@ciri.lla

[persists]

I think we should all meet up on a monthly basis to go over any useful information. Weekly is too much — I'm not looking for that kind of commitment. While this... correspondence can provide use, does anyone else feel more comfortable face-to-face? Not relying on this thing to discuss our secrets?

[ She doesn't understand it, really. Barely understands how to utilize it to communicate. So... here comes the challenge: showing her discomfort without feeling vulnerable. ]

I'll buy the first round of drinks if the lot of you agree.

Comments

[persists]

I am no fool. I wouldn’t send a group of drunkards to catch a chicken, much less figure out our common dilemma. What I expect is for us to be relaxed and if the time comes for it, blend in. Social gatherings don’t change from worlds or times - inns, pubs and whorehouses all frequented in mass.

[ SORRY!!! Ciri knee the vulnerability she put on display here - well, to herself anyway. After speaking with Keith quite often about not getting in trouble and depending on others, she finds it hard to ignore it. Disrespectful to. So she tried - and here she was. ]

No. As mentioned, finding a place where social gatherings are common will allow us the ability to act without secrecy or too much risk. There’s the typical bars, clubs, and even things like an “arcade” - if all seems viable. There is something called “karaoke” that I am interested in learning more about...

[saviorexe]

I didn't say you were a fool. This isn't criticism, Ciri. Merely pointing out what apparently doesn't need to be said.

[A fair explanation, but boy oh boy a knee-jerk reaction. Markus moves on accordingly.]

Karaoke? That'll require singing.

[persists]

[ She isn’t prepared to apologize or elaborate. There’s an awkwardness there, and Ciri is unfortunately a stubborn girl. She won’t dive into it. ]

What do you mean? Why? Don’t tell me there’s a performer involved.

[saviorexe]

[Consider it officially swept under the rug, then.]

Multiple performers, actually. Each person attending, if we wanted to keep up the effort of blending in. You're supposed to sing along with recorded music.

[persists]

You have to be kidding.

We don’t know any ballads or songs!

[saviorexe]

The words are there for you to sing along to.

[Granted, not that it helps if they don't know the actual melody.]

We could always learn. It might actually be relevant to what I'm trying to do, in order to eke out a living.

[persists]

... That sounds incredibly unnerving. Not everyone is meant to perform or carries a single good note in their body.

If you take charge and provide the sheet music, perhaps we CAN learn together...

[saviorexe]

[Sheet music…]

I have no problem taking the lead. [#justmarkusthings]

But there’s nothing for me to provide. The music, and probably some VR representation to go along with it, will be accessible while we’re there.

I assume.

[persists]

Oh no, if only your voice is good. We musn't raise any suspicion!

[ TIME TO HAVE FUN WITH THIS... ]

Are you up for such a task? I know not of this karaoke, but if it involves performances... I'm sure flying tomatoes aren't far behind bad ones.

[saviorexe]

I'd think my voice is decent enough. But way to put me under the spotlight, Ciri.

I'm up for it. The problem is if everyone else will be, too.

[persists]

People are more afraid of centerstage than facing a Drowner or Bruxa! I simply don't like looking as a fool.

I've offered a round of drinks and if that doesn't, some armtwisting is next. I don't think we'll be alone.

[saviorexe]

I don't know what a Drowner or a Bruxa is.

But that's good to hear. And don't worry about looking like a fool; think of it as an exercise in courage.

[persists]

They're fearsome beasts!

Give me a sword and I'll show courage, this is merely fun and games until someone's ego gets hurt.

[ Can u sing ciri ]

[saviorexe]

[Well, being that was exactly what he was going to ask next, monsters aside.]

Can you sing?

[persists]

Well enough! I'm no bard or songstress, but I can manage not to murder a note.

[saviorexe]

Then in my opinion? You’ll be fine. Just act confident, even if you don’t feel it. Perception is half the battle.

[persists]

I sense some motivational speaking in your past.

[saviorexe]

A little, but never on stage. And definitely never during karaoke.

[persists]

First time for everything then.