Video: Bellsareme

[relance]

[Julia is sitting on her bunk in her cabin, and she's got a sketch pad on her lap. The sketchpad however is far less important that the skeletal severed arm that's resting around her neck like a bone scarf. There is no way that it should still be connected, let alone moving when Julia speaks, but hey, that's what it's doing.]

Alright assholes, let's make this short and sweet. I'm Julia. Just Julia. Not Jules, Julie or any other stupid nickname that you can come up with. Just Julia. This is Handy.

[The severed arm of Stonewall Jackson waves his bony fingers in greeting.]

Look, it's really fucking dumb that we couldn't figure out who was missing last month because we had no idea who the hell is even on the ship. Let's make this really fucking easy: say who you are, where your cabin is and who your partner is. That way if someone goes wandering off or gets kidnapped or whatever, we at least know what you fucking look like if we're sending out the search party.

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[albatrossomen]

[That did get a faint smile, a strangely uncertain expression. Like he wasn't quite accustomed to either genuine compliments, or genuine emotions. Both could be true.

Silently he considers for a moment, before drawing the spread wings down and turning to press one out more in her direction. Up closer the feathers seemed to have an almost glittering sheen, like a faint layer of frost.]

I'll allow it.

[She did ask nicely.]

[relance]

[Perhaps it's something that may be surprising about Julia, but her touch is light, considerate even. It doesn't linger too long, but it isn't as if she'd reached out and touched it and jumped back as if it was lava hot or something like that.

When she was done, Julia just tilts her head for a moment before she asks:]

Why does it looks like they've got a blood stain on 'em?

[albatrossomen]

[Her gentleness is surprising, given her social demeanor, but not unappreciated. Angels didn't often volunteer to be pet, after all, likely unsurprisingly most found it demeaning. Murmur thought his brethren were oversensitive in that regard, mortals just liked to pet things. It's just what they do.

Also likely unsurprising was how soft the feathers were, if Julia had ever pet a cockatoo she might find a similarity there. Remarkably soft feathers, and surprisingly not chilly to the touch despite the appearance of frost.]

[As he tucked his wings back once she was finished Murmur frowned a little over his shoulder at what bit he could see of the blood-stained feathers. Right, those.]

Because they, unfortunately, are. It is the mark of a faction, one I did not volunteer to be drawn into. Wars have a tendency to strip soldiers of concern for such inconveniences as permission.

[He muttered that last part darkly, clearly displeased with whatever transpired to result in the bloodied feathers.]

[relance]

[Yeah, Julia understands about that, and her blue eyes go flinty in response. But she’s not going to be one to explain why she is so bothered by that. So, then instead she just shifts. There’s a blur of white and Julia is gone, instead a large white wolf with gleaming blue eyes is in her place and she just drops down to sit.]

[albatrossomen]

[She may not have explained, but she also didn't pry further. Something Murmur appreciated. It was always a toss up if he was going to run into the mortal with unnecessary questions or not. Thankfully she did seem to have some degree of discretion.

He crouched down so he wasn't looming over her, not necessarily out of any sense of manners but more to have a better look.]

My, you are a beautiful wolf aren't you?

[With such a fondness for the cold, of course he'd be fond of an arctic wolf. Compliments weren't something Murmur offered easily nor often, and it might have shown in the earnestness in his tone. It wasn't a casual remark.]

[relance]

[Julia just preens a little bit. She knows how good she looks in any form. Giving him a toothy, wolf grin, she follows it up with a quick kick as well—a wolf thank you.]

[albatrossomen]

[How delightful! Night creatures always were some of his favorites.

Murmur offered up a hand with an inquisitive look.]

May I?

[She did say he could pet her but he'd still like to be sure.]

[relance]

[Raising one doggy brow, Julia just gives him a grin before she puts her chin in his hand and gives a small little huffing sound of agreement. ]

[albatrossomen]

[Well, that seems unquestionably an invitation! Which means Julia's going to get some affectionate chin scratches and pets. Not too many, Murmur wouldn't want to stay his welcome, but she is awfully petable!]

[relance]

[Julia’s eyes half close and she lets out a contented huff before she pulls away and shifts back into her normal self. ]

[albatrossomen]

[With the petting session clearly over Murmur moved back and stood, in another faint whoosh of wind his wings vanished again to wherever it is he keeps them hidden.]

It would seem Navi has collected some powerful allies for this trip.

[Shifters were always nice to have on hand.]

[relance]

[Julia shifts back too, and she’s naked for a second before she pulls on the oversized black t-shirt and the leggings that she had on. It’s a small thing but she’s really glad that she’s managed to figure out how to do this without ripping up her stuff anymore. ]

Kinda makes you wonder what she’s expecting us facing then.

[albatrossomen]

[Either Murmur didn't notice or simply didn't care, probably the latter. For what reason did angels have to be delicate about such things? It probably is nice to not have to replace her wardrobe every time she turns into a wolf, however.]

I do not believe Navi has any decision in the process, of course that isn't to say there is no purpose to all of this.

[Only that he doesn't think Navi has anything command over it.]

[relance]

Well that’s moderately terrorizing.

[Julia doesn’t sound terrorized, instead she sounds incredibly amused and shrugs. ]

[albatrossomen]

[He echoed her amusement.]

Wise. Whenever Fate may be playing its hand, you may be assured those caught within the threads are in for some significant... inconvenience.

[That's one way to put it.]

[relance]

Excellent. Nothing like a bit of karmatic pain in the assness, I think.

[albatrossomen]

Of course! How else would you know you were doing something for the greater good if it wasn't extremely unpleasant?

[Is he kidding? It's hard to say with how monotone he is. But there might be the faintest hint of a smirk.

He might not be kidding, but it may still be an attempt at a joke.]

[relance]

Well in my experience someone will just talk about it incessantly.

[Julia is definitely only half kidding. /small>]

[albatrossomen]

[That does get something of a quiet chuckle out of him.]

Which is worse, the prattling self-righteous, or the monologuing evil mastermind?

[Science needs to know.]

[relance]

Self righteous. At least a monologuing villain is fucking useful when they tell you their plans.

[A beat as Julia remembers Harry.]

Unless of course someone mouths off and stops them.

[albatrossomen]

You know, you have a point with that.

[Yes, he doesn't disagree.]

It sounds like there's a story to that?

[If she felt like sharing, since they didn't have much better to do right now anyway.]

[relance]

Sure is. Isn't there a story with everything?

[albatrossomen]

There always is. I would be interested in hearing yours, should you feel up to sharing.

[If not that was fine too, Murmur's not one to push when he doesn't need to.]

[relance]

Maybe at some point.

[albatrossomen]

[He huffs something of an amused sound. Alright, he gets it.]

Well, should you be feeling bored and conversational you know where to find me.

[It's not like they're going anywhere soon.]