eachdraidh | video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

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video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

[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]

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

[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.

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!

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!]

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.]

[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.

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.

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.]

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.]

[Dorian is quiet for a moment, and it seems as if he is contemplating the chess pieces. But he speaks again before he makes his next move.]

I can't imagine killing anyone. But there isn't anything else useful I might do.

[Berserker regards Dorian for some time; but for a flicker down to the chessboard, his eyes remain fixed on the young man.]

Should you be called to action, I shall take-

[He stops short. Ah. He'd forgotten in that moment, they are of opposing sides, he is not a member of the Seelie, as he should be. Jekyll casts his gaze down to the chessboard, and to give himself purpose, takes his turn.]

I meant to say, I shall take your place.

[Dorian looks up at Jekyll, his eyes wide, his voice uncertain.] But Henry, you can't. You are the enemy. [And yet the offer touches him so deeply that he almost wishes to cry.

Yes, I realised it only once I began to speak! If only they would take me, I swear I would. Unfortunately it seems incredibly unlikely... I'm sorry, Dorian.

I understand. [Although it is against rules, Dorian toys with his king, not moving it from the spot but tipping it from one side to another between his fingertips. His voice becomes edged with fear that clings to calm.] I suppose Lord Henry did say I should always be searching for new sensations! And To take another's life really would be a new sensation for me, no matter what others might suggest. Would that redeem the act, do you think?

[Jekyll won't blow the whistle on it, he'll allow Dorian that.]

No, I'm sorry to say I should think it all the worse to view it that way. What we must do is fight against our conscription into a vile and meaningless battle.

[Oh. Well, he tried. And that was essentially his last defense mechanism, so thanks, Jekyll.] But how can we fight it?

[Sorry, kid, but it was a shitty one. Feels bad bringing him down like that, but he can't let Dorian think it would be okay, either. Morals man, morals.]

We must not listen. ...Should you be called upon, please, tell me immediately. You will do, won't you? I shall find something, what ever it may be, I swear it to you.

[Just as he swore to his Master - what ever he must do to protect these people will be done, even if he must then become a monster, and act against other bits of conscience.]

[Dorian wants to protest—what can Jekyll do, what can any of them do?—but he cannot deny such an earnest expression of emotion. After a long moment, he nods, sharp and quick.] I swear it.

[Jekyll smiles to ease the tension, and reaches over the table and chessboard to place a hand on Dorian's arm.]

Good. I won't allow them to force such a thing on you, nor anyone at all. Some may choose it of their own accord, but innocent parties mustn't be dragged through the dirt, and certainly not harmed. It should be my duty to uphold that, and so I shall.

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