[center][h1][color=0072bc]Salem Vicarious, Lord of Lost Things[/color][/h1][h2]Act I[/h2][/center]
After being ejected from COIN, Salem waited for production to complete for the first generation of Intravis and Agravis, before controlling the vermin to stream down the mountain to infiltrate Amberden. Since, Salem had adopted a passive role, watching and learning, while providing anyone who wished with information on the local population, in particular, Graft who might have wanted to fine tune the design of the spying rodent constructs, or Kath who might simply have wanted to sate her curiosity. Out of boredom and a tendency to mimic and mock life, Salem began to restructure a part of the City of Lost Things into a scale replica of Amberden using thrown together parts, complete with denizens assigned the task of acting out the daily lives of the populace. Of course, Salem's replica looked like a dilapidated, Tim Burton-esque shantytown version of the actual Amberden, but it sufficed as far as house placements were concerned. But The City of Lost Things was not a popular destination for Salem's peers, and staying inside only to report on the things the Intravis saw gave Salem an overwhelming sense of cabin fever. Yet the doll didn't want to act up too much. Salem had already caught the ire of Graft, and had a sense that all was not well in the Chateau.

[center][h2]Act II[/h2][/center]
Salem arrived fairly early to claim Dr.Drd's empty seat, reclining in it in a slovenly and irreverent manner. Salem listened, feigning indifference, until Rodias detailed Salem's role in the coming plot. Salem jumped at the opportunity to stretch their proverbial legs and leave the confines of the Chateau, but saw a flaw in the plan. [color=0072bc]"As much as I love the plan so far, I see a problem with the surrogate. You said that the dukes colleagues would notice if his behaviors suddenly changed. But if we were to replace him with a surrogate, who presumably takes the place of a younger relative of his, I think it's fair to ask, 'wouldn't the duke also notice if his younger relative's behaviors suddenly changed?' On the other hand, if we created a persona from scratch, then how would we convince the duke that said persona was their relative? At this point, mightn't it be simpler if someone studied the duke closely enough to mimic him, and skip the surrogate step altogether? Director Graft's exquisitely crafted Intravis have been most useful in this regard. I have even created a replica of Amberden within the City of Lost Things, for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the town without having to actually go there. It will only be a matter of time before I manage to have the Intravis infiltrate the duke's manner, after which, I can surveil the duke until I can play his part flawlessly. I can even dispose of him when the time comes."[/color]

Salem flashed a sadistic grin as a switchblade hidden in the doll's forearm slashed open before retracting. [color=0072bc]"Of course, I'm not trying to take away Lady Mamoru's role in this endeavor. It will be reassuring to have another member of the Chateau nearby. I've watched the lives of these people and they are dreadfully dull. I'd go insane if I didn't have someone that I could take a break with and be myself around."[/color] Salem smiled, this time more pleasantly, at the dragon maid.