@mer.aisava; video

[secretarialhand]

[When the video feed turns on, it shows a pale young elven man with an extremely calm demeanor, sitting at a desk made of heavy, dark wood, and anyone who's been to Gramarye Magic Research will recognize that wallpaper. His hands are folded neatly in front of himself, and he's dressed in a simple blue tunic, pierced ears lifted, alert and attentive.

Lifting his chin slightly, he pins the camera with a serious expression.]

Our name is Csevet Aisava, and we have recently been placed in charge of administrative tasks at Gramarye Magic Research.

[A pause.]

It is clear that whoever preceded us in this position was far more invested in research than paperwork. We would like to request that any in the employ of the Research Center please turn in copies of all necessary receipts and reports since...

[Another pause, and he lifts a hand to shift a paper into better view.]

...January first.

They may be left at our desk, or submitted by mail or electronically.

[That last word sounds awkward, as if he's only said it a handful of times in his life and doesn't entirely understand what it means. Csevet hates not entirely understanding things, and there's an undercurrent of that as well, his ears pulling back against his head a little.]

Our thanks.

Comments

[secretarialhand]

[For a long few moments, he's quiet, uncertain how to respond.]

We apologize, we are not certain whether we should congratulate you on your luck or empathize with your plight.

[It's quiet, a little more genuine, and less light and teasing. Then he brushes that off and exhales, lifting his brows.]

Were we to have questions about where things are and who the best people to connect with are, would we be able to rely on you for advice? We are not accustomed to being wrong-footed.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki blinks, surprised by that sentiment. Most people don't usually say how sorry they are to hear he's not mortal, after all. He touches his neck idly, his expression unreadable, but not harsh, the corners of his lips and eyes soft. ]

You may. You are part of Gramarye now. You can rely on my protection in regards to that.

[secretarialhand]

[Though he may not wish to admit it, Csevet has heard and read enough wonder tales to know that immortality is not, perhaps, something that everyone would wish to obtain. It seems that his words have struck a chord, as well, with how Loki touches his neck, the way his expression changes to something softer, warmer.

When he's offered protection, Csevet gives a slight smile, and ducks his head.]

We are exceptionally grateful for that, Mer Loki, though we imagine we would not face too much danger in our position.

[A beat, and then, smile widening just a touch.]

Unless some of the researchers decide to take our requests most unkindly.

[dothelokimotion]

If they do, send them my way.

[ He still has his ways. ]

[secretarialhand]

[His eyes are warm when he responds.]

We certainly will, Mer Loki. It is a relief to have an ally here.

[dothelokimotion]

[ An ally. Him? What a weird thing to say. ]

I'm sure you will make plenty.

[secretarialhand]

[Perhaps a little of the attitude instilled in him from living for years in the Untheileneise Court has bled through in that comment.]

We certainly hope so. We admit to feeling somewhat at a disadvantage, though not ill-used, as we are not familiar with the computers and other machines, nor do we have the network of companions we did at home. Still, we will manage, as we always have.

[dothelokimotion]

You are not alone in that. It takes time but they are not difficult to use, merely different.

Anyone can manage. But one needs to adapt to succeed.

[secretarialhand]

True. We must admit that beyond use of computers, this job is quite well suited to us, though we are perhaps not as happy with it as we were with our job in the Ethuveraz.

Yes, this much we deeply understand, as we have had much call to adapt in our lifetime.

[dothelokimotion]

Oh? Why is that?

[ What trouble could an elf have? ]

[secretarialhand]

[His brows raise slightly, but he smiles just a little.]

We were a courier before we became Secretary for the Emperor. Much of a courier's time is spent traveling to the many corners of the Ethuveraz, and couriers are seen as...unsavoury to say the least. Promiscuous and wanton. So we have had to adapt to many unfortunate situations in our time.

[dothelokimotion]

[ ah. courtly politics. he misses that, sometimes. ]

The courts always tend to be unfortunate in their dealings.

[secretarialhand]

Certainly something that holds true in the Untheileneise Court. Thankfully, our talent for adaptation has aided us in the court as well as when we were a courier.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his lip curls slightly. ]

It is a skill you have to possess or you're doomed for failure.

[secretarialhand]

In truth, it is one of the most valuable skills, along with learning to listen to what happens around us, and remaining composed even under duress.

[dothelokimotion]

I am aware. I am a prince.

[secretarialhand]

Are you? We had not heard this, and we do apologize if we have been addressing you incorrectly.

[dothelokimotion]

It's not well-known.

[ He hadn't realized that he doesn't mention it much anymore. After all, it's a gilded crown. ]

private;

[secretarialhand]

Is it not well known by choice or by accident? We would not wish to discuss it publicly were it the former.

[dothelokimotion]

It is not a secret. It simply does not hold a great deal of meaning for me.

[ Which is strange for him, but comes with the changes Loki has made to his life. ]

[secretarialhand]

[His ears lift and his brows raise slightly at that.]

Is that so? May we ask how that has come to pass?

[If it's something Maia can embrace, while he's here, then perhaps Csevet will see his Emperor truly happy for the first time.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki frowns briefly. ]

It is a long and complicated story. And not one I'm fond of repeating.

[secretarialhand]

Then we will certainly not press you for details, Mer Loki.

[Ducking his head, he offers a slight smile.]

We apologize for asking such a personal question, we only hoped that if you had any advice, it would be useful for someone we know.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki waves it off. The tone of this was familiar, almost nostalgic. It has been a long time, longer than he realized. ]

Who?

[secretarialhand]

When we arrived, one person was here from our world, the Emperor of the Ethuveraz, our homeland. We are his secretary, arranging his household.

[A pause.]

He became Emperor after an accident befell all other male heirs to the throne, and he was not prepared. The responsibility weighs heavily on him, which is why we believe he will be a wonderful Emperor. Still, we are fond of him, and would wish to take some of that weight from him, an we could.