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]

Seriously, I'm gonna blush if you keep up with that! ❤

[ She very pointedly does not blush. ]

I don't know if I'd really call myself a leader, but you're a total sweetheart for thinking of me that way!

[daughterofthemark]

Thank you!

[That's fine, she's cute anyway.]

I hope we'll be able to become friends.

[cancrymods]

I'd say we're already friends, wouldn't you?

[ She gives Arianna's hands a little squeeze. ]

Just make sure you keep coming back to see me when you can or I'll get lonely!

[daughterofthemark]

[GASP

FRIENDS! :D]

Of course! Goodness, you must have been lonely all this time...

[cancrymods]

Well, sure! With all the work I do, I hardly get any time to talk to my friends. So it's always nice getting to meet a new one.

[ The Specter hovering bodyguardingly just behind where Esme's seated at her little table clears his throat and Esme rolls her eyes playfully. ]

See what I mean? I guess we're almost out of time. Oh, but since you're all in line, your friends can all come through by themselves too, okay?

[daughterofthemark]

Already? Gracious, how time flies... well, I'll be certain to come see you again!

[And she just... goes for a hug. Because that's the kind of energy she has today I guess.]

[cancrymods]

[ OH I GUESS WE'RE HUGGING?? Esme sure doesn't protest, even if her bodyguard does sort of tut to himself. ]

Aww, you really are such a sweetie. Come back soon, okay, Veil? I'm gonna miss you bunches!

[daughterofthemark]

Of course.

[Veil is about to turn and leave, but stops.]

Ah! Where might I find you later?

[cancrymods]

Don't worry about it.

I'll find you.

[daughterofthemark]

[Wow, that sounds ominous! To me, the player. Veil is delighted.]

Very well. I shall look forward to it.

[schardynfreude]

[Fine, fuck it, he drops all 'what who me I don't know these people' act so he can gently steer Veil away by the shoulder. Dad Mode Activated]

Come, let's not crowd the poor woman and have someone else greet her.

[daughterofthemark]

Ah!

[SHE'S BEING KIDNAPPED HELP]

I was about to leave!