ＯＵＴ ＯＦ ＬＵＸ discussion

Kieran → Avaliyah
[Purple text appears suddenly before Avaliyah, the letters slightly tilted as if written in a hurry]:

"Your brother. My Den. Owes me three favors. He's blocking my crystal so I'm invading the manor tonight. If he's not there, I'm taking that ugly painting from the foyer as collateral. - just a friendly cousin warning so you can enjoy the show. P.S My hand flipped off two Council members today and I'm blaming it on your brother.

[The message flickers as it begins to dissolve, briefly rearranging itself into a tiny illusion of Kieran's prosthetic hand playing a miniature violin before scattering into sparks that make the sound of distant, sarcastic applause.]

My dearest cousin—

Does he? You know how I feel about whatever you’re doing—trading in secrets or whatever thing you’ve decided to run off and deal in. It’s dangerous. I’ll remind him nevertheless, but certainly he never meant any harm. Anden can be…in over his head sometimes. He means well but he can get so focused on bringing our family name up that he tries and gets ahead via secrets.

Take the painting. Nobody likes it except Mother anyway.

…which councilors? You are so crass, Kieran. And extremely dramatic, nice fireworks.

Your favorite cousin,

Ava

Kieran → Avaliyah
[violet text materializes and flashes like a neon sign]:

' Trading in secrets or whatever.' Your dismissiveness wounds me deeply, cousin. It's not dangerous if you know what you're doing. Come by the shop sometime, and I will show you the ropes.

And yes, I flipped off Jingy. In my defense the man always looks like he has to fart.

What wine does your mother prefer these days? I'll bring something over when I stop by.

Your equally favorite cousin,
Kieran

P.S. My fireworks are excellent, and you know it.

Kieran—

It’s always dangerous. Information is a weapon, and even the most well-meaning people can be torn apart by it. I will not be coming down there to learn anything unless I’m desperate. That being said, I do hope you’ve been saving lives with it. I may not be a fan of what you do, but in the right circumstances I can understand it.

Ah. Okay. Well, I’m sure he’s doing his best, albeit I must say based on what I know of the Council, I can’t be his biggest fan.

She’s taken a liking to any white wine as of late. She’ll appreciate it.

Your frustrated and yet loving cousin,

Avaliyah

P.S. …they’ve had their uses, yes