(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

[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.