surely I've always been this way

[virinosa]

[On Christmas, one may have met a young irishman passing out gifts.

That is why it shouldn't be at all surprising that he's stepping out of the shadows near...wherever Michi is this afternoon to find here.]

Comments

[virinosa]

[When she sees what's standing in front of her she may have wished she'd listened to that voice.

The marks of Liam's contract have spread, turning his sclera black and marking him with words and promises and to whom and what has signed their marks upon him. That's not the worst part.

The worst is what can now be seen in the shadows around him, mirrors out to the distant rings, lurking and horrible and just indistinct enough to make it worse.]

Can you see better now?

[hairpine]

[She stares this thousand yard stare for a good moment or two -- and then closes her eyes. It's shocking, but nothing she can't handle. She always recovers quickly.

So it's less in response to him and more to give herself a short breather. Not that closing her eyes would help at this point anyway.]

Yes, I can! Though, if I may be so presumptuous as to ask, what is the meaning of this exercise? You're what they refer to as a Summoner? ... Or, hm... is this different, perhaps? They aren't devils, after all...

[virinosa]

A summoner...? Oh, no no no. They can be contracted for such, but this is nothing like that. They can grant people powers in return for something, too! I wished for something like that a long time ago, that's all.

As for the purpose, this is...[He pauses to think about it, and then shrugs.] I was asked to teach you. Now if you look for this kind of thing again, you can see all sorts of things. It's probably better to be able to see people's true selves, right?

[hairpine]

Hmm...

[A beat.]

But why me? I have nothing to gain from developing this sort of sight. ... Ah, most likely, that is... do They know the future in more concrete terms as well?

[virinosa]

I wouldn't claim to know why, just that They wished it done.

And anyone would have something to gain from being able to see people as they are. The truth is a valuable commodity, Miss, and it allows for better understanding of others.

[hairpine]

[Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

Well, then, thank you very much for the gift, Mr Liam! It does seem to be quite the useful present, so I shall put it to as much use as I am able.

But if what you say is true, is this how you truly look?

[virinosa]

Umm, I suppose. This isn't really about people's physical appearances, but a more metaphysical representation of them that's more accurate to their true soul.

...Also this is a little bit of a side-effect from being a channel for them, but it's not as though I mind.

[hairpine]

It's very cute...! I am not entirely certain if it suits you, but it is a charming form regardless.

Do They speak through you, Mr Liam?