Video

[crimsonpuppeteer]

[A pale skinned young girl is on the screen. She has an emotionless look on her face, staring at the camera as if she were trying to defeat it with her will alone. When she speaks, it is in a similar tone, a soft tone that simply conveys her message without giving any hint of what she might be thinking.]

I know that some of you are an acquiescence of a man named Larry Butz. You may not know that he has let me stay in his house over the last few months. I have kept mostly to myself in that time. I have had no real reason to reach out to the outside world. I had the safety I needed from the night time and that was what is important. The reason I bring him up is simple. He has not returned home for several days. I was uncertain if it was something simple like us simply missing one another, as I do not spend my days cooped up in here. However, I am no longer able to reach him. From what I have read about other people's experiences, it is likely that he is no longer in the city. That is good for him, as he is no longer trapped, but leaves me in something of an awkward position. I am uncertain if I will be allowed to remain here. I am not one to reach out to others.

[Here, her mask of neutrality briefly cracks. Clearly, the thought of depending on someone else is not something she is fond of.]

But I fear I may be forced to do so, if I am correct. Even if I remain in this house, there is the matter of food. I lack an income, there is no work for someone my age. I am open to suggestions, should anyone have any. If not, I suppose I could start selling his things. It may seem impolite, but he did not seem the sort who would let someone starve, so I do not think he would be offended.

Comments

[voice]

[mouthbreathing]

[Lieselotte... she's on her own? Warsman stares at the video for a moment, feeling his stomach shift- then he hits the reply button with a new determination. He sounds surprisingly assured.]

There's a charity drive running at the Newcomer Community Center right now. And- [He breaks off, briefly circling uncertainty before forging straight on.] And if you need anything else, Lieselotte, you only have to ask. Me, that is.

[He pauses again, but it's deliberate this time- and when he speaks again he sounds softer again, more typical.] I'm sorry about your friend. No one should have to be alone at this time of year.

[voice]

[rapturescreed]

[Painfully neutral, because this was so painful.]

Thank you for letting us know that he is gone. Please, do not sell his things. My name is Raul Creed, I was his employer-- and his friend. I know that he would not want to have you resort to that. If you need anything, please, let me know. In the way of food and housing, I will do whatever is in my power to help. If you need somewhere to stay, I can offer my home. Or, if you'd like to come to the community center, we could sort things out there.

[ video ]

[hostage]

[That's one eloquent kid. It throws Jesse off a little, like he's not whether to talk to her like a child or an adult, since it's impossible to tell anyone's actual age around here. She says she's young, so...]

Hey, I'm Jesse. It sounds like you got some other friends looking out for you, but if you need anything, you know... You can ask me, too.

[video]

[canfindrope]

Hey.

Are you doing okay? [Forget the practical for a moment. Red's worried about anyone in pain or trouble.]