[ Lady Shinymane does not often announce her presence on this thing, tending to leave it to her human counterpart. But it was a nice night, and there was a question to be asked. Two, technically
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[Though the response is via video, the NV is tilted up so only the damp branches of a tree are visible. They sway gently but slightly, weighted down by rainwater.]
Naming oneself is a frustrating endeavor, my lady. [The voice is pleasant, unhurried, matter-of-fact.] If your companion is given a name, he may feel more satisfied overall in having it.
Anything self-aware will yearn for an identity to call its own.
It is my method of celebrating them. [That is, celebrating them as being no better than court jesters.] As an example: If I wish to name a mallard duck, I may use the name 'John' from Saint John Nepomucene. He had a strong connection to water. [Given how he drowned as a martyr.]
[A demon like Claude is used to being given an entire identity by his master, so he doesn't care much for what he truly is when outside of a contract. It's difficult for him to sympathize, either way.]
It'd be accurate to say as much. [A pause of his own, and the shown branches start shaking and sprinkling more rainwater.] My name is Claude Faustus. Might I ask you for yours, my lady?
M'Lady Unicorn. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.
[Then the sound of paper shifting, rustling. In a flurry of folds and tears, Claude creates something out of the pieces of paper that are sitting on his lap.
It peeks into view, elegant horn first--an origami unicorn! The expertise put into it is obvious; it resembles Amalthea down to the unique waviness of her mane. Even the paper used is perfect: purest white, a bit shimmery, colored in where it ought.]
You have undoubtedly heard this said before, but it has been some time since I last saw one of your kind.
[ There is surprise in her face at the little construct, but she seems pleased at the result. ]
You are talented to create something in such detail, in so little time.
Yes, Regrettably I have heard this before. It saddens me to know we have departed the mortal world in many places, save a few. Some time ago I spoke with a wizard who knew me - but it seems in worlds who have turned from the realm of magic, the people no longer know us.
I'm flattered by your compliment, and I thank you for it.
[The origami unicorn "prances" in front of the NV, held up by two white-gloved fingers. It stops and turns sharply, causing the loose paper of its mane to shift and sparkle.]
In my world, the unicorns have been hunted into extinction. Many species meet the same fate on a daily basis, if they're somehow a commodity or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. [He may or may not be making shit up; it is very hard to tell.]
It's good to know hope yet remains. This is a token of my appreciation, if you would like to have it.
... it... does not surprise me that such is their fate. I cannot understand why my kind would leave the safety of their forests - but I as well, had need to do so in my world.
The humans thought us to be extinct, because of the greed of a human that sought to keep all the unicorns of the world for himself. [ She shifts, her head moving in a nod. ] I accept your gift, and gladly.
Human hunters will stop at nothing to have their quarry, [Claude says, and the origami unicorn nods along in agreement.] Since unicorns were considered profitable in several areas, they were obvious targets for reasons of greed and prestige. There were a few efforts made to repopulate the earth, but all of them were met with failure.
[He can't really blame the humans for desiring unicorns, however. He did consider their meat and blood to be delicious, and their horns, hooves, and hair were useful for many magical rites. Just, in comparison, this demon wouldn't slaughter anything into extinction. That's extremely counterproductive.]
What a wicked man he must have been. Was anything done to stop him?
[There's a pause, and then a curious bird peeks into frame alongside the origami. It looks like a common starling.]
[ Be glad she doesn't know you're a demon, man. And doesn't know those horrible HORRIBLE thoughts. ]
Yes. Companions who accompanied me on my journey were able to unravel his schemes. In the end, he was undone by his own ambition.
[ A pause at the sight of the little bird, and she smiles faintly. ] The young fledgling there may do so. [ The creatures of the place tended to know where she was. Best post office delivery system ever! ]
[Look, Claude is totally a reformed demon thanks to an intervention by his human master. He's having all of these disgusting and depraved thoughts, yes, but he's not acting on any of them! Yet.]
Ambition does seem the last refuge of failure, [he says, almost humming.] Arrogance into defeat... it's all too typical an ending in stories.
[The bird nods along until Claude gently scoops it up and asks, cordial and off-screen, for it to deliver the origami, please. After releasing the bird into the air, he finally turns the NV around to reveal some of his wavy black hair and pale skin, and the distinctive glint of his glasses.]
There we are, my Lady. It shouldn't take too long.
Naming oneself is a frustrating endeavor, my lady. [The voice is pleasant, unhurried, matter-of-fact.] If your companion is given a name, he may feel more satisfied overall in having it.
I choose names based on the patron saints.
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Is it your method to honor these saints, to name things for them?
Reply
It is my method of celebrating them. [That is, celebrating them as being no better than court jesters.] As an example: If I wish to name a mallard duck, I may use the name 'John' from Saint John Nepomucene. He had a strong connection to water. [Given how he drowned as a martyr.]
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It is a fitting name, if such is your reason for using it. [ A pause. ] You are among the new ones to arrive in this place, are you not?
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It'd be accurate to say as much. [A pause of his own, and the shown branches start shaking and sprinkling more rainwater.] My name is Claude Faustus. Might I ask you for yours, my lady?
Reply
Reply
[Then the sound of paper shifting, rustling. In a flurry of folds and tears, Claude creates something out of the pieces of paper that are sitting on his lap.
It peeks into view, elegant horn first--an origami unicorn! The expertise put into it is obvious; it resembles Amalthea down to the unique waviness of her mane. Even the paper used is perfect: purest white, a bit shimmery, colored in where it ought.]
You have undoubtedly heard this said before, but it has been some time since I last saw one of your kind.
Reply
You are talented to create something in such detail, in so little time.
Yes, Regrettably I have heard this before. It saddens me to know we have departed the mortal world in many places, save a few. Some time ago I spoke with a wizard who knew me - but it seems in worlds who have turned from the realm of magic, the people no longer know us.
Reply
[The origami unicorn "prances" in front of the NV, held up by two white-gloved fingers. It stops and turns sharply, causing the loose paper of its mane to shift and sparkle.]
In my world, the unicorns have been hunted into extinction. Many species meet the same fate on a daily basis, if they're somehow a commodity or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. [He may or may not be making shit up; it is very hard to tell.]
It's good to know hope yet remains. This is a token of my appreciation, if you would like to have it.
Reply
... it... does not surprise me that such is their fate. I cannot understand why my kind would leave the safety of their forests - but I as well, had need to do so in my world.
The humans thought us to be extinct, because of the greed of a human that sought to keep all the unicorns of the world for himself. [ She shifts, her head moving in a nod. ] I accept your gift, and gladly.
Reply
[He can't really blame the humans for desiring unicorns, however. He did consider their meat and blood to be delicious, and their horns, hooves, and hair were useful for many magical rites. Just, in comparison, this demon wouldn't slaughter anything into extinction. That's extremely counterproductive.]
What a wicked man he must have been. Was anything done to stop him?
[There's a pause, and then a curious bird peeks into frame alongside the origami. It looks like a common starling.]
Where shall I deliver it to?
Reply
Yes. Companions who accompanied me on my journey were able to unravel his schemes. In the end, he was undone by his own ambition.
[ A pause at the sight of the little bird, and she smiles faintly. ] The young fledgling there may do so. [ The creatures of the place tended to know where she was. Best post office delivery system ever! ]
Reply
Ambition does seem the last refuge of failure, [he says, almost humming.] Arrogance into defeat... it's all too typical an ending in stories.
[The bird nods along until Claude gently scoops it up and asks, cordial and off-screen, for it to deliver the origami, please. After releasing the bird into the air, he finally turns the NV around to reveal some of his wavy black hair and pale skin, and the distinctive glint of his glasses.]
There we are, my Lady. It shouldn't take too long.
Reply
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