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

ill assume you dont mind me making up how he sucks at chess

[individualist]

That explains a lot.

[She pauses, pawn in hand and leaning it against the board.]

I can give you a few pointers if you want.

now you know the truth of how he sucks

[depicted]

[Ow. Dorian looks wounded by that assessment. He forces himself to recover, although it takes a lot of effort, the way that it takes any child a lot of effort to be well-behaved.] I would appreciate that very much.

1/2

[individualist]

Weeeeelllll...

[She starts tipping the pawn back and forth against the edge of it's base, looking at it as she speaks.]

You keep focusing so hard on trying to do one thing you lose sight of everything else. For example...

[She releases her pawn, reaching for the queen.]

This is a really good piece. So if you were to decide "if I get rid of that, it'll be a huge advantage" that's fine, but...

[She gestures to the King on Dorian's side of the board, and there's one of her pawns sitting beside it.

Coincidentally, the pawn she was messing with a moment ago is gone.]

You lose track of what's important in the long run. It's too reckless.

[individualist]

[Then she suddenly giggles, pointing the Queen in her grasp at him.]

That and you suck at prediction! It's one of the most important things.

[depicted]

[What just happened. THERE WAS ADVICE . . . AND NOW THIS!

He pouts a lot.] That isn't fair! That isn't chess; it's slight of hand!

[individualist]

Well it's not like I did anything like that during the game, so it doesn't matter.

[depicted]

Even so, I would like my piece back. [He's just sulking because he lost, don't mind him.]