[text] @riku; lost & found and other stuff [open]

[equinoctials]

Hey. Hope you're all staying safe. It's icy out there.

The Postmaster gave me a package. Couldn't tell you who sent it but I think there's been a mistake. This was inside.

[ There's a picture attached of a yarn snowman wearing a knit black cap and black and white knitted scarf with green buttons for eyes. It's pretty cute... ]

Does this belong to anyone?

One more thing.

The movie theater downtown has a stage and multiple film projectors. Big library of films too. The spirits working the concession counter seem okay too.

Only problem is it needs power. Take a look at this.

[ The attached picture shows five slots that look like they could fit a big square car battery or something like it. ]

Not exactly urgent. Still, a movie sometimes might not be too bad.

-Riku

Comments

[equinoctials]

The world eaters will find us sooner or later, drawn to our light.
Which makes this a pretty bad idea. Morale IS important. So long as the cost isn't too steep.

[pearlstrings]

The spirits had performed a show some time ago didn't they? About fire snatchers? That too might be worth analyzing.

[equinoctials]

I remember. That's why I started making clips for these lanterns. In case it's true and there are spirits who steal our lanterns. Who knows?

[pearlstrings]

I worry less about the theft and more for what a collection of lanterns might mean. Or if they're truly spirits stealing our lanterns at all, or just another interpretation of the World Eaters.

How many creatures here are actively looking for light?

[equinoctials]

I like that implication even less...
What if they're not even spirits? What if they're like us?
The spirits portrayed them as wearing animal masks with shielded lanterns, remember?
Lanterns, like we have. Spirits don't carry them.

[pearlstrings]

I believe it's been confirmed that the original residents of this place are no longer here. But as evidenced by Pluto and her crew, we have no idea how many other inhabitants there might be.


We could always bait them.

[equinoctials]

We're not baiting them with your lantern.

[pearlstrings]

Of course not.

But we can make a false one.

[equinoctials]

[ That's true... and a candle lit by a bonfire torch is still a passable light. ]

Making a convincing lantern itself, though... that might be more difficult.

[ Not if they weld back together a broken one, but the only pieces he knows about belonged to Gordon, and he's not about to make that recommendation, even if he's the only one who knows where those pieces are. ]

[pearlstrings]

[It isn't a suggestion Riku has to make. Bruce is quiet for a long moment before the reply arrives.]

Not if we repair one.

[equinoctials]

Are you sure?
That's not a decision you can take back later.

[pearlstrings]

Yes, I know.

[equinoctials]

Give me about two hours.

[pearlstrings]

This is a very concerning reply when it comes from you.

[equinoctials]

Flattered.

private|

[pearlstrings]

I know you.

private

[equinoctials]

Worried? It won't un-hide itself. That takes time, that's all.

[pearlstrings]

[Ah. The lantern.]

I see.

Thank you Riku.

[equinoctials]

[ He'd asked for two hours but failed to account for how hard earth becomes when it's cold.

Chipping through a layer of ice left by the storm, and then the thick crust of old snow from the blizzard weeks earlier, and finally through a foot and a half of earth to uncover the box takes a considerable chunk of the night.

In the morning, a dirt-stained box containing the pieces of Jim Gordon's lantern sits on the table, the box wiped clean as well as he could manage. Riku doesn't make an appearance, as he's sleeping in for a change. ]