[They take the opportunity to roll out of bed to grab one of Emet-Selch's shirts just in case, and then they go for the side table. When they sit again, it is astride Emet-Selch's torso, away from the scar.]
I'm not sure. It sounds like healing would suit my purposes more, since it works with the body.
[Cardinal is going to outdo him by taking a long drink and then leaning down to kiss him, spilling the liquid between his lips, and then lapping against his tongue.]
For most people. It was difficult for me to find people who didn't want to sleep with me, my teachers included.
[It's pleasant to doze off in Emet-Selch's arms. But they haven't been having very pleasant dreams as of late. Cardinal is dreaming of their home. Emet-Selch will recognize the living room - the time-worn ring of grey couches, the glass wall looking out onto the ocean.
He can hear screaming coming from the direction of Cato's lab.]
[Cato's voice, hoarse with rage and tears.] "Choice? You're not leaving me any choice. You never have."
[And then coldly, calmly, Sniper:] I am this time, Cato. That's your punishment: You get to choose. You can stay here, and stand trial, and see how sympathetic your precious public is when they hear your sob story about how you never wanted to commit mass murder, or you can come with me and keep doing what you're so good at doing, to protect the world now that it needs us more than ever.
[He waves at Cato smugly as he takes Cardinal's hand and the scene shifts to a raised purple platform amidst the stars. Sure looks like a boss battle arena. The lifestream is apparent in the sky. Its weave visible to their eyes.]
You can see it, can't you? The lifestream.
But before we begin... Was that an actual memory or a confrontation you are dreading?
[Cardinal takes a minute to gather themself, breathing in and swallowing to clear the bitterness from their tongue. They keep their hold on Emet-Selch's hand.]
A memory. One I took a long time ago. [They shake their head, again trying to clear out the emotions.] It's just been on my mind lately because of the trial. It's better than the doll museum, so I'll take it.
[They do look up, and more of the tension bleeds out as they look upon the sight of it.]
Oh, do be gluttonous. But I do hope you can find someone on your star to share these moments with if you end up going back. Or perhaps take a friend with you if you are not. To Amaurot. Or with Amaranth.
[He leans back. At least they are much closer to the same height now!]
No more than an ocean or the wind. Though I suppose a powerful, individual soul might have some awareness if called upon properly.
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Oh, be greedy. No one can spoil you as I can, but you do deserve it.
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Of course. Though if I promise you that, I might need a potion to help you fall asleep.
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Might? Were you going to have me lap the room first?
Where do you keep them? I'll get them.
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[He motions to actually the side table. He has long enough arms he could reach, but if they are offering.]
Combat magic correct? Or are you more interested in spirits and healing magic?
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I'm not sure. It sounds like healing would suit my purposes more, since it works with the body.
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I am arguably better at one than the other. But I suppose the basics will help either.
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How much healing have you tried? Mayberry you're a sleeper prodigy.
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I know the basics but if you want advanced Cosmo will probably be better.
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Is this how all the student and teacher relationships work in your star?
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[He does kiss them on the cheek.]
Not that I doubt your ability, but I'm not sure it will be comfortable if you fall asleep like that.
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[Cardinal rolls off him, stretching out against the length of Emet-Selch's body and tucking their face against his arm.]
I do think it's funny that a bunch of immortals are just as prudish as some repressed mortals.
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It's all about roles and expectations, is it not?
[Though the sleep potion will take effect eventually, and Emet will go look for Cardinal in their dreams. How is it going?]
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[It's pleasant to doze off in Emet-Selch's arms. But they haven't been having very pleasant dreams as of late. Cardinal is dreaming of their home. Emet-Selch will recognize the living room - the time-worn ring of grey couches, the glass wall looking out onto the ocean.
He can hear screaming coming from the direction of Cato's lab.]
[Cato's voice, hoarse with rage and tears.] "Choice? You're not leaving me any choice. You never have."
[And then coldly, calmly, Sniper:] I am this time, Cato. That's your punishment: You get to choose. You can stay here, and stand trial, and see how sympathetic your precious public is when they hear your sob story about how you never wanted to commit mass murder, or you can come with me and keep doing what you're so good at doing, to protect the world now that it needs us more than ever.
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This isn't a bad time, is it?
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Cato shriek/snarls "You again!" while Cardinal rubs a hand over their face.]
No, your timing is perfect.
[Cardinal finishes the scene with haste, shoving the rag in their hand into Cato's mouth and heading for the lab door.]
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You can see it, can't you? The lifestream.
But before we begin... Was that an actual memory or a confrontation you are dreading?
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A memory. One I took a long time ago. [They shake their head, again trying to clear out the emotions.] It's just been on my mind lately because of the trial. It's better than the doll museum, so I'll take it.
[They do look up, and more of the tension bleeds out as they look upon the sight of it.]
It's so beautiful.
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[He squeezes their fingers.]
You put your heart into your work. It makes it more powerful, but does leave you a bit vulnerable.
[And he does nod.]
It is, isn't it? It makes the daily struggle, the strife almost seem distant.
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I can afford vulnerability, here. I might as well roll around and get my fill.
[They lean against him lightly, but their gaze stays fixed on the lifestream above.]
How much awareness does it have?
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[He leans back. At least they are much closer to the same height now!]
No more than an ocean or the wind. Though I suppose a powerful, individual soul might have some awareness if called upon properly.
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[They sound amused.
Finally, they turn to Emet-Selch.]
Teach me.
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