♥ 4 [audio]

[deadlyjuliet]

Looking back on this month, you are all absolutely terrible at staying alive. For people who have such short lives anyway, you certainly do like to throw them away with abandon, don't you?

[She flips through the pages of a different book, humming to herself disapprovingly.]

Look at all these names. It's shameful, really. You're all powered up like electric lights in a world of gas lamps and you can't even keep yourself glowing?

Come now, Luceti. I was hoping for better than this.

[With her chiding over, she snaps the unseen book closed and the soft thump of the leather covers can be heard over the microphone.]

Speaking of, William has been returned home. I can't believe he left without me, but I suppose that coldness is what I love about him. [sigh] Just thought you should all know. Ta-ta.

Comments

[voice // filtered 30%]

[i_am_not_cute]

How do you know who's died recently?

[Because dammit, Pao-Lin does not want word of her own death getting around.]

[voice // filtered 30%]

[deadlyjuliet]

Let's just say I have my ways. Why is it important to you?

[voice // filtered 30%]

[i_am_not_cute]

You don't...like...tell other people about who's died or anything like that, do you?

[voice // filtered 30%]

[deadlyjuliet]

Not unless they ask.

Afraid I'll let something slip about you or someone you know, hm?

[voice // filtered 30%]

[i_am_not_cute]

[Pao-Lin flinches a bit.]

I just wanted to make sure, that's all...that's okay to ask about, right?

[voice // filtered 30%]

[deadlyjuliet]

Oh, it's always okay to ask about. It's simply curious that you would ask such a thing. Most of the others are less concerned about the "who" and more concerned about the tone of my little address.

Tell me, dear; what is your name?

[voice // filtered 30%]

[i_am_not_cute]

[Pao-Lin wonders for a moment whether she should lie and just pretend she was asking about a friend. But she drops that thought; Luceti's a small place. She'd probably get found out sooner or later. Plus, if this lady has knowledge of who's died, she might be able to tell whether Pao-Lin were lying anyway.]

...P-Pao-Lin. [Two-month deathiversary: July 5.]

[voice // filtered 30%]

[deadlyjuliet]

[flip flip flip flip. The sound of paper being shuffled through and then a tap of a pen.]

July the fifth. Oooh, I see now why you are so anxious to know what I know and what I shall do with that knowledge. Don't worry, dearest. The white roses remain above the door.

[voice // filtered 30%]

[i_am_not_cute]

[White roses. A symbol of confidentiality and secrecy.

The things Pao-Lin remembers from her research into flower symbolism.]

Th-thank you...ma'am.