2nd 💀Video;

[amaure]

I do suppose half a moon is more than enough time to allow the dust to settle on that unseemly misfortune, and I am certain some—if not most—of you would feel much more at ease if I were to speak on it.

[That's how the video starts, Emet-Selch addressing the viewer immediately, his voice controlled, even, and professional. Before him are his gloved hands resting on the surface of what appears to be a wooden table, fingers interlacing, his expression the picture of reserved despondence.]

I would first like to address all of you who had fought so bravely, and were able to fend off those menaces with the fervor matching that of storied heroes. It was by your swift and precise action did we see to our victory over such unscrupulous foes, so that the event did not end in a far larger tragedy than what could have been.

For that, you have my unwavering gratitude.

[He sounds utterly and truly genuine in his thanks, though there is the slightest tinge of remorse coating his words, perhaps guilt? His expression shifts more to that proposed emotion as he continues.]

However, as some number of you may recall, I am Solus zos Galvus, the begetter of the masquerade. I ask not forgiveness for the turn that event took, for I do not expect it. I had believed with a little touch of enchantment to the masks—to blind one of sensory recognition, thus allowing naught but the heart to lead—it would stir deeper passions within us all for such a romantically inclined event, and for those less inclined towards romance, it would serve as an entertaining facet to the evening festivities.

Yet, this would likewise give such villains the means to infiltrate and take advantage of not only our most humble and magnanimous hosts, but everyone who attended. That I would overlook such possibility is...inexcusable.

[He closes his eyes for a moment, his mouth pulling into a thin, straight line as he draws in a breath through his nose, holds it for a moment, before breathing it out in a dejected sigh. Once more he opens his eyes, fixing them on the feed.]

Viewed thus, it is clear I owe all of you an apology for what damage was done and what losses occurred for such negligence. And so, allow me to say my sincerest apologies for the tragic turn it took. That such amoral men were allowed to sully what should have been little more than a memorable evening of entertainment and romance.

[And with that, he gives a polite bow of his head.]

You need not forgive such carelessness, but well do I know such remorseful expression was well overdue. Perhaps one day these scoundrels will see the justice they so rightly deserve, for I shall endeavor to make it so.

[And with that, he reaches towards the 'Gear with an apologetic smile and cuts the feed.]

Comments

video;

[scourgingstars]

Oh, nonsense. I've not seen such a lively gathering in my lifetime, and that's certainly saying something.

[Ardyn answered with a shrug, sounding genuine and sincere even if he was expressing satisfaction with an unmitigated disaster.]

...Admittedly, that's more due to the intrusion than in spite of it, but one can hardly attribute that to the hosting or planning itself.

video;

[amaure]

[That gets a crooked smirk from him at least, one that favors the right.]

Well, I cannot deny the life the party held, that's for certain. But I suppose if such arrangements unwittingly invited such guests, then there is some partial credit placed upon the shoulders of the hosts and planners.

[He shrugs.]

Regardless, it sounds as though you enjoyed the intrusion, and while not the intent, that is a far better take away than otherwise.

[Not that he actually cares how traumatized or not someone was from the event. This apology is absolutely for the sake of appearances, nothing more. Doesn't mean he'll give an underwhelming performance, though.]

[scourgingstars]

Well, one can hardly hope to control everything when some factor has a mind for mayhem.

[And boy, didn't he know it.]

I love surprises, myself. A touch of chaos keeps things a bit lively when one's never sure what might come next.

[amaure]

'Tis true, without a little chaos we would find ourselves rotting away in the face of monotony and predictability. While I favor myself as a man who enjoys order, even I must admit that life would be rather tiresome without a little bit of chaos now and then.

Though, preferrably not at my own expense, but that's just the way of it.

[scourgingstars]

I've certainly seen worse at my expense, so perhaps my perspective on such matters is a bit warped at times.

[Just a little tiny bit, you know.]

Either way, such is often unavoidable.

[amaure]

Oh, yes. This is far from the worst I have been subjected to, but still undesirable all the same.

Regardless of all that, I fear I might have missed your name.

[scourgingstars]

Ah, how careless. Do forgive me--my name is Ardyn Lucis Caelum. But by all means, simply call me Ardyn.

[amaure]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, friend. With a name such as that, would it be remiss to assume you're of a prestigious bloodline?

[scourgingstars]

...Some would say as much. [The short hesitation before his answer was telling in its own way, certainly.] I'm not one to stand on ceremony, myself--and it certainly isn't as though any such things carry any weight in such an odd realm as this.

[amaure]

[He absolutely notes that hesitation, but chooses to leave it be. Merely something to keep in mind for later.]

Oh, absolutely. I am not one hung up on tradition and the like either, for it is naught more than shackles to bind fools. However, it would be a faux pas for me to not, at the very least, inquire about it nor learn your own preference regarding it.

You appeared to be a man of sense, it is good to know my assumptions were not wrong.

[scourgingstars]

How thoughtful of you to consider. I find myself pleasantly surprised there's yet decent conversation to be had in a place this...exceptionally upbeat.

[amaure]

We may have been spirited away from our varying stars against our will, but at the very least we need not discard basic civility and due consideration. But indeed, 'tis ever refreshing to find an enjoyable conversationalist, when this world proves to be...the way that it is.

Pray tell me, have you been here long? I feel as though I would have taken notice of you far sooner if your presence was not a new one.

[scourgingstars]

Hardly very long at all--I arrived just shortly before that spirited party, in fact. As introductions to a new and unknown star might go, I could hardly ask for one more interesting.