joint network post • video

[abidan]

[ It’s been few weeks since Emery’s shown his face on the network, partially because of the swift approach of his end-of-year project deadline, but mostly because he's been preoccupied with moving out of his flat. That's right, folks: due to unforeseen circumstances involving missed rent Emery is now living in Aeron's spare room.

This video, however, is being transmitted from Aeron's lounge. The balcony door is open and he's balancing a mug of tea between his knees; if he seems a little less lively than usual it's because he's completely knackered, what with his job, his "magic", his university work, and the hassle of moving house. He adjusts the sun-and-moon blanket wrapped around his shoulders before running a hand through messy hair: ]

Right! Hello. It's been awhile since I spoke to a lot of you. [ Have a slightly sheepish smile. ] Sorry. Being an artist is more of an effort than it looks?

[ Clearly he's just teasing at his own expense. He perks up after a moment, though; ]

Oh, I moved house. I'm with Aeron now, so ... I should probably learn how to cook properly. [ He lowers his voice to a whisper. ] Don't let him fool you — he's just as useless as me.

[ At this point, a hand reaches across the screen, calmly plucks the cup of tea from Emery’s grip, then shoves Emery out of the frame.]

Says the man who’s more likely to burn water than boil it. [Aeron settles down on the sofa.] I’m sure you don’t want to hear Ayliff here prattling on about his life, so I’ll change the topic to something actually important. [You’re welcome.]

It looks like some of you have been encountering new ... creatures. Whatever you’d like to call them. If more and more of these things are going to be showing up, we’re going to have to find some way of protecting ourselves. Doesn’t it seem too convenient, all of this happening so soon after someone tried to negotiate with us on that forum?

Anyway, if most of you are still reluctant to meet in person, we should at least discuss the possibility of creating an inventory of weapons. We’re going to need some if we come across anything as dangerous as the werewolves you described la—

[ Hold that thought, though, because Emery promptly appears out of no-where and plops himself down heavily on Aeron's lap, effectively cutting him off mid-sentence and blocking him from the feed. ]

Of course, what he means to say is that he'd like to invite you over on, say, Friday night? It'll probably be easier that way. And, since I don't agree with his stupid idea of getting weapons for everyone, I'll be around to serve the tea, if nothing else.

[ Have a calm smile. ]

Sound good?

[And Emery probably won’t be hearing any of your replies just yet because he’s rather unceremoniously shoved off of Aeron’s lap.]

What the hell, Ayliff? You can’t just go around inviting people to my flat—

—but you're not very good at—

[The two of them continue bickering even as Aeron reaches over and ends the video by closing the laptop.]

Comments

[depolarized]

[Well that looks familiar. No weapons/magic here yet, unless you count a dozen years of martial arts, on and off, but he's interested.]

I don't have any weapons, but if they're going to be dangerous, we definitely need a plan.

text •

[abidan]

I'd agree that far, at least. It's clear that doing nothing isn't going to help anyone.

[text]

[depolarized]

Not everyone can use a weapon-- or knows how to fight. Might be better to buddy them up.

handwritten

[edhwierfan]

[Hang on, this one looks familiar. It takes a second for Aeron to figure out why.]

I know you. Aren't you one of the Reimei group's sons?

[voice]

[depolarized]

[Well that was unexpected. A blink as he reads that and he looks over the video again. He had thought the guy looked familiar but...]

...Pennings, right?

[ursoreckless]

[the closest thing to fighting he ever done were the brawling in high school and bar fights, though he has some spotty training in a couple martial arts. the idea of actually using a weapon is a bit sort of appeals to him though he wasn't sure why since before he never really liked guns.

he blames it all on the weird dreams.]

That makes sense though I don't have any weapon skills at all.

text •

[abidan]

That's all right - neither do I! But I still think that getting together and discussing what we do have will be a good thing to do.

voice

[ursoreckless]

The faster we get organized the better chances we'll have sort of thing?

Voice

[icy_heavens]

[A rather young voice on this end.] Makes sense to have some ready if we need them.

text •

[abidan]

Needing them is one thing. Knowing how to use them is another.

[ But hey - some people have been getting extras like that, haven't they. ]

Do you think you'll want to come over on Friday too?

Permavoice

[icy_heavens]

Which is why anyone who wants to use one should learn how. What kind of idiot do you think I am? And some of us already have skills like that. [Sheesh, Emery. He ain't dumb.]

I might come.

[Texted]

[espigeonage]

Oh, you know each other, huh? And quite well. I don't think I'd have called that. Maybe I should pay more attention!

text •

[abidan]

We've been classmates for a few years, we just didn't really speak until. Well. All this!

And now I live with him.

( text. )

[jests]

If wariness in relation to meeting one another is a concern, how many are going to be willing to share weapons, do you think?

Though a good cup of tea never goes amiss.

text •

[abidan]

Your guess is as good as mine. I think that part is a terrible idea.

Tea and company, though, that's always nice.

video; iPhone

[earnedmystripes]

Are we talking an inventory like a list of weapons we all have, or some common place to store 'em that we'll all know about and be able to get to?

[A beat]

I'm a pretty decent shot with a pistol, for whatever record. Wouldn't mind coming over on Friday either, if it's good with your friend there.

[He's more a coffee man, himself, but eh. Not like he's got anything better to be doing. And he really hates being alone in his apartment.]

text •

[abidan]

That's Aeron's area, not mine, but I think he meant more of a list kind of inventory? Maybe you can discuss stashing on Friday.

PS He doesn't mind, he just likes making a fuss sometimes. :)

[video]

[acequeen]

[There's a keen expression laced with interest as she casually rests her face against a propped hand. It's one thing to fight against other gangs, corrupt crime lords, and cops; it's a whole other thing entirely to go up against werewolves...]

An inventory of weapons? Sounds great to me. I happen to know a few of those along with different self-defense techniques.

text •

[abidan]

I like the idea of self-defense techniques! Are you a teacher, or an enthusiast?

[voice]

[elfstoned]

I'll be there, to weigh in on the weapons issue.

text •

[abidan]

You mean you haven't just missed our chats? Not even a little bit?

[handwritten]

[moarnomsplz]

I don't have any weapons. Unless you count an old hockey stick. And I don't know how to use any, or any self defense or anything, but I should probably learn.

text •

[abidan]

That's fine - I don't have any weapons either. To be honest I'd be more surprised if people were chiming in saying they had an armoury. Perhaps, if Friday goes well, we'll all get to learn together?

text - handwritten

[entertainaplanb]

Actually, this sounds like a fantastic idea. I don't have anything I could contribute to it, but you never know when you might need something.

Especially if those hairball things turn up again. That was just weird.

text •

[abidan]

Aeron'll be glad of the support. You'll be coming on Friday, then?