video

[anamnestik]

Goodness, these will be strange questions to ask one after another, but...

Beginning light. I'm quite interested in buying some property and starting an art collection. Would anyone know which city would be safest for that? Owning art makes one a target for thieves, but I'm not sure which of the cities has the lowest crime rate...

And does anyone here paint?

[He pauses, as if considering that he might end the video there. It would be ideal to just come off as an art lover, but there's a slightly more pressing matter. It's the reason why Eliot is wrapped in thick blankets and wearing coats at the same time.]

... It's also snowing. I need to work hard to maintain my business. Umm. Anyone interested in being a branch manager? [Okay, that's not actually the solution that he's needing to ask for.

Eliot is freezing, because his vampire body doesn't regulate his own body temperature very well. He's been fine during the warmer seasons, but all of this snow is pushing his limits. It's just not easy to ask for living blood. He knows he'll just get directed to a blood bank or artificial maker.]

And sooo. I'm also... uhh. As a vampire, in the winter, with it snowing all of the time... That is... [There's another pause, before he gives up entirely.] I need warm winter clothes~. Does anyone want to go shopping with me?

Comments

[Video]

[youfool]

[And boy is boy scout Ted ready to answer each and every one.]

Probably Fayren. Not that their crime is less than anyone else's--there's a bounty for each fifth every week, consistently, for years now, so they're all equal there--but as art theft is a sophisticated crime, you might have refuge in an unsophisticated place. Or just collect art no one wants to steal, haha.

Mine's of that caliber. I do paint, sometimes. Not well, but I do.

Branch manager of what, now? I'll put recommendations to the effect next I see someone ask about employment. Do they need prior experience?

[Yes, Ted would absolutely direct him there. And harbor silent disappointment about him asking forever, but that's nothing new.]

Heh, sure, I don't mind going out to get new dress. If naught avails I've a preternaturally warm coat.

[Just so long as it's at least seven different colors.]

[anamnestik]

Ah, Ted~!

I'm sure that any art you make would be lovely! The history of the artist can contribute to the art as well, so the fact we're friends would certainly enhance its value to me~!

[He pulls his blankets tighter around his shoulders,] I run an archive. We collect information about the cities, and organize it for easier access. Anyone who can use a computer is welcome.

What kind of coat do you have?

[youfool]

Ahh, aheh, you flatter so well...

[The f-word makes him seize up ever so slightly before he powers back through.]

I'd, ah, be happy to add to your collection, if your fridge has space enough.

[He'd ask how an archive makes money. Are they subsidized by a search engine or something? But then he remembers it's a Genessia Business, where everything's made up and the points don't matter.]

I see. Then I'll certainly keep that in mind should any newcomer ask the usual.

A Christmas coat of purest red! I've never had it inspected by a sorcerer, but it wouldn't surprise me to learn it's enchanted. Its warmth is first-rate.

[He's really not trying to inspire covetousness. Honest.]

[anamnestik]

Yes, thank you! We're quite busy fulfilling requests from the townspeople, so more help would be lovely!

[An enchanted coat sounds strange, but Eliot nods regardless.]

Amazing. Where did you get such a coat?

[youfool]

...huh! Forgive my ignorance, but what do your patrons actually ask for?

Oh, at a Christmas about three years bag by none other than Father Christmas himself. Or at least that was the presumption. He knew my name and size and everything, so if nothing else he was a prescient man.

[anamnestik]

Oh, an archive does plenty of work. We're similar to a library, but with information organized for easier access. Some of the local youths ask for me to find research material for their class projects, for example, and I'm able to find newspaper articles that wouldn't be easily found elsewhere.

It's a busy job. I've done my best to make everything digital as well.

[video]

[guitar_hero]

I volunteer as tribute!

What do you say to ugly Christmas sweaters. It's been a while.

[anamnestik]

Ah, Christmas sweaters are the most wonderful! They're filled with so much love and creativity~! And googly eyes!

Yes, I would be thrilled!

[guitar_hero]

Let's make a date. [he's going to pick up some for his other selves, too]

In the meantime I have a coat or two to lend you so you don't get frost bite.

[anamnestik]

That sounds most wonderful! I've been meaning to talk to you more. I miss discussing quantum physics with you.

And I would be most grateful. I'm afraid I found myself ill prepared for all of this snow... I can't control my own body temperature without human blood, so this season can be troubling...

[guitar_hero]

[hes a bit concerned about this actually] What about animal blood? Torchwood also makes synthetics and I've heard it's decent.

[anamnestik]

I wish it would work. Unfortunately, the vampire curse in my home world is rather specific. Unless it's the blood of what I once was, it's not very effective.

But I'll be fine. I can always hibernate if it gets too terrible, and I don't have the 'blood lust' of some other vampires.

[guitar_hero]

That sounds terrible. No one should starve. Or have to sleep to avoid it. [a pause] I mean I suppose it works for bears and worms and toads and some species of sapient ear mites but... You've got a lot to give.

[anamnestik]

It would seem the majority opinion here is that a vampire shouldn't drink human blood at all, so... If it prevents people here from becoming upset, it may be in my best interest to sleep it out.

Ah, but don't worry. I wouldn't dare do that without settling details of my business, and my work here. I have done my best to contribute.

[guitar_hero]

It's complicated, most people are the food source. But they would be up in arms if some sapient cow came in here and told them off for eating hamburgers.

[he shakes his head]

That's not the point. It's not about you just being here to contribute but you-- living life for yourself. To not have to tiptoe out of the way to please people or so people don't get scared. I respect your decision but I can't agree with it.

[anamnestik]

I do appreciate that... I wish it were not the decision I had to make here. If it keeps the people of this world comfortable, I don't see my hibernating as a terrible price to pay... I hope? I'm sure I'll wake up by spring.

[guitar_hero]

I wish you'd consider yourself more. [he sighs] There has to be some sort of solution.

[anamnestik]

Well, I could consume large quantities of under-qualified liquids instead... Large amounts of animal blood or fresh fruit juice can act as decent substitutes. It just seems so wasteful to use so many resources on me.

[guitar_hero]

...Fruit juice will satisfy? I don't quite get the science behind that. Blood and fruit juice, while somewhat similar, are vastly different liquids.

[Video]

[singinghuntress]

If you vanted zomeone to go shopping vith, you could haf just asked me.

[That is if he wanted to go shopping with his mother hanging around~.]

[anamnestik]

You're not going to insist that I not buy cute, pink and frilly outfits, though, are you?

[singinghuntress]

Only if you buy at least one nice suit. Zhen I von't say a vord about your fashion choices.

[anamnestik]

But do I ever have to wear that nice suit?

[singinghuntress]

Only if zhere is a reason for it. But, at least you vill haf one just in case.

[anamnestik]

Then fine. If you insist, I will get a suit as well.

But I'm mostly looking for warm clothing. I'm not very good at regulating my body temperature. Normally I would just sleep through winter, but alas. I've a business to run.

[singinghuntress]

Good~.

[She nods a little.]

Fair enough. I am vell avare of how bad vinter can be for us. Zhough, I really don't haf an issue az long as I stay in varm places. Or.. at zhe very least stay avay from being shoved under zhe ice again.

[anamnestik]

Yes, please do not get yourself shoved under the ice... For whatever reason you may have had previously.

If it gets too terrible, I may take some vacation to sleep through the worst of it. Maybe the other me knows more about dealing with the cold.

[singinghuntress]

It's a long story.

[And not one she cares to repeat at the moment.]

Maybe, but, az long as you're staying in varm places und bundling up, you shouldn't haf too much of a problem I'd zhink.

Plus, ve can alvays ask your ozher self if you zhink zhat vould help.

[anamnestik]

I like stories.

[But he also likes living, so he won't press Rip for details.]

You seem to get along better with my other self than even I do, so I would have to entrust you with the task of talking to him... He won't answer my notes. He's so rude.

[singinghuntress]

Maybe later.

[Good. She might feel inclined to tell him later, just not right now.]

Ve reached an understanding a vhile ago, zo I suppose zhats vhy. Besides, maybe you're not azking zhe right questions in your notes.

[anamnestik]

Perhaps... Though, I sincerely believe he is just a terrible person. No one ever asks to speak with him.

I would like his opinion on Ms Winry, though.

video;

[devilishkaoru]

I think art-wise the best places might be Nova City and Fayren. But that is just a guess based on what kind of places they are. Their art could be the most interesting.

Close wise though, I assume vampires get cold like the rest of us so if so, and certain style you would prefer?

[anamnestik]

Oh, that sounds quite true! I wonder how art has evolved in Nova City? Do you imagine it might be mechanical? I'd love to see it~!

I like cute clothes! Pink polka dots are the best... Oh, but I look best in green. It brings out my eye colour. Are you well versed in fashion?

[devilishkaoru]

You won't know until you go and see.

Pink... polka...dots. [You have offended him, dear sir.] I own a fashion business, so yes. Well versed. May I take a better look at you before doing a sketch?

[anamnestik]

That's quite true. I've been meaning to check my business branch in that direction anyway.

[Eliot giggles, obvious to the dislike of pink polka dots.] Certainly. I'd be able to give you payment at that time too.

[devilishkaoru]

I don't tend to ask for payment until the work is at least done.

video;

[ivegotadream]

I paint! Though I must ask why do you need someone who can paint?

[She figured she might as well ask.]

[anamnestik]

Ah, Rapunzel! Do you really? That sounds marvelous~!

I am quite the fan of the arts, you see. I'm considering moving to a new, larger residence. One with room to display paintings, and therefore, an opportunity to start collecting. I'd be honored to buy artwork from friends.

[ivegotadream]

It's one of the many things I did in my spare time back home and I enjoy it.

[In a time when she had too much time.]

That's wonderful~ You are moving up in the world here. I'd also be happy to paint of a wall should you ever want that.

[anamnestik]

I would love that, Rapunzel! And of course, I would pay you for your trouble.

So you've been painting for a while? Are you self taught?

[ivegotadream]

It would be no trouble at all. Instead of paying me you can pay toward my charity Light Up A Dream Foundation. It's a charity that helps those who cannot usually achieve their dreams for reasons and can achieve them if only for a day.

I've been painting since I was really young. But yes I am self-taught. A lot of my skills are self-taught.