The corner of the Emissary's mouth lifts knowingly. So she flinched.
"A vessel need not be alive," Elidibus reminds Irhya. Case in point, his current host. No indication is given on what he might still be capable of. He either sees no reason to reveal his cards so easily or confirm anything Emet-Selch might have already told the Warrior of Light. "But no matter. I have cultivated my identity as 'Ardbert' here and have little interest in beginning again. Do you now understand what it means to be willing to 'help me', Warrior of Light? Can you keep yourself from flinching any time you hear me speak with his voice?"
Can Irhya accept him interacting with those she knows and loves as 'Ardbert'?
Elidibus seems to be considering the matter of suggestion and murderous intent. Whether to discuss and give pointers. It seems he decides something must be said on the matter and so, with the same calm air he offers.
"What I suggest is that you think back upon your... confrontations with Lahabrea upon this Star." It's a blanket word, that. It would likely belittle the moments between the Warrior of Light and Lahabrea to call them less than a confrontation. "Consider whether you might have applied your..." naive he refrains from saying "...mortal comparisons to one of his stature."
Keenly, the Ascian regards Irhya. "You were not so foolish as to blithely dismiss his transformation based on your own experience and acceptance, I hope?"
"Of course not," Irhya says immediately. "Believe me, I know full well it sucks to have drawn the short straw. Hells, for an Ascian, it probably sucks either way."
She's utterly unconcerned with the crude language in his presence, as usual. Picked up from other Mirrorbound, more like than not. She'll have to try and discern later if she has anything of worth to him to perhaps try and force a truce with.
As for Ardbert, working against him does her no good in this case. He's going to do it even if she complains, and to go behind his back and tell everyone he's an Ascian using the identity of a dead man would be counterproductive, to say the least. She stares at him for a while, evaluating.
Well, it beats him picking up the ashes of Morgana's body. Somehow.
"That depends." She turns and walks to the corner of the table, closer to him. "Can I trust you not to do him a massive disservice by your actions? It isn't my preferred outcome, no, but if I must compromise, this is as close as I'll get."
Ah yes. Wouldn't that be something? If upon death, the Ascians still retained their ability to take another host, even one that was but ashes and create another body to be stuck in? Frightening really if they could; just take the ability and memories of some very accomplished Witch that suits their needs. Fortunately, the city is unlikely to allow that and even if Elidibus was aware at this time, he wouldn't share that little tidbit. Let any mortal who might understand his nature wonder.
Crude language isn't something he particularly cares about. Physical aggression would be and there's none here. Irhya's answer is given a nod in acceptance. "I won't advise you much in regards to your encounters and relations with Lahabrea. Mayhap there is nothing you or he say to one another that won't end with anger. Yet I would avoid any suggestion that understanding you now have of our history is sufficient to understand us. Or to sympathize. Instead, if you would have Lahabrea speak of the conflict of our star, perhaps you ought not to do anything but listen rather than provoke a response."
Listen? Well, it's not as though Elidibus is asking Irhya side with them on the matter. Or even swear loyalty to Zodiark. One can listen to theology and not have to convert to do so. Though whether Lahabrea will readily speak on any matter regarding their past, one can only hope for a miracle on that matter. Particularly if one is not supposed to be... provocative about it.
Ah of course, there would be a demand for compromise. Elidibus certainly desires to sigh again, but he refrains from doing so. She approaches him and he does not move. There is no malicious intent gauged. And he does acknowledge some reason exists in her words, even if they are a bit naive in structure.
"Trust, is it?" What an interesting term to use between the two of them. "What you can trust, Warrior of Light, is that it is in my interest to maintain this identity. The value of being seen as a 'good man' far outweighs any desire of being known for what I truly am. Have I not once spoke on the value of useful tools to you?" Perhaps not 'him', but the other Elidibus. He likely refers to that.
"And as unpleasant as it no doubt is for you to hear of me to speak of 'Ardbert' as a tool, I suspect you would find more comfort in this truth than you would if I made such a promise on the vague nature of avoiding a 'massive disservice'."
It is, after all, more fitting to see Elidibus this way, is it not? The Ascian looks at Irhya intently. "There is no need for 'compromise' here, Warrior of Light. Only your choice and conviction in seeing it through. I hold you no more hostage than you do me. Since the day we first met here, I made plans for this inevitable revelation."
It was, after all, always a matter of when it happened, to him. Possibly to both of them.
Hellfire. There's a small seed of desire for her to lash out, to lose her temper and ask why she has to give ground like this when he evidently doesn't. It doesn't show, but she feels it, like the barest flicker of a candle.
"Even though I know you'd sooner say that than lie through your teeth, it doesn't make me feel any better." She leans her weight forward, looking him in the eye defiantly. "But I'm not asking you for much more than you've already been doing. You originated the damn concept -- at least humor me on this."
Irhya bites her lip hard, and it shows. "Can I keep myself from flinching? Eventually, sure. Do I understand that by not cutting you down, I'll inevitably help further your goals? Well, it's the same with Emet-Selch, and we've been through even more here on top of what happened on the First. And I get that a promise like that might be hollow coming from you, but..."
She clenches her teeth and smacks her fist on the table. What isn't immediately clear is that it's not merely the idea of helping an Ascian maintain a flagrant lie that's upsetting to her. Maybe any appeal to his emotions is null and void, but damn it, she has to try. Better than having to kill him again and end a long, lonely fight.
Elidibus would absolutely lie through his teeth if it was perceived to be the better decision to make at that moment. If Irhya wants to believe otherwise, he won't dissuade her.
Briefly, the Ascian narrows his eyes. "Oh yes. He did learn that." Elidibus sighs while closing his eyes. "I suppose I should consider the same of you." It's a hint that the Emissary does still see Irhya as somewhat... separate to the one Warrior of Darkness he's connected to in his time. Which is probably for the best.
But there is some frustration that least into his words. Once again his eyes snap open. "Think! I know you are capable of it," Elidibus collects himself, though his words are given no less strength. "You wanted to bear the burden of truth." The Emissary turns enough to sweep his hand toward the ornate saddle and its finished design. This whole meeting was designed to expose him, clumsy though it might have been by an Ascian's standards. "Only to beg me to pull the veil of illusion once more across your eyes by making a hollow promise?" By her own words at that.
"I think not. What do you really want, Warrior of Light? Irhya?" Elidibus stresses her name. Not maliciously or condescendingly. As if he were talking to the person. "You are aware I can acceptably fulfill the role." He is the first Warrior of Light. He has been others, stood with them, taught them. "The battle waiting for us is not here in this prison. The only matter for us to consider here is survival and escape. It is not I who am unwilling to compromise, here."
He will maintain the guise of 'Ardbert'. Or at least what's sufficient for this world. There really shouldn't be any worry about it. Elidibus can't be the real Ardbert, but he certainly can play the role of a Warrior of Light.
He is willing to not play out their battle to save the world here, though the Warrior of Light before him seems to grasp at straws as if it were some sacrifice that she likewise hold back. One might argue that he's leaving out the notion that it would be 'useful' for either side if the Unsundered or the Warrior of Light remains imprisoned. But that's hardly a thing to bring up and not sound even more threatening.
Not to mention, with these twisting possibilities of Time, utterly fruitless for one's own world. Somewhere, the Warrior of Light is saved from the brink and succeeds in preventing the Eighth Umbral Calamity. Elsewhere they fall.
So yes, Elidibus is aware Irhya is holding something back, that this anger of hers is about something she's not saying. It is a sign he has some small hope for the Source's Warrior of Light, that he was frustrated by her foolish, mortal efforts to try and hide it by pretending she wished to hide her head in the dirt. Here! In front of him.
Her shoulders tighten. Damn it, this is why they don't let her try to negotiate anything. To argue it further just makes her sound like she's angry that everything isn't organized in a way she approves of.
Bloody hell, sometimes she hates her own temper. Her nails scrape the wood of the table as she curls them inward.
"Fine. Not like I want to go to the trouble of spreading ill rumors about you, anyway."
Curt and definitely not making eye contact. It'd be useless to ask him if he understands how she feels, though, not when he feels so little anymore. She turns her back to him and saunters back around the other side of the table.
"I'll keep working on this, at any rate. Maybe someday, it will remind you of something more pleasant."
Elidibus closes his eyes and sighs. It's audible even though Irhya retreats. Is that disappointment? Perhaps. But it is also resignation.
"It seems for now I too must ask no more about the matter," the Ascian answers when Irhya pointedly does not answer his question. "For now."
It seems it will only be a short reprieve. He has no way of knowing why the miqo'te Warrior of Light is refusing to explain what's really on her mind. She may well be right, that Elidibus would not comprehend such an explanation. And there's every right to expect that it may anger him to suggest she 'knows' him.
Perhaps if he ever grasps hold of some emotions he is willing to keep, then one day...
But for now, Elidibus watches Irhya move around the room. "Memories are fleeting. I know not why there is such insistence that I may somehow find 'joy' in the reminder." His voice has taken on a cadence which suggests he's speaking in half-rhetoric. And although he does not clarify, it is not just Irhya's insistence he speaks of.
With a little more focus and this time to the miqo'te, Elidibus then suggests, "If you wish to remain here, I will see to the saddle's fitting." Oh yes, there is still that, isn't there. "I will inform you if there is aught which does not fit Filia." He turns and walks toward the finished saddle, meaning to pick it up. Well, the opportunity is given, should Irhya wish to be alone.
"I do still suggest you show Emet-Selch your work. He may well appreciate the homage to his creation." Or maybe not. Sometimes it's hard to tell with the prickly Architect.
A few harsh words touch the tip of her tongue, but she manages not to unleash them. For now, as he says. She leans forward, dipping her head down, and waves a hand at him in a suspiciously Emet-like gesture.
"Do as you will." Maybe it is a worthy idea to show him the saddle, if only to pester him for more information she can actually do something with. His memories of Elidibus won't help when the man himself does not actually remember any of it, and has probably lost a great deal of his personality in the process of forgetting.
As he takes the finished saddle, she picks her head up and says one more thing in parting as he reaches the door. "Someday, I might be able to speak more about it. But today is not that day."
That was certainly familiar. But Elidibus knows Bonded share emotions and dreams, in a manner of speaking. Is it really a stretch to think mannerisms might leak across? Well, it's something to ponder over. Imagine if Lahabrea started to pick up Elidibus's habitual... ticks.
Come to think of it, would anything really change? A calm, still, and somewhat stoic Lahabrea? Elidibus can't imagine the comparison. He shakes his head free of such strange imaginings.
For now, he is content to depart, though pauses at the door when Irhya calls after him. The Ascian looks over his shoulder with a hint of interest. "I will be waiting to hear what you have to say, then," he answers in acceptance. He has plenty of time to wait, or so he is in habit of believing. What are a few centuries... ah, but does Irhya have time? He'll have to remember to look into the 'lifespan' of the vampires.
He leaves. And proves competent enough to fit saddle and bridle to not need help with that. The measurements done in a previous meeting have proved sound and while Irhya may be called out to see the final fit for the sake of satisfaction, it is probably a short and businesslike exchange.
What price remains to be paid is exchanged and Elidibus takes advantage of the newly saddled Filia to ride quickly out of sight. If no one else might be satisfied, at least the amaro looks happy. An excellent fit saddle and finally being able to trot along at a pace that isn't to match a hyur's walking speed. What more can be wanted out of life at that moment?
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"A vessel need not be alive," Elidibus reminds Irhya. Case in point, his current host. No indication is given on what he might still be capable of. He either sees no reason to reveal his cards so easily or confirm anything Emet-Selch might have already told the Warrior of Light. "But no matter. I have cultivated my identity as 'Ardbert' here and have little interest in beginning again. Do you now understand what it means to be willing to 'help me', Warrior of Light? Can you keep yourself from flinching any time you hear me speak with his voice?"
Can Irhya accept him interacting with those she knows and loves as 'Ardbert'?
Elidibus seems to be considering the matter of suggestion and murderous intent. Whether to discuss and give pointers. It seems he decides something must be said on the matter and so, with the same calm air he offers.
"What I suggest is that you think back upon your... confrontations with Lahabrea upon this Star." It's a blanket word, that. It would likely belittle the moments between the Warrior of Light and Lahabrea to call them less than a confrontation. "Consider whether you might have applied your..." naive he refrains from saying "...mortal comparisons to one of his stature."
Keenly, the Ascian regards Irhya. "You were not so foolish as to blithely dismiss his transformation based on your own experience and acceptance, I hope?"
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She's utterly unconcerned with the crude language in his presence, as usual. Picked up from other Mirrorbound, more like than not. She'll have to try and discern later if she has anything of worth to him to perhaps try and force a truce with.
As for Ardbert, working against him does her no good in this case. He's going to do it even if she complains, and to go behind his back and tell everyone he's an Ascian using the identity of a dead man would be counterproductive, to say the least. She stares at him for a while, evaluating.
Well, it beats him picking up the ashes of Morgana's body. Somehow.
"That depends." She turns and walks to the corner of the table, closer to him. "Can I trust you not to do him a massive disservice by your actions? It isn't my preferred outcome, no, but if I must compromise, this is as close as I'll get."
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Crude language isn't something he particularly cares about. Physical aggression would be and there's none here. Irhya's answer is given a nod in acceptance. "I won't advise you much in regards to your encounters and relations with Lahabrea. Mayhap there is nothing you or he say to one another that won't end with anger. Yet I would avoid any suggestion that understanding you now have of our history is sufficient to understand us. Or to sympathize. Instead, if you would have Lahabrea speak of the conflict of our star, perhaps you ought not to do anything but listen rather than provoke a response."
Listen? Well, it's not as though Elidibus is asking Irhya side with them on the matter. Or even swear loyalty to Zodiark. One can listen to theology and not have to convert to do so. Though whether Lahabrea will readily speak on any matter regarding their past, one can only hope for a miracle on that matter. Particularly if one is not supposed to be... provocative about it.
Ah of course, there would be a demand for compromise. Elidibus certainly desires to sigh again, but he refrains from doing so. She approaches him and he does not move. There is no malicious intent gauged. And he does acknowledge some reason exists in her words, even if they are a bit naive in structure.
"Trust, is it?" What an interesting term to use between the two of them. "What you can trust, Warrior of Light, is that it is in my interest to maintain this identity. The value of being seen as a 'good man' far outweighs any desire of being known for what I truly am. Have I not once spoke on the value of useful tools to you?" Perhaps not 'him', but the other Elidibus. He likely refers to that.
"And as unpleasant as it no doubt is for you to hear of me to speak of 'Ardbert' as a tool, I suspect you would find more comfort in this truth than you would if I made such a promise on the vague nature of avoiding a 'massive disservice'."
It is, after all, more fitting to see Elidibus this way, is it not? The Ascian looks at Irhya intently. "There is no need for 'compromise' here, Warrior of Light. Only your choice and conviction in seeing it through. I hold you no more hostage than you do me. Since the day we first met here, I made plans for this inevitable revelation."
It was, after all, always a matter of when it happened, to him. Possibly to both of them.
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"Even though I know you'd sooner say that than lie through your teeth, it doesn't make me feel any better." She leans her weight forward, looking him in the eye defiantly. "But I'm not asking you for much more than you've already been doing. You originated the damn concept -- at least humor me on this."
Irhya bites her lip hard, and it shows. "Can I keep myself from flinching? Eventually, sure. Do I understand that by not cutting you down, I'll inevitably help further your goals? Well, it's the same with Emet-Selch, and we've been through even more here on top of what happened on the First. And I get that a promise like that might be hollow coming from you, but..."
She clenches her teeth and smacks her fist on the table. What isn't immediately clear is that it's not merely the idea of helping an Ascian maintain a flagrant lie that's upsetting to her. Maybe any appeal to his emotions is null and void, but damn it, she has to try. Better than having to kill him again and end a long, lonely fight.
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Briefly, the Ascian narrows his eyes. "Oh yes. He did learn that." Elidibus sighs while closing his eyes. "I suppose I should consider the same of you." It's a hint that the Emissary does still see Irhya as somewhat... separate to the one Warrior of Darkness he's connected to in his time. Which is probably for the best.
But there is some frustration that least into his words. Once again his eyes snap open. "Think! I know you are capable of it," Elidibus collects himself, though his words are given no less strength. "You wanted to bear the burden of truth." The Emissary turns enough to sweep his hand toward the ornate saddle and its finished design. This whole meeting was designed to expose him, clumsy though it might have been by an Ascian's standards. "Only to beg me to pull the veil of illusion once more across your eyes by making a hollow promise?" By her own words at that.
"I think not. What do you really want, Warrior of Light? Irhya?" Elidibus stresses her name. Not maliciously or condescendingly. As if he were talking to the person. "You are aware I can acceptably fulfill the role." He is the first Warrior of Light. He has been others, stood with them, taught them. "The battle waiting for us is not here in this prison. The only matter for us to consider here is survival and escape. It is not I who am unwilling to compromise, here."
He will maintain the guise of 'Ardbert'. Or at least what's sufficient for this world. There really shouldn't be any worry about it. Elidibus can't be the real Ardbert, but he certainly can play the role of a Warrior of Light.
He is willing to not play out their battle to save the world here, though the Warrior of Light before him seems to grasp at straws as if it were some sacrifice that she likewise hold back. One might argue that he's leaving out the notion that it would be 'useful' for either side if the Unsundered or the Warrior of Light remains imprisoned. But that's hardly a thing to bring up and not sound even more threatening.
Not to mention, with these twisting possibilities of Time, utterly fruitless for one's own world. Somewhere, the Warrior of Light is saved from the brink and succeeds in preventing the Eighth Umbral Calamity. Elsewhere they fall.
So yes, Elidibus is aware Irhya is holding something back, that this anger of hers is about something she's not saying. It is a sign he has some small hope for the Source's Warrior of Light, that he was frustrated by her foolish, mortal efforts to try and hide it by pretending she wished to hide her head in the dirt. Here! In front of him.
no subject
Bloody hell, sometimes she hates her own temper. Her nails scrape the wood of the table as she curls them inward.
"Fine. Not like I want to go to the trouble of spreading ill rumors about you, anyway."
Curt and definitely not making eye contact. It'd be useless to ask him if he understands how she feels, though, not when he feels so little anymore. She turns her back to him and saunters back around the other side of the table.
"I'll keep working on this, at any rate. Maybe someday, it will remind you of something more pleasant."
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"It seems for now I too must ask no more about the matter," the Ascian answers when Irhya pointedly does not answer his question. "For now."
It seems it will only be a short reprieve. He has no way of knowing why the miqo'te Warrior of Light is refusing to explain what's really on her mind. She may well be right, that Elidibus would not comprehend such an explanation. And there's every right to expect that it may anger him to suggest she 'knows' him.
Perhaps if he ever grasps hold of some emotions he is willing to keep, then one day...
But for now, Elidibus watches Irhya move around the room. "Memories are fleeting. I know not why there is such insistence that I may somehow find 'joy' in the reminder." His voice has taken on a cadence which suggests he's speaking in half-rhetoric. And although he does not clarify, it is not just Irhya's insistence he speaks of.
With a little more focus and this time to the miqo'te, Elidibus then suggests, "If you wish to remain here, I will see to the saddle's fitting." Oh yes, there is still that, isn't there. "I will inform you if there is aught which does not fit Filia." He turns and walks toward the finished saddle, meaning to pick it up. Well, the opportunity is given, should Irhya wish to be alone.
"I do still suggest you show Emet-Selch your work. He may well appreciate the homage to his creation." Or maybe not. Sometimes it's hard to tell with the prickly Architect.
no subject
"Do as you will." Maybe it is a worthy idea to show him the saddle, if only to pester him for more information she can actually do something with. His memories of Elidibus won't help when the man himself does not actually remember any of it, and has probably lost a great deal of his personality in the process of forgetting.
As he takes the finished saddle, she picks her head up and says one more thing in parting as he reaches the door. "Someday, I might be able to speak more about it. But today is not that day."
no subject
Come to think of it, would anything really change? A calm, still, and somewhat stoic Lahabrea? Elidibus can't imagine the comparison. He shakes his head free of such strange imaginings.
For now, he is content to depart, though pauses at the door when Irhya calls after him. The Ascian looks over his shoulder with a hint of interest. "I will be waiting to hear what you have to say, then," he answers in acceptance. He has plenty of time to wait, or so he is in habit of believing. What are a few centuries... ah, but does Irhya have time? He'll have to remember to look into the 'lifespan' of the vampires.
He leaves. And proves competent enough to fit saddle and bridle to not need help with that. The measurements done in a previous meeting have proved sound and while Irhya may be called out to see the final fit for the sake of satisfaction, it is probably a short and businesslike exchange.
What price remains to be paid is exchanged and Elidibus takes advantage of the newly saddled Filia to ride quickly out of sight. If no one else might be satisfied, at least the amaro looks happy. An excellent fit saddle and finally being able to trot along at a pace that isn't to match a hyur's walking speed. What more can be wanted out of life at that moment?