hadriel | ✘ Round 2

I... I require assistance. [The feed comes on and the normally calm ice alien's voice is tinted with sadness. He takes a small breath, then continues:]

I have been keeping a small number of lightbugs that appeared in the caves about three... [there's a brief pause as he struggles to remember the proper terminology used by humans for this span of time--] ... months ago. But now it appears they are dying. I don't know what I did wrong. I made sure their enclosure had plenty of space, insulated it from the cold, and even provided them with things to eat. And yet still...

[Glacius trails off. Given that his homeworld is frozen over, there aren't any insects on it, so he has no idea how their general life cycle works--or in this case, how short it can be. He doesn't even realize that he was lucky to get three months with these heartwarming little critters! His voice is therefore regretful when he speaks again, but it sounds like he's trying to scrounge for some determination because he hasn't yet realized their time is simply coming to a close.] ... I don't want to lose them. Is there anyone who knows enough about these life forms to help them?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Bianca doesn't know Glacius to speak to, but one can't share a fairly small city with someone that distinctive and not know who he is.]

I can try, dearheart. I'm usually good with insects. But it's likely they're simply reaching the end of their natural lifespan. Most insects have a short one, relative to other genera.

Edited 2016-07-15 18:53 (UTC)

[Oh, this person is attempting to initiate visual communications with him as well. Glacius pauses; even though he's become a little bit less reclusive since coming here, the idea of broadcasting himself on the network still seems like a rather large step! Still, he's operating under the assumption that this is now a one-on-one conversation, not knowing that people in the city like to read up on other's exchanges.

He lets the switch happen. Bianca is faced with the shining visage of a massive ice alien peering down into his phone's screen. Video communications are nothing new to him, but he's never done it with such a tiny gadget before!] Oh..? I did not know that. I have never encountered life like this before. So fragile... a pity.

[Glacius sighs, casting a glance back to look at the poor wilting bugs, then back to the feed.] Perhaps... you could try anyways? They remind me of... something important.

Glacius, isn't it? Kate's friend?

[She asks in the way people who already know the answer ask questions, without waiting for a reply.]

Outliving those we love is an anguish that never leaves us, isn't it? I'll come right away. Where are you?

[That is a... surprisingly personal sentiment for what he was assuming was just going to be a quick courtesy visit for his insects. Glacius blinks, then lowers his eyes slightly and gives a small nod. He understands that more than she might know, given how long-lived his species is compared to others, but he's not sure how he feels about discussing such a thing with someone he's just met.]

I... do appreciate this, though I am not sure how I feel about openly broadcasting the location of my living space. Is there a more secure channel where I can contact you--or perhaps we can meet somewhere else, and then I can bring you back?

Edited 2016-07-15 20:53 (UTC)

[Bianca smiles, equal parts amused and charmed.]

It's true there are some deeply untrustworthy people in this city.

[She knows herself to be one of them, although the nerve of tender sympathy that Glacius struck has placed him immediately in the small subset of people who have her loyalty. Still, the irony pleases her.]

My house is easy to find. 1301, the first spiral. Or Delight's bar, if that's more convenient for you?

I have been fortunate enough to have not associated with many of them yet. That you defer to my request for privacy suggests you are not one of them. [Of course it could always be an act, but he's going to wait to pass judgment. No sense in circling one another growling.]

The bar would be a bit of a walk if we are just going to double back to one of the housing units. I will come to you. Normally I would just bring the lightbugs in their container, but I do not want to risk the transition causing them further stress. [Can they even feel such a thing?] We can make the trip back to my housing unit once I've arrived.

[Oh Glacius, you sweet winter child. Bianca doesn't argue with his conclusion.]

I'm so happy to be meeting you at last. I'll be waiting. Can you metabolise alcohol, at all? Or is there an equivalent social lubricant in your culture?

[Glacius is... not sure how he feels about is presence being known in this city, but at least Bianca's enthusiasm is flattering. Hopefully that means she's... hear good things..?] So far I have been able to ingest things that have been made largely for humans, so... your alcohol should be similar. I can start light, just in case, but I am not anticipating any problems.

Excellent. I hope you like tequila. I'll be waiting.

And I will be there soon. [Glacius decides not to comment that he doesn't even know what tequila is... he'll find out soon enough, he imagines.

So he beings the trek, moving a little bit faster than he usually might because of the gravity of the situation hanging over him. He's terrified that by the time they make their way back to his apartment, the fireflies might have expired, which is enough to put some quick in his normally slow-and-steady step. Exiting the apartment where he has been staying, the ice alien walks north from the Spire closest to the river towards the houses. Eventually he hits a road, following it the rest of the way until he's reached the first Spiral, and then just a few minutes later he's at Bianca's house, knocking on her door.] Hello--it is me, Glacius. We spoke on the network earlier...

Edited 2016-07-17 21:13 (UTC)

✘ Round 2 | Audio

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