[Gods, never mind, is it too late to turn around and pretend this never happened— Yeah, it's probably too late. Damn.]
I suppose this week has been a bit... difficult.
[It sounds like it's a struggle to get that much out and Iago folds his arms, glaring at the floor.]
It's... The incentive. You understand, don't you? My magic is—
[Ugh, hang on, let him start over. This isn't nearly as easy as it sounded in his head.]
My position is the lead tactician of the Nohrian army and I serve as King Garon's adviser. This is a position I have spent years working for, but I never would have made it this far if I wasn't naturally gifted in magic. I caught Garon's eye precisely because I can use magic most others cannot.
[Iago pauses, considering.]
Having that taken away and replaced with a mockery of my own magic is... quite the blow to my pride, as I'm sure you can imagine.
[It's a start. It's not a very good start, but it's a start. Iago's gaze has remained firmly on the floor since he entered Dist's room as well, despite the fact that he usually tends to make entirely too much eye contact.]
[Dist freezes a little as soon the incentive is mentioned. He hadn't batted an eye at it himself. Before arriving here, he didn't have any special powers. His ability to create machines isn't something physically tied to him that can be torn away like Iago's ability to use magic. And because of other business on his end, he hadn't considered how terribly this could be affecting Iago.
He feels an unfamiliar pang of guilt about it.
...
First thing's first. He just...guides Iago over to his bed to sit down. And this time, he joins him on the bed.]
I can certainly imagine, yes. While I cannot claim to know how distressing this is for those of you with prior abilities, I can see that is terribly appalling of the Lady to dangle hope over your heads in the manner she is.
[She quite literally took Iago's livelihood away with this little stunt. It's horrible...]
[He goes willingly and it's... sort of nice to have Dist beside him, if only because that makes it easier to keep his gaze directly on the floor without looking too weird. Still weird, but not as bad as it could be.
Dist's words get a short nod.]
It's dreadful. She knows how important my magic is to me - I've made no secret of that. She...
[His nails dig into his palms for a moment before he forces himself to release his grip and settle his hands on his knees instead.]
She told me that there are two people she hopes will take the incentive. I'm one of them.
[So it's not just that she knows this would get a rise out of him, it's that she's targeting him specifically.
It occurs to him after a moment that he hasn't clarified the most important part, however. He does look up at Dist after that, expression carefully composed to hide as much of the anger and frustration as he can.]
...I have no intention of acting on this incentive, despite how infuriated I am with it. Rembrandt confirmed that it is still possible to regain one's abilities in their home world; the Lady's incentive would simply speed up the process.
[So you know. This isn't as bad as it could be. It's not like he showed up to confess he'd be killing someone or anything, it's fiiiiine.]
[Dist remains quiet as Iago speaks. He briefly opens his mouth to speak about the fact that Iago went to see the Lady—Yulia help him, he's going to give that woman a piece of his mind after this—but holds his tongue until the other finishes.
And boy is that a doozy of a finish. Dist...can't help but smirk, pleased with the outcome.]
Good! What better way to metaphorically spit in her face than to refuse the incentive she targeted you with? Besides, you have no need to risk a trial. You will have plenty of new toys to entertain King Garon with in addition to your exceptional magic once this is over, won't you?
[This is a dire situation, but he's hoping to help Iago see it more as an annoying setback than anything.]
[Something about that isn't sitting well with him; it's probably obvious enough from the silence and the fact that his gaze has darted away again, but putting into words is...]
I realized something while I was talking with her. She assumed I would have no interest in taking her up on anything she might offer because she was certain my interest lies only in Nohr.
...It's a bit strange to realize that there really is nothing tying me to my country - my entire world - outside of a dying king.
[It's strangely freeing to admit that, and as if to confirm it, Iago nods to himself.]
I was in the middle of attempting to stop a coup, and a good portion of my army betrayed me. I could have still won, but that was weeks ago. By the time I return, it's likely King Garon will be dead and Prince Xander will have taken the throne. Everything I've worked for will have gone up in smoke.
[And while that used to be an absolutely terrifying idea... what if it isn't the only option?]
...Ah, but I've gotten distracted. There's no sense in thinking about such things until this whole ordeal is over with. [He waves a hand as if to dismiss it.] The point is I'm keeping my options open and considering everything I can carefully.
You're right in that I have no desire to risk dealing with another trial. The reason I tell you all of this is in case someone gets it in their head to start accusing me of a murder I didn't commit. My power is unknown to all of them, and I have no doubts Rideaux will attempt to force my hand if he has the opportunity.
[you'll never guess who is STILL MAD at rideaux!!!!]
[Dist stares back at Iago in disbelief, entirely taken aback by what he's hearing. Just weeks ago, they were talking about how terrible the incentive was to risk everything that they've spent so long working toward. They connected over how important their aspirations were to them. And now Iago is speaking freely about being open to the idea of his life's work being taken away from him?
To say Dist is shaken up is an understatement. Just about everything else Iago says is a blur as his previous words repeat in Dist's mind.]
Right, right... That is entirely likely.
[Though he responds, it's in a distant sort of way, like he's not truly listening.]
[...Well, it looks as though that was the exact wrong thing to say. Ugh, this is exactly what he deserves for speaking without thinking. This place really is doing a number on him, isn't it?
It would be easy enough to try to push the conversation along and gloss over it and maybe pretend that everything's fine; it isn't often he gets away with something like that, but maybe Dist would let him. But...]
It seems something I've said has caught you off-guard. Would you like me to clarify anything for you?
[Despite the wording, it isn't sarcastic. Dist is one of the very few people here Iago is willing to try for, even if he doesn't look very happy about it.]
[Deeply uncomfortable at this point, Dist can't hold back how he really feels about what was just said.]
I do not understand. How can you be so...so resigned toward the possibility of your work being ruined? Do you not wish to see Nohr under your rule above all else?
[He can't even fathom giving up, even if his plans did go up in smoke. He would simply have to keep trying, even if it killed him. He would do anything for Jade and the Professor.
[And for a moment that's all he says, gaze once again trained on the floor.
It's difficult to know where to begin with this. It's something he's been considering off and on since arriving here, and only recently has it become clear that maybe what he was looking for was a bit different than what he thought all along.]
Since coming here, however... I've learned of so many incredible things. Electricity, robots, museums, cars... None of these exist in Nohr. While it may be possible for me to recreate some of them or to bring technology back... I have to wonder if it would really be exactly what I want.
[He does look back at Dist at that.]
I want power; I want to rule. That doesn't mean I have to rule Nohr, however. How can I be satisfied returning to a world that lacks so much of the things I find interesting when there's no guarantee I'll ever get a chance to continue studying them?
[...And...]
Perhaps this one is a bit strange... But I would miss you too. You're one of the very few people who has ever tried to understand me, you know. Even King Garon sees me as a tool first, a person second. It's nice to find someone who understands.
[Dist's voice cracks a little there, and this time it's his turn to stare at the floor. But Iago will get a glimpse of his face turning beet red before he does.
He had the wrong idea all along. When will he ever stop jumping to embarrassing conclusions?]
I...am deeply sorry for lashing out at you, Iago. [...] Y-You truly would miss me?
[Is that seriously what he's the most stuck on at the moment? Yes, yes it is.]
[...You know, it only just now occurs to him how weird it is to actually be honest instead of saying whatever it is he thinks will benefit him the most. Dist's words get a startled look from him for a moment before he glances away and covers his mouth with a hand to try to smother a genuinely amused laugh.]
My apologies, I'm not laughing at you, it's simply... I am dreadful at this.
[Gods. Okay, okay, he's got himself under control, sorry about that.]
I thought I was being rather obvious about it. Yes, of course I would miss you. There aren't many people I find all that interesting and entertaining to talk to in the first place, and your intellect is astounding. I'm very fond of you, Dist.
[It's a bit embarrassing to admit it so openly... But that's exactly what's so damn funny, he figured he was being entirely too obvious about it and yet Dist has to actually ask... This is only going to get funnier later tonight when he does the exact same thing to Cumore so you know. Iago's great at this whole friendship thing.]
You didn't lash out at me, so there's no need to apologize for that. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not expressing myself more clearly.
[He presses a hand to his chest and ducks the slightest bit in a bow.]
I truly am very pleased I've had the opportunity to get to know you, even in a situation like this.
[It's far too little, too late, but maybe he can at least try to start expressing his feelings a bit more openly. Pizza would probably be pleased, anyway.]
[In fairness, Dist internally tells himself that he deserves to be laughed at. Iago may have thought he was being obvious with his feelings, but Dist has never had anything like this before being dragged to Krakow, so it wasn't so easy to discern. The only friendship he'd ever known and thought he'd ever want to know was his friendship with Jade, and...well, it certainly wasn't like what he has come to have with Iago and Cumore. No one has ever said they're fond of him!
...But he feels the same way, doesn't he?
Yulia, this is far too much to process. He still can't even bear to look at Iago, he's gotten into such a state-]
...yet again, we are in complete agreement. [He murmurs to the floor, and there's the briefest sound of him sniffling.] I have been far too single-minded to realize it.
[He's not sure if he could ever completely tear himself away from what he has devoted his entire being to, but it is strangely comforting to know that even if he fails to realize his dream, that his world isn't going to crumble. He has people who care about him. He has friends.]
[...Oh no, Dist, don't be that cute... Now is normally when he'd start in on the teasing, but that may actually kill Dist, so he'll refrain... More proof of just how much he likes Dist!!]
I believe we all have, really. I imagine most of us are focused almost exclusively on survival at this point, to the extent of being a bit blind to everything else.
[Don't worry, we're both idiots. Cumore is also an idiot. He might even be beating both of us.]
Don't worry too much about it. We've established this much now, after all. So even if it is a bit embarrassing, at least we're on the same page.
Dist pulls the handkerchief out of his suit pocket and lifts his glasses so he can dab under his eyes a little. It's a dead giveaway to what his face has been doing, but's better than looking at Iago with eyes full of tears.
...and a runny nose.
He's a mess, okay?]
You have my thanks for opening my eyes, Iago. I will...try not to concern myself with the shortcomings involved beforehand.
[Hoo boy. Okay, deep breath.]
It bears saying that I am truly grateful to have met you as well. I only wish I had something to offer you in my world- a kingdom to rule, that is.
[As much as he would love to see Iago usurp Peony somehow...Auldrant is a fucking mess.]
[...Ah. Well. That didn't go the way he thought it would. At all. Usually when he and Cumore do this, they get aggressively flippant... Um. Hold on...]
[You know, that raises many questions about Jade, but he'll be nice and refrain from asking about it for now.]
I'm pleased, then. [His smile is almost gentle.] I understand; while this entire situation is dreadful... I feel as though I've gained something very valuable from it.
[...He's not talking about everything he's learned.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Gods, never mind, is it too late to turn around and pretend this never happened— Yeah, it's probably too late. Damn.]
I suppose this week has been a bit... difficult.
[It sounds like it's a struggle to get that much out and Iago folds his arms, glaring at the floor.]
It's... The incentive. You understand, don't you? My magic is—
[Ugh, hang on, let him start over. This isn't nearly as easy as it sounded in his head.]
My position is the lead tactician of the Nohrian army and I serve as King Garon's adviser. This is a position I have spent years working for, but I never would have made it this far if I wasn't naturally gifted in magic. I caught Garon's eye precisely because I can use magic most others cannot.
[Iago pauses, considering.]
Having that taken away and replaced with a mockery of my own magic is... quite the blow to my pride, as I'm sure you can imagine.
[It's a start. It's not a very good start, but it's a start. Iago's gaze has remained firmly on the floor since he entered Dist's room as well, despite the fact that he usually tends to make entirely too much eye contact.]
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He feels an unfamiliar pang of guilt about it.
...
First thing's first. He just...guides Iago over to his bed to sit down. And this time, he joins him on the bed.]
I can certainly imagine, yes. While I cannot claim to know how distressing this is for those of you with prior abilities, I can see that is terribly appalling of the Lady to dangle hope over your heads in the manner she is.
[She quite literally took Iago's livelihood away with this little stunt. It's horrible...]
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Dist's words get a short nod.]
It's dreadful. She knows how important my magic is to me - I've made no secret of that. She...
[His nails dig into his palms for a moment before he forces himself to release his grip and settle his hands on his knees instead.]
She told me that there are two people she hopes will take the incentive. I'm one of them.
[So it's not just that she knows this would get a rise out of him, it's that she's targeting him specifically.
It occurs to him after a moment that he hasn't clarified the most important part, however. He does look up at Dist after that, expression carefully composed to hide as much of the anger and frustration as he can.]
...I have no intention of acting on this incentive, despite how infuriated I am with it. Rembrandt confirmed that it is still possible to regain one's abilities in their home world; the Lady's incentive would simply speed up the process.
[So you know. This isn't as bad as it could be. It's not like he showed up to confess he'd be killing someone or anything, it's fiiiiine.]
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And boy is that a doozy of a finish. Dist...can't help but smirk, pleased with the outcome.]
Good! What better way to metaphorically spit in her face than to refuse the incentive she targeted you with? Besides, you have no need to risk a trial. You will have plenty of new toys to entertain King Garon with in addition to your exceptional magic once this is over, won't you?
[This is a dire situation, but he's hoping to help Iago see it more as an annoying setback than anything.]
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I realized something while I was talking with her. She assumed I would have no interest in taking her up on anything she might offer because she was certain my interest lies only in Nohr.
...It's a bit strange to realize that there really is nothing tying me to my country - my entire world - outside of a dying king.
[It's strangely freeing to admit that, and as if to confirm it, Iago nods to himself.]
I was in the middle of attempting to stop a coup, and a good portion of my army betrayed me. I could have still won, but that was weeks ago. By the time I return, it's likely King Garon will be dead and Prince Xander will have taken the throne. Everything I've worked for will have gone up in smoke.
[And while that used to be an absolutely terrifying idea... what if it isn't the only option?]
...Ah, but I've gotten distracted. There's no sense in thinking about such things until this whole ordeal is over with. [He waves a hand as if to dismiss it.] The point is I'm keeping my options open and considering everything I can carefully.
You're right in that I have no desire to risk dealing with another trial. The reason I tell you all of this is in case someone gets it in their head to start accusing me of a murder I didn't commit. My power is unknown to all of them, and I have no doubts Rideaux will attempt to force my hand if he has the opportunity.
[you'll never guess who is STILL MAD at rideaux!!!!]
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To say Dist is shaken up is an understatement. Just about everything else Iago says is a blur as his previous words repeat in Dist's mind.]
Right, right... That is entirely likely.
[Though he responds, it's in a distant sort of way, like he's not truly listening.]
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It would be easy enough to try to push the conversation along and gloss over it and maybe pretend that everything's fine; it isn't often he gets away with something like that, but maybe Dist would let him. But...]
It seems something I've said has caught you off-guard. Would you like me to clarify anything for you?
[Despite the wording, it isn't sarcastic. Dist is one of the very few people here Iago is willing to try for, even if he doesn't look very happy about it.]
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[Deeply uncomfortable at this point, Dist can't hold back how he really feels about what was just said.]
I do not understand. How can you be so...so resigned toward the possibility of your work being ruined? Do you not wish to see Nohr under your rule above all else?
[He can't even fathom giving up, even if his plans did go up in smoke. He would simply have to keep trying, even if it killed him. He would do anything for Jade and the Professor.
Anything...]
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[And for a moment that's all he says, gaze once again trained on the floor.
It's difficult to know where to begin with this. It's something he's been considering off and on since arriving here, and only recently has it become clear that maybe what he was looking for was a bit different than what he thought all along.]
Since coming here, however... I've learned of so many incredible things. Electricity, robots, museums, cars... None of these exist in Nohr. While it may be possible for me to recreate some of them or to bring technology back... I have to wonder if it would really be exactly what I want.
[He does look back at Dist at that.]
I want power; I want to rule. That doesn't mean I have to rule Nohr, however. How can I be satisfied returning to a world that lacks so much of the things I find interesting when there's no guarantee I'll ever get a chance to continue studying them?
[...And...]
Perhaps this one is a bit strange... But I would miss you too. You're one of the very few people who has ever tried to understand me, you know. Even King Garon sees me as a tool first, a person second. It's nice to find someone who understands.
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[Dist's voice cracks a little there, and this time it's his turn to stare at the floor. But Iago will get a glimpse of his face turning beet red before he does.
He had the wrong idea all along. When will he ever stop jumping to embarrassing conclusions?]
I...am deeply sorry for lashing out at you, Iago. [...] Y-You truly would miss me?
[Is that seriously what he's the most stuck on at the moment? Yes, yes it is.]
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My apologies, I'm not laughing at you, it's simply... I am dreadful at this.
[Gods. Okay, okay, he's got himself under control, sorry about that.]
I thought I was being rather obvious about it. Yes, of course I would miss you. There aren't many people I find all that interesting and entertaining to talk to in the first place, and your intellect is astounding. I'm very fond of you, Dist.
[It's a bit embarrassing to admit it so openly... But that's exactly what's so damn funny, he figured he was being entirely too obvious about it and yet Dist has to actually ask... This is only going to get funnier later tonight when he does the exact same thing to Cumore so you know. Iago's great at this whole friendship thing.]
You didn't lash out at me, so there's no need to apologize for that. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not expressing myself more clearly.
[He presses a hand to his chest and ducks the slightest bit in a bow.]
I truly am very pleased I've had the opportunity to get to know you, even in a situation like this.
[It's far too little, too late, but maybe he can at least try to start expressing his feelings a bit more openly. Pizza would probably be pleased, anyway.]
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...But he feels the same way, doesn't he?
Yulia, this is far too much to process. He still can't even bear to look at Iago, he's gotten into such a state-]
...yet again, we are in complete agreement. [He murmurs to the floor, and there's the briefest sound of him sniffling.] I have been far too single-minded to realize it.
[He's not sure if he could ever completely tear himself away from what he has devoted his entire being to, but it is strangely comforting to know that even if he fails to realize his dream, that his world isn't going to crumble. He has people who care about him. He has friends.]
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I believe we all have, really. I imagine most of us are focused almost exclusively on survival at this point, to the extent of being a bit blind to everything else.
[Don't worry, we're both idiots. Cumore is also an idiot. He might even be beating both of us.]
Don't worry too much about it. We've established this much now, after all. So even if it is a bit embarrassing, at least we're on the same page.
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Dist pulls the handkerchief out of his suit pocket and lifts his glasses so he can dab under his eyes a little. It's a dead giveaway to what his face has been doing, but's better than looking at Iago with eyes full of tears.
...and a runny nose.
He's a mess, okay?]
You have my thanks for opening my eyes, Iago. I will...try not to concern myself with the shortcomings involved beforehand.
[Hoo boy. Okay, deep breath.]
It bears saying that I am truly grateful to have met you as well. I only wish I had something to offer you in my world- a kingdom to rule, that is.
[As much as he would love to see Iago usurp Peony somehow...Auldrant is a fucking mess.]
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Well, I can think of something your world has to offer.
[Robots?? An entirely different system of magic?? Whatever the heck fonons are????]
It has you, Dist.
[WELL...... HE TRIED TO RESIST...........]
1/3 (you did this to him, Iago)
He stares back at his friend, absolutely dumbfounded.]
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Well, naturally! What was I thinking? As if you need anything else when the magnificent Dist is already present!
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Iago, I... [He droops back to stare at the floor in shame.] I don't know what to say.
[Not truly.]
1 / 2 (Iago absolutely deserves this)
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[flirting backfired...............]
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He shakes his head as he tries to compose himself. It's a shaky effort at best.]
I am not upset. I am merely... [sniff] Overwhelmed.
[The flirting didn't backfire- it was super effective! A 1-hit KO, if you will!]
That was very kind of you to say.
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Well, of course. I am rather fond of you, after all.
[It was mostly a joke, though... Unless he can take over a country in Dist's world????]
You act as though you've never had anyone tell you this sort of thing before.
[...you totally haven't, have you.]
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I haven't. Ever. [...] You make me feel as though I belong for once.
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I'm pleased, then. [His smile is almost gentle.] I understand; while this entire situation is dreadful... I feel as though I've gained something very valuable from it.
[...He's not talking about everything he's learned.]
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...Mm. [He nods and glances at Iago. His eyes are a little puffy from the tears, but he's composed at least.] I believe I have as well.
[This last bit comes out somewhat whispered, but no less sincere.]
Thank you, Iago.
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