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

[cagedinflesh]

[He smiles, shaking his head.]

I take some delight in becoming youthful again, admittedly. But that delight is not at all the same as jealousy. You must realise and experience the difference. I maintain it is far more enjoyable to turn those negative thoughts and feelings into something on a more positive note.

[depicted]

I would welcome any example, for I can see no good purpose for my ageing. [Poor baby.]

[cagedinflesh]

Hm, let's see then, why not in terms of chess? Do you believe the Immortal Game would be so important, had it lasted much longer? Does it seem an absurd comparison?

[depicted]

I think the comparison is apt, but not as you intend. The Immortal Game was beautiful and quick and then it were over. If it had gone on—if it had aged and withered and grown tired and weary—then it would not be the famous game it was. Your analogy would seem to furnish my side of the argument, Henry.

[He doesn't add anything about killing himself when he grows old—it was a thought of passion, and one he isn't likely to say now—but the logic carries through.]

[cagedinflesh]

[He pauses, and soon laughs, well and full.] When you say it that way, it most certainly does! Yet as I see it, the game did not come to a premature end, as sustained youth, or youth alone, would make of a life. It was brief, in that way a life is brief. Short, but so full of activity and experience, and when the time came, perhaps too soon for some, namely the one suffering loss, simply ended as it sould.

[depicted]

I can accept your point, Henry, for in truth I think we do not argue so differently. If life must be brief, I will take that brevity, as long as it does not lose its beauty.

[cagedinflesh]

For the same reason, I can accept yours, as well. Simply a difference in...shall we say, priority. No doubt coloured by the personal experience of each. Which is something that can never be argued. Personally, I would rather have my life returned in its proper form, than as I now am. I admit it affects my opinion.

[The proper form being without Hyde, of course.]

[depicted]

[Oh, Jekyll.] You mean you'd like to be an old man again in looks? [Dorian can't help that he is trying to bury a smile. Because that's so funny. WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BE 50, SILLY MAN.]

[cagedinflesh]

It is not that I would prefer to be aged, necessarily! I have certainly made my share of mistakes, just as every man. I would rather be able to take back those actions, or else the chance to atone, which is something that now cannot be done properly. What I mean, I suppose, is that I would rather have continued living than to be given a second life, even with its youth and vigour.

[depicted]

You mean you have regrets?

[cagedinflesh]

Naturally. It would be impossible to have lived and not to regret.

[depicted]

Then you too would like to be the Immortal Game, brief and perfect?

[cagedinflesh]

Yes, you could say that. Though perhaps a little less brief than my life was. I have always held a special interest in what we consider to be perfection in humanbeings.

[depicted]

[Unsurprisingly, Dorian is very interested in Jekyll's ideas, and he leans forward over the chessboard.] What do you mean by perfection in humans?

[cagedinflesh]

Society's perception of perfection and goodness. I will be the first to admit our society's ideals are something rather hypocritical. All too strict and impossible to truly follow, always. Even so, I have always held a deep desire to become the sort of man who would be able to embody those ideals. Truly it would seem that for the most part, I succeeded. Still, as I said, none is without his regrets and shames, and so I could never consider myself 'good enough' - certainly not perfection.

[depicted]

You think it hypocritical, and yet you wish to embody it? Why?

[cagedinflesh]

Several reasons. I have always held a strong interest in the ideas of justice and 'good', as opposed to 'evil'. Furthermore, as you may well be able to guess, human lives are of the greatest importance to me. It's for these reasons I studied laws and medicine.

...If I may confess a more private truth to you, Dorian, I should say the most prevalent reason is for having a great love for stories of knights as a boy.

[depicted]

[It is the expression of a private truth, a confession (an intimacy) that sets Dorian's heart racing, he doesn't know why. Dorian laughs, flush with a delight, and bows his head even as he makes his move on the chessboard.]

I think that is a wonderful reason. I have always wanted to go exploring for the adventure stories I read as a child.

[cagedinflesh]

Do you really? You could fulfill that dream here! A very dear friend of mine was an adventure novelist. And quite the traveller himself. He had such wonderful stories to tell, you would find it so rewarding, I'm sure!

[depicted]

Travelling here seems rather more difficult than it is at home. There are fewer trains and many more monsters.

[And yet the idea seems exciting. To be an adventurer, in this far off world! To discover things that haven't been discovered before! What an incredible idea!]

[cagedinflesh]

Should you require an escort, I would gladly travel with you!

[Jekyll has to laugh, as he takes a pawn with a knight. Appropriate for having just spoken of admiration for the knightly order.]

[depicted]

[Oh, no! Dorian pouts because he's a baby, but he'll respond by moving up a rook.]

Would you truly? Even though we are in theory on enemy sides? I would very much appreciate your company, Henry. I enjoy it such a great deal.

[cagedinflesh]

Of course! I too thoroughly enjoy your company, and what's more, hold too great a disdain for such a war to care for 'sides'. The politics of the side I have been called to are not at all mine.

[depicted]

What will you do if you are called to fight? [The question comes with more than curiosity: Dorian doesn't know what he should do if he is called for war. This is all so beyond him and what he was raised for.]

[cagedinflesh]

I should volunteer to give medical aid. I will not fight under any circumstance.

[Oooor if he really had to, he'd let Hyde do it. Them it's not his fault.]