Inbox

[itsjustabaddream]

INBOX OF NEIL WEST

Neil would be happy to hear from you. Leave a comment below to reach out. You can pay him a visit at home, or send him a letter any time.

GAME NAV ✦ THE OCULARUM

Comments

[witheredpeonies]

"Which other partner?" That comes out carelessly, thoughtlessly while her eyes remain locked on the dagger. Because there's more than just the one now, isn't there? Still, there's a lot to take in here. Annabel holds the dagger in both hands carefully, the way one might hold the body of a dead skunk that might still have stink-juice in it.

There's a pause, Annabel closes her eyes, remembering. "The Leeds family takes the blue from their heraldry. Which isn't to say it's not tied to the Dark Feast and Aster, but if it's been part of their colors for a long time, it might have started before Japhet. Royal blue and navy, as Linette favored purples."

[itsjustabaddream]

"Erik, I think? I don't know him."

It's not important.

"The colors of the Dark Feast and of Aster are deep blue, black, and gold. Think back. The house. The antlers above the fireplace. Dahlia’s gala dress. Her jewelry. Japhet's gold and sapphire ring."

The backdrop of Dahlia’s journal.

"Harriet had the same dreams. Thirteen nightmares about thirteen relatives killing and eating her with this knife. Invoking Aster with this word. Devoramus."

[witheredpeonies]

"Erik is a gentleman. Which isn't to say I think he's perfect, but he's been very fair to me, even under the current circumstances."

Even after she was a bitch to him.

Annabel twirls a curl around a finger. "I see the evidence you're presenting, I'm just not ready to stand firm on a conclusion regarding that matter, yet. It's a lot to think about, and I'm not willing to be hasty about it. That isn't me saying I doubt your observations, though."

[itsjustabaddream]

Neil immediately looks defeated. He was so, so hoping to be believed for once. Alas.

"Just--- be careful. And don't trust her."

[witheredpeonies]

Annabel offers the knife back, hilt-first.

"I never do trust any woman as polished as myself. But tell me, if I took everything at face value without doing a little research and investigation on my own, would you have been happy? To have blind followers who don't think for themselves? Neil, you're building an Ocularum, a group that sees, and knows what is seen."

[itsjustabaddream]

"No, my dear, you're quite right. This situation is just... tiring and stressful. And while it may be a bit too optimistic, I can't help but feel like removing her from her power would finally get us closer to putting an end to this mess. And as I've said, I have had this information bite me before." Neil sighs. "I just... have to hope this wasn't a mistake."

He doesn't sound particularly confident. For all he wants to trust Annabel, he's nervous.