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video; un: undeadbeat
[ Last time John showed his face on the network, he did it dripping Corruption and flanked by the undead. This time, the camera opens in the casual, handheld style of somebody's vlog. The man on screen crooks a wry smile, and he looks... well, human, with warm brown skin and tired creases around his oilslick eyes.
In graveyard-dry tones, the Emperor begins: ]
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my channel. [ In the background is a figure that looks an awful lot like Gideon Nav, except rather washed out and dressed all in white. She seems to be "conversing" with a gaggle of skeletons, some of which have noisemakers, and the conversation does not look like it's especially productive. A discerning listener might be able to hear a No, ugh, you know what? Give it here. ] For those who are just joining us, I'm Emperor John Gaius, and I am not here to ruin the weather. In fact, it's overdue that I make a proper introduction... not for myself, but for someone very important.
[ The camera pans to the redhead dressed in white, who has stolen some kind of noisemaker from one of the skeletons. She plays a regal theme before passing the noisemaker back to a skeleton, stepping forward, and waving proudly. On her face is the worst shit-eating grin you've ever seen in your life. ]
A few things have changed, since you last met her. [ The young woman is now standing side-by-side next to the Emperor. From this angle, it's even easier to see how unwell she looks – her skin has an off-putting, grayish tinge, and there are rings underneath her eyes and around her nostrils that look almost like bruises. Still, she stands tall in her crisp white uniform, and when the Emperor puts his arm around her shoulder, she only shifts a little awkwardly. ] This is my beloved daughter, and she shall be called by a new name. I present Crown Prince Kiriona Gaia, heir to the Empire of the Nine Houses.
[ John turns to smile at her, and there is something wistful and tangled in his expression, scrunched around his eyes. He turns back to his audience and that raw look is gone again. ]
This time, I ask that my executioners form an orderly queue. Be warned that I now have a very good sword hand.
[ He tips his head to indicate Kiriona, who responds by drawing her rapier. It's a flashy, fancy thing, very exquisitely made and very sharp. She wields it with the confidence of someone who knows what she's doing, and seals the deal with a smarmy wink. ]
Yeah, pops, you know what they say: swords sure do come in handy. Ladies, feel free to line up first to find out whether or not we're kidding.
[ Her dad leans in to the camera, and you can see the family resemblance in his shit-eating grin. ]
Don't forget to like and subscribe.
[ Behind them, the skeletons fall into the first paces of a very menacing war dance. John flashes the camera his own wink, Kiriona gives a thumbs-up to demonstrate a "like," and the feed cuts out. ]
In graveyard-dry tones, the Emperor begins: ]
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my channel. [ In the background is a figure that looks an awful lot like Gideon Nav, except rather washed out and dressed all in white. She seems to be "conversing" with a gaggle of skeletons, some of which have noisemakers, and the conversation does not look like it's especially productive. A discerning listener might be able to hear a No, ugh, you know what? Give it here. ] For those who are just joining us, I'm Emperor John Gaius, and I am not here to ruin the weather. In fact, it's overdue that I make a proper introduction... not for myself, but for someone very important.
[ The camera pans to the redhead dressed in white, who has stolen some kind of noisemaker from one of the skeletons. She plays a regal theme before passing the noisemaker back to a skeleton, stepping forward, and waving proudly. On her face is the worst shit-eating grin you've ever seen in your life. ]
A few things have changed, since you last met her. [ The young woman is now standing side-by-side next to the Emperor. From this angle, it's even easier to see how unwell she looks – her skin has an off-putting, grayish tinge, and there are rings underneath her eyes and around her nostrils that look almost like bruises. Still, she stands tall in her crisp white uniform, and when the Emperor puts his arm around her shoulder, she only shifts a little awkwardly. ] This is my beloved daughter, and she shall be called by a new name. I present Crown Prince Kiriona Gaia, heir to the Empire of the Nine Houses.
[ John turns to smile at her, and there is something wistful and tangled in his expression, scrunched around his eyes. He turns back to his audience and that raw look is gone again. ]
This time, I ask that my executioners form an orderly queue. Be warned that I now have a very good sword hand.
[ He tips his head to indicate Kiriona, who responds by drawing her rapier. It's a flashy, fancy thing, very exquisitely made and very sharp. She wields it with the confidence of someone who knows what she's doing, and seals the deal with a smarmy wink. ]
Yeah, pops, you know what they say: swords sure do come in handy. Ladies, feel free to line up first to find out whether or not we're kidding.
[ Her dad leans in to the camera, and you can see the family resemblance in his shit-eating grin. ]
Don't forget to like and subscribe.
[ Behind them, the skeletons fall into the first paces of a very menacing war dance. John flashes the camera his own wink, Kiriona gives a thumbs-up to demonstrate a "like," and the feed cuts out. ]
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