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

[starspangled]

[Through no fault of his own. To be fair it doesn't take much to make him cry about Bucky Barnes.]

Pleasure's mine. If you don't mind my asking, which court recruited you?

[depicted]

The Seelie did. [He pauses, and then the question comes out,] Does one's court matter much?

[starspangled]

Not to me.

[Steve offers a quick, reassuring smile at that.]

And not to a lot of other people either. It just makes it easier to find a place for the game.

[depicted]

Oh! Yes. [He is really just relieved to hear it.] Then might we meet at the Seelie court, or must it be elsewhere?

[starspangled]

Sounds good. It's about time I pay it a visit anyway.

[depicted]

Whenever you are in, I should—[no calling cards, um]—well, I would be happy to speak with you, and play you in a game if you should like, when you arrive.