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[He cracks a grin at that. He appreciates the honesty, Iago...]
Of course they would. [This time there's no holding back a laugh.] But I do intend to at least give them a morsel once I have this all figured out. After all, I would become absolutely invaluable in their eyes. Wouldn't you agree?
[At least, he likes to think so. That's why he has voiced his desire to restore Krakow's power to quite a few people already.]
Of course they would. [This time there's no holding back a laugh.] But I do intend to at least give them a morsel once I have this all figured out. After all, I would become absolutely invaluable in their eyes. Wouldn't you agree?
[At least, he likes to think so. That's why he has voiced his desire to restore Krakow's power to quite a few people already.]
After that trial, I have a hard time seeing how any of them wouldn't see you as useful, but this would certainly make you invaluable, yes.
[He sounds really damn pleased with that idea, actually. There are quite a few reasons behind it, but perhaps the most pressing one is that being invaluable means Dist likely won't be targeted by any would-be murderers.]
They'd have to be blind not to see you as exceptionally valuable already, however.
[He sounds really damn pleased with that idea, actually. There are quite a few reasons behind it, but perhaps the most pressing one is that being invaluable means Dist likely won't be targeted by any would-be murderers.]
They'd have to be blind not to see you as exceptionally valuable already, however.
[He will never, ever grow tired of Iago telling him he's valuable.]
I had something of an advantage this trial because I was very familiar with Klados' mechanisms, but I can obviously bring much more to the table. Still, I am glad to know that even if they are blind, at least someone has had eyes all along.
I had something of an advantage this trial because I was very familiar with Klados' mechanisms, but I can obviously bring much more to the table. Still, I am glad to know that even if they are blind, at least someone has had eyes all along.
...Well, at least one eye.
[He points to the one visible one with a smirk.]
But of course, Dist. From the very beginning I've been convinced your intellect is exceptionally useful. It isn't often I meet someone more gifted than I am.
[And usually he'd tack on something at the end about how he's glad Dist isn't a tactician or mage, or maybe he'd reassert himself by bragging about his own strengths, but for once in his damn life he just leaves it as it is. It's a compliment, no strings attached.]
[He points to the one visible one with a smirk.]
But of course, Dist. From the very beginning I've been convinced your intellect is exceptionally useful. It isn't often I meet someone more gifted than I am.
[And usually he'd tack on something at the end about how he's glad Dist isn't a tactician or mage, or maybe he'd reassert himself by bragging about his own strengths, but for once in his damn life he just leaves it as it is. It's a compliment, no strings attached.]
[Iago please. He smirks a bit at that, but it softens just as quickly. Like, he totally would've been fine with Iago humble-bragging, but he does recognize the significance of him simply voicing a compliment.]
Perhaps in some areas. But you never know, you may also be gifted in engineering. You simply did not have the knowledge of it before you met me.
[So...he'll offer the same in kind.]
Perhaps in some areas. But you never know, you may also be gifted in engineering. You simply did not have the knowledge of it before you met me.
[So...he'll offer the same in kind.]
Now you're just flattering me. I can't say I'm complaining, however.
I'm a quick study so who knows, perhaps I'll exceed your expectations. Either way, I can promise you I'll work hard to learn everything you're willing to teach me.
I'm a quick study so who knows, perhaps I'll exceed your expectations. Either way, I can promise you I'll work hard to learn everything you're willing to teach me.
Oh, this is no mere flattery. I speak the truth!
[It's not all out of fondness, c'mon...
That said, he's just as pleased by Iago's eagerness to learn as he was in the past.]
Would you like to begin in the coming week? I believe we could both use a good distraction from all of this nonsense.
[Engineering lessons and a boutique party, how lovely.]
[It's not all out of fondness, c'mon...
That said, he's just as pleased by Iago's eagerness to learn as he was in the past.]
Would you like to begin in the coming week? I believe we could both use a good distraction from all of this nonsense.
[Engineering lessons and a boutique party, how lovely.]
Oh, certainly. A distraction may be nice after the incentive, anyway. Whenever you're prepared to teach, I will be ready to learn.
[And then, perhaps a bit too genuine:] I really am looking forward to it, Dist.
[And then, perhaps a bit too genuine:] I really am looking forward to it, Dist.
[It wouldn't be accurate to say Iago's been avoiding Dist since the party, but he's certainly been giving Dist more space than he normally would. There are things to consider and examine now that the ghosts have restored power to several places, and he's sure Dist is eagerly exploring all of them today anyway. Not that Iago wasn't, but he did absolutely nothing productive all day, so.
Anyway, he shows up at Dist's door later on in the evening. It's not too late, and certainly not late enough to risk running into a murder, so Dist should still be up.
Knock, knock!! And before Dist can ask:] It's Iago. Do you have a moment?
Anyway, he shows up at Dist's door later on in the evening. It's not too late, and certainly not late enough to risk running into a murder, so Dist should still be up.
Knock, knock!! And before Dist can ask:] It's Iago. Do you have a moment?
[It doesn't take very long for Dist to answer. He's always pleased to hear from Iago, even if what happened at the party was, uh...
Something.]
Of course. Come in, come in.
[Not much has changed in Dist's room this week. He seems to have taken the book that Erik found in the Lady's room at the castle and has it open on his desk, and all of the clothing and makeup from the boutique quest on Monday is neatly placed in various areas, but that's about it.
Despite his failure at restoring power earlier in the week, he hasn't completely given up hope. The reappearance of the deceased and their reveal that they are the ones achieving what he could not has given him a lot to consider. So yeah, he's definitely been doing a lot of exploring and poking around. Tonight though, he's pretty subdued. Thursday nights tend to be like this...]
Something.]
Of course. Come in, come in.
[Not much has changed in Dist's room this week. He seems to have taken the book that Erik found in the Lady's room at the castle and has it open on his desk, and all of the clothing and makeup from the boutique quest on Monday is neatly placed in various areas, but that's about it.
Despite his failure at restoring power earlier in the week, he hasn't completely given up hope. The reappearance of the deceased and their reveal that they are the ones achieving what he could not has given him a lot to consider. So yeah, he's definitely been doing a lot of exploring and poking around. Tonight though, he's pretty subdued. Thursday nights tend to be like this...]
[Thursday nights definitely be like this.......]
I hope I'm not interrupting you. There was something you mentioned earlier this week that I wanted to discuss with you.
[He moves to sit on the bed as usual, waiting for Dist to join him.]
You remember what we spoke of in the boutique, correct?
[About his mask, and how he wasn't willing to discuss it so openly.]
I hope I'm not interrupting you. There was something you mentioned earlier this week that I wanted to discuss with you.
[He moves to sit on the bed as usual, waiting for Dist to join him.]
You remember what we spoke of in the boutique, correct?
[About his mask, and how he wasn't willing to discuss it so openly.]
Oh, not at all. I was simply going through that book that Erik found.
[Nothing that can't wait, in other words.
Locking the door behind them, he sits beside Iago on the bed and nods to answer his question.]
I do. [Though he had pushed the topic to the back of his mind for the better part of the week, Iago bringing it up again likewise dredges up his curiosity.] Have you come to speak about it...?
[Nothing that can't wait, in other words.
Locking the door behind them, he sits beside Iago on the bed and nods to answer his question.]
I do. [Though he had pushed the topic to the back of his mind for the better part of the week, Iago bringing it up again likewise dredges up his curiosity.] Have you come to speak about it...?
That's part of the reason why I'm here, yes.
[He inclines his head a bit and taps his nails against the mask for a moment, like he's maybe considering removing it before he drops his hand and resettles.]
It is at least partially because I like the look of it, but the truth is that I'm almost entirely blind in this eye. It's easiest for me to keep it covered.
[It's straightforward, without much of anything in his voice, though his gaze has shifted away somewhere during that and he doesn't bother to correct it now.]
[He inclines his head a bit and taps his nails against the mask for a moment, like he's maybe considering removing it before he drops his hand and resettles.]
It is at least partially because I like the look of it, but the truth is that I'm almost entirely blind in this eye. It's easiest for me to keep it covered.
[It's straightforward, without much of anything in his voice, though his gaze has shifted away somewhere during that and he doesn't bother to correct it now.]
I see...
[Truthfully, Dist had considered this to be a possible reason for Iago's adamant desire to keep his mask on. But actually having it confirmed is another matter, and he can tell it's a rough topic.]
Is it due to an injury, or has it simply always been that way?
[Truthfully, Dist had considered this to be a possible reason for Iago's adamant desire to keep his mask on. But actually having it confirmed is another matter, and he can tell it's a rough topic.]
Is it due to an injury, or has it simply always been that way?
I was injured when I was a child.
[He's quiet for a moment once that's out there.]
Obviously I've learned to live with it; it isn't something that particularly troubles me. My concern has always been more that people will... pity me, or ignore my work in favor of focusing on my past. I have been blessed with natural talent, but it would mean nothing if I hadn't honed it into the skills I use now.
[He's very prickly about his past, in other words.]
I wanted to tell you because I trust that you won't treat me differently.
[He's quiet for a moment once that's out there.]
Obviously I've learned to live with it; it isn't something that particularly troubles me. My concern has always been more that people will... pity me, or ignore my work in favor of focusing on my past. I have been blessed with natural talent, but it would mean nothing if I hadn't honed it into the skills I use now.
[He's very prickly about his past, in other words.]
I wanted to tell you because I trust that you won't treat me differently.
It doesn't. I'd greatly prefer to ignore everything that happened to me before I caught Garon's eye.
[He has far more important things to focus on now, anyway. Once it's out there, Iago settles a little. It doesn't get any easier to talk about it, but it's good to have it out in the open.
(Which is sort of weird to think about, if he's perfectly honest.)]
Thank you for listening. It's not a pleasant subject, but you did ask and I see no reason to keep it from you. As I said, it isn't as though it troubles me anymore.
[He has far more important things to focus on now, anyway. Once it's out there, Iago settles a little. It doesn't get any easier to talk about it, but it's good to have it out in the open.
(Which is sort of weird to think about, if he's perfectly honest.)]
Thank you for listening. It's not a pleasant subject, but you did ask and I see no reason to keep it from you. As I said, it isn't as though it troubles me anymore.
Thank you for telling me. Truly- I can tell it was not an easy subject to bring up. The amount of trust involved is not lost on me.
[He gives Iago a reassuring look, provided he's willing to look his way.]
Perhaps at some point we may get some alternative masks crafted for you, to coordinate with all the suits that we picked out.
[He gives Iago a reassuring look, provided he's willing to look his way.]
Perhaps at some point we may get some alternative masks crafted for you, to coordinate with all the suits that we picked out.
[He is looking at Dist during the first part, and his expression lightens a bit at the words. That's precisely what he wanted to prove by telling Dist this much; he does trust Dist.
And then Dist continues and the expression falls away for a mildly confused look before the words really sink in. After all this time, this is the first anyone has ever suggested something like that. If the mask is brought up at all, it's usually to ask what's under it or why he wears it, this is...
Well, it's getting him to laugh, and he glances away as he reaches up to cover his mouth to try to stifle it.]
You never fail to surprise me. [It's fond, not reaching exasperated like he was going for.] I'd like that, Dist. I've gotten used to this one, but I can't say I'd be opposed to a change.
[Provided it fits his aesthetic, of course.]
And then Dist continues and the expression falls away for a mildly confused look before the words really sink in. After all this time, this is the first anyone has ever suggested something like that. If the mask is brought up at all, it's usually to ask what's under it or why he wears it, this is...
Well, it's getting him to laugh, and he glances away as he reaches up to cover his mouth to try to stifle it.]
You never fail to surprise me. [It's fond, not reaching exasperated like he was going for.] I'd like that, Dist. I've gotten used to this one, but I can't say I'd be opposed to a change.
[Provided it fits his aesthetic, of course.]
[That is exactly the reaction he was hoping to get, so really, Iago doesn't have to stifle it...
Pleased that his suggestion went over well, he crosses his arms in a proud sort of manner.]
You will have all of the say in their specifications, so we'll make sure they are up to your standards.
[These are just lofty musings about the future, so who's to say if it'll ever happen, but...it's not necessarily bad to think about life after this nonsense, is it? They plan to live, no matter what the Lady throws at them.
That, and Dist has always been one to think about what he wants to see lying ahead of him in the future.
With the subject of Iago's mask out and the open and discussed, Dist is sure he doesn't want to dwell on it for too long.]
So, Iago... Was there something else that you wanted to discuss with me tonight?
[Iago did say the mask topic was one of his reasons for coming, so...]
Pleased that his suggestion went over well, he crosses his arms in a proud sort of manner.]
You will have all of the say in their specifications, so we'll make sure they are up to your standards.
[These are just lofty musings about the future, so who's to say if it'll ever happen, but...it's not necessarily bad to think about life after this nonsense, is it? They plan to live, no matter what the Lady throws at them.
That, and Dist has always been one to think about what he wants to see lying ahead of him in the future.
With the subject of Iago's mask out and the open and discussed, Dist is sure he doesn't want to dwell on it for too long.]
So, Iago... Was there something else that you wanted to discuss with me tonight?
[Iago did say the mask topic was one of his reasons for coming, so...]
[He's really not surprised Dist managed to completely lighten the mood so easily; they've been pretty good at reading each other from the start and Dist knows him pretty well by now. Still it's... really nice...]
Ah, yes, there is. First of all, I wanted to apologize again for last night.
[He won't dwell on it though, both because that could embarrass Dist again and because as far as he's concerned, that's over and done with.]
I do want you to know that I trust you, and perhaps that may begin to make up for it a bit. Whatever questions you have for me - at any point - I'll answer honestly.
[It isn't as though he's been outright lying to Dist previously, it's just that he's always careful in what he says and how much he gives away at any point. Even now there's something nerve-wracking about opening himself up and wanting to be honest. It's new and it's terrifying, but ultimately this is what he wants to do. It is partially an apology, yes, but mostly... it's simply because he wants to trust Dist.]
Ah, yes, there is. First of all, I wanted to apologize again for last night.
[He won't dwell on it though, both because that could embarrass Dist again and because as far as he's concerned, that's over and done with.]
I do want you to know that I trust you, and perhaps that may begin to make up for it a bit. Whatever questions you have for me - at any point - I'll answer honestly.
[It isn't as though he's been outright lying to Dist previously, it's just that he's always careful in what he says and how much he gives away at any point. Even now there's something nerve-wracking about opening himself up and wanting to be honest. It's new and it's terrifying, but ultimately this is what he wants to do. It is partially an apology, yes, but mostly... it's simply because he wants to trust Dist.]
[Dist's expression shifts from proud to, well...subdued again is probably the best descriptor. It's a good sort of subdued, though. It's just that he needs a moment to process a proper response.]
It does. Having your trust means very much to me, beyond this terrible game. The more time I've spent with you, the more I realize how amazing it is to have someone to talk to- about our frustrations, our aspirations, things that interest us, lifting one another up, trusting one another with these secrets we'd normally leave unspoken... You have helped open my eyes to this in so many ways.
[Once he started, he kind of just kept going... Apparently he had a lot more to say on the subject than he thought. Always one for the dramatics, and it sure checks out... He lets out a small noise and shakes his head a little.]
What I am getting at is that I can hardly stay vexed by you for long, even if you are far too fond of flustering me.
[...]
But in all seriousness, now that you have put me on the spot, I find myself lacking anything pressing to ask you- but I will certainly keep this in mind. I am, however, willing to extend that offer to you as well. I am sure you have questions for me?
It does. Having your trust means very much to me, beyond this terrible game. The more time I've spent with you, the more I realize how amazing it is to have someone to talk to- about our frustrations, our aspirations, things that interest us, lifting one another up, trusting one another with these secrets we'd normally leave unspoken... You have helped open my eyes to this in so many ways.
[Once he started, he kind of just kept going... Apparently he had a lot more to say on the subject than he thought. Always one for the dramatics, and it sure checks out... He lets out a small noise and shakes his head a little.]
What I am getting at is that I can hardly stay vexed by you for long, even if you are far too fond of flustering me.
[...]
But in all seriousness, now that you have put me on the spot, I find myself lacking anything pressing to ask you- but I will certainly keep this in mind. I am, however, willing to extend that offer to you as well. I am sure you have questions for me?
Edited (html ruining the mood!!!) 2020-01-31 07:10 (UTC)
I agree completely. There wasn't anyone I was this close to back in Nohr. As horrid as this situation is, meeting you here really has been a blessing.
[Things with Garon were... complicated, and it isn't as though he dislikes Garon any. But they were using each other to get what they wanted from day one, and that has a way of coloring every interaction in a different light. It's not as though Iago regrets any of it; he did what he had to in order to thrive, and some part of him will miss Garon.
But that was then, and things are very different here. This is the first time he's really found like-minded people who understand - and perhaps more importantly, they want to understand. It isn't an exaggeration to say that meeting Dist has changed things quite a bit.]
Of course, Dist. It isn't a one-time offer; whenever you have questions for me, I'll always answer.
[He considers that for a moment; there is something he's been meaning to ask, though the timing is a little strange...]
I am very curious about your relationship with Jade and what exactly happened between the two of you. This isn't something I'll press on if you aren't comfortable talking about it, however.
[It is curiosity that compels him to ask, but something about it has always struck him as really weird. Jade is so important he's listed on Dist's profile three times and yet Dist is never shy about admitting that he hasn't really had someone understand him quite like this before. It's confusing, and he imagines it's exceptionally complicated, but he does want to know more even if it isn't something Dist wants to discuss right now.]
[Things with Garon were... complicated, and it isn't as though he dislikes Garon any. But they were using each other to get what they wanted from day one, and that has a way of coloring every interaction in a different light. It's not as though Iago regrets any of it; he did what he had to in order to thrive, and some part of him will miss Garon.
But that was then, and things are very different here. This is the first time he's really found like-minded people who understand - and perhaps more importantly, they want to understand. It isn't an exaggeration to say that meeting Dist has changed things quite a bit.]
Of course, Dist. It isn't a one-time offer; whenever you have questions for me, I'll always answer.
[He considers that for a moment; there is something he's been meaning to ask, though the timing is a little strange...]
I am very curious about your relationship with Jade and what exactly happened between the two of you. This isn't something I'll press on if you aren't comfortable talking about it, however.
[It is curiosity that compels him to ask, but something about it has always struck him as really weird. Jade is so important he's listed on Dist's profile three times and yet Dist is never shy about admitting that he hasn't really had someone understand him quite like this before. It's confusing, and he imagines it's exceptionally complicated, but he does want to know more even if it isn't something Dist wants to discuss right now.]
[Mm... He had a feeling that this would come up at some point. And truthfully, he's been reflecting on it quite a bit these last few weeks.]
I will speak on it.
[Despite his willingness, it's immediately noticeable that it's a very uncomfortable subject for him. It was back when he first told Iago about Jade, but now that he's about to go into the details, it's even worse.]
I've known Jade since childhood. Our parents were friends, so I would often play with him and his sister. We also went to school together, under the tutelage of Professor Nebilim. [The other name on his profile.] Jade was a prodigy with fonic artes, as I alluded to before, and I... I worshiped him for it. He was perfection in my young eyes, and I often imagined the amazing things we could do together with Professor Nebilim's guidance.
Jade, on the other hand... Well, I suppose he saw me as something of a nuisance, but he allowed me to pursue him regardless because of my own talent with machines. [It actually hurts quite a bit to admit this, but it's one of the things he's been reflecting on a lot in Krakow.] He was fond of the Professor though- we all were. We saw her as a secondary mother in a way. But she was also an incredible fonist, and Jade idolized her as I had him.
Jade's primary interest as a budding fonist was controlling the Seventh Fonon- the most unstable of fonons that only certain individuals can properly harness. The Professor had attempted to harness it in the past, but she was unsuccessful. Jade wanted to prove to her that it was possible, even for those not predisposed.
[He turns his attention to the floor at this point. Time for one of the hard parts.]
In an attempt to demonstrate an arte to the Professor one night, something...went wrong. The Seventh Fonons in the arte went out of control, and the Professor was nearly killed protecting us from the resulting explosion.
[There's still quite a bit more to this story, but he'll pause there for any questions that Iago might have before continuing.]
I will speak on it.
[Despite his willingness, it's immediately noticeable that it's a very uncomfortable subject for him. It was back when he first told Iago about Jade, but now that he's about to go into the details, it's even worse.]
I've known Jade since childhood. Our parents were friends, so I would often play with him and his sister. We also went to school together, under the tutelage of Professor Nebilim. [The other name on his profile.] Jade was a prodigy with fonic artes, as I alluded to before, and I... I worshiped him for it. He was perfection in my young eyes, and I often imagined the amazing things we could do together with Professor Nebilim's guidance.
Jade, on the other hand... Well, I suppose he saw me as something of a nuisance, but he allowed me to pursue him regardless because of my own talent with machines. [It actually hurts quite a bit to admit this, but it's one of the things he's been reflecting on a lot in Krakow.] He was fond of the Professor though- we all were. We saw her as a secondary mother in a way. But she was also an incredible fonist, and Jade idolized her as I had him.
Jade's primary interest as a budding fonist was controlling the Seventh Fonon- the most unstable of fonons that only certain individuals can properly harness. The Professor had attempted to harness it in the past, but she was unsuccessful. Jade wanted to prove to her that it was possible, even for those not predisposed.
[He turns his attention to the floor at this point. Time for one of the hard parts.]
In an attempt to demonstrate an arte to the Professor one night, something...went wrong. The Seventh Fonons in the arte went out of control, and the Professor was nearly killed protecting us from the resulting explosion.
[There's still quite a bit more to this story, but he'll pause there for any questions that Iago might have before continuing.]
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