an alert | open

[hassaran]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Yseult
RECIPIENT: All members of Riftwatch
NOTES: Branching off of this scene. Note that despite the IC call for assistance we OOCly don't actually need to add any more people to that thread, the three of them will deal with the demon themselves before anybody else can get there. We just needed an excuse to make an all hands post asap.

Riftwatch, there is a demon in the Gallows masquerading as Benedict Artemaeus. He has been cornered in the fifth floor workroom. Assistance would be appreciated.

[ Yseult almost always sounds brisk on the crystals; today her speech is quicker and more clipped than ever. ]

Until we know more and can confirm there are no other imposters among the company, be on your guard. Report any unusual activity immediately.

Comments

[hassaran]

Anything. [ In the background is the sound of cracking wood, a thump, the sense that Yseult is moving as she speaks. ] Whatever you're concerned it might mean.

[laruetheday]

... Okay. But you suspect there are others?

[hassaran]

Unclear. We can't assume there aren't.

[laruetheday]

I—

I think we should look at Gela.

[notathreat]

... fuck. Fuck.

Quick, tell me why.

[laruetheday]

It's hard to explain. She's just been... saying weird things to me.

[notathreat]

She was asking me about you. Like- symbols that are important to you. Who your closest friends are.

And she kinda... hung up on me. I figured she was busy, but now it seems. I dunno.

[hassaran]

Where is she right now?

[laruetheday]

No idea. I've been trying to avoid her.

[hassaran]

Is there anything you could ask that only Gela herself would know?

[laruetheday]

Yeah. I have something.

private

[hassaran]

Ask casually. [ the background of her message is quiet now, and she sounds more focused ] Work it into conversation, try not to give away the significance.

If she can't answer, we may want to see if it can be drawn out. The thing impersonating Benedict was an envy demon--what did this Gela seem to envy you?

private

[laruetheday]

... I'm not sure. [ Now she's doubting herself. ] She did get weird about me and Ellie out of nowhere, accused us of being attention-seeking. Maybe that?

[hassaran]

Seeking attention to your relationship? Friendships, work?

private ∞

[notathreat]

I can check her room.

Re: private ∞

[hassaran]

Not alone. Groups of at least three.

What did we drink in the gardener's shed?

[notathreat]

You bet.

Beer. We stole his private stash.

How'd I give us an excuse to leave the study?

[hassaran]

Coughing fit. Make sure of Clarisse.

[notathreat]

On it. Who else to clear?

Private

[laruetheday]

[ ew, WHAT ]

A few weeks ago we were talking and she suddenly started telling me that a lot of people think you and me always have to be the center of attention and that she needed to let me know "as a friend." Then last week she was on the crystals saying I'm her favorite person here and talking about camo and saying I have low self-esteem. I felt like I was going crazy.

[notathreat]

What the fuck?

Yeah, that sounds… that’s not like her. Not at fucking all.

[laruetheday]

[ Clarisse's voice is a little muffled, like she has her face in her hands. ]

I knew something was wrong, but—what was I supposed to do, say that she was hurting my feelings? I didn't know it was anything like... this.

[notathreat]

No, babe, I get it. I felt kinda the same way.

Who'd look at somebody they care about and say- [Ellie's voice drops an octave, affecting a dramatic movie-type accent.] Hey now, you're not acting like yourself. Are you an imposter?

[laruetheday]

I know nobody would have jumped to that right away. But I should've pushed more to figure out what was wrong.

[notathreat]

It's not your fault. [Firmly.]

And I know you're you, but Yseult wants me to clear you anyway, so. What food did you bring me to try on our date in New York?