Audio - UN: LaFleurDeParis

[repaintress]

[The voice that comes through on the network is elegant and precise - every word is weighed and considered before being spoken. ]

I am told this is a forum where one may solicit public opinion.

If there is one experience you could have again, what would it be?

What from your home do you find yourself missing the most?

Comments

[cache_coeur]

Never have, but sounds luxurious. I’ll give it a go next time.

So what are your answers?

[repaintress]

I would play music with my brother again.

I miss the dogs. Both of my answers are quite banal, I'm afraid.

[cache_coeur]

Tough household?

[repaintress]

My brother died in a house fire.

Dogs forgive. They provide a rhythm to the days, and they are always happy to see you. They are tangible and present.

As I said, banal answers.

[cache_coeur]

I’m sorry. That’s a terrible thing to experience.

Are there any dogs here?

[repaintress]

[ The words mean little, but Clea recognizes the woman is following the social script set before them. ]

I do not know if there are dogs here. There are cats. Some of them are friendly.

[cache_coeur]

Small comfort, in light of your brother, but perhaps time with a new friend would serve you well.

[repaintress]

Animals do not make the demands of people. They allow you your follies and weaknesses. Each animal offers its own presence: Dogs are steadfast and loyal, to provide heart when yours fail. Cats remind you of the world's elegance and, when one chooses you, reaffirms your worth. Turtles are excellent listeners.

[cache_coeur]

Really? I’ve never met a turtle. I didn’t know if they had ears at all.

[repaintress]

Their ears aren't like ours; you need to look closely. They're more akin to flaps of skin, but when you talk they can hear you and listen. If they love you, they come out of their shells when they hear your voice. If they feel truly safe, they'll crawl towards you and rub you.

[cache_coeur]

I’ll look next time I get close to one. I’ve never been much of an animal person but [But other people’s passion for them is infectious, endearing.] I like to learn.

[repaintress]

What then brings you succor?

Other than wine. That is assumed.

[cache_coeur]

Oh, plenty. Running, cooking, lovemaking, playing. I like listening to music and looking at the stars. I think I could feel comfort in anything, if I tried hard enough.

[repaintress]

I agree movement is comforting, though I was never partial to running for its own sake. It provides a singular avenue of focus.

That's very adaptable of you. You will do well anywhere. That is a gift.

I hope you find food, lovers, and games to your liking here to ease the sting of our kidnapping.

[cache_coeur]

Thank you. I suppose I am adaptable; I hadn’t even thought of this as a kidnapping.

[repaintress]

Tough life? For this to count as a vacation.

[cache_coeur]

We’ve an exit plan. I’ll accept creature comforts while working to secure my world’s future.

[repaintress]

I wish I were in your position, madame.

[cache_coeur]

What is troubling you?

[repaintress]

My parents and sister's souls are currently elsewhere - in a Canvas. I am watching over their bodies. I am concerned my absence will leave them vulnerable to those who wish us harm.

[cache_coeur]

[?]

Sounds lonely, even before you wound up here.

Who seeks to harm your family?

[repaintress]

There is a struggle for who is to wield the artistic Gifts in Paris.

[ The Painters are not the only wielders of the Gifts. ]

The Writers set our house aflame. There are strange intrusions into Canvases. Maman's position as the head of the Painter's Council must be preserved as we cannot afford factional infighting, so they must not be aware of her condition: I must manage the situation with enough strength that Maman's capacity is not challenged and enough diplomacy that they do not begin to search for a replacement. Parts of the manor are still structurally damaged - I'm overseeing the repairs and without that, something may give way and harm them. My sister is severely injured in addition to being absent and someone needs to attain medical care for her if necessary. Her body is in a fragile state, unlike my parents'.

[ There are so many things that could go wrong. ]

[cache_coeur]

[Interesting.]

How long has this been going on? I can’t imagine it’s easy, hiding your mother’s condition when so many look to her authority. And where has your sister gone, in such an injured state?

[repaintress]

((OOC: Just guessing on the time frame outside of Canvas land - if anybody remembers something I missed, let me know.))

My parents have been gone for several weeks. The work needs to be done, but if one of them doesn't return soon, I will need to start determining what to allow to fail.

[ For which they will inevitably judge her for her failings. ]

Alicia wanted to be of some assistance, but it would not have been safe or helpful for her to assist in most areas. I sent her in to the Canvas to try to retrieve one of our parents, but she was overwhelmed and will be stuck there until they finish fighting or I retrieve her. At least there, I knew she's safe and where she was. But her body needs more care than our parents' and she can't spend as long in a Canvas safely as Papa and Maman.

[ It hurts to think about. Not only the situation, but that Alicia of all people had attempted to render assistance. None of these affairs were suitable for a child to handle. Particularly one with Alicia's disposition: Clea could have handled being stared at in the streets, but Alicia would not handle it well. ]

all good!

[cache_coeur]

[That's... hmm.]

Could you explain what a Canvas is? I'm not sure I understand how their bodies can be in one place and their selves in another.