Seafoam meets the Emissary again

Characters in this scene: Seafoam, Emissary

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

*(During the Grand Opening of Sanctuary...)* It was a while after the Emissary's grandiose and startling entrance, and Dream had been enjoying itself immensely, despite the small and insistent worry in the back of its head that said it should check on the Emissary. The food, atmosphere, and company were all exquisite, and it was quite content to linger and sample each, after a fashion. The Other in question was nowhere to be found, anyway, and for all its confidence, there was yet a small curl of nerves swirling within Dream's stomach. It wished to fortify itself with enjoyable things before it attempted what was quite likely to be a thoroughly difficult conversation, and the others knew this. And so, Dream had its fun, while keeping an eye out for the Emissary's silver shawl and glitter-bedecked skin.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 03/28/2021

“Seafoam!” An unfamiliar voice calls out from behind you. It’s deeper, huskier, more feminine. There’s a bit of an edge to it.

“Is that you?”

With the voice comes an aroma of lit cigarettes and heavy perfume.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

"Mmm? Ah, Emissary! We were just thinking of you." The curl of nerves intensifies its writhing, but Dream ignores it with practiced ease. Such worries are quite beneath its notice, after all. There is a smile in its voice, which is deep and androgynous, and pronounces each of its words with a flourish. In its head, the rest of Seafoam notes that Ama had likely been right; this was rather plainly not the Emissary they had spoken to previously, though whether it was another facet of their being or another being entirely was difficult to say just yet.

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

The Emissary shimmers, light dancing across glitter on their body. On closet inspection, the glitter appears to be ground glass.

“We are glad to see you!” The Emissary smiles. Their accent is different as well. Almost *French*, but not quite. ”*With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?*” they say, grinning. The light bounces off brilliant green eyes.

”*Leviathan-Ramiel-Dream*?” they say, voicing clipping as they speak another name, “*or is it Amalia-Melody-Keira?*”

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 03/28/2021

It feels almost rehearsed.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

Dream elects to ignore the strangeness to the Emissary's speech for the time. It is quite characteristic of them, after all. "Ah, of course, where *are* my manners? My name is Dream, dear Emissary." It bows before continuing, and when it does, its voice has taken on a smile, as well as an edge of some unidentifiable emotion. "And believe me when I say that - figuratively - the pleasure is all mine."

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

The Emissary courtesies in return.

”*Your dress is beautiful!*” they say with apparently genuine enthusiasm, “*and your mask! Where did you find something so wonderful?*”

”*But where are our manners? We have to introduce ourselves!*” they say. “*We are the Emissary of the Dark City, representative of the four Archons of the Dark City!*” They courtesy once more, performing the exact same motions. Their clothes even ripple in the same way.

”*We are pleased to see you again. How have you been?*” They smile once more, but this one seems almost *hungry.*

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

Dream's smile falters for a moment, before returning in full. "The world of Man holds many wonders," it says with a sly wink. "We, and especially I, am quite glad you appreciate them, though. We are well pleased to see you again, too. Levi, in particular." It stifles a laugh as the person in question sputters indignantly. "As for how we have been, things have been rather slow since last we spoke to you. It does get dreadfully boring sometimes, but no news is good news, as they say. And you, Emissary? How have you been of late?" There is the smallest edge of concern to its voice, at the last sentence.

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

”*We are well at this time,*” The Emissary says before adding, “*We are glad you were kind enough to ask.*”

”*There are a great many wonders in the Dark City,*” they say with ‘pride’. ”*In fact, we know of a master craftsman who specializes in making masks. Would you like to visit them when you next visit the City?*”

“*Their masks are wonders in and of themselves. Each one bespoke and crafted for their wearer. Each with their own magic. We can almost imagine the treasures they might craft for one as magnificent as you.*”

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

The Emissary's half-dodge of Dream's question is noted with some worry, but Seafoam decides not to push; if they do not wish to answer, then they need not. Instead, Dream laughs at their compliment, one hand moving daintily to cover their mouth as it does so, despite the mask. "You flatter me, dear Emissary! Mhm, though you are correct in your assessment, I would think. What might this master craftsman's name be? We should indeed like to pay them a visit sometime."

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

”The name they use is ‘Blanc’ and-,” they begin.

All of a sudden the music changes. Softer, more hopeful.

The Emissary looks up and their face cracks slightly in wonder. ”*This song is beautiful,*” they say, and they sound genuine.

They look at you, the hungry look gone. ”*Would you dance with us? We have memories of dancing, but have not danced before. We would like to experience this, if you are willing and able.*” They sound almost melancholic.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

For all of its teasing Levi about her crush, there is something about the Emissary in this moment that seems so very... Vulnerable. The sight briefly drives the words from Dream's head, before it rallies. "We have little knowledge of dancing, ourselves... But we should be glad for the opportunity to dance with you, Emissary." It offers them a hand; it seems like the right thing to do.

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

The Emissary places their hand in Dream’s. Their skin is cool and feels almost like old newspaper. Delicate, but there’s a firmness beneath. They pull you into a slow waltz, guiding you through the steps. They smell of rain on dirt. Earthy and soft.

“*There is a phenomena in the City,*” they begin, “*In places were the Residents are most miserable and lonely, the yellow lights flicker blue and soft music begins to play.*”

“*They are called* **Lamplights** *by the Residents*” their tone is sad. ”*Natural spirits born of some unknown source. Native to the City. They appear and play their song, and the Residents stop and listen. Each piece is unique, and never repeated. A song fit only for that specific audience.*”

”*When the music finishes and the lights return to their familiar dim yellow, the Lamplight fades away, its song sung.*” they sound *really* sad. ”*But, if they are fed through praise or offerings, they remain. Small beacons of hope in the darkness of our City. They stay with their communities and continue their tune*” they sound wistful.

”*We cannot teach you much dear Dream, but know that even in a place as dark as the City, there is still beauty.*” they whisper. They lean in close, whisper into your ear. It is clear that these words are for you and you alone. ”*We look forward to seeing you light up the dark.*”

The music ends and the Emissary blinks twice. For a moment you see red hair and pale arms covered in tattoos. They look confused and worried, before their appearance settles to their previous form.

The City (HeWhoBringsDust) — 03/28/2021

“*Thank you for this dance*,” they say, bowing deeply.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

As the Emissary begins to tell their story, a hush seems to fall over the room. Sound falls away, save for the music and their voice, and Seafoam can do naught but listen and dance. When the Emissary leans in to whisper in its ear, Dream expects warmth. But instead their breath is cool, and carries a faint smell of petrichor. Distantly, it thinks, *I have always liked the rain.* The Emissary's brief flicker, in appearance and in mood, returns Dream to the present, but they settle before it can raise concerns. It bows back. "Thank you, too, for the dance and the tale you have told. They were both quite wonderful."

The Emissary of the City — 03/28/2021

”*We look forward to seeing you in the City Seafoam*” they say, bowing slightly. They walk off into the crowd towards the Main Lounge.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

Dream watches them go, entirely mystified. *! Our dear Emissary is... quite the enigma, it would seem. !*

*oooh, does someone have a crush~?*

*! ...Shut up. !*