17 ◦ [AUDIO]

[akingmuststand]

My, my -

[The voice that speaks should be easily recognisable to most people here. Schneizel speaks, as usual, without panic, without anger - just a small, perhaps bemused, smile and a hint of mild interest.]- it would be a gross exaggeration on my part to say that I had been gone for more than an hour, but it seems that such has not been the case

Comments

[Private // As above]

[as_you_command]

I have my theories, Schneizel. [ But his reappearance without knowledge or sighting of Cornelia during his absence eliminates a few of those. ]

She is not, however, the only one to disappear in recent times. Our resources are spread thin, and following leads has proven... problematic. [ To say the least. Of course, Guilford is none too happy about this, and he actually sounds weary to be discussing it. ]

[Private // As above]

[akingmuststand]

[The furrowed brow, the perturbed frown, is something that just carries in his voice.] Indeed. We haven't the resources to look for our missing, especially when loss is easily attributed to the ebb and flow of our numbers here.

However, I would never judge that my sister had left without proof.

[Because she has this habit of cropping up again, which is one reason why he never panicked when she disappeared after Tokyo, one reason why he shot her in the back.]

To be frank, a random disappearance like this concerns me.

[Private forever] /hates deleting these

[as_you_command]

Nor would I. [ Though he hesitates to, it might as well be admitted that, ] I have not yet asked the Guardian, nor the Queen for confirmation. [ He also figures any answer could just as easily be a lie. ]

Her disappearance -- and your own -- were suspiciously timed.

[alwaaaaays private]

[akingmuststand]

Mm. And I would be hesitant to do so. Not only are we without the means to verify their words, we may well find ourselves in debt for them.

[A brief, thoughtful pause. The most minute of sighs as he shifts.]

The fae have been subdued lately. What about the residents?

[as_you_command]

Everyone is taking advantage of this respite to prepare for the coming cold months. There have been planned expeditions into the forest and mountains for food, wood, and other supplies. Some have been repairing huts that were weakened by the rainstorms, and others are working on winter clothing and skins.

Save for the missing denizens, things have been... productive. [ He's impressed with how much the townsfolk are truly operating as a unit. People from so many different worlds, cultures, and backgrounds. ]

[akingmuststand]

I see. Our community continues to show a real sense of unity.

Thank you, Guilford. I trust that you'll be able to keep me updated, if any changes slip my notice?

[That is to say, when you go hunting for Cornelia, don't leave him out of the loop.]

[as_you_command]

The progress would be more astounding, were it born of something other than necessity. [ Even so, he sounds... pleased. ] Though it is... a comforting thought.

Of course, Schneizel. [ A beat, as he considers the main point of their conversation over but... in the interests of keeping everyone in the loop. ]

I must tell you that I spoke with Mr. Hanamura some weeks ago about parts of the history of our world. While I have my doubts as to how much of it he deemed important enough to let sink in-- [ Translation: "I probably bored him." ] --he may have some... questions.

even my email notifs are set against me

[akingmuststand]

That it comes from such a thing is not cause to undermine it - if there is unity in any capacity it is something to be thankful for.

[Something to be taken, honed, and turned to the best possible end.

He listens to Guilford go on with some interest, smiling to himself. It has the potential to complicate things, but the prospect of that is small, something he expects to be simple enough to handle for now.]

I will keep that in mind.

/hugs

[as_you_command]

It is as you say. [ It would be Schneizel who would point out the benefit to such a cooperative environment, despite their circumstance requiring it for survival. ]

Very well, Schneizel. [ That's all he can really say on that matter. If pressed, he'll give more details. For right now, just making it known helps suppress the weak guilt he feels for potentially opening up that can of worms for everyone of their world. ]

Again, I shall keep you informed of any progress I make in my investigations.