video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

[depicted]

[A youth appears across the screen. He isn't quite comfortable with the device, holding it low and a little away from himself as one might a snuffbox or cigarette case when admiring the work in its design. Also, the image might be just a little shaky, but it's rude to comment on that. The boy musters a smile, an expression that seems to flicker in its uncertainty.] How do you do? I'm Dorian Gray—is that—is that how these are used? I'm so sorry, I can't tell if it is better to use one's manners for introductions or for telegrams.

[There's a fluttering laugh as Dorian tries to inexpertly use humour to diffuse the point. Of course, for lack of a person before him, the strategy doesn't actually make him feel any less awkward, so he tries to move to his reason for talking.]

I was wondering if there were any players here of chess? I mean to say, I'd like to play chess—not that I'm much good, of course, but I'm very much fond of the game—if there are players already and a third would interfere with things, I'd be very happy to just watch. If it isn't trouble. It is only with all of this talk of competing factions, I can't help but think of a game of chess, and it has made me crave the sport.

[Dorian's face falls as he turns the locket away, not in misery but in an awkward embarrassment, and there is the faintest start of a mutter at himself as he accidentally shuts it before he is finished his message.

Smooth move, Dorian Gray.]

[ooc: + permissions for fourth walling for any characters who would know the name]

Comments

[depicted]

[Ah! There Emil is. He smiles.] It's a strategy game. Do you think you can manage? [YOU HAVE MADE HIM SO BOLD, ASTER.] Come along, I'll explain the basics. [He guides him over to a table where he has set up a chess set that a servant dug up for him to borrow.]

[aureinsof]

[Oh my god Dorian. He snorts softly as he follows.] I use strategy in battle all the time. Monsters have different elemental affinities. So do humans. Knowing how to use those and what the battlefield looks like with them is the difference between winning and losing.

[depicted]

[—wait this is exciting] You battle with monsters?

[aureinsof]

Yeah, I fight them and I fight with them, too. I can tame monsters and form pacts with them. But the ones I can't, I just defeat anyway. Anything in my way has to go.

[ARE YOU TAKING NOTES DORIAN.]

[depicted]

[That is so cool.] How amazing! I would love to see you in battle.

[He's a nerd.]

Oh, but—chess. Let's see if you can apply that to the game.

[Come sit at the chess board so he can explain!]

[aureinsof]

[He sits, still arrogant as ever.] Sure, try me. If you win, I'll take you out with me and show you how monsters work.

[HE'S GOING TO TAKE DORIAN HUNTING OKAY.]

So how does this work?

[depicted]

Then I will not lose. [HE LIKES THE IDEA OF MAKING FRIENDS WITH MONSTERS but he doesn't want to hunt them.]

We each play a differently coloured side. Each piece can move differently across the board. If one piece lands on a square that an enemy piece is on, that piece captures the enemy piece. The goal of the game is to capture the enemy king.

[And if you think I'm going to write out a really detailed explanation of chess rules, you're wrong. Get ready for assuming, Kisha.]

[aureinsof]

[I'LL DO YOU ONE BETTER BECAUSE GUESS WHO WILL WIN? It's Dorian.]

...Hmph...

[He's not a sore loser, technically, but he doesn't like losing.]

We'll practice more. I want to learn this game better. But your determination to win showed through.

[depicted]

[Okay, but Dorian won. And that's what matters.

He is probably trying not to be undignified in victory, but that is ruined by his prize.] Now you will take me to see you tame monsters, as you promised.

[mOOONSTERRRS]

[aureinsof]

[He leans back in his seat, arms folded.]

It's a different world for them, though. They have different morals and codes than humans. You're sure you're ready for something like that?

[depicted]

[He holds his head up and meets Aster's gaze straight on.] I am. I want to see it. I want to know.

[aureinsof]

[If he has answered any other way, then he would have denied him his prize.

BUT NOW COMES THE TRUE TEST FOR DORIAN. Not that Aster is aware of that.]

Good. There's a hunt going on. I'm going to use it partially to gain some creatures and map out the land. You're coming with me on one of my trips.

[depicted]

[That makes Dorian frown immediately.] I have heard of the hunt. Are you going to hunt the beast down as well?

[aureinsof]

[He notices that frown.] Yeah. If you don't like it, you can stay. But that creature is like a phoenix. The cycle of life and death is especially important to remember in the winter. That's what he's doing. He's reminding us that life may be scarce and dead now but soon spring will come and life will be reborn.

[depicted]

I'm not a coward! I simply don't care for the way that people tramp about shooting innocent hares and pheasants and grouse when nothing comes of it but the satisfaction of their egos. [Sulky brat.] Of course I shall come.

[aureinsof]

[He smiles, satisfied.] Killing for sport is for weak idiots who can't feel strong in life. I'll show you what a real hunt is for.