Duplicity Inbox

[bestofall]

You have reached Festival, king of entertainers and entertainer of kings. I'm fairly certain this device will allow you to leave a message. Best of luck with that.


Art by switalia

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[bestofall]

Bullet?

[There's one he hasn't heard. What it means to have dodged the bullet seems clear in context, but what's a bullet?]

I always had a knack for making myself wanted where I found myself. Well, almost always.

[sleight_of_fate]

Bullet. It's a little metal piece that guns fire. Same idea as an arrow, but moving a lot faster.

[He feels fairly secure using that comparison.]

That's a good knack to have. Good company can be hard to come by, and people who genuinely enjoy making other people happy, that makes the world better.

[He might be getting a little philosophical but there's worse times and places for it.]

[bestofall]

That makes sense enough.

You're not the first to tell me that. I like to think it's true...I have always believed it to be true of others, but I suppose I sometimes find it difficult to believe that the entertainment I provide is so impactful as all that.

[sleight_of_fate]

I think it's always a little difficult to believe that we make a difference. Even in small ways, but I know I feel better, more worthwhile, when I see someone smile because of something I've done. If I've made their pain a little less.

[A smile flickers across his features.]

There are bigger things, but some days it's the best you can do. It's still something, it still matters.

[bestofall]

[Bigger things...even the bigger things haven't always felt like enough. No matter how powerful he becomes, he's always felt like he was stumbling his way through someone else's story.]

It's...good to hear that. And you know it's true for yourself as well--yes...?

[His question is interrupted by a yawn; he hasn't held a conversation this long since the mansion.]

[sleight_of_fate]

Some days are better than others, but yeah, I do my best to remind myself of that.

[A small smile plays on his lips, before he leans forward at Festival's yawn.]

Hey, we've been talking for a while. I should let you take a break, maybe get something to drink.

[Hydrating is important for recovery.]

[bestofall]

[It was a very toothy yawn; with Festival's amiable nature one might almost forget he has a mouthful of daggers.]

A nightcap, eh? That does sound nice.

[He chuckles. He knows that's not what's meant.]

[sleight_of_fate]

[And most excellent teeth they are! Rhys can appreciate natural weaponry, especially when it still manages to be sort of cute.]

Well, a nightcap too, maybe, but make sure you're drinking enough liquids that aren't alcohol.

[His own smile isn't nearly as impressively toothy, but it's sincere.]

I won't fuss, though. Just as long as you're getting rest.

[bestofall]

Yes, yes, mother, you're not fussing in the slightest.

I'll have a glass of warm milk and put myself to bed, don't you worry.

[sleight_of_fate]

[Rhys laughs, because he knows himself too well. He's the type to try and fix things, and it's a tendency that gets away from him sometime.]

Good, then I'll leave you alone to get some rest. But if you need anything, feel free to let me know.

[It's the least he can do.]

[bestofall]

Of course. I'll have you bringing me room service in no time.

[No, he won't.]

[sleight_of_fate]

Hey, if I'm gonna wear a collar here I may as well be useful, right?

[Another quiet chuckle.]

I'll talk to you soon. Have a good nap.