video/action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin's prepared, having read up on these days on the Network. Besides, extra people wouldn't have fazed her without the preparation. She speaks without emotion to the screen, expression blank as ever, but, if anyone thinks about it, this isn't in her job description.]

The majority of you will be leaving on Monday. I still welcome you to the City, and any who remain on Monday should go to the Welcome Center, located across from the fountain.

[She finishes there, but can be found by the fountain to greet people, or in the Welcome Center.]

Comments

[factoseintolerant]

Why are we leaving on Monday? Are we going to die?!

[moonlitrequiem]

No. You might return home.

[factoseintolerant]

But I don't have any ruby slippers.

[moonlitrequiem]

You don't need them.

[factoseintolerant]

So what, I'm just supposed to clap my heels three times and say "There's no place like home" in these shoes?

That's just stupid.

[moonlitrequiem]

There is no need for any clapping.

[factoseintolerant]

Oh, I beg to differ.

[moonlitrequiem]

There is?

[factoseintolerant]

Oh yes. There is.

[suggestive eyebrow waggle]

[moonlitrequiem]

What is the reason?

[factoseintolerant]

If you have to ask, you're probably not ready for the answer.

[moonlitrequiem]

[Silence. She'll just stare at the screen now, after all, she can't argue with that, and she doesn't care to, either.]

[whenyouneed]

[Impetus's eyes narrow slightly at the girl's vacant expression. The first question that occurs to her because she is tactless is What are you. She comes from a place where such a question is appropriate, but she's also been a spy for far too long to say it aloud.]

You know that then, that we'll be returned on Monday?

[She would normally soften her tone much more than this, pretend to be someone else, someone pleasant and a bit vapid, but... She's alone and due to give birth any day now. It has her very stressed.]

[moonlitrequiem]

Only some. It is not definite for everyone. Some of you may remain and be trapped.

[whenyouneed]

Both of us.

[She clarifies her question, hands moving over her stomach. She doesn't care if anyone else goes home, so long as she and her baby go together.]

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin watches a movement. Still no life or expression, but the fact she's watching with such fascination is something.]

Both? I cannot say for sure, and I don't know how those situations work, either.

[whenyouneed]

There is no precedent?

[Or not one she knows of, it's a distinction Impetus would like to keep in mind.]

[moonlitrequiem]

If there is, I have not heard of it. There might be.

[whenyouneed]

Very well.

[Honestly, Yin's terse manner is calming to Impetus. She's used to this and she feels no compunction about inquiring further.]

What is your tenure in this place?

[How long has she been here.]

[moonlitrequiem]

Nearly two months. That is a short time compared to others. There are a few that have been here for four years or more.

[whenyouneed]

Would it be worth my time to speak to one of them?

[moonlitrequiem]

If they are around. They might know many more things. [She hasn't had a reason to interview them - never been ordered to.]

action;

[no_cakes_today]

[A strange woman flits up to Yin and, without so much as a warning, sets her delicate hands on the girl's head.]

Ohh... what a lovely doll you are. Is anyone home?

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

Home?

I only live with a cat. [No, she doesn't understand that at all. But she doesn't even flinch away at being touched by someone she doesn't know.]

action;

[no_cakes_today]

There's more than catspaws in your head, but none of those things belong. [She plays with Yin's hair, treating her exactly like an overgrown toy.] Do you have a name, my sweet?

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[And with Yin? She kind of is an overgrown toy, so this is perfectly acceptable.]

Yin. [She isn't entirely sure what to make of anything else said. When they did jump from her home to her head?]

action;

[no_cakes_today]

You've such beautiful hair, Yin, and pretty eyes. Do you like tea parties?

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Like? She doesn't care one way or the other, really.]

I will go to one.

action;

[no_cakes_today]

But would you like it, dearie? They tell you that you can't feel, but you're the same as me, aren't you? Don't let them lie.

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin looks up at that. She knows. Nothing Yin's read about prepared her for that.]

[Finally, she nods.] Yes, I would like one.

action;

[no_cakes_today]

[She takes Yin by the shoulders and folds her into a deceptively gentle hug.]

Shall we find you a new dress, Yin? A new dress and a tea party with someone who knows, that's what you need.

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin allows the hug, and there is an attempt - a raised hand - to give a little back, though it is slow.]

[She just nods to everything else.]

What is your name?

action;

[no_cakes_today]

[It's a small attempt, but it doesn't go unnoticed.]

Drusilla, and I'll take very good care of you, pet.

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin nods to that. Dolls can't really argue they need to be taken care of. They're just not supposed to be aware of that.]

action;

[no_cakes_today]

[Poor doll. Drusilla takes one of Yin's hands and leads her--well. They'll end up Underground, if Yin doesn't protest, but the vampire doesn't have a destination in mind. She's following stars and pixies and trails of bread crumbs.

Drusilla is many things, but neglectful of her newest toys is not one of them, especially when that toy is full of feelings that no one else can hear.]

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[She won't protest - is basically unable to - and just simply allows Drusilla to take her wherever she wants. Maybe there's an unspoken trust, or acceptance. But Yin's not supposed to be capable of any of that.]

action;

[no_cakes_today]

[And vampires aren't supposed to be capable of love, but Drusilla knows that she can love very well indeed. She has taken a quick liking to Yin; they're not so different, really.

Yin won't get out of the weekend without a pretty new dress and a tea party.]

action;

[moonlitrequiem]

[She isn't supposed to be able to love, either. Perhaps they are not so different.]

[Yin will...treasure the memory as best as she can. And most definitely wear the dress with thoughts of Drusilla.]