very objectifying right now.

[lapwing]

To be absolutely fair¹, that is what it is. Cleverly piloted, yes, but still.

[rathercommon]

Right. And your essence is just a great lot of mist, then, is it?

[lapwing]

That's different.

[rathercommon]

Oh, yeah? Why? 'Cause it's yours?

[lapwing]

Can you think of a better reason? I can't.

[rathercommon]

Well, it's the same thing with me and my body!

[lapwing]

This is one of those weird touchy issues isn't it?

[rathercommon]

If by weird you mean completely predictable and honestly you ought to have known better.

[lapwing]

[ It's a quick shift back. She puts her elbow on her chin, looking at the camera imperiously. ]

Really? If it wasn't about how your object looks, how come you're hiding back where you're 'conventionally' pretty.

[rathercommon]

[ And that actually flummoxes her. She opens her mouth, closes it again, and then bites her lip, eyeing her other self. Then she looks away. Her cheeks have gone pink. ]

Stop that. Because - I don't want to explain to people about it. That's why.

[lapwing]

[ Agreeably, he turns into something else, fluffy red tail curling around him. Less agreeably, he keeps talking. ]

Oh? And what about it is so embarrassing? "I trusted a djinni?"

[rathercommon]

What?

[ She blinks, shakes her head - ]

No - no, that's not it at all. I just don't...It was a personal experience, what happened amongst us. I don't want to chat about it to just...anyone.