the mark of those who cannot be saved

[stagemanagers]

[You remember dying. Maybe the memory is clear and bright and your body still aches from the cause. Maybe it was fast enough that you didn't feel it and don't remember what you went through. But no matter how you went out, that's no excuse for truancy! Which is to say: you are still in the school.

For those executed, you will wake up in your beds. The dormitories look exactly as they did when you first arrived, without any of the changes or personal effects you and your dormmates might have made. The only real difference is that the little cot in Ambassador isn't there.

For those who were victims, you will wake where your body was discovered. All of your injuries are gone, and you feel fine. It's almost like you're still alive - but you remember what happened to you. It couldn't have just been a dream, could it?

The school looks much as you remember it, save perhaps for a few key differences. For one, there's no groundhog murals anywhere. Where things were green on the other side, like banners or paint, you'll find that here they're blood red.

The doors, for the moment, are still locked. Looks like even death couldn't free you.]

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

(( ooc: Welcome to deadland, everyone! It mostly resembles the school here, and new floors will be revealed after new people die. For example, the second area will unlock after the week 3 dead arrive, and so on. Also, all dead characters will wake up at their actual canonpoint, with all lost memories restored. Have fun being dead! ))

Comments

[voicerights]

Perhaps to some, they are not.

[It's not dismissing that possibility. But it is looking forwards]

Complex and...[It's doing that searching for words thing again, but this time, it's not having much luck finding it. Because, really. How do you describe infinity?]

[violentenvies]

...and beyond human comprehension? [he sounds a bit amused]

[voicerights]

...actually, I believe you use the term 'beautiful' for such things.

[violentenvies]

Ah. [oh. there's a bit of a softening in his expression at that]

I see. [he's no closer to understanding, but considering the SQUIP of all people is describing it as such speaks volumes]

[voicerights]

[It may not fully understand things like beauty, but it's the closest that even remotely nears what it's trying to say. It lets out a frustrated sigh, shaking its head - I don't think you do - before glancing back at the human]

That would make one of us.

[Deadpan]

Are you thinking that reading that will assist in your own performance?

[violentenvies]

Honestly, I'm not sure. I thought it might help me understand this whole universe and reality altering business, but I'm afraid it won't help nearly as much as I thought it would.

[voicerights]

If you want my advice? Leave that sort of thing [a nod towards the book] towards my own processor. A basic understanding will help, but as your partner enjoys mentioning, reality doesn't care what you do and do not understand. I would exploit that fact if I could.

[...]

Thank you, by the way. For the announcement, earlier.

1/2

[violentenvies]

[Salieri looks slightly amused at that] ...I suppose you're right. Perhaps I'll let it be for now, then, and simply trust yours and my boyfriend's word on it.

2/2

[violentenvies]

[the thanks, however, startles him]

Ah...certainly. Though I'm not sure why it is exactly deserving of thanks, but I'll accept it nevertheless.

[voicerights]

[Dry] Better it came from you than Discord.

[violentenvies]

[laskdhfs he covers up a chuckle with a cough]

You'd be surprised what he can do when he wants to and is talking to the right person. Besides, I didn't write that speech alone.

[voicerights]

It's still a matter of who gives it. You are in a position to lead - the conductor. It would be natural for you to take that role in the eyes of others, and they would respect your authority even more for it.

[It lets Salieri digest that, then continues;] It isn't just the music we will need faith in. Each other, yes. But you are leading us. In a sense, you are bearing more of a burden than anyone else - each of us is contributing, but it is you who is assembling the pieces in to a final piece.

I would advise, however, that you have an understudy.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri is quiet while he listens, but at the mention of an understudy, he frowns slightly--but more in thought than anything else

There's a whole bunch of people here we can count on... Who I think would be pretty pissed if we didn't...like, try and rely on them.
...he failed in that promise once, but...if there's ever a time to reach out, to rely on others, it's now]

...you're right. I should have someone ready to step in in case things get to be too much.

[voicerights]

You should. [Simple as that] The Balladeer and the Leading Player can work with each other. The rest of us, as well. All positions are covered except for yours, at this moment.

[But, it's not going to press any further. Salieri Gets It, so it moves on]

The Balladeer has said we don't have much time. [Endgame(?), and all.] I will be practicing my parts and refining what structure I can until we begin. Should you require my assistance, I will make time.

[violentenvies]

I understand. Thank you. I have brought up taking some time to practice with the Balladeer, and once I choose an understudy, I'll bring them in as well...just to get more used to what it feels like, and hopefully build up a better endurance.

[voicerights]

[Have one of those tiny, tiny smiles]

Don't hope.

[Believe.

But with that, it'll take its leave!]