[network] @Mnemosyne; video; the light we cannot see [open] Night 165

[bookofnope]

I can't sleep.

[The tablet is on the floor, lighting its own patch of paleness on the ceiling above. Beckett is lying next to it, prone on his back - that's what the angle of his arm, raised half-heartedly into the frame, suggests. He pulls more clearly into view for a moment, rising to a sitting position, to squint at the camera. His glasses are off, and his eyes glow a faint red in an ashen face.]

For all I know, I imagined it - the girl, the eyes. I'm certain the red pen was real, though, and the choice that came with it.

[He falls back again. Too tired to sit up. The tablet records to show nothing but light and shadow as he speaks.]

It may have been just me. Doubtful, but possible... but it was not just me who saw things. Perhaps we all did. I'd like to know what. Piece of some whole, or just another attack on what's left of our collective sanity... either way. For the sake of the record, if not any kind of answer.

[His relationship with answers isn't getting any less complicated. His voice drops low, dreamlike as he speaks on.] I saw a girl wearing a cloak. She was drawing the eyes, all around me... around me... until I was surrounded. She climbed on my back and drew her eyes on mine, and I knew there was no leaving. There has never been, not for me. Perhaps we are all...

[Too much. He stops abruptly, and rises again, grabbing for the tablet.]

It's all in my notes.

[The recording ends. In its place he sends his notes file out again.]

Comments

[silverfuller]

It seemed to be. That is...not a fact with which I take any comfort.

This being seems to know us and know us well.

[bookofnope]

To unnerve us, and now to tempt us. Yes... [He understands, in a very personal way. And he has no better comfort to offer.]

I don't yet see how the entity, whatever it is, connects with the Prophet. The eyes... what did you do with them, in the end?

[silverfuller]

The ones that mysteriously appeared on the very walls? I had not thought to do aught at all with them.

Breaking through that barricade was my focus and, I daresay, the only thing that prevented my mind from coming apart like a frayed cloak.

[bookofnope]

You would have found something or other for that purpose. I'm sure.

[It's a very small thing to offer by way of support, but he gives that, freely. Because he believes it, and because it alarms him to hear Haurchefant admit to being quite so close to coming apart.]

Or your companions would have. Francel...

[silverfuller]

[Haurchefant is silent a moment before responding.]

Mayhap. I did manage to keep my resolve strong enough to endure the more recent trials. As a warrior born I have learned to use what armor I have in reach, be it physical or otherwise.

....Francel is a true friend. You and he have spoken?

[bookofnope]

Some, yes. He has tremendous affection for you.

[That's one way to put it. But, Beckett thinks, this is good, this is something he can go with. Haurchefant's friends.]

It must be some comfort to have others of your own people here. Aymeric seems like a good fellow, even if he also keeps somewhat... questionable company.

[silverfuller]

The Azure Dragoon has a way of influencing a great many while keeping his friends few but I believe he does intend this.

Lord Aymeric is a good man and true and full glad am I that Ishgard had him when she did.