005. Audio.

[scientificflair]

[Those just turning their Gears on to check the Network this morning will be greeted by strains of music over Descole's feed - something melancholy, being played on violin; the song is something he'd heard many times before over the course of his...stay in Misthallery, and he understands that it's likely in horrible taste for him to be playing it at all, but it's a rather pretty song regardless.

After a while, the melody pauses, though there are a few notes being played lightly in the background, long and drawn-out; the sound appears to have shifted some, as though the violin has been adjusted away from the Gear.]

In a setup to a puzzle that's been around for a while, you meet three men in a wood, at a fork in the road. A sign above them states that one man is God; he knows all, and always tells the truth.

One is the Devil; he likewise knows all, but always lies.

The third man is ambiguous; he knows nothing, but will answer as though he knows everything. His answers are completely useless, and could be either right or wrong.

The sign states that you are to ask the men one question each - three questions total - that can be answered with "yes" or "no," with the intention of determining which person is whom. Were this a proper puzzle, I'd be asking you what question you would ask to which man.

[His hand shifts a bit on the violin, idly trilling the notes a bit while he thinks.]

However, when faced with the possibility that one of the men before you always lies...how are you to know that the Devil didn't post the sign in the first place?

[And with that, the melody seems to pick up again; the feed keeps going for about another minute or so before cutting off.]

Comments

[audio]

[scientificflair]

Oh?

[His tone is curious; he's honestly not sure if that's a relief or not.]

Was the information wrong, then?

[audio]

[snapandscoot]

No; the information was correct. He told me everything.

[[Emmy pauses, then; this...isn't really something they should be discussing over the network like this.]]

I take it you're still abroad?

[audio]

[scientificflair]

[Hence he's been avoiding details.]

I am, yes, and I'm likely to stay that way for a while. There are things here that are relevant to my research.

And you? I'm assuming you've returned to the city by now.

[audio]

[snapandscoot]

[[Her as well, of course~! This is all so sneaky. Kicking her legs up slightly, Emmy shifts the gear to her other ear.]]

I'm afraid I have; I do so love it here.

The music was nice, but I would have preferred another lovely letter.

[[Clearly this conversation is going too well; time for a bit of light teasing~]]

[audio]

[scientificflair]

[Oh, hush, you.]

Come now, I've hardly had enough time to pine over you properly.

[audio]

[snapandscoot]

[[...oh have a laugh, darn you, that was cute.]]

Maybe I should be playing a little hard to get. Keep you on your toes~

[[...but really, now.]]

I don't think we have anything to fear.

[scientificflair]

That's rather good to know, darling - thank you for following up.

[That music is starting up again, soft and slow.]

I can't give you an exact timeframe, but I'll be back in town for a few days sometime soon; most of my possessions are there, after all. I suppose I'll have to seek you out so we can discuss things further?

[snapandscoot]

I might allow that. You can come to my place this time; I'll make some tea that's actually drinkable. Don't worry, I'll buy some lemons~

[[She turns her attention back to the music; it really is beautiful.]]

That's an incredible recording; it's like the player is right in my ear! Where did you get it?

[scientificflair]

[Oh, you can practically hear the smirking in his voice, Emmy.]

It isn't a recording.

[snapandscoot]

.....

[[The smirking is almost louder than the bloody music...]]

That's you?

[scientificflair]

It is.

[THE SMUG, EMMY...]

It's been a while since I've played, I admit, but I've kept most of it.

[snapandscoot]

....w-well, I.....

[[....is there a way to compliment the music without stroking your already massive ego....what a puzzle...]]

....it's beautiful.

[[She'll just...solve it later...maybe....]]

[scientificflair]

[His hands don't slip any, but there's a definite hesitation in what he's doing before he seems to realize; if nothing else, it's clear that he's telling the truth in that it isn't a recording.]

...well. Thank you.

[snapandscoot]

[[No why aren't you snarking at her way to make this awkward]]

.....you're welcome.

[[alksjdasdlkajsd]]

Do you play any other instruments apart from those two, then?

[scientificflair]

[oh way to put him on the spot you're the one who started complimenting him instead of snarking in the first place!]

Mm, no - as I've said, it's been a while since I've kept up with this one. I haven't had the time since pursuing...my other endeavors.

[snapandscoot]

[[ugh fine you suck, happy?!]]

...what else can you do, anyway? You're...certainly a man of many talents.

[[.....no really, it's kind of ridiculous

...

...says the girl who is an accomplished photographer, can cook amazingly, fight off humongous henchmen and wolves without getting a scratch, drive like a lunatic and not hit anything, ride a horse, fly a plane, sing-

....look you get it, ok]]

[scientificflair]

[We are Laytonites - by definition, we're a tiny race of people with a natural predisposition toward quaintness. To prevent natural selection from killing us all off by merit of being far too quaint to handle the world, we have evolved with the capacity to excel in as many ridiculous talents as we choose. Said talents may or may not be actually useful, but that's a matter left to the individual Laytonite's personal discretion.]

Have you ever known me to lay all of my cards on the table, Emmy?

[snapandscoot]

[[......

we may be tiny, but we're bloody awesome.]]

Oh don't worry; I'm not asking to see your hand.

[[....please stop being so amusing, alright. Her voice has a rather wry tone to it.]]

I wouldn't mind a quick peek or two, though.

[scientificflair]

I'm sure you'll see for yourself soon enough. Until then...well. Element of surprise and all!

[No hint coins today, Emmy.]

[snapandscoot]

[[Oh darn you]]

Well, I was going to show you one of my talents when you visit me later on, but I suppose I'll keep it hidden too!

[scientificflair]

[...you're hilarious.]

Perhaps I can be persuaded for an even exchange.

[snapandscoot]

Oh really? I promise you, I'm worth it~!

[[And she is! She hasn't cooked for someone for a while, so!]]

[scientificflair]

We'll see.

[What is he going to do with you...]

I suppose I'll have to contact you once I'm in town, then.

[snapandscoot]

Presuming it's not too much trouble for you.

[[You do realise that's exactly how she feels about you, right...]]

My letterbox is always open~

[scientificflair]

I'll keep that in mind, Emmy dearest.

[...LET'S END THIS ON A GOOD NOTE

/FEED]