Video

[dreadinquisitor]

[He wanted time to familiarize himself with this place. He needed to know if anyone else from the Inquisition had been brought across as well, and then to find them if they had. But first, he'd looked through the information they'd given him - the neat print on the strange white paper - and now, suddenly, Maxwell had a much more immediate, personal worry.

The video opens on his face; his expression a mixture of incredulity and concern.]

Hello. [It feels awkward, addressing nothing, but he pushes on.] My name is Maxwell and I have a question, and there doesn't seem to be anyone else to ask.

[The camera turns and fixes on a portion of the pages he'd been given. He points to a section, chases a sentence with his fingertip as he reads it aloud.] 'Bears will always find him.' [Then the feed swings back to him.]

Why would anyone want this? How many bears do you even have in this place, to hope to make this useful? And do they just-- roam about?[He glances away, as if one might have suddenly sneaked up on him, then back.] Are these abilities negotiable in any way?

Comments

[fehus]

[Magnus notes the glow, feels a little amused; of course he'd instantly get on, with other healers]

Nope. Everything's fine and nothing is suspicious at all. Welcome to Future-Now America, man.

[dreadinquisitor]

[The hand drops - the light goes with it - and he blinks at Magnus, the vee even deeper than it had been before.]

I am suddenly so relieved and utterly confident, thank you.

[fehus]

My power is actually being a harbinger of doom. Sorry dude.

I just think people should know there's strings attached, even if we can't see them yet.

[dreadinquisitor]

...I can't disagree with that. And do appreciate the warning.

[He exhales a long breath, hard breath through his nose, but his mouth twitches. Slightly.]

And it wasn't like I was going to sleep any time soon, anyway.

[fehus]

Are you staying in the government housing?

[dreadinquisitor]

I'm here where they've told me to be at the moment, yes.

[Because what else could he do at the time? He's like a newborn babe, Magnus.]

Is this where you tell me by doing so I've promised them my undying loyalty?

[fehus]

No. You are kind of leading them on a bit though, in my opinion.

You can be Unsettled and use the government housing, I think? I'm not actually sure.

[dreadinquisitor]

Hard to lead someone on who doesn't first explain the entirety of the circumstances to you.

[He hadn't known he'd had a choice.]

Regardless, it's something I'll be sure to look into, as I make a decision.

[fehus]

The first entire month is kinda like that. Decision after decision until your head kind of feels like imploding. This has been your second doom update, with me, Magnus Chase.

[dreadinquisitor]

How often are these updates?

Can I unsubscribe?

[Said without bite. Just a dry, weary humor.]

[fehus]

No. And that was number three!

[dreadinquisitor]

Terrific.

I'm so glad.

[fehus]

I can heroically shelter you from one decision at least. There's a Korean Tacos place at [ ADDRESS HERE ] near you that's awesome. Boom, dinner decision sorted.

[dreadinquisitor]

[And he laughs.]

Sure. ...Just tell me what that is?

[fehus]

It's food. Good food. Also, this is the part when I tell you about the internet, which knows everything.

[dreadinquisitor]

[A bemused smirk.]

Like what Korean Tacos are, for example?

[fehus]

Bingo. I'd say you'll never look stupid again, but most of my worlds have it, and, well. I guess it's easier for people to look up pictures of cats than try to get informed.

[dreadinquisitor]

Ouch.

Being the new guy is hard, okay.

[fehus]

Quick, use the internet to look up "world's tiniest violin." Now imagine me playing one for you.

[dreadinquisitor]

Lute or go home.

[fehus]

Going home I guess, bye.

[dreadinquisitor]

[A soft chuckle.]

Goodbye, Magnus.

[fehus]

[have a wave, a quirked smile -- and he hangs up!]