(Untitled)

[vile_miasma]

Won't anyone serve me?

Comments

[tom_hanniger]

What do you mean, serve?

[vile_miasma]

My subjects. They've all gone. Time brings end to us all.

[tom_hanniger]

Right.

[vile_miasma]

Will you help me, Master Hanniger? Will you serve? What will my title be worth?

[tom_hanniger]

I don't.... What? How do you know my name?

[vile_miasma]

I am your Countess. It is my duty to know the people of my land, or the projected people of my land. Do not be afraid.

[tom_hanniger]

So you rule the fgtbox, huh. I like what you've done with the place.

[vile_miasma]

I rule many things. Shall I rule you?

[tom_hanniger]

I uh [D8 flustered] usually take a girl out to dinner before she says that.

[vile_miasma]

You're very cute.

[tom_hanniger]

...thanks.

[vile_miasma]

Here. Take this, as a token of good will.

[She holds out a small, plain but well-made, wooden box. Across the lid is the name 'Elias Hanniger']

Now someone you love will always be by your side, even in the darkest hours of your life.

[tom_hanniger]

[He takes it and then realizes with horror what it is. It's like a hot potato in his hands and he almost drops it out of instinct before getting his senses back. But where did she find it? He had left the thing in the back of his truck...]

How did you--Is this some kind of joke!?

[vile_miasma]

Never. I will never deceive you.

[She places a hand comfortingly on his.]

There has been very little guiding your decisions lately. It has caused you pain. Perhaps your father can redirect you now in death, such as he regrets his failure to do so in life.

[Her face shows a vacant sympathy, like an aristocrat eyeing a homeless drunk on the side of the road.]

You will be well, Master Hanniger. In my care, you shall always be well.

[tom_hanniger]

[Ugh, that look. He hates that look. Seven years of it was enough to last a lifetime. Still, Tom nods slowly, tilting the box in his hands. There's a lot of things he wishes he could tell his dad, but nothing he'd ever manage to get out of he had the chance. Elias always dominated Tom, especially in the last year they say each other. He used guilt and shame weapons as he drank himself to death. A fate his son would probably meet one day, too.]

Yeah, maybe. [He stops for a second, searching for the right words but unable to collect them. He gives up, feeling simple in front of her.]

What'd you say your name was?

[vile_miasma]

You need only call me by my title. Countess.

And so, in return, I ask again. Will you serve?