[He's accepting it, but probably not well. He just looks like he wants to kick Iago out of his room and hide in here for the rest of the week, honestly.]
Don't worry, it isn't as though I mind. I really couldn't care less what they think.
[Well, about this much, at least.]
Regardless of what they end up saying, it's worth a little discomfort to have an alibi. It may not always hold weight, however, so we'll have to be careful.
[Well, at least there's that. It helps Dist loosen up, finally.]
Yes, that is entirely true. We ran into some issues with it before, so we should be prepared for it again. I believe it was different this time since I was already contributing with the Klados information...
Precisely. The information you provided was more than enough confirmation that you couldn't have done it - you wouldn't have been so honest about it if you had. While it is possible there's another of us with Klados, it seems a bit unlikely at this point. We may not be so lucky next week.
[Hmm...]
I don't have any intention of revealing my power if I can help it, but since I have no intention of killing anyway, I will should it become a necessity. At this point, it's primarily because I don't want to give Rideaux the satisfaction of knowing.
[ty for understanding him, dist, truly the greatest of friends...
At that, Iago lifts his shoulders a bit in a shrug.]
I can't imagine anything the Lady could possibly offer that would be more appealing than regaining my magic. I'm also not particularly fond of the setup, both the trials and the period of time allowed for investigating stacks the odds far too high against the killer. I'm not desperate enough to attempt it.
[They're all concrete and solid reasons rather than emotional ones; Iago's never been one to rely on emotions, after all.]
Besides, I am curious in seeing how all of this ends. I want to be there when it does.
So no, I won't kill. You don't have to worry about that.
[He has come to trust Iago for being logical, even if they both have their irrational moments. So it's reassuring to know the Iago has also worked out the pros versus cons to various choices within the Lady's ridiculous game.]
I am not quite sure what I would do without you at this point.
I have no doubts you would survive. You're easily the smartest person here and you know to keep your head down and play into your strengths when necessary. Making yourself essential to the group will keep them from turning on you, so I see no reason to worry about what would happen to you in such a hypothetical situation.
[...The words are more or less to fill space while his brain stalls and tries to restart itself. It's... such a strange sentiment. It's one he understands in some ways - losing Dist would certainly not be pleasant and might even be worse than the Pizza Disaster earlier, but...
This is a topic he doesn't like and doesn't want to dwell on, so Iago abruptly shakes his head.]
Well, there's no need to worry about it. I'm not going to do anything stupid or get myself killed, and neither are you. We'll make it to the end of this together.
[And that's simply that, as far as Iago's concerned. It isn't a promise, it's a fact.]
[Oh... He didn't actually expect a response quite like that, because he didn't want to imagine a hypothetical situation in which Iago was dead. That much is evident on his expression as he seems to go numb for the briefest of moments. Thankfully the conversation is redirected in time for it to really set in.]
O-Of course we will! After all, we are the ones who will unravel this mess of a web! Dying is not and never was an option!
[He reaffirms a prior conversation of theirs with just a bit more force than was really needed. Maybe if he says it louder, it will make it all the more true in the end.]
[...we're such a disaster duo, it's amazing we've managed to last even this long.]
You're right, it isn't. Can you imagine what would happen if we died? Who would the others rely on for any sort of intelligence? Rideaux?
[iago that man is a doctor]
There's no need to even consider it. We'll make it through just fine.
[We may be the noodliest of noodles, but we're also useful noodles, so we (probably) won't be murdered. Maybe.]
Should the incentive be anything particularly irritating this week, I trust we'll discuss it. While I can't imagine anything else she could offer me, it's certainly possible she'll find something that annoys me.
[You're free to seek him out too if she hits on something that upsets you as well, of course.]
[Their sheer level of disaster is what keeps them alive.
Also he totally stifles a scoff at the mention of Rideaux, but he's on...okay-ish terms with him. For now. So he refrains.]
Yes, do not hesitate to come to me should you need to vent any frustrations. I highly doubt that she could manage to sway me at this point either, despite her desperation to get me on board with her nonsense.
That seems to be the best way to go about it. I don't even know what I did and her opinion on me changed drastically within the span of a conversation.
[that conversation is going to be real funny when it's unlocked.]
I'm pleased that you've been given tools and permission to continue working. May I accompany you sometime? I can't guarantee I'll be of much use, but I would like to see what you can do.
Somehow I am not surprised in the slightest. As...frustrating as it is to admit, she and I are very much alike. Of course she would end up liking you.
[And he would much rather have Iago in the Lady's good graces while they're basically at her mercy.
As for the last bit...]
I would be happy to have you along. I have one condition for this, however: I would like you to not speak of this to anyone. I would hate to give the others the wrong impression, as though I am assisting the Lady or something similarly ridiculous.
You have my word. I had no plans on telling them anything anyway. I see no reason to share anything that doesn't benefit me in some way.
[They think we're all playing nice with each other and working together, but nope. Every man for himself (and Dist can come too)!!]
It's highly likely they would jump to the worst conclusion if they were to find out. Either that, or they'd make unrealistic and ridiculous demands of you, so it's for the best not to let them know.
[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.]
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
Actually can they go back to that? It's better than talking about Dist getting embarrassed. Which he kind of is again now.]
Did...I look embarrassed?
[Is that why people are getting the wrong idea??]
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[This is at least 50% your fault, accept responsibility!!]
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M-My apologies.
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Don't worry, it isn't as though I mind. I really couldn't care less what they think.
[Well, about this much, at least.]
Regardless of what they end up saying, it's worth a little discomfort to have an alibi. It may not always hold weight, however, so we'll have to be careful.
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Yes, that is entirely true. We ran into some issues with it before, so we should be prepared for it again. I believe it was different this time since I was already contributing with the Klados information...
[But who knows what next week will bring.]
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[Hmm...]
I don't have any intention of revealing my power if I can help it, but since I have no intention of killing anyway, I will should it become a necessity. At this point, it's primarily because I don't want to give Rideaux the satisfaction of knowing.
[ah yes... just petty things........]
1/2
[As a fellow member of the petty bitches club.]
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You've concluded you do not intend to kill?
[He actually sounds hopeful about that! It's very much a good thing to hear.]
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At that, Iago lifts his shoulders a bit in a shrug.]
I can't imagine anything the Lady could possibly offer that would be more appealing than regaining my magic. I'm also not particularly fond of the setup, both the trials and the period of time allowed for investigating stacks the odds far too high against the killer. I'm not desperate enough to attempt it.
[They're all concrete and solid reasons rather than emotional ones; Iago's never been one to rely on emotions, after all.]
Besides, I am curious in seeing how all of this ends. I want to be there when it does.
So no, I won't kill. You don't have to worry about that.
[unless he gets rolled!!!!!!!!!!]
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[He has come to trust Iago for being logical, even if they both have their irrational moments. So it's reassuring to know the Iago has also worked out the pros versus cons to various choices within the Lady's ridiculous game.]
I am not quite sure what I would do without you at this point.
[Ah.]
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I have no doubts you would survive. You're easily the smartest person here and you know to keep your head down and play into your strengths when necessary. Making yourself essential to the group will keep them from turning on you, so I see no reason to worry about what would happen to you in such a hypothetical situation.
[...The words are more or less to fill space while his brain stalls and tries to restart itself. It's... such a strange sentiment. It's one he understands in some ways - losing Dist would certainly not be pleasant and might even be worse than the Pizza Disaster earlier, but...
This is a topic he doesn't like and doesn't want to dwell on, so Iago abruptly shakes his head.]
Well, there's no need to worry about it. I'm not going to do anything stupid or get myself killed, and neither are you. We'll make it to the end of this together.
[And that's simply that, as far as Iago's concerned. It isn't a promise, it's a fact.]
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O-Of course we will! After all, we are the ones who will unravel this mess of a web! Dying is not and never was an option!
[He reaffirms a prior conversation of theirs with just a bit more force than was really needed. Maybe if he says it louder, it will make it all the more true in the end.]
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You're right, it isn't. Can you imagine what would happen if we died? Who would the others rely on for any sort of intelligence? Rideaux?
[iago that man is a doctor]
There's no need to even consider it. We'll make it through just fine.
[We may be the noodliest of noodles, but we're also useful noodles, so we (probably) won't be murdered. Maybe.]
Should the incentive be anything particularly irritating this week, I trust we'll discuss it. While I can't imagine anything else she could offer me, it's certainly possible she'll find something that annoys me.
[You're free to seek him out too if she hits on something that upsets you as well, of course.]
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Also he totally stifles a scoff at the mention of Rideaux, but he's on...okay-ish terms with him. For now. So he refrains.]
Yes, do not hesitate to come to me should you need to vent any frustrations. I highly doubt that she could manage to sway me at this point either, despite her desperation to get me on board with her nonsense.
[Apparently she's still been at it...?]
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[hey back off, lady??? that's his emotional support genius????? go get your own?????]
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[At the very least, he doesn't seem to be as irritated when talking about his dealings with her.
He motions to the tool box by his desk.]
She has allowed me to continue my work on restoring power to the city's buildings, so far as to lend me some of her own tools to do so.
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[that conversation is going to be real funny when it's unlocked.]
I'm pleased that you've been given tools and permission to continue working. May I accompany you sometime? I can't guarantee I'll be of much use, but I would like to see what you can do.
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Somehow I am not surprised in the slightest. As...frustrating as it is to admit, she and I are very much alike. Of course she would end up liking you.
[And he would much rather have Iago in the Lady's good graces while they're basically at her mercy.
As for the last bit...]
I would be happy to have you along. I have one condition for this, however: I would like you to not speak of this to anyone. I would hate to give the others the wrong impression, as though I am assisting the Lady or something similarly ridiculous.
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[They think we're all playing nice with each other and working together, but nope. Every man for himself (and Dist can come too)!!]
It's highly likely they would jump to the worst conclusion if they were to find out. Either that, or they'd make unrealistic and ridiculous demands of you, so it's for the best not to let them know.
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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.]
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[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.
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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.
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[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.]
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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.]
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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.
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