First ♐: [text, then video]

[being-strong.livejournal.com]

D --> What is the meaning of this
D --> I'm not sure what my e%pectations were of the afterlife
D --> But this is abso100t fiddl

[there's a lengthy pause, then the video feed clicks on. It's another one of those trolls, and this one appears to be in peak physical condition.

he's also sweating so profusely it's making his skin glisten, and in one hand he's holding half the keyboard. the other half is currently not in view.

once he opens his mouth, it becomes obvious he's missing some teeth.]

I demand information pertaining to the nature of my current location and, if known, the location of any other trolls currently sharing my predicament.

[He passes a hand over his forehead, brushing off moisture. When he looks back at the camera, his expression softens slightly.]

Nepeta, if you're here... my deepest apologies.

Comments

[fractus-animus.livejournal.com]

... Unfortunately, they're not very helpful at all. What I can tell you is that at the moment, there's no way out of here, and that this tower is extremely dangerous. You can't break out of it easily, I believe someone else already tried that too.

[ So no smashing through walls with your STRONGNESS Equius, it'll just make things worse. ]

Ah, and... it's safe to sleep here, in your room. If you don't for very long, you'll probably die again. Please be careful, Equius-san.

[being-strong.livejournal.com]

[fiddlesticks. that was on his agenda. it might still be.]

I understand. I won't stop my efforts to investigate this place for myself, but I'll take what you've said into consideration.

[fractus-animus.livejournal.com]

Well, I have no intention of stopping you, Equius-san. I just thought you might like to know what I am already aware of.

[ It's only fair, because he didn't have much more information, right? ]

As I told Vantas-san before... whatever I do find out, I will be sure to share with everyone.

[being-strong.livejournal.com]

Vantassan? Oh, you mean that foulmouthed scoundrel. Very well. I'll look forward to any intelligence you discover.

[fractus-animus.livejournal.com]

[ Ah. Right. Trolls don't know all that much about Earth. ]

I apologize for not explaining earlier. It's an Earth custom in my country to refer to people using certain honorifics. I think the closest you would know would be the common English "Mister" or "Miss". It's meant to differ politeness.

Usually being on a first name basis with someone means you're friends, or that you know them well.

[being-strong.livejournal.com]

I see.

[what an interesting social gesture, and it has the word "honor" built right in. perhaps these common bloods aren't all as intolerably rude as Karkat.]

Politeness is not often a prized trait among my species, and certainly not one among my caste. Still, I will try to entertain this concept of human honorifics.

[fractus-animus.livejournal.com]

Ah, you don't have to if you don't want to, Equius-san. I don't particularly mind either way, I just felt I should explain what they meant to you, seeing as Earth has several languages.

[ Because being polite is kind of ingrained in his brain. ]

[being-strong.livejournal.com]

It is still a respectable practice, therefore worth keeping in mind.

[fractus-animus.livejournal.com]

... The land I live in--the country there, respect and mannerisms are important. Likewise, I'm glad you're going to do that, Equius-san. Thank you.