[video] a long belated introduction

[curriculum_fictae]

[ This video opens on a pale, nervous ginger who speaks with a rather pronounced British accent. (London with a hint of Manchester.) Has ... he prepared notes? He keeps looking down off screen, like he's written down everything ahead of time.

And yet, somehow he's still caught a little off guard when the feed starts up. ]

Oh, er - hullo, I'm. Well. I guess I've been here for a little while already, but it's taken ages to. To really settle in? This place is profoundly different and. Frankly a bit distressing. So I'm new here, but not completely new, just definitely trying this video post thing out for the first time and --

[ Deep breaths Martin. Focus. ]

M-my name is. Is Martin Blackwood. If you know Jonathan Sims, then I'm his Archival Assistant. We, er. We both work at the Magnus Institute? He's sort of my boss.

It ... well, it specialises in horror - archiving accounts of supernatural unpleasantness and. The like. I - I've heard a couple interesting stories here already, and I'd like to keep up. Er. Archiving.

[ Another glance down at his notes. ]

If you'd like to contribute, I set up a mailbox here. Just - please make it written or typed accounts only, please? Verbal statements are really not recommended.

[ A pause. Is he forgetting anything? Not on this topic, but... ]

Oh, and if there's any healers about, I'd really love to get your contact information, if you're willing. Just for - for general emergencies and such.

Comments

[curriculum_fictae]

That's all a very long story, honestly.
And hell mostly just ... killed me. Just a great sea of mist and loneliness.

[wingstosee]

Cast aside by God, and cast aside again in Hell...
I'm sorry.
I'm so, so sorry, Martin.

I wish I had been there with you.

[curriculum_fictae]

It's

Look, I'm here now, this is infinitely better.

[wingstosee]

Even so.
But...

No, you're right.
You're safe now. You aren't alone.
And...
Are there others here who care for you?

[curriculum_fictae]

Oh. Yes.
I've a roommate, Jonathan Sims. He's a friend from home.

[wingstosee]

Your boss?

As long as he will care for you.
As long as you have someone.

[curriculum_fictae]

I
Yes. Jon is very important to me.
And he cares, deeply.

[ You can practically feel the blush through the text. ]

[wingstosee]

I see.

[ there is an almost pregnant pause there. somewhere, in this city, the devil is smiling. ]

He sounds wonderful.
I wish I could meet him as well.

[curriculum_fictae]

You could? If you like.
We live together.

[wingstosee]

[ there is a delay in her words. it's a shame she isn't recording - satan's laughter is beautiful, like the peals of a morning bell. ]

And would he appreciate his charge inviting the devil in?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ "Charge," she says... ]

If you bring a good enough story, I daresay he'll be pleased.

[wingstosee]

Pleased...
Oh, darling. It has been a long time since someone asked for my company.
The pleasure is mine.

Will your door be open?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ On the one hand, this is probably a bad idea.

On the other hand ... Anything the devil has to say is bound to be delicious. ]

Yes. Just give me some warning before you pop round?

[wingstosee]

There are so many to see, and such little time...
I don't know how long I can wait.

But I will try.
I want to see you, Martin.
Jonathan, too.