♦ first.

[sistercest]

[written in elegant, spidery handwriting. Each word comes a bit slowly. Deliberate.]

Dated the 9th Month of the Year, Day 15

Such a racket this place has been lately. These earthquakes are unlike that tsunami not too long ago: then, the silence washed over the island in an ominous shroud. A death knell, one could say. This seems...different.

Comments

[fireovershadow]

Fine day to you. Got anything shiny lately?

[sistercest]

And a good day to you as well, Kaelis. I always do. Part of the job description, after all.

[fireovershadow]

Suppose it is. Good to know you're on top of things, Lilith.

[sistercest]

Ah, but of course. I am only fortunate that my latest shipment was not meddled with. There are so many unsavory individuals running around, after all.

[rivelatanoble]

It seems more of the king's people are gaining access to these magical diaries.

Miss Dupond. I recall the name.

[sistercest]

Lady Blombrenn, a pleasure and an honor.

Ah...I suppose. There are others?

[rivelatanoble]

There may very well be. I hardly could be expected to keep track of such people.

[sistercest]

[a short pause, then written neatly:]

Of course. I did not intend to be presumptuous.

[sistercest]

You're quite welcome. You made an excellent choice. I'm certain your...[delicate clearing of her throat is recorded, before she returns to writing] partner was pleased with it.

[sistercest]

[a slight, embarrassed laugh] Oh! My sincerest apologies. I thought...

Well, that isn't important. I do hope your wife was pleased with the selection, then, Mister...ah. It seems I don't know your name. I'm sorry.

Ah...a spell, you say? The gods?

[deceivebelieve]

Ah, the lovely Ms. Dupond has been granted a journal as well?

I'm Rune Zoello. I believe I had the pleasure of meeting you once before, though considering that was a long time ago, you probably do not recall me.

[sistercest]

The magician, yes. Lionel's...[a pause, an inkblot, as if she's resting the quill on the paper] birthday party, I remember.

It's good to hear from you again. Have you been well?

[deceivebelieve]

I'm pleased to hear you remember me! It has been a while...

I've been well, yes. And you?

[sistercest]

Far too long, I should say. Will you be attending the ball, by any chance?

I've been fine, thank you.

[deliversemotion]

My, recently many have obtained a journal.

Also, Lilith, I do not believe it is necessary to be so formal. There is a number of people who scream into the journals. In contrast to those actions, dating and signatures may be a little useless.

[sistercest]

My formality is a longtime habit, Alia. I'm afraid I can not so easily give up what has been ingrained into me since birth. But I will make an attempt.

...

...They scream into the journals?

[deliversemotion]

That is understandable. I am just making sure you are aware there is no need to be so professional.

Apparently, the journals record sounds and as you can see, show images. It is quite the interesting thing.

[sistercest]

Of course; I will keep it in mind. Thank you for telling me.

Record sounds? What a fascinating little device this is! I've never heard of anything quite like it.