The Tower

{025} filtered from DELILAH

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:54:06 GMT

I seem to be experiencing some, ah, rather unfortunate difficulties. I would do better to leave it at that.

Master Cain, forgive me, but you may have to make do without my tea just this once.

{024} Filtered from DELILAH

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:08:20 GMT

There, I've done it. The lion has been secured.

Master Cain, have you recovered at all? I'll come again this morning.

If you're feeling well enough to move about: Although the barricade of furniture may suggest this message already, it needs to be put into words - please stay away from the bathroom. That applies to you as well, Miss Merry, and any visitors.

~~Still, it looked hungry, I should feed it -~~ I wonder how much it needs to eat?

[ooc; Motherly instincts are go!]

{023} Filtered from DELILAH

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:07:53 GMT

I am posting to inform all persons not wishing for a severe headache that my company would best be avoided today. A very loud noise has been following me - it sounds a bit like a sort of stringed instrument, although I wouldn't call it "music".

A person's name decides their curse for them, people on the network have said. Would anyone be able to tell me, what, precisely, is a "Riff"?

[ooc: Riff lololol. Specifically, Cream - Sunshine of Your Love, that opening, over and over, and over, and over. 8D. Come on baby light my fire, Rock and Victorians a good match do not make.]

{022} Screend from DELILAH

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:22:00 GMT

To all those who have expressed their concern, my tongue has been returned to me, courtesy of Mr. Watari. Likewise, I have returned to the Opera House. I shall resume my duties as a servant of the Hargreaves household shortly.

I hope I may be forgiven for staying indoors today - the treatments resulted in ~~numerous, small, round~~ a few, very minor complications. They aren't serious and I fully expect to be well and about soon.

[Filtered to Watari || Moderately Hackable]
Polka dots? Are they a normal side effect, Mr. Watari?

{021} Screened from DELILAH

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:39:20 GMT

You, sir - I thank you. I will keep my word. Shall we complete the process?

Mr. Watari, it would appear that hypnotism research will no longer be necessary. Your efforts are appreciated, nonetheless.

We are making progress, my lord. I will return to you.

{20} Entire post is screened from DELILAH

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:11:25 GMT

~~I believe I've done it... Gone?~~

[Filtered to Cain || UNHACKABLE]
Master Cain... ~~You're...~~

I've done a terrible thing to you.

So you may not, and have no reason to believe me when I say this, but I killed a man last night. ~~I hope, I pray~~. At the very least I must have done him serious harm. It was a sin, perhaps, but I do not repent for it.

For the time being, I'm not certain I trust myself enough to return to your employ. I have no right to. There must exist some way to verify whether or not he's gone... Until then, it's probably better if you don't come near me. ~~I'm not sure whether I could face you.~~ I wouldn't be able to say anything to you, after all.

~~I'm sorry.~~
[/Filter]

It's a strange request, but is anyone here an accomplished hypnotist?

City, everyone with whom I have interacted with over the past two months- If I have offended or injured you, somehow, I will not ask for your forgiveness. You may be aware of the reasons for my actions, if you are not, there is no need to explain them. They are no excuse. Please know that I apologize sincerely.

Mr. Dinozzo, my rude behavior two days ago was inexcusable. Thank you for your assistance. Contrary to how I may have acted, I can't begin to express my thanks. I am indebted to you.

Mr. Watari, I appreciate your volunteering your abilities, I did nothing to merit your kindness. Please be careful not to lose too much sleep on my account.

[ooc: The tower, Riff's alter ego, is gone~ Riff killed him. Maybe. Maybe not? Either way, he's here for now, apologetic but still sans tongue, which makes the apologizing more difficult. He can type, he can type. The wound still hurts, but facing everyone is worse :<.]

accidental voice post {019}

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:08:08 GMT

[A gurgle of blood, caught in the throat, fresh from reopened wounds. He splutters.]

mrnngh...

[There's something frantic and incomprehensible - lips are moving, but the sounds coming out aren't words]

[ooc: Er, guess who just woke up after a run in with your resident psychopath? He's tongueless, literally - He can't talk to you, but he's stumbling around the city in a half-conscious daze, if you'd like to action log/notice that he's covered in blood. Incidentally, this is Tower!Riff's last post here for a while. He's not so stable at the moment, and Riff will be taking advantage of that later this evening or tomorrow :D.]

{018}

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:59:31 GMT

... ~~Master Cain?~~

~~That man... is he gone?~~

...

[ooc: "Mirror" Tower!Riff is Riff, the real thing, for once, a one-day special before he's virtue'd back to being Riffael. He's uh, not quite sure what to say, being aware of his alter-ego's recent actions...]

{017}

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:34 GMT

If I consider it, lying is really my most well-cultivated faculty. Being made to speak the whole and direct truth feels something almost alien to my nature.

I managed to evade him yesterday, but I'd rather not be put at the mercy of a similar curse again. I'd be more prepared, certainly, but in this case it has far more to do with luck. The depth and nature of a conversation dictates everything, and over what secrets it may wander is left wholly up to chance. Controlling the truth is a careful balancing act, and curses such as yesterday's can cause even the most trained acrobat to stumble.If I'm to toe the line correctly, I cannot allow myself to be so impaired by the city's influence.

There is, one supposes, little use in prolonging the inevitable - there's something to be said for drawing out the tensions of a conflict, but this one's gone overripe already.

And to be more direct, all this is simply very tiring.

[Screened to Cain]
Master Cain, I --- Please, could I have a word with you? In person might be best.
[/Screen]

{016}

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:59:13 GMT

Oh dear --- I'd do better to hold my tongue.

[ooc: Tower!Riff is totally affected :), have at him.]

{015}

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:14:17 GMT

"For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar lov'd him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all;
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty
heart. . . ."

ah...

City, pray thee, your grace shall pardon me,
For I am so monstrously accursed
But that I cannot help proclaim those words
Which late the sweet bard S. did sing

[ooc: so yes, I suck at this D:... but have a Shakespeare reading from your resident Tower!Riff,]

{014}

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:05:20 GMT

There was a great deal of spying going on yesterday - I found various instruments (whose uses I can only guess at it) concealed throughout my room and the opera house at large; Most city residents whom I saw were engaged in some form of stalking or another; Master Cain seemed to be speaking in some sort of code, though I couldn't personally make sense of it. I am even rather horrified to admit that I personally played a part to it, and did my own share of spying on the unsuspecting. My apologies to anyone whose privacy I have infringed upon. Most of the information I gathered, however, was perfectly useless. Nor was it any help at all in finding the Opera House's mysterious smoker...

Simply out of curiosity, did anyone's investigations lead them to any earth shattering discoveries?

{013}

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:26:17 GMT

[Private to self || Unhackable]
Keeping secrets, are we, Cain?

Does he suspect, I wonder? It's no matter if he does, it's only a question of finding the right occasion for making one's true intentions known.

My lord, will you call a spade a spade?
[/Private]

Yesterday's curse was rather unsettling, has everyone returned to normal? I don't know for certain whether I was personally affected -- I was a bit clumsier than usual, but that may have been coincidental. My mind has been wandering lately.

Master Cain mentioned yesterday the scent of tobacco pervading the Opera Abandoned. Indeed, it is rather noticeable. It is unlikely that the scent was made by anyone who does not live here, or at the very least frequents it regularly and at odd hours. Yet no one in the Opera House, so far as I have been able to determine, seems to smoke. I confess I am puzzled. The explanation is probably innocuous enough, but it eludes me. The thought of unknown persons lurking here troubles me, and so, If anyone might explain this I would be in your debt.

[ooc: uh, he's baiting you a little, Cain :P. But you don't have to say anything yet if you don't want. After all, tomorrow is spy day XD! What a perfect occasion for finding out secrets...]

{012}

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:03:00 GMT

~~Was all that really necessary, city?~~

I remained in the Opera House, on dry land, for these past few days, so I am certain I cannot relate to the terror felt by all those on board. Nonetheless, I am deeply relieved to see that the ordeal seems to have passed.

Is everyone all right now? I am reasonably skilled in medicine, if anyone is in need of assistance

{011}

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:19:28 GMT

So it seems I have returned. My deepest thanks to all of those who assisted Master Cain in finding me or who gave their well wishes in my absence. I do not believe I can repay any of you, or even express my gratitude in any meaningful way, but I will not forget the favor.

My injuries have been healing tolerably well and I am thankfully unaffected by the curse today. The curse does seem to have taken its toll on others, however. I have not been performing as many of my duties as I might wish, but I was able to see to it that all the mirrors in the opera house were covered.

[private || unhackable]
Well, I haven't tired of this just yet... and I do believe the expression on that brat's face this morning may keep me amused for days. ~~Not to mention, that little sister of his is considerably more bearable today.~~
[/private]

{010}

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:50:36 GMT

It's raining here - my previous assumption that this place was underground may have been wrong. Master Cain...

... !

hnh.

Why...?

[a long period of silence follows]

[Filtered to Delilah]
... And it would seem that the lapdog's gone at last. Your excellency, a little medical attention?
[/Filter]

[ooc: Say hello to Tower!Riff, Riff's badass alter ego :*). If you aren't an evil bastard like him, he'll still pretend ~~with limited success~~ to be nice!Riff. Unless he gets sick of pretending ♥.]

{009} - [Accidental Voice Post]

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:10:42 GMT

...

[a muffled groaning sound can be heard]

Master Cain..?

[ooc: Riff just woke up, after this.]

{008}

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:12 GMT

Miss Maryweather, please forgive me. If you go into your room you'll notice your dolls have been arranged first by the time periods of their clothing, subdivided by hair color, further divided by color of dress and arranged in a pattern of alternating poses. I'm certain you'll be unhappy, but I couldn't restrain myself.

I have been carried away by the need to organize all day. Logic would dictate that it is only a curse, but if there is some small truth to the state of ruin the opera house seems to me to be in today I feel I have been lacking in my capacity as butler. I suppose there is no way of knowing until everyone's heads clear tomorrow.

I'm very sorry to anyone I have inconvenienced by my reorganizing today.

{007}

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:22:19 GMT

I have been about my household duties all day. Master Cain, the broken mirror has been disposed of, as requested. I will have it replaced and hung more securely this time.

Though I am not a superstitious person, all this talk of bad luck has had me rather on edge. Relatively speaking, it has been remarkably calm since my arrival here. There are the curses - but all those I have experienced have really been little more than annoyances. None of them have posed any sort of serious threat to anyone's safety or well-being. Some are even amusing (at all of our expense, of course) if looked at in a certain way. It is comforting to think that it might last like this... but one can never be certain.

Incidentally, would anyone happen to have any particular knowledge of flower arrangement? I have a certain question I'd like to ask about the subject.

[Screened to Cain || Unhackable]
My lord, I received an unusual bouquet this morning, anonymously. I'm afraid I'm not well enough acquainted with the symbolism of such arts to know whether it meant anything. It could be quite innocent, after all, I suppose. Do you have any thoughts concerning this?
[/Screen]

[ooc: O HEY THERE. Didn't I go on hiatus, you say? ... uhh. Technically >>;, and I still am, right after this. You saw nothing.]

{006}

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:51:18 GMT

An interesting curse… I appear to be affected, but not terribly. (Hopefully that judgment isn’t premature?)

{005}

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:21:59 GMT

I bolted the doors as Master Cain requested, and yet...

These people, where are they all coming from?

{004}

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:25:58 GMT

There is quite a general sense of merriment today, for myself I find it delightful. Seeing Master Cain in such a cheerful state is wonderful, and, I believe, his condition is infectious ~

Today, I intend to clean the opera house. Cleaning is not typically a butler's job, being left to the lower orders of servants, but as none of the maids followed Mastered Cain here, I plan to take this work myself. Besides, it seems enthralling. I hope Master Cain will be pleased ~

I truly hope things stay as they are forever - Master Cain, Miss Mary and I reunited happily as we are in such a pleasant city. Indeed, I think they might. My previous concerns about Delilah seem grossly exaggerated to me. Things cannot help but go splendidly, and I feel in myself a strange affinity for a certain Dr. Pangloss I read about while I was still in school - I always liked him.

Mr. Nozomu, I hope you'll forgive the misunderstanding we had the other day. You are a very charming individual, if I may be permitted to say so.

Suzette, how foolish of me to accuse you of anything. For you to be a reanimated corpse, sent after Master Cain with evil intents ... it seems utterly absurd that I would have ever suggested it. You must forgive me ~

Do forgive me Master Cain and Miss Mary, I put more sugar in your tea than usual, but it seemed the perfect occasion for an extra bit of sweetness ~

I must apologize for going on in such a way, but I wished to join in the general cheer. Presently, I must depart to make the most of this agreeable day ~

If this is another of these curses, may it continue forever. Perhaps it will?

[ooc: Riff has been a worry-wart recently with Mikaela, Delilah, his encounter with Mr. Nozomu and strange lapses in memory from Riffael and so.... |D;. He is very outgoing today, he will probably even make small talk today with anyone who wants to strike up a conversation. How unusual! I hope Riff is never like this again, it seems terribly wrong XD;.]

{003}

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:51:43 GMT

How peculiar and then … ah… Would anyone be so kind as to point me in the direction of the nearest apothecary?

~~I seem to be lacking in my usual discretion…~~

[Private to Itoshiki Nozomu || Unhackable]
Mr. Nozomu, sir, I believe it would be in our mutual best interests if you did not forget what I told you yesterday.
[/Private]

[OOC: For Riff to return to his “worst” would technically mean he would have to revert to being his evil alter ego. He’s not totally changing, but he is feeling an inexplicable urge to smoke and for some reason is missing the restraint to ignore it 8D; . Also, Riff now has more icons, so expect to be abused with them ♥ ~]

{002}

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:25:45 GMT

~~I have been familiarizing myself with these "computers" since my arrival, but many things continue to elude me... presently this must suffice...~~

[Private to Cain]
Master Cain, I request to be made aware of the circumstances surrounding your - as you insist is the case - cousin's arrival. I regret that I remain somewhat skeptical of her intentions.
[/Private]

I have still not adjusted to this place fully. I had hoped that circumstances might be somewhat different here, but it seems that those whose intentions are to hurt my Lord will follow him even to such a place as this.

The inhabitants here enjoy some rather interesting festivities. Should their true owners be missing them, I hasten to point out that I believe whoever delivered these cards made a few rather curious mistakes.

This one is quite clear:

as is, regrettably, this:

However... the remainder would seem to imply that I am a personality-disorder, cruel, undead tobacco enthusiast.

The disrespectful nature of someone in my position smoking notwithstanding ... A sadist? Even if it's a joke, that's a bit....

I have them here, if their owner would like to claim them. ~~Although, given this knowledge of you, I implore you to make no contact with Miss Mary or Master Cain when you come to collect them.~~

[[OOC: Riff, Riff, why do you talk so much D:|? I don't usually make such long posts, but there is so much to talk about already, hooray for a roleplay with actual plot development? And forgive my all around failure at life, but is there an AIM chat for Poly?]]

{001}

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:10:33 GMT

Ah, Master Cain, when I said I would always find you, that wasn't a lie. And so I am here - although I am less certain as to where "here" is. But is it really necessary to make it so needlessly difficult to follow you? It may be useless to request this, but please do not run off like that in the future.