firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

[He looks rather annoyed that Lahabrea guessed his actions and he bites out a bit harshly.]

And what purpose would that be?

[He pauses and considers for a few long moments.]

If he could not figure it out on his own, then there are still measures to be taken. Really, it's pathetic. He doesn't know is closest friend and allies.

Though that all depends on what path you wish to take it. He might be convinced now, but that can fade with time.

Aside from annoying you he's the one I went to for healing. I don't intend to take it off just yet. A show of... trust, if you like.

[He reaches over, patting Emet-Selch's cheek.]

I intend to play the part of hurt Thancred until it bores me or he wavers.

There was never any great stake in this anyway.

Delightful that you would go to such lengths for my annoyance.

[He grabs his wrist after the second pat.]

And what role would you like me to play in this? Ever am I flexible.

[But he does release his hand to put press two fingers on the wound just to see if he will flinch.]

[He scowls, grimacing at the way that pokes tender new scars. He swats at Emet-Selch's hand.]

I'm considering. Act as if I am this vessel--or perhaps at least possessing the man himself. Use your judgment.

At this point his trust is unlikely to be won, I'm merely playing for spite. If it becomes more trouble than it's worth, there's no point to it.

[He does stop prodding and lean back.]

This is concerning, Lahabrea. I do hope you understand why.

[He sighs.]

The scar or my spite?

The methods on how the Exarch came to know.

Oh that. I did wonder if I would reveal myself due to a game effect sooner or later. I didn't expect this particular permutation of it.

That he had knowledge from some future version concerns me little more than anything else.

The games here are wild cards. They were always going to be that.

If you mean what he knows specifically, his memories of it seem hazy at best.

So what concerns you?

Games are prone to lie, to distort our perceptions of events.

This time was the truth, but what if the next is not. Would he so readily accept such knowledge?

Ah. Should he believe you had betrayed your agreement?

Precisely.

'Tis a slippery slope when one takes what we see in games as fact. Especially visions.

Something to keep in mind. It's not going to change his mind at this stage.

We can but account for him seeing that as a potential.

[Does he still have a book in his hands. Well, he tries to take it but is careful to leave a thumb on the page he's on to not lose it.]

This is a little unusual for you, Lahabrea. The lengths you are willing to go for spite.

[He lets him have it.]

Is it so strange?

[Then he gets a paper to bookmark the page and places it on the side table.]

No. I can't say my choices would be dissimilar. But do be careful. There is much more to concern ourselves with than one feeble, broken shard of a soul.

I'm aware. I've already dismissed that as a lost endeavor. But playing the part of "Cosmo" with this vessel's personality still serves. Spite is a happy side benefit of continuing.

What would you have me focus on?

I do not doubt the personality is useful. Continue with it as it continues to be so. I simply worry how much extra effort you are putting into the Exarch himself.

Being happy. Being content. If you are going to put forth the effort in frivolous endeavors I wish you to be happier for it.

[He considers that. How much is he putting into the Exarch? Not really much emotionally. Though the extra effort in RP was mainly for his sake, now he can be more lax there.

Otherwise? Hm.]

I thank you for worrying but you overestimate my investment. As I said, I've accepted my loss on that. I'll take petty pleasure in the spite when he's there but I'm not dwelling on him unless it becomes an issue.

As for happy and content... really. I'm going to buy a library, then work on... oh, perhaps an elevator for you. You're so fond of the things.

[Is he joking? Maybe.]

I'm keeping busy. I have you with me. I'm about as content as I'm likely to be.

And what of you?

An elevator?

[It is true. He seems to leave the damn things wherever he goes. But he pushes the thought aside for now.]

I can say the same and surely it shouldn't be a surprise to you. I'm rather enjoying having a roommate and my rest is better for it even if you are simply reading. And it feels more like ... well, not home, but I'm sure you understand.

You know I care little for the Exarch even if I admire his determination and his willingness to put the past aside --- an effort on both our parts. Yet I would not consider his unit terribly stable and as I said you will find no favors if he decides to turn on you. BARiTONES is overall more willing to listen, but even some of them may side with him.

[He does understand. Of course it's the same for him. He Emet-Selch's presence is steadying and calming and helps his sanity.

But he just sighs.]

If you are telling me to make peace with him simply say so.

[He will. If he has to. Protecting their interests is more important. But it's incredibly hard to be logical. It'd be easier if it was himself the Exarch killed, he could get over that. But it's not.]

I'm not. Hence the complication.

Do as you see fit. Simply come to me if you get in over your head. I have a feeling on this matter you would try to resolve it yourself.

What is it you fear I'll do?

[Anyway he's never been in over his head in his life]

It's not what you will do. It is the retaliation in turn warranted or not. You can not simply whisk yourself away in a bad situation.

[Reaches over and puts his fingers on the bruises.]

This was done without reason or purpose. Imagine if they had either.

Truthfully, I'm not even asking you to exercise caution. Simply know when it is time to cut your loses.

Very well. I will be cautious.

That's all I ask.

As much as I would like to, I will not stifle you. You are far too brilliant a mind to be contained, and far to effective to keep in the shadows.

[He wraps his arms around him in a brief hug.]

Besides, I need to watch out for my elders, do I not?

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