[video]

[sicharia]

Hello. [The person seated in front of the library terminal is a pale, white-haired woman dressed in something reminiscent of a nun's habit, though there's nothing to cover her head. One of her yellow eyes is covered with an eyepatch. She tries to smile and does about as well as one might expect of a person in her situation, the expression both pinched and weak.] My name is Claudia Kotomine. I've—just arrived.

[There's definitely some uncertainty in her voice about how she should describe the situation, but nonetheless, she carries on.] If there are any other members of the Holy Church here, I'd like to hear from them as soon as possible. Or— Anyone else I'm acquainted with. And, mm, even if there aren't...

[She trails off momentarily, her one visible eye flicking away from the terminal as she considers something. Her lips purse together for a moment, and then she sighs. Well, she doesn't want to be ungrateful—at least she's able to eat—but—]

Ah, it's just that the kitchen seems equipped to do a lot more than it currently is! [She laughs, but the sound is nervous.] Is the food always in the state that it is now? I just thought—if there are better ingredients around anywhere, I could make something nicer. I'm more than willing to share with anyone who helps me with this, so...

...Ah, in any case, thank you for your time. [She forces another slight smile.] If there's anything you would like to ask of me in turn, I'm happy to assist or answer you to the best of my ability.

[For those that would prefer action, immediately after this she can be found browsing the library (and frustrating herself with her inability to find anything of immediate use), and later on she'll be investigating the thirteenth floor/the cathedral.]

Comments

[puppy_lancer]

...If you need anyone to protect you or show you around here, I could always help with that.

[sicharia]

I'm afraid I cannot take your offer as having been made with pure intentions.

[puppy_lancer]

[He stares at the video for a moment, and then gives a defeated chuckle.]

You've got a sharp eye, little lady.

[sicharia]

You weren't subtle.

[puppy_lancer]

I like to be open with my intentions. Would you have liked subtlety any better?

[sicharia]

I suppose not, but at least you would have made a better first impression.

[puppy_lancer]

I'll keep that in mind next time I greet somebody.

[A pause, and then his expression becomes a little more serious.]

This place is pretty dangerous, though. If you don't want my help, I can always ask my brother to help you. You'd have nothing to fear from him.

[sicharia]

Your brother? [...] I don't doubt he's a good man, but if you don't mind me saying so, I'd rather speak to the man myself before accepting any such help.

[puppy_lancer]

That's easy enough to do. Just ask for Diarmuid.

[sicharia]

I'll keep that in mind. And may I have your name as well?

[puppy_lancer]

Call me Lancer.

[sicharia]

[Oh. There's a second where she doesn't speak, her expression growing blanker as she takes that information. She has always worn her heart on her sleeve, after all, even if she's a bit better about that nowadays than she was before. It could just be a coincidence, but...]

I see. Well, it was nice speaking with you?

[puppy_lancer]

You as well. See you around?

[sicharia]

I'd assume so.

[But only after she regroups and mulls over all the information she has received, hopefully.]