Paloma's Heart (#3)

[idolpro]

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[bondsofsuffering]

[How is that tophat staying on his head with all the fluff? A mystery.

Anyway, the objective seems... clear enough. Time to talk up some folks.]

What a spectacular event. As to be expected, of course.

[Probably.]

[handpuppets]

Ah—it surely is. The Countess really spares no expense...

[bondsofsuffering]

It's good to have a chance to unwind though, don't you agree?

[handpuppets]

That's certainly true...

[ she seems like a person who is just Permanently Exhausted. ]

Of course being a mother is the most rewarding task I could aspire to, but I do see precious little of my friends most of the time, what with taking care of Laura. Especially since things have been worrying enough for my family to keep me from most of my charity work.

[bondsofsuffering]

Oh? Would you like to get anything off your chest? If you need a willing ear to listen to your troubles so you can focus on enjoying the rest of your time here, I don't mind.

[handpuppets]

Ah... well, I wouldn't want to spoil your night, and really, it's just... well, it's nothing much.

I've had plenty of lovely times here at the Salon, of course, but now I just think of how troubled things are when I'm here. What's been lost.

[bondsofsuffering]

It's no trouble at all. I'm used to hearing out others; I assure you, I will still be able to enjoy the evening just as well.

Now, tell me what's bothering you.

[handpuppets]

Ah, well... you see, I've been familiar with the Guest of Honor, tonight, but...

...well, in the past I would have called her a friend. But now I'm not sure if we were ever friends at all, even if she was the one who returned my dear Laura to me after her kidnapping. It's just, what she's done...

[bondsofsuffering]

I see... so her current actions contradict your past with her, and you're wondering if perhaps she was like this all along?

[handpuppets]

Mm... yes. If really, what did I mean to her...? Was I really just convenient? Did she ever understand me?

I really did want to be her friend, but if she can turn to mistrust so quickly...

[bondsofsuffering]

I wonder if those two things are really so opposed...?

After all, most people want to have friends they can reach out to for all sorts of reasons. Someone they can enjoy their time with, even if they can't explain why they do all the other things they do.

[handpuppets]

...perhaps, it's just—

She's told me so much about herself, and we've shared so many things... I thought we really had a connection.

...maybe it just makes me worry about everyone else, too. If all of a sudden, everything can fracture like that from politics...

[bondsofsuffering]

Politics can be tricky business, after all. A lonely one, too.

Do you think that her actions could cause people here danger?

[nihilmancy]

[Wearing sparkly robes with a message on the back that declares her to be Lucifer. She approaches, and does a devil sign.]

You seem to be blending in quite well.

[bondsofsuffering]

Oh, good, I'm not the only one.

[It's nice to see a familiar face!]

It just seemed like more trouble not to. How are you holding up?

[nihilmancy]

Well enough, I think. Still trying to get my bearings.

[bondsofsuffering]

What exactly is that outfit, anyway? Mine's pretty plain, but...

[Peeeeeering around to take it all in.]

[nihilmancy]

Spiritualist.

[bondsofsuffering]

[He may have just noticed the lucifer business on the back and

wow too soon.]

...I see. So that's what the devil's followers dress like, huh?

[nihilmancy]

I have no idea, I am making this up as I go along.

[bondsofsuffering]

You'd think there would be more red and black involved...

[HMMMM oh well.]

Have you heard anything interesting from the others?

[nihilmancy]

Those two in the corner, the Martians, are involved in some kind of "business..."

I would also like to explore some of the other parts of the ship. The bar or lounge may have some interesting information to gather.

[bondsofsuffering]

Martians...?

[A look of understanding - or at least partial - crosses his face then.]

...Mm, I'll give them a look too. Though I suppose I should stick to the lounge, considering...

[Big sis and her alcohol rules!!]

[nihilmancy]

You can have one drink. Shall we go?

The ones that are not humans. Paloma is a Martian. She told me a bit about it.

[bondsofsuffering]

[He nods, grinning.]

One drink. And she's been teaching me Martian, actually.

I suppose that means she's the person of focus here.