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

[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?

[discutio]

Well, we can start by asking how long she's been so aware. As well as what it is she wishes to accomplish here, if anything. It would be wise, perhaps, to keep our own purpose quiet unless we can be sure she either shares it or will refrain from hindering us.

[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?

[phantasmagorial]

Th–that's different! We're all um– we're...

[ She's going VERY red. ]

... f–friends already...

[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.]

[seasharp]

[Ariel's close to barreling ahead... but sees Veil.

...

.......

okay fine she'll get in line too.]

[emberserker]

[As will Wolfsbane, glancing about for anything weird or any useful details.]

[twibeast]

[ is also just gonna follow behind and get in line

...still has his harp out though, just in case ]

[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.

[daughterofthemark]

[SO EVENTUALLY Veil ends up at the front of the line, I guess! It's time to meet the ruler of Invidia and befriend her! And maybe get some information but most importantly! Friend!]

Lady Esme! How wonderful to meet you!