Oh, I've felt like I've come to the verge of "seeing red" a few times.
[Though the last had been during his talk with Rosefica, and the memory of it makes him frown. He didn't know then what he might have done, and he's happy he never found out. The thought is enough to peel his over-long ears back and have them lay flat against his skull.
When Peace continues, it's the distraction he needs as he watches her animated explanation. As she holds out her arm, he resists the urge to touch it to inspect for himself.]
So it seems. Just as varied as our appearances, the abilities and traits we manifest are not uniform. Though it seems the stones are standard, the patterns and types vary. I'm not sure if I am looking forward to the growing part, if that is a given... though the ability to control rocks...
[Eridanus frowns. It would be like novice magic, and he isn't sure if that's something to be excited about either.]
Are we three the only trolls in Ryslig, I wonder...?
So far as I know. I know that my eruptions were pretty... uh, not safe for life, when they happened, and Altair's was much the same. Very messy.
[Peace wrinkled her nose at the memory. The echoes of pain she felt then would sooner or later be repeated when the smoothed, rounded lumps of crystal erupted a second time from her skin.]
Hmm... as for seeing red, you can start to control it. Because you don't... you don't find yourself able to differentiate between friend and enemy. If you're not careful, you could definitely hurt your loved ones. Maybe kill them, though we know that isn't a permanent thing here. You might find the you scar differently. It's not easy to see, but there's a black line all around my hairline where they removed my hair and scalp in June. That's opal, too. So are the scars on my arms, leg, tail root and chest. They weren't super, uh, gentle... the poachers, I mean.
[A shudder ran through her.]
I think that a lot of our changes are also in response to who we are as people. Like, who wants to keep themselves closed off, or if we think of ourselves scarier than what we are. Oh! Oh!
[Peace clapped her hands, excitedly.]
And you might be able to do this!
[Peace sucked in a breath and in half a heart-beat, the mirage had settled over her body. She was human again. Small, rounded ears, not a single opal to be found, tailless.]
This is the best part. It doesn't last a super long time, but you can blend in better this way when you need to.
[Eridanus frowns thinking about it—about the way his rage crawled beneath his skin like liquid magma, trying to burst its way out. How the very thought of Eucryphia being tormented here as he was, was enough to make him feel like he needed to kill his own wife. His expression remains even, despite the slight knot between his brows, but he can still feel the sting of something in his eyes. He turns his chin, and rubs his claw against his opal-guarded mouth.
Stop, Eridanus. This is supposed to be a nice evening with a friend.
He takes a steadying breath and pushes a smile across his face, finding himself somewhat thankful that the darkness within the backseat of the car obscures their vision of each other.]
It seems humans are constantly out to threaten monsterkind. Though I don't blame them, I would likely fight back too if I was a food source. [His words trail, and so does his gaze. His verdant eyes momentarily fixate on the window beside him, before he casts a sideways glance towards Peace.
She's good at distracting him, which he's thankful for. When she excitedly grabs his attention to show him something, he almost has to double take at what he sees. Without thinking, he reaches a hand to touch where Peace's long ear had been—and feels the change in space as if it's still there, but unseen.]
An illusion spell... [He breathes,] we can do this? Truly?
[Her invisible ear flicks against his hand as she tilts her head away. Peace was very good at reading bits of body language - it came with the territory when one lived in fear of being punished for any small infraction a Puritan might take issue with. Glad that her distraction worked, she smiled at him.]
I guess it is sort of like magic, yeah. But it doesn't have to be just turning back into us. We can change our voices, too. Make our appearance whatever we want. It's helpful. But like I said, it does have a time limit. Maybe you can do it now? I did it the first time on accident. Turned myself into Taylor Swift. Thought my other boss would freak out.
[That was an understatement of the highest degree, but...]
I... don't know how to make it work, but I'm pretty sure it's not by singing Shake It Off thirty times.
[Eridanus frowns as he pulls his hand away and turns his attention to his claws. He hasn't felt magic in months, neither the dormant traces of it or other. What did it feel like, when he was young and inexperienced? Did he have to concentrate? At what point had it become so effortless, or had it always been that way? His opalescent fingers flex and curl into a fist, and he exhales.]
I think it will be a surprise for me too, I... even though I was a magister before, I cannot remember what it feels like to conjure magic with effort. It has always been so simple for me... Yet even now, when I think about it, nothing happens. Perhaps my body is not ready for it yet.
[There's a melancholy to his guttural voice, as he turns to look at Peace once more. He manages to pull a smile across his features and settles his hands into his lap.]
Just knowing about it is some comfort, though. Thank you, Miss.
Well, both Altair and I have it, so it at least seems to be the one common thing aside from being rocky. I'm sure once you figure out how to do yours, you'll be heads and shoulders past us. Literally and figuratively.
[It wasn't hard to be taller than Peace, after all.]
So, what it is a magister does? That just means "teacher" in Latin where I'm from. Well, sort of, it has a lot of different implications depending on use. Sometimes it just means "master." Did you... teach... then?
[Eridanus' thoughts would have likely continued to be consumed with the prospect of some magic returning to him, but it is quickly shot out of the water by Peace's prying. His expression sours as his hands fold tightly into his lap. His thin lips drawing into a firm line as he turns his gaze forwards.]
Magisters are magic users. They are scholars, sometimes teachers, sometimes protectors of the realm. I have been all of the above. Before coming to Ryslig though, I held a simple government position for my home-state. Prior to that, I had spent roughly two centuries raising the next generation of young mages, but that is not something I enjoy talking about.
[He hopes that explanation is enough to suffice, and as if fate is encouraging them, the car they were traveling in comes to a stop. Eridanus looks out the window before turning to look back at Peace.
His tight expression is replaced with a smile.] We're here, Miss.
[Ah, she struck a nerve. Even Peace wasn't so lackadaisical to not notice that, considering how often she would recall Father Witherspoon with the same sharp, chilly expression when she foretold something he didn't like.
She'd file away the explanation for later. Maybe it would be something important to bring up. She was still a little stiff when he turned his smile back at her.]
That was a lot faster than I thought, I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. Or mostly fun.
[The words almost feel betrayed by his expression from just seconds before, but the smile he seems to relax into seems genuine. As if the matter hadn't even been brought up, Eridanus' shoulders relax when Peace shies away from the topic. Wordlessly, Eridanus exits the vehicle and rounds to the other side, where he opens the door and offers his hand for Peace to take.]
Come now, if I don't make sure you enjoy yourself on a birth-month celebration, I'll lose my pride as a gentleman. [An airy laugh leaves him as he gently helps her out of the car, and once more his arm is offered for her to take.
The tower they stood before reached high into the sky, vibrantly lit up against the umbra of the night.] The restaurant is on the top floor, we'll have a wonderful view of the city skyline from our table.
Well, we definitely don't want that to to happen, for sure. It's only the beginning, after all!
[Gamely, since that brief temperament change seemed to have passed, Peace took his arm as she came out of the car.]
You know, I spend so much time working, I've never actually wandered around to see what other places that Bavan has. It's a big city, but I have like, three places I ever need to be, and one of them isn't even in the city.
I've wandered it enough, both out of boredom and seeking certain tidbits of information as I've needed to.
[Eridanus leads them towards the tower, walking them through the lobby and towards the gilded hallway they held a handful of elevators. He pushes the button on the wall and casts a downward glance at Peace.]
Though, I've recently moved to Djavulenstad, to be closer to my place of work. Where is that you work?
[The elevator dings and the doors before them open. Eridanus steps aside and allows Peace to step in first, before following after her.]
Oh, I work as a personal assistant for Inspector Javert, and I work as a housekeeper for Handsome Jack.
[Those were two positions in completely opposite directions, weren't they?]
They both pay me really well, and I get something to do all day. I actually kinda dislike just sitting around, and when I was at home I was... sort of doing that because of this and that. You know, before I decided to go to college this year. That... sort of got cut off because of all this, but, what can you do?
[Eridanus grows quiet as he remembers the events that had transpired just a week ago by the former of those two, and for a moment, he wonders what Peace thinks of it. He's quiet for a long time, letting his words settle heavily between them as he contemplates bringing it up or not.
But ultimately, he decides not to. This is Peace's night, after all.]
I'm lucky in that the job I've taken here is quite similar to the one I held before coming to Ryslig. I've always been good with accounts, so it is like second nature to handle the finances for the Devil's Nest.
It's nice to have something familiar where there is no familiarity. Honestly, I have things I should be doing at home, and I'm worried about the implications of not doing them when I'm stuck here.
[The bit of candor comes out unbidden, the one, consistent worry for her, whose heart is always at home. She pushes down whatever bit of melancholy is trying to rise from her compartmentalization, instead of dealing with that, she pushes it down and lightens her tone.]
And you know, not starving to death because you don't have money for a hamburger is also nice. Or something nice to wear when you want to feel attractive and special again. Which is why I have two jobs.
[Eridanus chuckles, the sound of it more understanding than anything. To find some form of normalcy, some attempt to stay sane is something he had ultimately wanted with the job. Though it didn't hurt that handling the finances for an entire crime city came with a good pay. That, and he isn't against going for prey dressed in nicer clothes, with heavier wallets.]
I cannot fault you there, Miss. Finding your own slice of happiness, even here in Ryslig, is important. A good friend I've made since coming here told me that. Just because we are monsters, does not mean we should suffer and deprive ourselves.
[The elevator dings as they reach the top floor, and he gestures for Peace to exit first before leading them towards the large, gold-gilded double doors to the restaurant. The maître-d' bows to them at their approach, where Eridanus nods his own curt bow and leans forward]
Reservation for Sungazer. [The human hums and nods, before sweeping a gesture for them to follow him.]
I don't think of myself as a monster, though. I was turned into one, but I'm still myself under all the opals and everything else.
[She shrugged as she followed after him and the maître-d' their table.]
But my feelings are not the popular ones here. I'm just kind of hoping this all falls off in the future when I go back home. Very hard to be a normal person when you have skin as hard as mine and all the opals everywhere.
[Eridanus nods along as they are brought to their table, where the maître-d' pulls out Peace's chair for her to sit. He claims the chair across from her, and it's then that he would notice that their table is right up against the window, where they can easily see the brightly lit city below.
It's a beautiful view, unlike any other he had experienced.]
Yes, it seems many are conflicted about being here, about being a monster. It has its benefits and its downsides, like anything it seems. Though I'm sure our appearances only last while we are here, since it is the fog that makes us their way.
[There's a quiet curiosity in Eridanus' gaze, Peace's nuance not quite lost on him regardless of the depth her words held. They are veritable strangers, made kin by the fog god, with little knowledge of the other's past life and experiences — and yet, there is something to the melancholic cadence of her voice that speaks to him.
Rather than inquire though, Eridanus turns his attention away the moment a waiter steps into his periphery.]
An older vintage merlot, if you please. [The waiter gives a wordless bow, unable to offer them specials nor other options for drink, before turning to retrieve the bottle as requested.
Eridanus' ardent gaze returns to Peace, and he quietly leans his opaline chin into his palm.] You would make an enemy of monsterkind for selfish gain? You surprise me, Peace. I never thought you to be the kind who goes against the grain.
It isn't selfish, honestly. Back at home I had a very important job. Um, a sort of family business outside of the accounting.
[She shrugged slightly.]
There are a lot of things that are wrong here, and if I had some of my abilities back, I could fix it. Not a lot, I can't... move mountains or turn back time, or anything like that. But I can do one small thing that repairs a lot of other things. I'm not afraid to be someone's enemy over that.
[Still, she smiled at his last comment, all guileless and sweet.]
I might work for Javert, but we disagree on a lot of things. I think that's important, too. You shouldn't have someone who always agrees with whatever you're doing or whatever you're saying all the time. Otherwise you end up in this echo chamber of "it must not be wrong, because they said it wasn't."
[During Peace's little rant, the waiter returns with the bottle of merlot. Brandishing two glasses, he silently pours them each their fill before taking the bottle away once more. Eridanus' attention remains undivided though, his gaze fixated on the girl before him with curious interest. Despite being in Ryslig for months, the diversity in those he met has yet to cease amazing him.
At her conclusion though, Eridanus chuckles warmly—the sound akin to a father entertaining his child's excited rambling.]
Do not fret, my dear. [The words are a honeyed purr over the rim of his wineglass,] I am well aware that people are not who they associate with, though more spiteful creatures may disagree. People may only be measured in their own actions, ultimately.
[And with that, he takes a leisurely sip of his wine, savoring the bitter bite of it as it coats his tongue. His sip punctuates with an indulgent sigh, and he continues as the glass is lowered back to the table.]
So, with that, I say indulge in your selfish desire. Neither of us rely on souls to feed, so what does it matter to us? Just don't come seeking any allies when your altruism comes back to bite you.
Oh, I wouldn't. If I'm going to do something, I'd rather do it by myself than bring anyone down with me.
Anyway, it isn't the first time someone like me was nailed to a wall.
[Or burnt at the stake. Good thing fire doesn't really bother trolls.
Peace took a small sip of the merlot, trying to get used to it. Before Ryslig, she never drank before, and she didn't drink now (except for that time in March, when she died). So she was a little concerned to taste the dry wine. Like a child, she wrinkled her nose just slightly.]
[The martyrdom in those words doesn't quite inspire any feelings of comfort in Eridanus—and while he has been trying to force himself to understand that the young women he's encountered on this peninsula are more than capable of caring for themselves, he still doesn't enjoy the way fear coils in his gut like a wary viper. He washes the taste from his mouth with another sip of bitter wine, but it doesn't do much to actually quell his thoughts.
Peace's reaction to the wine is distraction enough, for the moment. Eridanus chuckles, the sound light and airy in comparison to their heavy conversation.] My apologies Miss, would you like me to order you something sweeter? Typically dessert wine is reserved for the after-meal, but it is your celebration, after all.
[He sets down his glass with graceful talons, before catching the attention of a passing server. He briefly whispers his order to the woman, nods, then turns his attention back to Peace. Her words still claw at the edges of his mind, and he finds himself unable to move past them.]
Just because your people are used to being the recipients of subjugation does not mean you should invite it upon yourself. I'm sure you have seen just how... hostile monsterkind can be. If you are killed enough times, you will begin to forget who you ever were. Is that what you want? All for the sake of ferrying souls?
That's true; I only tried alcohol back in... March, I think it was, before I got sacrificed to a tree. I don't remember much about that week, but I do remember not drinking a lot of dry things.
[She laughs lightly, then watches his face, her pale, pale eyes looking him over.]
Well, that doesn't really matter, actually. Who I am now, and who I am when I die are two different people. Where I'm from, there's a cycle of reincarnation. The only souls who don't make it are those whose lives were truly despicable over and over again no matter how many chances they were given.
And then there are people like me, who ferry the dead. I've been reincarnated a lot, but I'll never remember the people I was before. They were just Witches, over and over again. That's why it doesn't bother me that someone might find joy in murdering me until I forget who I am and where I'm from. When I do really die, then I'll just come back.
Like snapping your fingers. Like magic, almost.
[It all makes perfect sense to Peace. She is not a cog, but outside the machine entirely, looking upon human lives as the same as forces of nature. There is no good or evil, but lives well lived and lives well wasted.]
That isn't to be confused with things like martyrdom or anything like that. I've always been OK with dying, because that's what happens when you live. It has to come to an end sometime, no one should live forever. Though people certainly do try!
[Eridanus watches her keenly as she speaks of her purpose, her life before. There's a moment where he wonders just why Peace would want to return to such a thing. Was it the familiarity? Was it just to feel like she was doing something rather than nothing, and if that were the case, why not find new purpose?]
How wonderfully poetic, miss Peace. [He hums as he swirls the dark wine within the bulb of his glass.]
Yet, doesn't holding on to what you were before defeat the idea of reincarnation? And how are you to know that this world operates in the same ways yours did before, perhaps your magic will not be what you imagine it to be?
[He pauses,] if you mean to ask miss Mana for it back, you should be careful what you wish for. What if what is gifted to you ends up being something else entirely?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Though the last had been during his talk with Rosefica, and the memory of it makes him frown. He didn't know then what he might have done, and he's happy he never found out. The thought is enough to peel his over-long ears back and have them lay flat against his skull.
When Peace continues, it's the distraction he needs as he watches her animated explanation. As she holds out her arm, he resists the urge to touch it to inspect for himself.]
So it seems. Just as varied as our appearances, the abilities and traits we manifest are not uniform. Though it seems the stones are standard, the patterns and types vary. I'm not sure if I am looking forward to the growing part, if that is a given... though the ability to control rocks...
[Eridanus frowns. It would be like novice magic, and he isn't sure if that's something to be excited about either.]
Are we three the only trolls in Ryslig, I wonder...?
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[Peace wrinkled her nose at the memory. The echoes of pain she felt then would sooner or later be repeated when the smoothed, rounded lumps of crystal erupted a second time from her skin.]
Hmm... as for seeing red, you can start to control it. Because you don't... you don't find yourself able to differentiate between friend and enemy. If you're not careful, you could definitely hurt your loved ones. Maybe kill them, though we know that isn't a permanent thing here. You might find the you scar differently. It's not easy to see, but there's a black line all around my hairline where they removed my hair and scalp in June. That's opal, too. So are the scars on my arms, leg, tail root and chest. They weren't super, uh, gentle... the poachers, I mean.
[A shudder ran through her.]
I think that a lot of our changes are also in response to who we are as people. Like, who wants to keep themselves closed off, or if we think of ourselves scarier than what we are. Oh! Oh!
[Peace clapped her hands, excitedly.]
And you might be able to do this!
[Peace sucked in a breath and in half a heart-beat, the mirage had settled over her body. She was human again. Small, rounded ears, not a single opal to be found, tailless.]
This is the best part. It doesn't last a super long time, but you can blend in better this way when you need to.
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Stop, Eridanus. This is supposed to be a nice evening with a friend.
He takes a steadying breath and pushes a smile across his face, finding himself somewhat thankful that the darkness within the backseat of the car obscures their vision of each other.]
It seems humans are constantly out to threaten monsterkind. Though I don't blame them, I would likely fight back too if I was a food source. [His words trail, and so does his gaze. His verdant eyes momentarily fixate on the window beside him, before he casts a sideways glance towards Peace.
She's good at distracting him, which he's thankful for. When she excitedly grabs his attention to show him something, he almost has to double take at what he sees. Without thinking, he reaches a hand to touch where Peace's long ear had been—and feels the change in space as if it's still there, but unseen.]
An illusion spell... [He breathes,] we can do this? Truly?
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[Her invisible ear flicks against his hand as she tilts her head away. Peace was very good at reading bits of body language - it came with the territory when one lived in fear of being punished for any small infraction a Puritan might take issue with. Glad that her distraction worked, she smiled at him.]
I guess it is sort of like magic, yeah. But it doesn't have to be just turning back into us. We can change our voices, too. Make our appearance whatever we want. It's helpful. But like I said, it does have a time limit. Maybe you can do it now? I did it the first time on accident. Turned myself into Taylor Swift. Thought my other boss would freak out.
[That was an understatement of the highest degree, but...]
I... don't know how to make it work, but I'm pretty sure it's not by singing Shake It Off thirty times.
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I think it will be a surprise for me too, I... even though I was a magister before, I cannot remember what it feels like to conjure magic with effort. It has always been so simple for me... Yet even now, when I think about it, nothing happens. Perhaps my body is not ready for it yet.
[There's a melancholy to his guttural voice, as he turns to look at Peace once more. He manages to pull a smile across his features and settles his hands into his lap.]
Just knowing about it is some comfort, though. Thank you, Miss.
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[It wasn't hard to be taller than Peace, after all.]
So, what it is a magister does? That just means "teacher" in Latin where I'm from. Well, sort of, it has a lot of different implications depending on use. Sometimes it just means "master." Did you... teach... then?
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Magisters are magic users. They are scholars, sometimes teachers, sometimes protectors of the realm. I have been all of the above. Before coming to Ryslig though, I held a simple government position for my home-state. Prior to that, I had spent roughly two centuries raising the next generation of young mages, but that is not something I enjoy talking about.
[He hopes that explanation is enough to suffice, and as if fate is encouraging them, the car they were traveling in comes to a stop. Eridanus looks out the window before turning to look back at Peace.
His tight expression is replaced with a smile.] We're here, Miss.
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She'd file away the explanation for later. Maybe it would be something important to bring up. She was still a little stiff when he turned his smile back at her.]
That was a lot faster than I thought, I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. Or mostly fun.
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[The words almost feel betrayed by his expression from just seconds before, but the smile he seems to relax into seems genuine. As if the matter hadn't even been brought up, Eridanus' shoulders relax when Peace shies away from the topic. Wordlessly, Eridanus exits the vehicle and rounds to the other side, where he opens the door and offers his hand for Peace to take.]
Come now, if I don't make sure you enjoy yourself on a birth-month celebration, I'll lose my pride as a gentleman. [An airy laugh leaves him as he gently helps her out of the car, and once more his arm is offered for her to take.
The tower they stood before reached high into the sky, vibrantly lit up against the umbra of the night.] The restaurant is on the top floor, we'll have a wonderful view of the city skyline from our table.
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[Gamely, since that brief temperament change seemed to have passed, Peace took his arm as she came out of the car.]
You know, I spend so much time working, I've never actually wandered around to see what other places that Bavan has. It's a big city, but I have like, three places I ever need to be, and one of them isn't even in the city.
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[Eridanus leads them towards the tower, walking them through the lobby and towards the gilded hallway they held a handful of elevators. He pushes the button on the wall and casts a downward glance at Peace.]
Though, I've recently moved to Djavulenstad, to be closer to my place of work. Where is that you work?
[The elevator dings and the doors before them open. Eridanus steps aside and allows Peace to step in first, before following after her.]
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[Those were two positions in completely opposite directions, weren't they?]
They both pay me really well, and I get something to do all day. I actually kinda dislike just sitting around, and when I was at home I was... sort of doing that because of this and that. You know, before I decided to go to college this year. That... sort of got cut off because of all this, but, what can you do?
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[Eridanus grows quiet as he remembers the events that had transpired just a week ago by the former of those two, and for a moment, he wonders what Peace thinks of it. He's quiet for a long time, letting his words settle heavily between them as he contemplates bringing it up or not.
But ultimately, he decides not to. This is Peace's night, after all.]
I'm lucky in that the job I've taken here is quite similar to the one I held before coming to Ryslig. I've always been good with accounts, so it is like second nature to handle the finances for the Devil's Nest.
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[The bit of candor comes out unbidden, the one, consistent worry for her, whose heart is always at home. She pushes down whatever bit of melancholy is trying to rise from her compartmentalization, instead of dealing with that, she pushes it down and lightens her tone.]
And you know, not starving to death because you don't have money for a hamburger is also nice. Or something nice to wear when you want to feel attractive and special again. Which is why I have two jobs.
[Peace motions to her dress.]
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I cannot fault you there, Miss. Finding your own slice of happiness, even here in Ryslig, is important. A good friend I've made since coming here told me that. Just because we are monsters, does not mean we should suffer and deprive ourselves.
[The elevator dings as they reach the top floor, and he gestures for Peace to exit first before leading them towards the large, gold-gilded double doors to the restaurant. The maître-d' bows to them at their approach, where Eridanus nods his own curt bow and leans forward]
Reservation for Sungazer. [The human hums and nods, before sweeping a gesture for them to follow him.]
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[She shrugged as she followed after him and the maître-d' their table.]
But my feelings are not the popular ones here. I'm just kind of hoping this all falls off in the future when I go back home. Very hard to be a normal person when you have skin as hard as mine and all the opals everywhere.
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It's a beautiful view, unlike any other he had experienced.]
Yes, it seems many are conflicted about being here, about being a monster. It has its benefits and its downsides, like anything it seems. Though I'm sure our appearances only last while we are here, since it is the fog that makes us their way.
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[Well, that's not cryptic or anything.]
I know a lot of other people have special abilities at home, but man. If I had mine here... I would make a lot of people very angry, very quickly.
[She laughed lightly. Sure, she'd be removing whole food sources, but she didn't care. The whole monster population could hurt her.]
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Rather than inquire though, Eridanus turns his attention away the moment a waiter steps into his periphery.]
An older vintage merlot, if you please. [The waiter gives a wordless bow, unable to offer them specials nor other options for drink, before turning to retrieve the bottle as requested.
Eridanus' ardent gaze returns to Peace, and he quietly leans his opaline chin into his palm.] You would make an enemy of monsterkind for selfish gain? You surprise me, Peace. I never thought you to be the kind who goes against the grain.
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[She shrugged slightly.]
There are a lot of things that are wrong here, and if I had some of my abilities back, I could fix it. Not a lot, I can't... move mountains or turn back time, or anything like that. But I can do one small thing that repairs a lot of other things. I'm not afraid to be someone's enemy over that.
[Still, she smiled at his last comment, all guileless and sweet.]
I might work for Javert, but we disagree on a lot of things. I think that's important, too. You shouldn't have someone who always agrees with whatever you're doing or whatever you're saying all the time. Otherwise you end up in this echo chamber of "it must not be wrong, because they said it wasn't."
Sorry... I took a lot of therapy growing up.
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At her conclusion though, Eridanus chuckles warmly—the sound akin to a father entertaining his child's excited rambling.]
Do not fret, my dear. [The words are a honeyed purr over the rim of his wineglass,] I am well aware that people are not who they associate with, though more spiteful creatures may disagree. People may only be measured in their own actions, ultimately.
[And with that, he takes a leisurely sip of his wine, savoring the bitter bite of it as it coats his tongue. His sip punctuates with an indulgent sigh, and he continues as the glass is lowered back to the table.]
So, with that, I say indulge in your selfish desire. Neither of us rely on souls to feed, so what does it matter to us? Just don't come seeking any allies when your altruism comes back to bite you.
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Anyway, it isn't the first time someone like me was nailed to a wall.
[Or burnt at the stake. Good thing fire doesn't really bother trolls.
Peace took a small sip of the merlot, trying to get used to it. Before Ryslig, she never drank before, and she didn't drink now (except for that time in March, when she died). So she was a little concerned to taste the dry wine. Like a child, she wrinkled her nose just slightly.]
It's a little bitter, isn't it?
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Peace's reaction to the wine is distraction enough, for the moment. Eridanus chuckles, the sound light and airy in comparison to their heavy conversation.] My apologies Miss, would you like me to order you something sweeter? Typically dessert wine is reserved for the after-meal, but it is your celebration, after all.
[He sets down his glass with graceful talons, before catching the attention of a passing server. He briefly whispers his order to the woman, nods, then turns his attention back to Peace. Her words still claw at the edges of his mind, and he finds himself unable to move past them.]
Just because your people are used to being the recipients of subjugation does not mean you should invite it upon yourself. I'm sure you have seen just how... hostile monsterkind can be. If you are killed enough times, you will begin to forget who you ever were. Is that what you want? All for the sake of ferrying souls?
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[She laughs lightly, then watches his face, her pale, pale eyes looking him over.]
Well, that doesn't really matter, actually. Who I am now, and who I am when I die are two different people. Where I'm from, there's a cycle of reincarnation. The only souls who don't make it are those whose lives were truly despicable over and over again no matter how many chances they were given.
And then there are people like me, who ferry the dead. I've been reincarnated a lot, but I'll never remember the people I was before. They were just Witches, over and over again. That's why it doesn't bother me that someone might find joy in murdering me until I forget who I am and where I'm from. When I do really die, then I'll just come back.
Like snapping your fingers. Like magic, almost.
[It all makes perfect sense to Peace. She is not a cog, but outside the machine entirely, looking upon human lives as the same as forces of nature. There is no good or evil, but lives well lived and lives well wasted.]
That isn't to be confused with things like martyrdom or anything like that. I've always been OK with dying, because that's what happens when you live. It has to come to an end sometime, no one should live forever. Though people certainly do try!
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How wonderfully poetic, miss Peace. [He hums as he swirls the dark wine within the bulb of his glass.]
Yet, doesn't holding on to what you were before defeat the idea of reincarnation? And how are you to know that this world operates in the same ways yours did before, perhaps your magic will not be what you imagine it to be?
[He pauses,] if you mean to ask miss Mana for it back, you should be careful what you wish for. What if what is gifted to you ends up being something else entirely?
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CW: disordered eating
CW: Eating disorder
CW: Eating disorder
CW: Eating disorder
CW: Eating disorder
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