driftfleet | Video;

Who: Lumiére and you!
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Wonderduck
When: Today!

[Since arriving at the Fleet, Lumiére has tended towards just using the voice function to communicate with people outside of the Wonderduck. It makes his life considerably easier. He doesn't have to navigate the mine-field of questions that come with just looking at him. He can talk to people like a normal person, and it's great.

Today, though, he needs to actually address the problem of his general...him-ness, and as such, he'll switch the video on. He casts the screen a warm smile all the same, giving a little wave of a candle-hand.]

Bonjour, my fellow Fleet members. This is quite an interesting planet, no? I hear the concerts here are really something to experience. I might have to test out the waters myself. It has been a while since I got to enjoy one.

[It's not the kind of concert he's used to, but after a decade of no concerts at all, he'll sure as heck give this new kind a try.]

But! I had another reason for speaking to you today. I have heard there are several people in the Fleet who are experienced with magic. I was hoping I could speak to them, especially if they know anything about curses- because as you can see [he chuckles, gesturing to himself] I have something that might interest their magically inclined minds.

[Filtered to Winn]

As promised. Here I am, settled on the Wonderduck and checking in. [Like three weeks too late but ya'll can't expect miracles. If you wanted good time-keeping, you should have befriended the clock]

[Otherwise, Lumiére can be found happily hopping around the table of the Wonderduck, carefully setting it so it at least looks like an actual, fancy dinner table and not a metal slab where people sit and eat. They may be in space, but they can still have a little culinary refinement, god.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hello again. [ She smiles, gently, but gets right down to the point. ] I assume it's something to do with... What you are? [ Which sounds rude, but... ]

[Ah, Hermione. She gets a real bright smile. ]

Hello again! You actually came recommend by Winn. He spoke most highly of you, mademoiselle.

And yes! I have been cursed, you see. Once, I was human.

Winn? I hope he wasn't saying too much.

[ But she focusses as he begins to speak, paying attention. ]

You were human, but now you're a candlestick. [ A frown. ] And you'd like someone to see if they can reverse it?

He was most discreet, while still giving you a lot of praise.

[It was clear Winn is very fond of her. It's nice to see, truly.]

That's right. There is a chance it may not work, but I would never want to miss the chance that it might.

That sounds like Winn. I just hope I can live up to expectation.

[ Which she's sure she can, but she does still flush with her own modesty. ]

I can look into it? I'm not sure if my magic would work it, but... I can try.

I do not have the slightest doubt that you can, mademoiselle!

[Modesty belongs nowhere, in Lumiére's not-humble-at-all opinion. ]

Merci beaucoup! I appreciate any attempt to break it, if it works or not.

Your faith in me is lovely, really.

[ All the same, she considers for a moment, thoughtful. ]

How about we start by you telling me how the curse happened?

Well, if we do not have faith, what do we have?

[It's been keeping him going for a while now. ]

It was placed on my Master ten years ago. He was...ungracious [understatement] and an Enchantress cursed him into the form of a beast- and us in his Household were turned into various objects.

Books.

[ But it makes her smile, at least, and she understands. ]

I... See. So it's a large curse, then, and a powerful one. Have you been given any idea how to break it?

You would get along very well with a young woman I know. She would wholeheartedly agree with you.

[Though that could get awfully meta. ]

Very large. And love is what will break it. Specifically, my master learning to love, and being loved in return.

I'm not going to hope that she turns up here, but I'm sure we'd get along if we did.

[ But, oh. Spells that have something to do with love... Her face scrunches up a little. ]

I see. Well, spells with love are incredibly powerful and difficult to manage, but I can see what I can do and look into it?

I would prefer it if she stayed home, too. [Partly for her own comfort, but also because she can't fall in love with the Beast if she ain't around him. ] But I have no doubt that you would.

That does not surprise me. Still, merci beaucoup, mademoiselle! I appreciate this a lot.

Is there anything else you can tell me about it? Anything you think might be important to know?

[Lumiére shifts, uncomfortable, because this is not the easiest thing to talk about. It's a reminder of just how close to losing himself forever he is. ]

There is a rose. It was given to the Master the day we were cursed. The Enchantress said it would bloom until his twenty first birthday, which was the time he had to find love, and be loved. When the last petal fell from the rose, it would mean the curse would be permanent. There are only a few petals left.

I see. So the curse is linked to an object... [ She frowns. ] And you're running out of time. So if your master doesn't find that love then you'll be stuck as a candelabra forever?

That's correct, yes. None of us will regain our human bodies again.

It's incredibly powerful, then. [ Probably more than a 'Finite' might be able to manage. ] I'm going to find some of my books and do some research. I can't promise anything at all, but I'll do my best.

It truly is. [Still, he offers her a smile. ] Merci, mademoiselle. I understand it might not work, but I appreciate the effort all the same.

It's no problem whatsoever. I just want to help, really, more than anything else.

It is a very admirable quality. Wanting to help others. It is worth a lot.

I think it's something that we should all try to do. We'll end up in far more trouble otherwise.

Exactement. We are all stuck here together after all. United we stand, no?

Exactly. So if there's anything else I can do for you then, please, let me know.

I will be sure to do that, thank you again, mademoiselle!

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