[Today has been rough, more so for some than others. Dist was no exception to those hit hard by the Lady's motive, but Iago's reaction had not escaped his notice despite his panic over seeing Rembrandt looming behind Jade in his photo. When he passed by Iago's room later, he was pretty sure he had heard a scream.
So after spending some time in his room to collect himself, he ventures back out and knocks on the door to room IV.]
Iago? It's Dist.
[If he sounds a little unsteady, that's because he is. He's never been good at this sort of thing- checking up on others, that is. But Iago has actually been nice to him, so he feels compelled to power through it.]
[On the plus side, there's no more screaming when Dist ventures back to the door. Unfortunately, it still takes the better part of a minute for Iago to actually get the door, and he's still fussing with the cape on his usual outfit when he gets the door open.]
Yes? Do you need something?
[The words are a bit strained, but it's obvious he's trying not to be openly rude, at least.]
[Dist waits patiently- a rarity, but he'll do it for Iago since boy does he get it.]
It is less that I need something and more... [There's a pause while he tries to figure out how to word this. God he's so bad at social.] I...wanted to see how you are faring. It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop, but you sounded incredibly upset earlier.
[To a concerning degree?? But he can't bring himself to say that he was concerned or anything!! Just him being here kind of implies that he is, though.]
[That gets his gaze to dart and his expression to tighten, but after a moment he steps back and inclines his head a bit; an invitation, if you want to come in.]
My apologies for startling you, then.
[He doesn't sound particularly sorry, mostly just annoyed. Why are these walls thin enough to let people hear him!!!!]
I would prefer to keep that between us, if you don't mind.
[Dist takes that invitation, sliding in past Iago.]
Oh, you don't have to force an apology, I completely understand. I guarantee that you weren't the only one shaken by this heinous attack.
[There's an implication that he is among that group, but he's focusing on Iago right now. He nods as he turns back to Iago from the center of the room.]
[He doesn't miss Dist's words or the implication in them, but for the time being he simply shuts the door and retreats further inwards. He gestures to the desk if Dist wants the chair there before moving to the bed. He sweeps his cape aside and sits primly, although the rather rumpled state of the bed is probably a good indication that he didn't really intend to let anyone in.]
I'm glad to hear we're on the same page.
[...Now then. There's a large part of him that doesn't want to talk, and he's convinced he could distract Dist with his own story about the person they've threatened for at least a little while. That's more or less how things have always been; he doesn't talk about his problems. Ever. Starting now seems almost pointless.
But instead he sighs and gestures once again at the desk. The photo from the motive is laid out, along with a rather large collection of pens and blank stationary.]
I'm not particularly surprised they've chosen to threaten the people close to us, but they had the nerve to target King Garon.
[Dist takes a seat at the desk and studies the photo that he has been given permission to see.
...wow, that guy is totally evil-looking. What is it with evil guys and their beards? Van is the exact same way. Only Mohs really broke the mold there...]
That is ambitious of them to target a king. If this is not digitally-altered, I cannot imagine how Rembrandt managed to get past the immense security that I am sure he has.
As tight as security is, I can't exactly say I'm surprised Rembrandt found a way past. He's not human, and the security is only trained to look for what they understand.
[Rembrandt likely has powers beyond the scope of his own understanding, and he's the most talented mage in Nohr! So yeah, not surprised, but severely disappointed anyway.]
I am. Lately, I'm the only one King Garon has permitted to see to and tend to him. As you can see, he clearly isn't doing well.
[He definitely looks like he's sick in the photo, probably in the process of dying.]
I... Well, I suppose there's no real point in hiding it. The information listed about me is accurate, albeit rudely-worded. I do seek to be the next King of Nohr, and I'm very close to accomplishing that. Should something happen to King Garon while I'm gone, however... Well, it will fall to his eldest son, Prince Xander.
[So it's a threat on multiple levels. If they kill Garon then they're killing someone he actually does kind of care about, and if they kill Garon then they're effectively rendering all his hard work completely pointless. And also whenever he returns Xander will probably have him killed, but details.]
[The bit about Rembrandt is entirely fair, actually. There is something about that man...something unsettling.
But it's Iago's explanation that really hits home to Dist. With the greater scope of things laid out, he can see why this would have such an impact on Iago. To work hard enough to become heir to the throne over the king's own children, only to be facing this...]
How absolutely terrible of her to stoop this low. I cannot say that I am surprised, but...
[Yulia, he's pretty much at a loss of what to say. He's never been good at being reassuring, and he's got his own photo to worry about.]
She knew exactly where to hit everyone to make participating in her plan appealing, didn't she?
Yes...and I've no doubt that someone is going to act if their situation is the same as ours. The only shred of optimism that I can offer is that there is a chance that the photograph is some manner of a hoax, but that obviously isn't a guarantee. There are simply too many unknown factors, which is the truly infuriating part.
[Like, he wants to reassure Iago, but man. He can't even reassure himself. So he hopes it helped that Iago was at least able to vent about the situation.
As for his own woes...oof. He hesitates, but he eventually pulls out his photo from his breastpocket and passes it over.]
Jade. Naturally, they would target Jade.
[There he is, the apparent man of Dist's life, considering he's all over his profile.]
[Yeah. Weirdly enough, it does help. He's barely even scratched the surface on why such a thing is so agitating, and yet it feels like he's able to think a little clearer and actually focus. It's weird, but certainly not a bad thing.
He nods at the first part, but is content to let it go.]
I can't say I'm surprised... Can you tell me more about Jade?
[He's absolutely curious about this person that is so important they came up on Dist's profile three times.]
[He's reluctant. And not because he has something against Iago- this is just a really sore subject for him. Maybe...it'll help, though. No one else back home ever wants to hear his bitching.]
Jade... [Yulia, how does he even define Jade anymore?] Jade is both my greatest enemy and the most important person in my life. He is an incredibly gifted fonist- a mage, simply put. He is the most brilliant man I have ever known. We've known each other since we were children and were practically inseparable. [By Dist's definition, but Iago's getting Dist's side so that's how it's gonna be.] But...something happened that devastated the both of us, and the aftermath of that incident put a massive chasm between us.
[He stares at the photo, his expression pained.]
I still haven't forgiven him for it, but I want to. It's why I haven't given up on making things right between us. And if Rembrandt actually manages to get the better of him, I... I cannot bear the thought of it.
[To be blunt, Iago has no idea how to react to this. It's mostly because he doesn't... have friends... He doesn't really understand the idea of being that close to anyone else, or of losing that bond in the first place. Perhaps the weirdest thing Dist has to say is about wanting to forgive Jade, which is really hard to imagine. Maybe he's just far more of a spiteful, petty asshole than Dist is.]
I see. [He doesn't, not really, but he's trying.] To have that chance taken from you by an outside source - something you couldn't have predicted or stopped... I can understand why that would be exceptionally agitating.
[So it's complicated, and that much he does get. It's complicated, and it sucks, and sometimes all you need to hear is someone else agreeing how much it sucks.]
When you get home, [when not if] I'm sure the two of you will have plenty to discuss. I hope it goes well.
[It's extremely complicated, for sure. Dist sighs and stuffs the photo back into his jacket.]
It is. My profile is likewise accurate-I have been working very hard to mend things between us by rectifying what happened all those years ago. He...has long since given up, but I certainly won't. And I refuse to allow those two to ruin decades of progress.
[That's not necessarily him saying that he intends to act or anything, but it's damn tempting.]
Regardless, you have my thanks for the support. I hope it does as well.
[Two decades, huh...? That's a long time to work towards something.]
Of course.
[There's a brief pause, where Iago's gaze darts and his nails dig into his pants for a moment before he settles.]
Should you want to talk about any of that at any point, my door will always be open to you.
[The words are easy and spoken in the same tone as usual, but it's not something he'd offer just anyone. It's a bit of a weird offer coming from him, of all people, but it's probably fine. Dist had the decency to check on him, after all.]
[That gets him to smile ever so slightly, though part of him is trying his best not to get too overwhelmed by all of this and it really shows.]
Consider that offer reciprocated. Though I have to say, it has been...well, it seems like eons since I have been able to speak plainly about troubling subjects with someone. So I must thank you again for listening to my ramblings about something that doesn't mean anything to you.
[The situation sure is shitty but what has him the most thrown off is that he's met some decent people despite it all.
Yes. Yes, Iago is one of those decent people. I don't even.]
[...i can't believe i'm writing this, but dist deserves better.]
Think nothing of it. You were the one to come check on me, after all.
[...]
Though I must admit, I do feel the same. It isn't often I actually... discuss the things that irritate me.
[It's never! There isn't exactly any time to bitch when he's so busy tending to Garon and more or less keeping Nohr running. Well, okay, the war with Hoshido running, Nohr's kind of falling to the wayside but it'll be fine once he's king.]
Who would have guessed that all of this would be good for something?
[Does it make up for being stuck with murder-happy hosts with hostage incentives? N...ot really, but at least they have venting opportunities to keep them going.]
We shall have to keep getting as much use out of this situation as possible. It wouldn't be the first time I've pushed through something on spite alone.
[But it would've been way better to have people to be spiteful with like he does here.]
That's certainly true. It's apparent that most won't appreciate our accomplishments as much as we will, so I can't say I'm opposed to being a bit egotistical.
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week 1, tuesday | post-motive announcement
So after spending some time in his room to collect himself, he ventures back out and knocks on the door to room IV.]
Iago? It's Dist.
[If he sounds a little unsteady, that's because he is. He's never been good at this sort of thing- checking up on others, that is. But Iago has actually been nice to him, so he feels compelled to power through it.]
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Yes? Do you need something?
[The words are a bit strained, but it's obvious he's trying not to be openly rude, at least.]
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It is less that I need something and more... [There's a pause while he tries to figure out how to word this. God he's so bad at social.] I...wanted to see how you are faring. It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop, but you sounded incredibly upset earlier.
[To a concerning degree?? But he can't bring himself to say that he was concerned or anything!! Just him being here kind of implies that he is, though.]
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My apologies for startling you, then.
[He doesn't sound particularly sorry, mostly just annoyed. Why are these walls thin enough to let people hear him!!!!]
I would prefer to keep that between us, if you don't mind.
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Oh, you don't have to force an apology, I completely understand. I guarantee that you weren't the only one shaken by this heinous attack.
[There's an implication that he is among that group, but he's focusing on Iago right now. He nods as he turns back to Iago from the center of the room.]
Of course. To anyone else, this never happened.
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I'm glad to hear we're on the same page.
[...Now then. There's a large part of him that doesn't want to talk, and he's convinced he could distract Dist with his own story about the person they've threatened for at least a little while. That's more or less how things have always been; he doesn't talk about his problems. Ever. Starting now seems almost pointless.
But instead he sighs and gestures once again at the desk. The photo from the motive is laid out, along with a rather large collection of pens and blank stationary.]
I'm not particularly surprised they've chosen to threaten the people close to us, but they had the nerve to target King Garon.
[It's a start, at least.]
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...wow, that guy is totally evil-looking. What is it with evil guys and their beards? Van is the exact same way. Only Mohs really broke the mold there...]
That is ambitious of them to target a king. If this is not digitally-altered, I cannot imagine how Rembrandt managed to get past the immense security that I am sure he has.
[Dist, that's not helping.]
You must be very loyal to him.
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[Rembrandt likely has powers beyond the scope of his own understanding, and he's the most talented mage in Nohr! So yeah, not surprised, but severely disappointed anyway.]
I am. Lately, I'm the only one King Garon has permitted to see to and tend to him. As you can see, he clearly isn't doing well.
[He definitely looks like he's sick in the photo, probably in the process of dying.]
I... Well, I suppose there's no real point in hiding it. The information listed about me is accurate, albeit rudely-worded. I do seek to be the next King of Nohr, and I'm very close to accomplishing that. Should something happen to King Garon while I'm gone, however... Well, it will fall to his eldest son, Prince Xander.
[So it's a threat on multiple levels. If they kill Garon then they're killing someone he actually does kind of care about, and if they kill Garon then they're effectively rendering all his hard work completely pointless. And also whenever he returns Xander will probably have him killed, but details.]
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But it's Iago's explanation that really hits home to Dist. With the greater scope of things laid out, he can see why this would have such an impact on Iago. To work hard enough to become heir to the throne over the king's own children, only to be facing this...]
How absolutely terrible of her to stoop this low. I cannot say that I am surprised, but...
[Yulia, he's pretty much at a loss of what to say. He's never been good at being reassuring, and he's got his own photo to worry about.]
She knew exactly where to hit everyone to make participating in her plan appealing, didn't she?
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[He sighs at that.]
Well, you've listened attentively to my woes, so the least I can do is return the favor, if you care to discuss it.
[Not that he'd blame Dist for not wanting to, but it's an offer, at least.]
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[Like, he wants to reassure Iago, but man. He can't even reassure himself. So he hopes it helped that Iago was at least able to vent about the situation.
As for his own woes...oof. He hesitates, but he eventually pulls out his photo from his breastpocket and passes it over.]
Jade. Naturally, they would target Jade.
[There he is, the apparent man of Dist's life, considering he's all over his profile.]
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He nods at the first part, but is content to let it go.]
I can't say I'm surprised... Can you tell me more about Jade?
[He's absolutely curious about this person that is so important they came up on Dist's profile three times.]
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Jade... [Yulia, how does he even define Jade anymore?] Jade is both my greatest enemy and the most important person in my life. He is an incredibly gifted fonist- a mage, simply put. He is the most brilliant man I have ever known. We've known each other since we were children and were practically inseparable. [By Dist's definition, but Iago's getting Dist's side so that's how it's gonna be.] But...something happened that devastated the both of us, and the aftermath of that incident put a massive chasm between us.
[He stares at the photo, his expression pained.]
I still haven't forgiven him for it, but I want to. It's why I haven't given up on making things right between us. And if Rembrandt actually manages to get the better of him, I... I cannot bear the thought of it.
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I see. [He doesn't, not really, but he's trying.] To have that chance taken from you by an outside source - something you couldn't have predicted or stopped... I can understand why that would be exceptionally agitating.
[So it's complicated, and that much he does get. It's complicated, and it sucks, and sometimes all you need to hear is someone else agreeing how much it sucks.]
When you get home, [when not if] I'm sure the two of you will have plenty to discuss. I hope it goes well.
[It's a sincere hope, for whatever that's worth.]
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It is. My profile is likewise accurate-I have been working very hard to mend things between us by rectifying what happened all those years ago. He...has long since given up, but I certainly won't. And I refuse to allow those two to ruin decades of progress.
[That's not necessarily him saying that he intends to act or anything, but it's damn tempting.]
Regardless, you have my thanks for the support. I hope it does as well.
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Of course.
[There's a brief pause, where Iago's gaze darts and his nails dig into his pants for a moment before he settles.]
Should you want to talk about any of that at any point, my door will always be open to you.
[The words are easy and spoken in the same tone as usual, but it's not something he'd offer just anyone. It's a bit of a weird offer coming from him, of all people, but it's probably fine. Dist had the decency to check on him, after all.]
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[That gets him to smile ever so slightly, though part of him is trying his best not to get too overwhelmed by all of this and it really shows.]
Consider that offer reciprocated. Though I have to say, it has been...well, it seems like eons since I have been able to speak plainly about troubling subjects with someone. So I must thank you again for listening to my ramblings about something that doesn't mean anything to you.
[The situation sure is shitty but what has him the most thrown off is that he's met some decent people despite it all.
Yes. Yes, Iago is one of those decent people. I don't even.]
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Think nothing of it. You were the one to come check on me, after all.
[...]
Though I must admit, I do feel the same. It isn't often I actually... discuss the things that irritate me.
[It's never! There isn't exactly any time to bitch when he's so busy tending to Garon and more or less keeping Nohr running. Well, okay, the war with Hoshido running, Nohr's kind of falling to the wayside but it'll be fine once he's king.]
I appreciate the offer as well.
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[Does it make up for being stuck with murder-happy hosts with hostage incentives? N...ot really, but at least they have venting opportunities to keep them going.]
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I certainly never could have imagined.
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[But it would've been way better to have people to be spiteful with like he does here.]
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...And a little bit of talent, hard work, and charm, I suppose.
[oh my god.]
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But since this is Dist, he finds it highly amusing. He laughs- a rather hearty one, too.]
You suppose? Own it, Iago! We must, if no one else will.
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That's certainly true. It's apparent that most won't appreciate our accomplishments as much as we will, so I can't say I'm opposed to being a bit egotistical.
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It is hardly egotistical if it is one hundred percent factual! That is how I have always preferred to see it, at least.
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