meet and greet

[cancrymods]

If you've been paying any attention to the screens around Invidia (and it's honestly harder NOT to pay attention to them than it is to actually do so) then you'll be familiar with Esme, the woman whose face graces every single screen. Some initial poking around has revealed that Esme is a sort of idol to the people of Invidia, whose enviously glamourous life has taken the city by storm but that's more or less all you've learned so far.

But it looks like you might have the opportunity to learn more sometime soon.

Just as the dark sky of Invidia gives way to what passes for daytime, all of the screens in Invidia light up with the same video – it's Esme, perched on what looks to be a fancy throne in the middle of a white void, nothing to distract from the glaringly insincere sincere smile on her face as she addresses the camera.

"Good morning, lovelies! ❤ I've been soooooo busy with work and filming lately, I haven't had even a single second to see any of you in person! And what's the point of all that hard work if I don't even get to see your smiling faces at the end of it? So today we're having a very special event! For this afternoon only, I'll be on the Starlight Stage on the roof of our mall, all ready to shake hands and sign things and see all of you lovelies face to face again! Make sure you hurry on down to see me, okay? Bye-bye-bye! ❤"

With a wave and a sickly sweet smile to the camera, Esme signs off.

Looks like you've been given an opportunity to do a little investigating...

Comments

[daughterofthemark]

Could we not simply wait?

[twibeast]

I think that may be for the best-- or...

[ he taps his chin ]

I suppose if people are feeling a little slow and sleepy, they can't really protest if you pass them in line because they're not keeping up with everyone...

[phantasmagorial]

It's got to be better than setting them on fire...

[twibeast]

[ Okay he's gonna materialize his harp--

And also do a quick glance to see if any spectres reacted to it being summoned before even attempting to play. ]

[cancrymods]

[ Not really! Well, there are a few glances his way, but it doesn't look like anything to be concerned about – just the fleeting interest of a bunch of bored people who want to be distracted. They're basically just looking at him like any guy who pulls out an instrument in the middle of a line at an event. ]

[twibeast]

[ Okay well, so long as he doesn't have security on his ass.

Anyway don't mind him just going to attempt his drowsy/sluggish song power. ]

[cancrymods]

[ And it...


Works!

There's a spattering of polite applause from a few people up and down the line, but very quickly it quiets down and quite a few of the Specters just sit themselves down right there and conk out. Some of them just slump against the wall, looking a little floaty and dopey and the rest just look vaguely... there's no other word for it. Stoned.

Either way, it's now a clear shot to the rooftop door for our intrepid gang! ]

[daughterofthemark]

[Veil claps.]

[twibeast]

Would you look at that.

Now I advise we continue forward with haste before anyone comes to their senses.

[phantasmagorial]

Who should go first? Even if we're here as a group, whoever's in front will be the first one to meet her.

[discutio]

So, someone a bit more on the diplomatic side of things.

[phantasmagorial]

I–I don't think I'd be a very good choice in that case...

[ Or in other words, NOT IT!!!! ]

[schardynfreude]

I know not what, precisely, I was in days past. I like to think I am polite, but whatever will we say to her, specifically?

[seasharp]

[RAISES HAND IMMEDIATELY

......don't let her]

[twibeast]

[ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EKcJlBfWwAAE8uH.jpg ]

[twibeast]

[ Stepping over some bodies now, no problem with talking as they walk and just switching places as they get closer. ]

Would you like to? You seem most curious about her after all.

[ Lynsey has Beast say, knowing full well that that would mean Claire talking to Claire ]

[phantasmagorial]

[ i have had it up to here with you young lady ]

N–no, I couldn't...! I'm... really not good at talking to new people...

[twibeast]

[ ;3 ]

Really? You have been fine with us though?

[crosscutting]

[Yeeeeeah, the heck with any more waiting she's just gonna Go]

[seasharp]

H-Hey! Hold up!

[Ariel is. going after her.]

[discutio]

[AUTUMN OH MY IFRIT HE CAN HEAR YOU WAIT UP]

[daughterofthemark]

[Also going!]

[cancrymods]

[ YEET.

For what it's worth, no one stops Autumn as she goes barrelling through the door... except for what remains of the line, that is. It's only about three or four people at this point though, and it already looks like Esme is wrapping up with one of them.

What do? ]

[daughterofthemark]

[Veil, at least, will get in line.]

[discutio]

[Well, first things first, he's going to catch up to Autumn and grab the back of her shirt.]

Think. Don't go in guns blazing, as it were. We don't have reason to start off hostile.