✤ II. (VOICE;)

[kingslight]

[How long has it been since the former King of Light last addressed the public at large? Too long. Regis had resigned himself to silence when this fiasco begun and held steadfast to his silence until now. For those who know of him and remember the Caelum, Regis isn't the type to speak much in regards to the matters of Hadriel. He's not king here. It would make no sense for him to speak since this is not his kingdom nor his subjects but many of the people here, he deems as friends. They are friends and colleagues he's come to respect over the long months, many of which he honestly cherish like members of his own family.

That's why he speaks after holding onto his silence for so long. He knows he must do so in hopes of warding the chaos that is bound to brew. Unfortunately, this might spark quite the debate.]

Do not be so quick to cut off your noses in spite of your face. [His tone is stern and sincere without a hint of mirth.] Your desperation will lead you to sorrow if you act with haste.

We mustn't fall prey to their schemes. If they seek a life, let them take it. We are not mere pawns to used as butchers.

[He's being quite cryptic & vague for a reason. Be mindful in how you answer. Regis is aware that certain 'people' might be listening.]

Comments

[kingslight]

[The old king arches his brow some once this woman appears upon screen. It's clear that the two aren't well acquainted. That rightfully explains the rigidness in his posture and the slight frigidness in his tone.]

Then the reminder certainly was necessary.

[notimpervious]

[What others may read as coldness in Regis's response, Brennan reads as... literally nothing but a response.]

Yes, it was. [She can't help another chuckle.] But that does not mean that those of us who are clearly much better acquainted with logic can't find this amusing.

[Brennan... stop...]

[kingslight]

You find...amusement in this very pressing matter?

[That tone of his has become even frostier.]

[notimpervious]

[She continues to be unbothered and largely unaware of the effect her words are having on him.]

I find amusement in people's propensity towards the irrational. I am not amused at all by the reason for the clearly emotional responses being given.

[Not that, you know, it's easy to tell from talking to her, but this is the norm with her, sadly.]

[kingslight]

[Even as unbothered as she is, it certainly takes much to win such a foul response from Regis. The old king is perturbed by her demeanor already. He's quite unimpressed but seems to humor conversation nonetheless.]

I cannot confess amusement as much as I can confess annoyance. If the others are foolish enough to believe in such promises with no rhyme or reason, then we'll be collectively doomed.

[notimpervious]

[Well that certainly catches literally no one but her a little off guard. The smile drops from her face, and she goes quite neutral.]

This is quite serious, then. I am very new here, so although my brain has adjusted to the magnitude of the differences between my life before this place and being here, I am clearly still experiencing some level of denial.

[The world turned upside down for three days. This world just keeps throwing new things at her, so yes, it is taking her a long time to get settled, as Sweets puts it.]

What is your perception of this development?

[kingslight]

[He let's out a tense sigh as he mulls over her question. There's too many scenarios that could play out, many of which disturbs Regis to his very core.]

Your denial shall fade in due time once the horrors of this realm become more obvious. As of right now, we few who've been stolen from various worlds, are no more than captives at this point. Our decisions may have helped shape Hadriel but we are indeed captives.

[A pensive expression overcomes him briefly.]

...I fear desperation may take root and many will attempt to abide by the offer given.

[notimpervious]

Yes, we are prisoners.

[And some would argue that what the "gods" subjected them to last week is a kind of torture.]

That is a valid fear. I am not someone who trusts instincts or gut feelings over empirical evidence, but I find that the offer is... suspicious. I will, however, reevaluate my preliminary conclusion if better evidence arises.

[kingslight]

The offer presented before us is quite suspicious and devious all in the same breath. It comes too soon after these...beings have harassed us before. I'm hesitant to believe anyone's claims, especially those of which who have intentions unknown.

[Some might deem the old king as simply 'paranoid' but he's being conscious for a reason. One of those "reasons" centers around his newly returned "son".]

We need evidence that these beings can send us back home. Evidence that their words do indeed ring true. Until then, we mustn't be too hasty but I know others shan't be swayed by reason.

[notimpervious]

[She nods along at what he says every now and then. Since she is still new here, she places some degree of value on the information that others have to offer, if they have been here longer -- not that value in this sense can be measured in any way, but still.]

I am in agreement. We have more data on our captors available to us than these inorganic beings. [...can they really be called beings if-- no. Now is not the time for philosophy. Furthermore, she prefers hard science.] To accept what is offered to us by a source we do not truly know would be foolish. However, many people are foolish. It is unfortunate.

[She no longer seems amused. This is about life and death, and she places far too much value on life to laugh in the face of such a threat. The gravity of the situation has become too much over the course of this exchange. They really could die here.]

We must discover the best option before we make a decision that may doom all of us.