(Heaven's BBS)

[cieled]

From: Ciel Phantomhive (Asteria)
Date: September 13th

How can one be animate without a soul? (He asks this far from his shinki - just in case they take offense.) I do not understand how they move; how they speak; how they serve? The essence of life is one's spirit, surely?

(Though he cannot speak for demons, of course.)

I am venturing onto esoteric grounds, I know, but what better place to make such inquiries? Besides, I do not know if I am entirely comfortable sharing my home with one who is soulless.

Comments

[demonsheath]

[ She'll keep that in mind for the future, Ciel. Thank you for the invitation. For now, it's business. ]

Then, with the number of people you trust being so limited, the next logical step would be someone open and straight forward with their offer.

[ Which shows that she's not naive enough to think that someone would trust her so easily, after only a couple of conversations beforehand. She had been upfront about how this was mutually beneficial. ]

Either way, fear is healthy when it's just enough to keep you vigilant. Though I can tell enough to know that you don't need someone encouraging such instincts. With your approach, it seems safe to deduce that this is a factor you've considered long before coming to the Far Shore.

[cieled]

(He doesn't have anything he fears losing. Yet. Such acquisitions take time to collect. He probably values his books the most.)

That can be hard to prove. I can only trust my instincts in that regard and since you are a practiced shinki, I think I could do far worse.

(One way of playing a game is surrounding yourself with allies that have been playing it longer.)

The world is dangerous. I lost my parents and my home four years ago. I can only rely on myself and my impression of those around me has not often been wrong.

[demonsheath]

[ The joke probably is that while Hannah certainly hasn't played the shinki game for very long, there's another that she's far more well-versed in. Not that she remembers. Though it'll be clear to Ciel in due time. ]

I see, and I do not need to ask what your impression of me is. The fact that we're here says more than enough. My service is yours for when you need it, as I've said on the network. The only standing stipulation is that it's limited to what does not go against Mister Spears' orders.

[ A true demon's aesthetic at its finest right there, even if she doesn't realize. ]

Do you have a vessel name in mind?

[cieled]

(Demons will be demons. But Ciel isn't really looking for them in Heaven. That would be silly, right?)

He would not like you near me, but as long as I don't interfere with his day, surely he doesn't have to know?

(Ha ha as if loopholes like that ever work or last. He does notice she sounds a lot like a certain butler. It's almost too easy to fall back into old habits.)

Kyo since the vessels use kanji. It is also small enough to be hidden on your person when you are in Mister Spears's company.

[demonsheath]

[ Incredibly silly. Who would let a demon roam around when there are raw souls just wandering around and being used, right? ]

Due to some standing orders I'll have to give him an update, but this arrangement is already acceptable as it stands. He's unlikely to present an order that would interfere with your needs.

[ Kyo, huh? She bows her head, almost like an understanding nod, but more a gesture of approval. It's certainly better than gi. ]

Where it is, just like my vessel form, isn't something that comes by choice. Either way, there are ways to easily hide it, no matter where the name may brand itself.

[cieled]

(It's like a buffet!)

His opinion of me is not the greatest, I fear. I do not mind speaking to him if it becomes an issue. We should be able to make a profitable deal.

(Business is business. He has given the name some thought - he tends to be careful with such things (unless you are the demon who branded his eye).)

The kanji should be short. Unless it is placed on your face, I do not think it will be troublesome.

[demonsheath]

Then I'll leave it between you two should there be an issue.

[ Which is exactly what she'll do when telling William about her nora'ing to both Ciel and Dean, by the time she does so. She doesn't hold the kind of guilt or responsibility to hold hands with everyone if they disagree over her choices. They're all in positions that require a level of maturity, and what happens is up to them. ]

The level of coverage that can blend into a natural appearance is rather impressive these days. So even if it is, I'm not worried. Now, would you like to conduct this somewhere particular? While you were assigned the soulless shinki, this is your first naming ritual as Asteria.

[cieled]

That would be best. (If William listens to him. Yet Ciel is willing to fight if Hannah turns out to be as useful as she seems to be. He needs power; he is safer if he surrounds himself with such armor.)

Indeed? That is comforting. (He lifts his chin and nods.) Outside under the stars should suit Asteria just fine.

(He rises from his seat and glances at her.) Are you prepared?

[demonsheath]

[ In some ways, she'll be more useful than initially thought, if only for just how similar she was to a particular dog. Just as she'll go along with his whims and desire to follow the theme of the goddess he'd been tasked to act for.

Also rising from her seat, the darker skinned woman moved off to the side for a little more distance. The way she stands, with perfect posture and hands folded down in front of her, it only hits further to Ciel's thought of her having been a professional servant previously. Very professional, as if there was a kind of aesthetic to hold to that kind of position, whether or not she remembered wasn't even a factor. ]

Yes sir; at your ready.

[cieled]

(Ciel rises and walks to a door that leads to an area outside; it features a large pool flanked by grecian columns. Under the night sky, the pool reflects the stars and the moon, giving off crystal clear images of each tiny spot of light above.)

I do not know if this will hurt, but we should be prepared. (He motions at a stone bench.) Rest if you need it. I have no intention of harming you.