un: jaycetalis | text

[hexcope]

[So getting used to this new kind of technology was certainly an… experience. He still isn’t really comfortable with the idea of a video recording of himself, and even an instantaneous voice transmission is beyond the level of tech he’s accustomed to so text is the way to go. Unfortunately, he’s using this like some sort of magical LinkedIn, so it’s a very formal letter style he’s got going on.]

Hello,

My name is Jayce Talis. I’ve noticed there’s a few buildings here that seem to be laboratories. If any have availability to lend a room or two, I have research and device development I would like to work on. Ideally if there’s any access to a forge of some sort, that would be preferred, but not required. I have a personal reference if necessary to demonstrate good character.

[He notably does not say anywhere that there will probably be explosions.]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[hexcope]

You don’t have to promise that.

[There’s sympathy in his tone, as he picks out over a dozen candles, realizes there’s no more left, and figures this will have to do.]

I know you want to figure this all out, I do too, but the answers that we’re looking for…

[It’s not impossible, he’s sure. But if the people who have been here for almost a year- a year- haven’t gotten any closer to figuring things out…]

I just don’t want you blaming yourself.

[If it turns out this is beyond them, their capabilities.]

[clavesregni]

As though you don't like to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. [Said with affection.]

I doubt it will be easy, but I'm not giving up. If the answers are there, we'll find them, however long it takes.

[She finally finds two plates, two glasses, and two sets of cutlery, and lays them out on the counter next to the pots.]

Though you should hurry back. I'm not keen to do it on an empty stomach. And don't forget something to drink, unless you're particularly fond of tap water.

[hexcope]

Tch.

[An exhale of a laugh, because yeah alright. He does that as well. He almost wonders if it's something he picked up from her, now that he thinks about it.]

Yeah, I'm hurrying. Do me a favor and stay out of the kitchen when I come in. I have a surprise for you.

[clavesregni]

A surprise?

[Curiosity? Piqued. Detective brain? Activated. She's not gonna purposefully try to spoil the surprise for herself, but she can't help but subconsciously try to solve it like a little mystery.]

If you insist.

[She glances around at her very good job of setting out the pots and plates.]

I think I've got everything ready here, anyway. I'll wait for you in the dining room.

[hexcope]

[When he finally arrives, he yells out from the front door to announce his presence before scurrying into the kitchen to set things up. After some struggling with the oven, he calls her in to the kitchen to see what he's done.

It's probably the lamest birthday celebration Caitlyn's ever been thrown considering the extravagance of the Kiramman family and how Jayce only remembered to do it at the last minute. On the main island counter sits a little dessert, with a single lit candle in it (not much room to fit as many as needed, he might joke), along with a birthday card propped up next to said cake.]

Time's weird now, but if it's winter, your birthday probably happened within the past three months. Or I could be wrong, and you just get a cake anyway.

[clavesregni]

[A birthday-related surprise is on the list of possibilities that her brain generates as Caitlyn sits in the dining room, tapping impatiently on the massive mahogany dining table as she waits for Jayce to call her. It's winter, after all, and that at least puts them near her birthday.

She's accustomed to elaborate food served in courses, gifts sent from people she doesn't know who care more about impressing her mother with their generosity than with giving her anything she'll enjoy or use, and the sort of look from her mother that says she's creeping closer to the age that she'll need to start taking more responsibility and behaving more as a Kiramman ought to. Her favourite part of most birthdays is getting it over with. A little cake with her best friend is a much better way to mark the occasion.

She blows out the candle and grabs two forks, holding one out to him so they can share the dessert, small as it is.]

Twenty-two. I'm catching up to you.

[As though he won't also be turning a year older, the next time summer rolls around.]