Mask Or Menace - IC Contact Post

[helpdesk_hero]

This is David Alleyne, I'm not available at the moment.
Please leave your name, contact information, and what this is regarding after the beep.

Comments

[helpdesk_hero]

[His own voice mail is quicker and easier.]

I accept the apology, Cecelia. I still want to help you out.

[adamantlyardent]

[she lets out an alarmed squeak and a little bit of flustering.]

Oh! Um! I--I...you don't have to do that. I mean--unless you did learn wizardry in your spare time and not tell me...

[helpdesk_hero]

Not wizardry. I know much of my world's magic, though I have no gift for it myself. Maybe I can help?

[adamantlyardent]

M...Maybe. I don't know. I don't know if...if there's really anything to be done. Besides waiting. And hoping.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, does this have to do with your magic?

[adamantlyardent]

It must, unless there were others in that wretched city being plagued by scales and claws that I didn't notice.

[helpdesk_hero]

There may have been. But I understand your concern. If it's magic related, maybe you can talk to Dr. Strange. He's really a talented sorcerer. He might have ideas.

[adamantlyardent]

Doctor...Strange?

Is the name merely coincidence, or should I be concerned?

[helpdesk_hero]

Coincidence. Doctor Stephen Strange. In my home world there is a version of him, he's where I got my magical, and surgical, knowledge from.

[adamantlyardent]

Seriously...?

[...]

I...I see...

[helpdesk_hero]

He's a lot smarter than me.

[At least in this field.]

[adamantlyardent]

Ah. Well. Well, if someone as clever as you says so, it must be true... I...suppose I may call upon him. Maybe.

[helpdesk_hero]

I could introduce you? He's a bit blunt of a man, but if you come to him as a person needing help, I think he will handle it well.

[adamantlyardent]

I...I, oh. I, maybe. Yes. Possibly, that is.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well then, I'll see about something getting set up.

[adamantlyardent]

Y-you don't have to right away! I mean--that is! I...I haven't figured out how to put on makeup like this yet, so I'd be a horrible sight and...and, and...!

[helpdesk_hero]

I really don't think he'll care if he sees it, Cecelia. He's a sorcerer, he's probably seen plenty of things that people might consider distressing.

[adamantlyardent]

Okay, but...but maybe I don't want to be part of that pile of distressing things, you know? Especially if I'm to be meeting some...esteemed sorcerer.

You can't undo first impressions, you know!

[helpdesk_hero]

YOu're not even remotely distressing, Cece. Please, give yourself a chance.

[adamantlyardent]

David...

[a pained sound, somewhat off-speaker.

then a huff.]

I can barely manage conversing under normal circumstances, what makes you think I can put up with a stranger like this?

[helpdesk_hero]

I can be there at your side to help support you.

[adamantlyardent]

[how long before he decides it's not worth it, though!!

small, defeated:] ...As you wish.

[helpdesk_hero]

Thank you, Cece. I just... I want to help. But if you don't want that, just tell me and I'll stop.

[adamantlyardent]

...

[a long pause.]

I'm not...going to be able to live up. To that kind of generosity, you know.

[helpdesk_hero]

You don't have to live up to it. We're friends. Friends do all of that for each other.