Chapter Three [Video]

[thebestseller]

Who: Richard Castle and YOU
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Planetside or on the Windrose, if need be
When: December 23rd

[Anybody who ran into Castle planetside before December 23rd could find him doing a few things- browsing the local wares, exploring the salt mines, and going in and out of hunting and camping gear stores.

He was looking for something- and finally he found it, dragging a lengthy pole back to the Windrose and proudly setting it up in the cargo bay.

Once it was done, his cheery windblown face could be seen giving a thumbs-up to the camera.]

Happy Festivus!

Comments

[notkittenaround]

I have handed out many a present for the Starlight Celebration of mine own world, and am rather overly fond of consumerism, but I can see how a more simple gesture may appeal against the corruption of wealth.

[ Her tail flicks lazily from side to side, face content with casual conversation. ]

Is aught amiss?

[thebestseller]

Yeah... I'm feeling a little lonely, truth be told. I'm the only person here from my world- I'm used to celebrating the holidays with my family.

[notkittenaround]

That is one of the darkest cruelties of this place. I would not lie to you and say it gets easier with time; it merely becomes an older wound.

[thebestseller]

[Castle nodded.]

Yeah... I thought I'd learned to live with it, but seeing people talk about having parties and stuff just reminded me I'm probably going to spending my holiday alone in my room with cheap booze and maybe some of the better flavors of protein for my Christmas dinner. Then I started feeling a bit bitter.

[notkittenaround]

I would invite you to hunt with me, but though I mean not to disparage you as a warrior, I must doubt the appeal of winter, ice and killing for you.

But of protein, I can offer a greater wealth of meat and wine than that lowly collection. I have garnered some wealth here.

[thebestseller]

[Castle chuckled.]

I won't argue with that, honestly- I'm used to getting my food prepackaged or cooked by someone else. I'm not a warrior by a long shot- can barely shoot a gun straight, in fact.

[He smiled.]

Well, you're very kind to offer. I'd like to offer something in return, though... not sure what.

[notkittenaround]

I have meat, and coin, and strength enough. A story would be best. I greatly miss the bard whom I fought alongside; she told many stories. Some were true, some were foolish, and it was wise to never get her drunk in a tavern lest your reputation be slandered in obscene songs.

[ A wistful mood. Ranmaia, Miah... All her close companions fight the war without her, and there is little to be done. Perhaps there is a greater purpose here, but she has yet to find it. ]

[thebestseller]

Stories, huh...? I am a storyteller, but the stories I tell almost always involve murder in some way. I'd hate to drag down the spirits of this place.

[notkittenaround]

I come from a war-torn land, and have seen more horrors than you might guess.

If it is a gruesome tale you prefer, I can tell one as true and fur-raising as any you might bring to our dining table.

[thebestseller]

Oooh, so you're good with murder stories? I write those for a living... even lived a couple of them myself. I could tell you about the first case I worked with my fiance... that was a puzzler. The killer was patterning their own murders on the ones I write in my books.

[notkittenaround]

I once stood with two rival detectives on the case of a master-thief, one who left riddles in their wake and sought to steal famous relics for reasons unknown. You might find it of interest.

[thebestseller]

Oooh, would I ever? As much as I like telling stories, I like hearing others, too. That's where I get my inspiration, you know... everyone has a story, you just have to find it.