[ He isn't really quite sure what he expected, when he turned to look at Tezca, his eyes slowed because there was so much to take in, and Silco wasn't used to places that looked so... different? Yes, he had seen plenty in Kenos and beyond, but... there's something to be said for the... lush brutality of this place. The small details, the knowledge that there is a death coming, the way the city hums in celebration, the dress of the people, the skulls on spikes...
It's all different.
And not necessarily in a bad way.
Though when he finds Tezca, his eyes do make a doubletake, flicking up and down the man, before repeating, and then a single eye blinks. ]
Not what I expected.
[ He said, and it's not necessarily clear if he means Tezca or the city. ]
It's all different.
And not necessarily in a bad way.
Though when he finds Tezca, his eyes do make a doubletake, flicking up and down the man, before repeating, and then a single eye blinks. ]
Not what I expected.
[ He said, and it's not necessarily clear if he means Tezca or the city. ]
[ Tezcatlipoca appreciates the reaction, and he in fact watches it intently. He hadnât used Communion this way, because it really hadnât occurred to him. Unlike Quetzalcoatl, his interest was always in the present and the future. Looking back just wasnât something he thought to do naturally, so this was only because Set had asked about it.
âŠBut, he still feels a sense of pride for the beautiful city and its people. Itâs an experience thatâs priceless, because this is a place that truly only exists in the memories of the gods now. It could be somber for the loss of it, but thatâs just not Tezcatlipocaâs way. ]
Even after meetinâ Quetzalcoatl? From what I heard, her manifestation was way more tied to this era.
[ He chuckles, knowing just mentioning his brother has a chance of setting Silco off, so he claps a hand on his shoulder and directs him through the crowd. Itâs a strange experience, since none of the people seem to acknowledge them, but they move smoothly through it like the people just subconsciously part for them. Thatâs the power that Tezcatlipoca represents and can exert upon the world in his full divinity. ]
âŠActually.
[ A thought occurs to him, and from the tone of that âactuallyâ, itâs clear that this is a question thatâs loaded. Maybe itâs a test. Or maybe heâs just curious. Itâs hard to tell with Tezcatlipoca. ]
Your city, the place youâre from. Letâs say it was in danger. Someone cominâ in to try and change everything about it. What would you do?
âŠBut, he still feels a sense of pride for the beautiful city and its people. Itâs an experience thatâs priceless, because this is a place that truly only exists in the memories of the gods now. It could be somber for the loss of it, but thatâs just not Tezcatlipocaâs way. ]
Even after meetinâ Quetzalcoatl? From what I heard, her manifestation was way more tied to this era.
[ He chuckles, knowing just mentioning his brother has a chance of setting Silco off, so he claps a hand on his shoulder and directs him through the crowd. Itâs a strange experience, since none of the people seem to acknowledge them, but they move smoothly through it like the people just subconsciously part for them. Thatâs the power that Tezcatlipoca represents and can exert upon the world in his full divinity. ]
âŠActually.
[ A thought occurs to him, and from the tone of that âactuallyâ, itâs clear that this is a question thatâs loaded. Maybe itâs a test. Or maybe heâs just curious. Itâs hard to tell with Tezcatlipoca. ]
Your city, the place youâre from. Letâs say it was in danger. Someone cominâ in to try and change everything about it. What would you do?
I didn't pay that much attention to her.
[ He lied. He did, but he had never really thought about the world she came from, and what it would be like. Certainly, there was a way of their dress that he could see matched with her, and there is the way they talk, the voices that filter in and out that remind him of Quetzalcoatl, but anything else? He'd never thought about, because where she came from didn't matter like that. Once she was gone, after all, it would never come back.
He almost continued, feeling that old surge of resentment and hate blistering at the edges, like a fire ready to blaze, but â
Tezca askes something that redirects that fire, more than squashes it. ]
That is our every day, Tezca. They want to turn us into meek automatons, only good enough to mine their minerals for their prosperity, to die early deaths in the mines, and never make a peep of protest. We are at a war that they do not know that we are fighting, because they are happy to ignore us, pretend that we're nothing but criminals and scavengers who will never actualize enough power to stand for ourselves.
[ If Tezca didn't know how Silco would react, well. He's learning now. ]
We fight, ever day. They want us meek and quiet, we do the opposite. We rage against it. The change we want is the one we choose, not what they force down our throats like the gray filth they've poured into our air and river.
[ He lied. He did, but he had never really thought about the world she came from, and what it would be like. Certainly, there was a way of their dress that he could see matched with her, and there is the way they talk, the voices that filter in and out that remind him of Quetzalcoatl, but anything else? He'd never thought about, because where she came from didn't matter like that. Once she was gone, after all, it would never come back.
He almost continued, feeling that old surge of resentment and hate blistering at the edges, like a fire ready to blaze, but â
Tezca askes something that redirects that fire, more than squashes it. ]
That is our every day, Tezca. They want to turn us into meek automatons, only good enough to mine their minerals for their prosperity, to die early deaths in the mines, and never make a peep of protest. We are at a war that they do not know that we are fighting, because they are happy to ignore us, pretend that we're nothing but criminals and scavengers who will never actualize enough power to stand for ourselves.
[ If Tezca didn't know how Silco would react, well. He's learning now. ]
We fight, ever day. They want us meek and quiet, we do the opposite. We rage against it. The change we want is the one we choose, not what they force down our throats like the gray filth they've poured into our air and river.
[ Itâs a little puzzle piece fitting together about who Silco is as a person, but his expression stays calm and neutral. He only shows a benevolent, enigmatic smile that doesnât betray his own thoughts. Silco would be sure to hate them, besides, since itâs similar to how Quetzalcoatl had viewed Silco upon learning this about him. No wonder he is the way he is, and Tezcatlipoca does feel a twinge of pity for that.
However, unlike his brother, Tezcatlipoca doesnât warmly desire a world without strife. It may be sad, but thatâs the way of things. These bad things are sharp catalysts, as Silco himself represents. ]
Mm, thatâs essentially what I saw, but itâs different to hear it from you. Youâre the one that lived it, after all.
[ It almost feels like he might leave it at that, but after a pause, he starts to walk towards one of the makeshift stalls thatâs set up along the main street leading to the temple, and he nods for Silco to follow. ]
See, I ask because this city is fated to lose that fight. All my people will. Men came from across the sea and found our civilization, and theyâll destroy it. Today, a man will be sacrificed in my name. Tomorrow, the Spanish will massacre everyone gathered in that temple. This civilization will become a curious footnote because theyâll lose.
[ Tezcatlipoca relays it coolly, without the emotion that would be expected from Quetzalcoatl, though thatâs not surprising. Sheâs passion and heat, and heâs the much cooler, more clever brother. But itâs because heâd always seen this end coming. Still, though.
The stand he gravitates towards is one where little bundles of golden flowers are made, and he picks one up. It seems that the gesture is what reveals him to the man working the stand, because his eyes immediately go wide, and his faces blanches. But Tezcatlipoca simply puts his fingers to his lips with a smile, and as he steps away, he exhales a dark smoke from his nose that seems to return him to imperceptible as the man immediately starts to pray. ]
âŠTheyâll still fight it, though. Their descendants will fight it too. Itâll take time, centuries, but eventually, theyâll be free. They might not worship the same gods or even speak the same language, but theyâll be able to walk their own path once again.
[ He breaks the bundle in two, keeping half for himself, but offering the others for Silco. ]
Hold onto these. Might not be real, exactly, but theyâre my gift to your resolve. We call them cempasĂșchil. Theyâre the flower that guides the soul home, even through a long journey. Feel like your revolution is gonna be one of those, yeah?
However, unlike his brother, Tezcatlipoca doesnât warmly desire a world without strife. It may be sad, but thatâs the way of things. These bad things are sharp catalysts, as Silco himself represents. ]
Mm, thatâs essentially what I saw, but itâs different to hear it from you. Youâre the one that lived it, after all.
[ It almost feels like he might leave it at that, but after a pause, he starts to walk towards one of the makeshift stalls thatâs set up along the main street leading to the temple, and he nods for Silco to follow. ]
See, I ask because this city is fated to lose that fight. All my people will. Men came from across the sea and found our civilization, and theyâll destroy it. Today, a man will be sacrificed in my name. Tomorrow, the Spanish will massacre everyone gathered in that temple. This civilization will become a curious footnote because theyâll lose.
[ Tezcatlipoca relays it coolly, without the emotion that would be expected from Quetzalcoatl, though thatâs not surprising. Sheâs passion and heat, and heâs the much cooler, more clever brother. But itâs because heâd always seen this end coming. Still, though.
The stand he gravitates towards is one where little bundles of golden flowers are made, and he picks one up. It seems that the gesture is what reveals him to the man working the stand, because his eyes immediately go wide, and his faces blanches. But Tezcatlipoca simply puts his fingers to his lips with a smile, and as he steps away, he exhales a dark smoke from his nose that seems to return him to imperceptible as the man immediately starts to pray. ]
âŠTheyâll still fight it, though. Their descendants will fight it too. Itâll take time, centuries, but eventually, theyâll be free. They might not worship the same gods or even speak the same language, but theyâll be able to walk their own path once again.
[ He breaks the bundle in two, keeping half for himself, but offering the others for Silco. ]
Hold onto these. Might not be real, exactly, but theyâre my gift to your resolve. We call them cempasĂșchil. Theyâre the flower that guides the soul home, even through a long journey. Feel like your revolution is gonna be one of those, yeah?
[ Silco watches, as he moves to the stall, watches the man's eyes widen in recognition, the sheer emotion on his face â reverence and fear all in one â makes a shiver go down Silco's spine. He had seen that look many times now, often when faced with people like Tezca, or Set, but even others when they were in the last world. When faced with the truly powerful, there was no mistaking that look.
Silco had enjoyed it. When they looked at him like that. He missed it, even if he wouldn't voice it.
His fingers wrapped around the flowers, almost instinctive, before he lowered them to his side. ]
What could they do but fight?
[ He asks, but he understands. How could he not? ]
My revolution already was. [ He says, as they continue. ] When I was just a boy, I learned well enough that power is all that topsiders â or your people across the sea â will listen to. Anything short of it, compassion or compliance do nothing more than stay their hand while they still sneak cruelty upon cruelty on us. It is better to die fighting, than it is to become cowed.
[ He reached up, and tapped his fingers to the scar over his eye. ]
I received this from an Enforcer, when we tried to gain our independence when I was a boy. I survived only because my compatriots lost their nerve for the fight. They backed off.
[ His lips twitch, as he looks at those individuals walking past. Knowing that they would die tomorrow doesn't make him feel pity, it makes him angry. He hoped they took their equal share, and then some, but he knows. He knows that slaughters like this go only one way. ]
I wouldn't, and thus, they attempted to cull me.
[ He looked at Tezca, for only a moment. ] I hope they never lose their will to fight, and betray their cohort.
Silco had enjoyed it. When they looked at him like that. He missed it, even if he wouldn't voice it.
His fingers wrapped around the flowers, almost instinctive, before he lowered them to his side. ]
What could they do but fight?
[ He asks, but he understands. How could he not? ]
My revolution already was. [ He says, as they continue. ] When I was just a boy, I learned well enough that power is all that topsiders â or your people across the sea â will listen to. Anything short of it, compassion or compliance do nothing more than stay their hand while they still sneak cruelty upon cruelty on us. It is better to die fighting, than it is to become cowed.
[ He reached up, and tapped his fingers to the scar over his eye. ]
I received this from an Enforcer, when we tried to gain our independence when I was a boy. I survived only because my compatriots lost their nerve for the fight. They backed off.
[ His lips twitch, as he looks at those individuals walking past. Knowing that they would die tomorrow doesn't make him feel pity, it makes him angry. He hoped they took their equal share, and then some, but he knows. He knows that slaughters like this go only one way. ]
I wouldn't, and thus, they attempted to cull me.
[ He looked at Tezca, for only a moment. ] I hope they never lose their will to fight, and betray their cohort.
[ By comparison, Tezcatlipoca is careful with the flowers. He tucks them into the beads decorating the regalia across his chest. Itâs a tender gesture that contrasts sharply with Silcoâs bitter, vicious words, but heâs listening seriously. ]
Donât disagree. Canât exactly play the what ifs game in my case, though. I gotta admit, the Spanish had better weaponry, but would have been nice to see more vicious fighting before it was too late. The tide turned quickly, since unfortunately, the king made the wrong choice.
[ He saves one flower and twirls it in his fingers, then steps closer to tuck it into the lapel of Silcoâs vest. The contact means that what he says has more gravity, because he fixes that sharp, intense, but ultimately unknowable gaze on Silcoâs hardened one. This feels like a test, but what heâs testing isnât at all clear. ]
You and I met for a reason, Silco. When you finally kick the bucket, I think youâll be coming to visit my afterlife, at least if I have any say about it. And remember: thatâs not an if, thatâs a when. Make sure to die in a way that honors your convictions.
[ He draws his hands away from that flower, and though he doesnât explain the significance, itâs a large one indeed. Thatâs cempasĂșchil, the marigold that guides the soul home. He doesnât actually know, since the mysteries of different worlds are fuzzy even to him, but he at least feels that if thereâs any way for him to stake such a claim? Silcoâs soul is surely âhisâ to look out for. ]
So, when this is all said and done, assuming you arenât tossed into another adventure⊠Whatâre you gonna take away from it? Bring back home?
Donât disagree. Canât exactly play the what ifs game in my case, though. I gotta admit, the Spanish had better weaponry, but would have been nice to see more vicious fighting before it was too late. The tide turned quickly, since unfortunately, the king made the wrong choice.
[ He saves one flower and twirls it in his fingers, then steps closer to tuck it into the lapel of Silcoâs vest. The contact means that what he says has more gravity, because he fixes that sharp, intense, but ultimately unknowable gaze on Silcoâs hardened one. This feels like a test, but what heâs testing isnât at all clear. ]
You and I met for a reason, Silco. When you finally kick the bucket, I think youâll be coming to visit my afterlife, at least if I have any say about it. And remember: thatâs not an if, thatâs a when. Make sure to die in a way that honors your convictions.
[ He draws his hands away from that flower, and though he doesnât explain the significance, itâs a large one indeed. Thatâs cempasĂșchil, the marigold that guides the soul home. He doesnât actually know, since the mysteries of different worlds are fuzzy even to him, but he at least feels that if thereâs any way for him to stake such a claim? Silcoâs soul is surely âhisâ to look out for. ]
So, when this is all said and done, assuming you arenât tossed into another adventure⊠Whatâre you gonna take away from it? Bring back home?
Don't worry, I don't intend to do anything but.
[ lol
lmao
We all know how that will work out, but perhaps if he does see Tezca's afterlife, it won't be quite as disappointing as going out any other way will for the man.
He, oddly, doesn't flinch away from tucking the flower into his lapel, only looks down at it for a moment, watches him do it, and then watches him move away. It's just a flower, but... something about it feels more Important. Maybe it's the way Tezca did it, or the fact that he picked it out. His lips twitch, but he doesn't remove it. He leaves it there. ]
Conviction. Plans. [ He finally answered, after a long moment of consideration. ] Experience, perhaps. Knowledge from all of these beings that I've encountered [ and some he has killed ] because it means whatever they can throw at us, we can be better.
When they last crushed us, I was but a boy. Even before, when I left, I feel like I was by now. I've learned a great deal about how little power they have.
[ lol
lmao
We all know how that will work out, but perhaps if he does see Tezca's afterlife, it won't be quite as disappointing as going out any other way will for the man.
He, oddly, doesn't flinch away from tucking the flower into his lapel, only looks down at it for a moment, watches him do it, and then watches him move away. It's just a flower, but... something about it feels more Important. Maybe it's the way Tezca did it, or the fact that he picked it out. His lips twitch, but he doesn't remove it. He leaves it there. ]
Conviction. Plans. [ He finally answered, after a long moment of consideration. ] Experience, perhaps. Knowledge from all of these beings that I've encountered [ and some he has killed ] because it means whatever they can throw at us, we can be better.
When they last crushed us, I was but a boy. Even before, when I left, I feel like I was by now. I've learned a great deal about how little power they have.
[ he's so mad he almost just expects to see tezca try to kill him again so getting a text â even at a delay is a surprise.
He's even taken to not sleeping to avoid him and Set bc... well. He's stupid and paranoid. Which is also why the reply comes off as somewhat flippant and snide. Because it's Silco. ]
I thought one of the trials you always talk about would come with a speech...and be something I hadn't experienced before.
He's even taken to not sleeping to avoid him and Set bc... well. He's stupid and paranoid. Which is also why the reply comes off as somewhat flippant and snide. Because it's Silco. ]
I thought one of the trials you always talk about would come with a speech...and be something I hadn't experienced before.
correct. they're SUPPOSED to so don't worry that definitely wasn't one of them
or not an intentional one anyways. guess it ain't a bad one for your reflexes but that's not exactly the lesson I'm trying to impart to you
[ what is the lesson? don't worry about it ]
just turns out I got more of a response from the forest lord than I thought. figured they were anti human sacrifice but think it's more like they want the outsiders. wasn't exactly my rational thoughts in control there
so set and I are in the barn now
I feel like a kid in time out
or not an intentional one anyways. guess it ain't a bad one for your reflexes but that's not exactly the lesson I'm trying to impart to you
[ what is the lesson? don't worry about it ]
just turns out I got more of a response from the forest lord than I thought. figured they were anti human sacrifice but think it's more like they want the outsiders. wasn't exactly my rational thoughts in control there
so set and I are in the barn now
I feel like a kid in time out
[ That wasn't the lesson he was trying to teach him??? What???
Man Tezca you can't say shit like that, Silco's already keyed up and inconsolably mad and like two of the only people he would have ranted about it to are in a barn and one of them caused it!
So this takes a bit for him to smoke a cigar, and wind down, and actually process it. To be fair, other than a cut on his thigh, he's alright for the most part. He'd dressed it already, but there's something about the shock of feeling betrayed that always leaves Silco more frazzled. Once he'd realized that he was alone, he'd locked and barricaded his door.
And now he feels just a little bit foolish. ]
Man Tezca you can't say shit like that, Silco's already keyed up and inconsolably mad and like two of the only people he would have ranted about it to are in a barn and one of them caused it!
So this takes a bit for him to smoke a cigar, and wind down, and actually process it. To be fair, other than a cut on his thigh, he's alright for the most part. He'd dressed it already, but there's something about the shock of feeling betrayed that always leaves Silco more frazzled. Once he'd realized that he was alone, he'd locked and barricaded his door.
And now he feels just a little bit foolish. ]
It sounds like you need it.
So the Forest Lord did it. I wondered if all of my irreverence upset it, too. Given that you seemed to go right for me of all people.
Or maybe it was just chance, and I'm reading something into it. Quite possibly, but perhaps it should not be surprising that I am jumping at shadows. Set could tell you the significance of what happened, I suspect.
Have the... urges subsided yet?
So the Forest Lord did it. I wondered if all of my irreverence upset it, too. Given that you seemed to go right for me of all people.
Or maybe it was just chance, and I'm reading something into it. Quite possibly, but perhaps it should not be surprising that I am jumping at shadows. Set could tell you the significance of what happened, I suspect.
Have the... urges subsided yet?
maybe. couldn't tell you, annoyingly. just felt like a switch was flipped that went "hey maybe offering up this guy next to me would work" then wore off after you and that kid got out of there
but considering I tried to take a chunk out of laios's finger later, kind of inclined to think it was chance... doesn't seem like the urge is all that discriminatory on who
so. nah. hasn't gone away.
but considering I tried to take a chunk out of laios's finger later, kind of inclined to think it was chance... doesn't seem like the urge is all that discriminatory on who
so. nah. hasn't gone away.
Oh, great. So the two of you are quarantined for the foreseeable future, then?
[ Though, that does beg the question... ]
It sounds like this Forest Lord doesn't want to be located, doesn't it? Maybe it fears being discovered, and is lashing out in order to evade us getting too close. It might not have even anticipated it.
Which leaves us spinning our wheels even longer.
[ Though, that does beg the question... ]
It sounds like this Forest Lord doesn't want to be located, doesn't it? Maybe it fears being discovered, and is lashing out in order to evade us getting too close. It might not have even anticipated it.
Which leaves us spinning our wheels even longer.
yeah. seems like it. extra fucking annoying because I definitely saw the fucking thing but it also made sure to zap that memory. which apparently it can do
being optimistic, I'd take it to mean it doesn't feel like it'd fare well in a fight against us
but since I'm a pessimist, could just as much mean that it's just smart enough to manage its resources better. thinned out the ranks and now turn us on each other. that's efficient I have to say
being optimistic, I'd take it to mean it doesn't feel like it'd fare well in a fight against us
but since I'm a pessimist, could just as much mean that it's just smart enough to manage its resources better. thinned out the ranks and now turn us on each other. that's efficient I have to say
I don't really care for the second option, but if it isn't a god like I think it isn't, that would be far more likely than the opposite, wouldn't it?
Gods, no offense, in my experience are sometimes a bit too full of themselves to cover their tracks. More interested in spreading awe.
Though, considering who was knocking, perhaps they did because it was you two, specifically?
Gods, no offense, in my experience are sometimes a bit too full of themselves to cover their tracks. More interested in spreading awe.
Though, considering who was knocking, perhaps they did because it was you two, specifically?
in terms of tactics yeah. but from what I've looked into, that'd also be a new thing for a kaiju. they've been more like animals before. if this one's smarter, that's not a good omen in the grand scheme of things
but therefore couldn't tell you its intentions either. wasn't keen on chatting regardless
not that its intentions matter to me too much have to say. whether it's intelligent or just a lucky beast? I'll flay it for crossing me
but therefore couldn't tell you its intentions either. wasn't keen on chatting regardless
not that its intentions matter to me too much have to say. whether it's intelligent or just a lucky beast? I'll flay it for crossing me
Of course it wasn't. It may be more intelligent, or it may be directed, who knows. What we do know is that its probably feeling threatened, given that we're likely to interfere with its source of... adoration if not food.
I wonder if it will be surprised when you flay it. I hope I am there to watch it happen. Perhaps even help, if the opportunity is there.
I wonder if it will be surprised when you flay it. I hope I am there to watch it happen. Perhaps even help, if the opportunity is there.
I assume that's the case, considering the "slap" we got for killing one of their villagers. and honestly? if the consequences weren't annoying, I'd say thinning its ranks would be a good way to force it out
but won't do us any good if we just turn on each other. so scratched that plan off. hooray for the moral outsiders I guess
anyways. I'm sure you'll be able to watch unless you kick the bucket or something like that. wouldn't turn down the help either
but won't do us any good if we just turn on each other. so scratched that plan off. hooray for the moral outsiders I guess
anyways. I'm sure you'll be able to watch unless you kick the bucket or something like that. wouldn't turn down the help either
I don't disagree. I wonder if there is a subtler way of eliminating the villagers? Poison, perhaps? Something with a little bit less obvious culprit?
Not that I think it's worthwhile, if it can just lash out so easily.
We'll see about the help, though. I suppose it depends on the size of this one. Maybe if it's a bit smaller, I won't risk getting crushed under its feet.
[ We both know his version of help is pretty uselessuntil he gets a fun tool ]
Not that I think it's worthwhile, if it can just lash out so easily.
We'll see about the help, though. I suppose it depends on the size of this one. Maybe if it's a bit smaller, I won't risk getting crushed under its feet.
[ We both know his version of help is pretty useless
[It may only be a feq days, but it feels like he's lived through five years and a half. And on top of it all? First world problems. He's still a vampire.]
[Which of course means Silco is still a vampire, too. Which means he's still dealing with the downsides as much as the outsides. The petty part of him asks to leave him be - hasn't Silco caused enough problems already? He didn't want to be this way. Maybe it now fits with his general appearance, his eyes...]
[Whatever. He's here now, a moth landing on the edge of a candleholder. He knows exactly why he can't help but dip his toes into the river of self-destruction.]
[There's no one he hates more than himself, after all.]
[He raps his knuckles on the door. He's still sore, wounded. aching, but he ignores it like he always has.]
Are you dead in there, Silco? Good to know if you are.
[Which of course means Silco is still a vampire, too. Which means he's still dealing with the downsides as much as the outsides. The petty part of him asks to leave him be - hasn't Silco caused enough problems already? He didn't want to be this way. Maybe it now fits with his general appearance, his eyes...]
[Whatever. He's here now, a moth landing on the edge of a candleholder. He knows exactly why he can't help but dip his toes into the river of self-destruction.]
[There's no one he hates more than himself, after all.]
[He raps his knuckles on the door. He's still sore, wounded. aching, but he ignores it like he always has.]
Are you dead in there, Silco? Good to know if you are.
[ Silco, in contrast, is dealing with a vampire as well as one could under LILITH's watch, sneaking out and into the dark alleys of Neo Tokyo and taking what was required. It was an old habit, one that felt familiar and good, like before. Running a streak of blood through the desperate and hungry, he barely spent an hour's hesitation before he took.
Not right now, though. Right now he's poised in a seat, pressing a metal device to the space around his eye, about to --
He doesn't jump, for this is not something to feel guilty about when there's a knock at the door; but he does pause and let the small metal gun with a vial of neon liquid drop, and he placed it back on his table for later, where it rests with three other vials all neatly arranged in a line, a dull glow in the dim room.
The door slid open, and Silco looked him up and down for a long moment. As if taking stock of his injuries -- looking for the ones he left, more than others.]
Perish the thought. I'd do better than go out quietly in my sleep.
[ His lip curls with some kind of confidence that sparked to life, despite his last warning. Perhaps he was a fool, but he wouldn't snuff him out now that the opportunity has passed, would he? Silco's neck is still riddled with bite marks and bruising, but he does little more than to shift, crossing his arms to lean against the door frame. ]
Was that hope I heard in your voice, just now?
[ maybe it's serious, maybe it's teasing. He cannot help but chip away at that ice and see what flakes off -- what lurks underneath. Even now when he knows what the consequences are, he continues. Vergilius should have known, coming by. The river is deep, and there's plenty of it to drown in, and oh is he an expert in drowning. ]
Not right now, though. Right now he's poised in a seat, pressing a metal device to the space around his eye, about to --
He doesn't jump, for this is not something to feel guilty about when there's a knock at the door; but he does pause and let the small metal gun with a vial of neon liquid drop, and he placed it back on his table for later, where it rests with three other vials all neatly arranged in a line, a dull glow in the dim room.
The door slid open, and Silco looked him up and down for a long moment. As if taking stock of his injuries -- looking for the ones he left, more than others.]
Perish the thought. I'd do better than go out quietly in my sleep.
[ His lip curls with some kind of confidence that sparked to life, despite his last warning. Perhaps he was a fool, but he wouldn't snuff him out now that the opportunity has passed, would he? Silco's neck is still riddled with bite marks and bruising, but he does little more than to shift, crossing his arms to lean against the door frame. ]
Was that hope I heard in your voice, just now?
[ maybe it's serious, maybe it's teasing. He cannot help but chip away at that ice and see what flakes off -- what lurks underneath. Even now when he knows what the consequences are, he continues. Vergilius should have known, coming by. The river is deep, and there's plenty of it to drown in, and oh is he an expert in drowning. ]
me screaming at my mispellings DON'T TAG AT LATE NIGHT KIDS
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
immortalpoet
2024-10-26 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
[There's the man of the hour. At this point, Silco may be disappointed - sure, Vergilius is a beast of burden baring his scars with no need to hide them, but he's definitely got himself bandaged. One can see a slip of white peeking from out under his collar, and a plastered piece of gauze on his neck. However, the man may be pleased to see he's absolutely favoring the leg which wasn't stabbed as he stands here, hands in his pockets. Thanks, Silco.]
[The possible(?) tease only makes him grimace, red eyes flitting up and down the other before landing squarely on that scarred face once more.]
I'd lose respect for you if you did. [And a beat - why IS he here? Shouldn't he leave well enough alone? These teeth are aggravating. The hunger, more so.] And you're hearing things. I just wanted to check in. If you died, you died. That's the way of the City, you know. You move on.
[The possible(?) tease only makes him grimace, red eyes flitting up and down the other before landing squarely on that scarred face once more.]
I'd lose respect for you if you did. [And a beat - why IS he here? Shouldn't he leave well enough alone? These teeth are aggravating. The hunger, more so.] And you're hearing things. I just wanted to check in. If you died, you died. That's the way of the City, you know. You move on.
[ It's disappointing, but Vergilius is a practical man, isn't he? Silco is as well, but Vampirism draws out a certain brashness and lack of practicality than he'd had before. They aren't seeping wounds, at least, but then again, the man is well used to open wounds, isn't he? That scar on his face only looks like it has new companions, littered on his neck. ]
Oh, well, we can't have that.
[ As if he hadn't tanked what little respect there was between them already, right? Silco was a vile little man, and he had done so little to hide it, but there had not been very many opportunities for the man that had existed in that previous world to emerge. A violent, mean creature, uninterested in making allies, derided by those who worked with him â hated by those fighting against him; and that was before he'd blotted out the sun with a squeeze of his hand.
This was not quite to that scale; he did not know if this world would allow for it, but... perhaps a bit of that ruthlessness had slipped from the cage.
To prove a point? Perhaps to show him just who he was before he was drug too deep into the depths. Yet, here he was. Checking in on him. ]
That is how it is in Zaun, as well. We learn to accept death early; but some of us learn to fight it, and it is an old shadow, right on our heels.
I've grown used to seeing death, even if it's never quite stuck. [ A smile, now. It actually stays on his lips. It only stayed when he spoke of unpleasant things. ] To the disappointment of many.
Oh, well, we can't have that.
[ As if he hadn't tanked what little respect there was between them already, right? Silco was a vile little man, and he had done so little to hide it, but there had not been very many opportunities for the man that had existed in that previous world to emerge. A violent, mean creature, uninterested in making allies, derided by those who worked with him â hated by those fighting against him; and that was before he'd blotted out the sun with a squeeze of his hand.
This was not quite to that scale; he did not know if this world would allow for it, but... perhaps a bit of that ruthlessness had slipped from the cage.
To prove a point? Perhaps to show him just who he was before he was drug too deep into the depths. Yet, here he was. Checking in on him. ]
That is how it is in Zaun, as well. We learn to accept death early; but some of us learn to fight it, and it is an old shadow, right on our heels.
I've grown used to seeing death, even if it's never quite stuck. [ A smile, now. It actually stays on his lips. It only stayed when he spoke of unpleasant things. ] To the disappointment of many.
[Silco had smiled then too, with his blood on his lips. He had himself a feast back there, didn't he? The worst of him, brought out on a silver platter.]
[Does the man want to eat of such a rotten mess again? Signs point to yes. He knew already that Silco held a certain ugliness at his core, understandable and frightening. They resonated that way.]
[....Why is he here? What does this do for him? Is there a sense of relief in that Silco is doing well? Better than well?]
[Or did he, too, also want to come rub salt in the wounds]
I'm sure. And here you are, the fool taunting a Color like me. How strong is that self-preservation instinct, anyways? That knife was as useless as a toothpick.
[Does the man want to eat of such a rotten mess again? Signs point to yes. He knew already that Silco held a certain ugliness at his core, understandable and frightening. They resonated that way.]
[....Why is he here? What does this do for him? Is there a sense of relief in that Silco is doing well? Better than well?]
[Or did he, too, also want to come rub salt in the wounds]
I'm sure. And here you are, the fool taunting a Color like me. How strong is that self-preservation instinct, anyways? That knife was as useless as a toothpick.
Page 2 of 29