prismatica | text; username: ambivalenceblack

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text; username: ambivalenceblack

[Caim has spent over a month contemplating exactly how to address the network or even if he should. Part of him thinks subtlety is the right pathway to take. Another part of him is convinced that he doesn't care. What does he have to hide, really? Who can really stop him?

The best thing about text is that no one can detect the uncertainty in his words or in how he phrases them. But maybe his texting is a little too perfect. In a world of shorthand and acronyms, written habits remain habits and do not die easily.]

This land is full of madness, I see. Its beasts prowling as the moons transform.

[It's a wonder the streets don't fill with blood during the cycles, considering he's of the opinion a Moonblessed beast is hardly any different from a feral one in the wild. He has yet to experience his own changes, though he doesn't feel a particular investment for or against that concept.]

I must know if there is a smithy in Lunatia.

[Obviously to defend himself against said 'beasties.' (Untrue.) He'll get a sword in one way or another. Even if he has to have someone custom make him one. Although it's probably wisest not to let Caim have a sword.]

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[He's right, she won't be holding this against him. She does meet with all walks of life, being what she is. In the past, nobility. Nowadays, friends in high places, friends in low places, and most importantly, her people. Then you also have her entire family and colleagues, and everyone is rather colourful. She's patient, and he came out to see her after she offered, anyway.

A man who needs his device to converse, a prince in his time and displaced now, is still someone to her.]

Caim. [She's still trying, but he doesn't seem to care, so she'll just go with how she said it the first time around.

She shakes her head.]

I was not waiting long. Besides, it was not like this was an appointment that required us to meet right at the exact moment. Shall we go explore this place?

[She's kind and understanding. In his past, Caim liked being on time, though he supposed it might have been less about what he 'liked' and more what was expected of him. Furiae was often the one who was late, though he never really scolded her for it. He suspects that if Sen too, had been late, he would have thought very little of it. With no where to be rushing off to, it seemed silly to get up in arms over it.

He regains a sense of himself, a fragment of the man he had left behind, and he blames Eren and Nero for that. Around them both, he's felt his anger subside, though it's been a genuinely slow process. At times still unwelcoming and sharp of proverbial tongue, Caim is becoming a bit more bearable as company. So he bends at the waist and offers an arm for her to lead the way. And it feels both familiar and foreign to him. Seven years is a long time to go without doing that.]

After you.

[See, all is well in the end. Punctuality is important, but so is patience and letting go. While if as a habit it needs to be discussed and taught, if it was once in a while, who could fault them? Besides, she doesn't know if he's regularly late. And it seems like he won't be.

It's a good thing that he has many bonds now that reel him back. She, as someone who isn't human, knows too well the power of human emotions. They're strong, spirited, more so than those with plenty of time under their belt. She learns a lot from them herself. And right now? She doesn't even quite realise that this was a Caim that is growing. Rather, she thinks he's nice right now.

It is why she beams, as she slips her arm with his to warmly link them.]

Thank you. This way. [She remembers there was a large training room, that she wonders if he might be interested in. It was one of those that had all the equipment.]

[He isn't really sure which to be more perplexed by—her expression, which is transparent in its delight (or whatever he deems as delight), or the fact that not only does she choose to lead the way, she weaves her arm about his. He can't really help it when he freezes up because personal contact isn't something he's been accustomed to for... a very long time. Even before things went to hell he wasn't exactly an expert with people. Charming, sure. Nice, yes. Welcoming, potentially. Yet in light of all of that, he tended to pick the company of his sword over that of his people.

An unfortunate decision on his part in the end.

It takes him some moments—several, really—to stop staring at her and just to awkwardly go along. It helps that there is something remarkably pleasant, a thought that Caim immediately begins to inwardly kick himself for.
Thankfully, he has conversation to distract himself with, something he never thought he'd end up being thankful for. If he actually knows how to be thankful for anything.]

You come here often, then. Are you simply honing your skills? Although this place has conflict of its own, it hardly seems necessary for soldiers to get involved.

[He says knowing that he really has yet to lift a finger and help out at all.]

[And to think she thinks her expressions are low key (which is correct in that she doesn't notice when she's pleased). Also, she's been around all kinds of walks of life, but attempts to keep as graceful as possible. A dignified response can be achieved by anyone. That being said, she is also infamous for being hot and cold. He is safely, at the moment, in warm.

But she does notice that he stared at all her in surprise for a moment (several moments) as they started on their way. She blinks back, but if he doesn't bring attention to it, she decides that as this is their first encounter, she won't pry. Instead she'll move on and answer his questions.]

To hone my skills, yes. Conflicts do get resolved quickly, but not every single one of us know how to fight. I practice also because of that.

[The truth is she has no loyalty to this place acre could probably care less. Who she cares about are those here, arrivals like themselves. She's developed bonds with many of them, and so sell to protect them.]

Edited (PHONE WHY) 2019-10-22 13:28 (UTC)

You are protecting the other Moonblessed.

[A succinct and to the point observation. Noble, he supposes, if not absolutely foolish. There's a goodness in her that makes him think of Dextera, except from a single meeting, he feels like Sen is far more capable than the other. Dextera's such a seemingly meek man. One can't expect to triumph over anything by possessing a meek demeanour. Sen, on the other hand, seems sure of herself. Relatively unapologetic about why she does what she does, at that. Caim can respect it, even if he doesn't wholly agree with it. The Moonblessed are better off left to their own devices. If they don't survive, then they aren't strong enough to stay and never belonged there anyway.

Besides, maybe death just sends them back where they came from. Has... anyone ever died in Lunatia before? His eyebrows knit together, making a note to look into that at a later point in time.]

A foolish endeavour. You are not concerned that you will be betrayed? Are all of the Moonblessed this daft?

[She nods firmly.] Indeed, for, as I feel, they are our comrades, being that we are all in the same situation, and I have made friends with some of them.

[That being said, she does understand him completely. It is more accurate to say that she is selective on who she does protect and work with, but no one here has given her reason to be like that so far. She understands that sometimes there are a some you can't work with. And then some won't agree with you, but it doesn't mean that you can't work with them. It's really all a matter of opinion.

So she doesn't disregard his opinion at all. It's a very valid concern. She squeezes his arm gently.]

I know of the possibility. I just believe that if we work together, we'll be stronger. Power in numbers, as they say. The Prismals are much stronger than us here, so it would be ideal for us to pool all our resources together. [She did say "ideal". There is room to move around that.]

[He knows she won't get why, but she sounds ridiculous to him. In consequence, he doesn't bother to address it. Caim is used to essentially being a one-man army, though he supposes it's really a one man and one dragon army. Not very many people make an effort to stand against something that will roast them alive. And it's not as though he hasn't sent his own share of men running and screaming in the opposite direction.

At the same time, there's logic in what she says, too. In spite of whatever Caim's personal motivations were, he still supported the act of the Union standing against the Empire and his efforts were ultimately to aid in that.

She breaks into his thoughts with that gentle squeeze. It's strange and makes him think of Furiae a bit. Probably because that's exactly the kind of thing she'd do when they were younger, because Caim was always lost somewhere in Thoughtful Land. As he mulls over Sen's words, he shakes his head at her. Not because he completely disagrees. Just because he has a counter argument for her.]

If they were so powerful and if that power exceeded ours, they would not need us here. And they would have found a way home for those here by now. You overestimate their ability and their strength.

[Or he underestimates. It would be like Caim to be overconfident.]

[While she would debate the fact that he is a one man army (it's too dangerous!!) she doesn't realise that part of it also involves the fact that he has a massive dragon too. In which, actually, by all means. That really is one man worth one thousand!

Really, as someone in this line of work (constant diplomacy, debating, strategising), hearing his counters is actually welcome. How does one strengthen their resolve and their plans? By hearing others critique it. He looked thoughtful, so he was thinking over it, she is certain.]

Hmmm, perhaps. They're not very open, so one cannot confirm. It would be best for us to find more information on it. [She nudges.] Which could help if we do it together. [Team work?!] Still, they have some kind of power that is beyond us, and could even be beyond them, to be able to pull us here. And, I'm guessing you rather fight alone?

If they are not open, and they have no reason to be, then it would be all the wiser for the Moonblessed to assume our bests interests are not their intentions. Let them prove themselves.

[The thing about strategy is that there's never one way and one way only to do something. Caim's concept of strategy is best on the field of battle and maybe there's some arrogance there because he's a clever and cunning man when not blinded by madness and rage. Before coming to Lunatia, there's a good chance he would have lost all of that. It's true that he may be left with something melancholy, but the livid nature still resides within his veins. Perhaps then, it is wisest to assume he is simply biding his time.

Or maybe the select few who have chosen to imprint themselves on him have inadvertently acted as a means for keeping his rage to a minimum.

He finds himself looking over to her again when she nudges him. What is with all of that personal contact? Not that it's unpleasant, because it's not, even though he doesn't want to really think about it like that. He'd rather not think about it at all.]

I have had allies where I come from. ['Had' being the keyword. He's watched all of them perish. Well. Maybe not all of them. But in the end, perhaps they were simply a means to an end. Either way, he doesn't seem particularly keen on discussing the happenstance of Midgard or of those who travelled with him.] You speak with purpose. Do you have a plan?

Mmm, well, I have no loyalty to them. Doing whatever they request is simply because it benefits us. [Like an invasion. Not preferred.] You are right that while they have given us a place to stay, they have also been asking for something in return. But I do not mind a quieter life despite it of it.

[It's true, there are so many ways to approach something. There isn't a right and wrong, and sometimes even the worst plan is what brings out the best results. And he's willing to discuss all of this with her. She enjoys the challenging he brings, rather.

This version of him is impressive. She has yet to find out about his rage. Perhaps it is a good thing then, what else this place brings. A lot of comrades who also help him temper himself.]

Not that them giving us all we need means we should get complacent. I wouldn't mind seeing them prove themselves too.

[Hey, it benefits them more this way, she can agree to that.

Also, when you're this close, sometimes the contact just happens. She's going to have to live with it too--]

Oh? I see. So once you did have allies. [She heard the had. And as an immortal, she lives through that a lot. They will always move on, eventually. Whatever lies in the beyond.] A goal would be more accurate to describe it than a plan. The information here is patchy, so I will need to learn more first.

[She gestures towards the building.] But for the time being, we can still use their resources.

Once.

[He confirms it for her with a very simple look. Not angry, not sorrowful, simply firm and to the point. He seems to have accepted her input and decides she's not as foolish as he immediately gave her credit for. Not incapable. Not entirely foolish. She only looks delicate. It's an interesting observation to make about her. And considering Caim has not spent a lot of time around women, especially, there's not many he has available for comparison. She's definitely different. In a positive way.

She continues and Caim nods along, though undeniably curious.]

A goal. Something other than returning to your home, it sounds. [He cocks an eyebrow to gauge her immediate reaction before he continues.] I suppose where that is concerned, I have not found their resources to be particularly resourceful. [But it may depend entirely on what one is searching for. If her goal isn't to return home, however, he has to wonder what it actually is. What more could someone want?]

[She nods in understanding when he confirms it for her. She doesn't know what races through his mind, but she does notice a change in how he looks at her. Is it some kind of acceptance? She's not sure why, but perhaps an understanding. Even if they have differing opinions.

She respects everything that he brought up. Whether or not he has ego, he calmly brought them up, and she appreciates it. It gives her something to think about.]

Mmm, how to say. We have met others here, no? If this world is able to bring us here, and also put us back, would it also be able to put us in other words? [This is just a hypothesis. Basically she knows a lot of people worry about not being able to meet those they have met here.

She clears her throat.] Their library is very unreliable. [Oh lord has she tried.

Reaching the building, she lets go to push open the door, so that they can enter and investigate the training facilities to see if it is sufficient for him.]

Is there anything specific you are looking for?

[He cocks an eyebrow at her. Angela said something different, he thinks. That only his place is his. That only her place is hers. Or maybe not that it was impossible, but rather that such things to pass should not come to be. An unravelling of time and space...? He hardly understands it himself. It's all a foreign concept to him.

She continues and he finds himself thoughtful again. Unreliable is one way of putting it. Would that all of his questions could be answered with books. It would certainly solve the trouble of trying to be remotely civilised. He's not good at being something other than a brute, he finds. All of this socialising is reminding him of how awkward he is with people.

How awkward he once was, back even when he had a voice to call his own.]

My expertise lies with swords.

[He answers her rather easily. Although the truth is that he wasn't looking for anything in specific. He just wanted to see what was there, what was present. The company is... something of an unexpected surprise. So too is the conversation.]

Do you come here often?

[No one is wrong, just as they are probably not entirely right either. But she has thought that no matter how many worlds differ, if they are able to come together in this one place. surely it could work the other way around. It was already strange enough to be dragged out of her own world, along with her colleagues, to be here as well. However, she's no good at science nor magic, so someone was going to have to help them out here when it comes to discovering whether or not this is possible.

Do not worry, Caim, in her case she just had to fake it until she made it, being naturally shy. She was just thrust into a fate that requires her to communicate so much, that after years and years of practice, she was able to at least able to communicate more freely. It is why she is so willing to be patient with him. Besides, she needs to read to keep up. Either way, she doesn't find him awkward to be with, even if she accepts it.]

Swords, I see. I am no good with it, but as many swordsmen are here, there is quite a bit of equipment to facilitate that.

[So she should go find those dojos, and heads that direction.]

Recently, I have. In order to keep up my training now. This world keeps us on our toes as well. It has places for me to train my hand to hand combat, as well as a shooting range.

[A woman shouldn't be on the field [of battle]. He thinks it. Almost actually issues those words, but realises that no matter how he sees things, it's not really the way other cultures work. Arioch too, was capable in her own right, even if he doesn't want to admit it. This girl... Well. It's not exactly fair of him to perceive her as weak, whether she is or not. Not all women, after all, are quite the same as his ever delicate sister. Still, he can't help eyeing her for some moments.]

No good with it? I could instruct you.

[It's presumptuous of him. She likely doesn't need the instruction. Likely has no interest in the sword. Why he offers is really beyond him. Probably because he can't see himself anywhere near a gun. He'll watch and he imagines that's about it. And it's not like he couldn't use the opportunity to hone his own skills. He's been out of practise, after all.]

If you are practising hand-to-hand, it is not so different. Although I suppose your comfort lies with what is most of familiarity to you.

[And that, he cannot fault her for. His mind turns over her words, however. Are there truly so many sword users? Perhaps he has underestimated many of the Moonblessed since his arrival. While he doubts they are particularly up to his skill, they could be worth looking into. It would give him something to do.]

[Such values were not uncommon to her either, considering how earth could be like, especially in times much older. She fought as a soldier even during such times, but none argued, being who and what she was. But should he have said that, she would've just been reminded of such times. Other worlds could still have it.

That being said, no one has really offered to teach her how to fight with a sword before, so her eyes widen.]

I...think I would rather like that. [She has techniques and styles she's already used to. But when it comes to learning new things, why not? Swordplay is graceful and mighty. And it'll give her something different to do, that would train her body in new ways.]

While I have something I am comfortable in, that would not be the case in battle, no? Learning more is also essential.

[He might be onto something. And there are even actual swords here, that could challenge him!]

That is, if you do not mind? I would be ever grateful.

If I found it troublesome, I would not have made offer.

[That's the simple version of it. Caim is, in truth, in need of something to distract him from his thoughts. There's plenty going on at hand that he doesn't know how to work through and it's all very complicated for him. So perhaps Sen is being used as a means of escape. It's only one part of the equation, however. He is, after all, genuinely curious about her, even if he might never claim as much.

Her wording, however, catches him a little off guard. The way she puts it. 'Ever grateful.' So polite. Makes him think of older days at court with tittering girls and awkward happenstance he'd meant to avoid to the best of his ability. He can't help but be slightly amused at the recollection, though it shows in his expression for a moment and one alone before he's returned to whatever stone he's become.]

Consider it an accord, then. I have time and the will to see it happen.

Then...I am looking forward to it, Teacher.

[Caim is still Caim, but as her swordplay instructor, he will also be called this too. It may be a distraction, but she's going to learn a lot. She does really wish to learn more about him too, and they say through fighting, it's one of the more raw ways to learn about this.

Really, she thought she saw something just then. Just like amusement. Maybe something that got him to relax just a tiny moment. So she wondered if she imagined it.]

I still have plenty of time, so I can follow your schedule! [And now that they're heading into the gym, she wonders if this place is suitable enough for them to train at later. It's roomy, has plenty of mirrors for him to watch his movements. There are also training dummies, all with multiple arms for targeting movement.]

['Teacher.' That's a first. He eyes her warily for some moments, unsure if he actually likes being called that or not. But maybe she's just teasing him. Sen does seem to be the teasing sort, if Caim is capable of recognising any fashion of humour, that is. But he'll be the first to admit that it's not his expertise, however, so perhaps he's wrong.

All the same, he's thankfully distracted by the gym she brings him to. Everything around him makes him think of 'perfection.' At least in terms of a training area. In Caerleon, his idea of training was simply solitude and swinging his sword in practised, controlled strokes. Not that he can't do the same here. If anything, this is better. It's a little difficult for him to hide his immediate interest in the area.

Sen has found the way to his heart, it seems. At least whatever remains of it, that is.]

I will certainly keep that in consideration. We can use this place here. It will give you opportunity to see your own flaws and assets to hone and improve response to each.

[The training dummies are an interesting addition as well, though Caim has always found a live target to provide a better challenge. He has to wonder how the benefits of a stationary target compare to the alternative.]

[She could be serious this time, he would be respected if he is to guide her like a teacher! But in the end, she will refer to him as he prefers. Which means if she knew that he thought this too strange, she may, on occasion, bring it up to tease. So this is how her siblings felt when they teased her. Hmm.

Still, it's as he thought. This here is a training facility to maximise on a person's potential. And she looks over at him while he takes it all in, thinking that this might be one of the few times she's seen something that gives him a spark.

Look at that! She didn't even know she earned her way into his heart (what's left of it), yet. She's just pleased he found somewhere he could utilise.]

That sounds like an excellent plan. [Another eye would definitely help her, and guidance.] I will follow as you say, it is not like I would be able to recognise them without any experience.

[She looks around the place, taking a look at the training dummies.] Are you interested in trying this place out now? I think they would allow us to explore more. [He could try it out here to see if it could withstand his hits, or they look for more equipment.]

[He did not come particularly prepared for this little excursion of theirs. That is, he isn't carrying his very sub-par sword on him, which may just be a blessing in disguise, as he has no fondness for the blade in the slightest. As such, her invitation does tickle him pink in one fashion or another. Of course he wants to try it out. He'd rather be able to do so with his own sword. Somehow he suspects he's not about to have that just handed to him. He will have to continue to endure swords that are unworthy of him.

He turns his attention onto her and for several moments, does not issue a response. But then:]

If you would prefer. I did not bring anything with me. I had only intended to investigate.

[But it doesn't mean they can't improvise.]

I will leave that decision in your hands.

[He turns his attention onto her patiently, surprisingly so. Were it not for Lunatia, he doubts he would possess that very trait. He has no way of knowing precisely how long that will last, however. It would be a lie to say Caim's rage has been sated, for it is merely quieted. For the moment.]

[He's right to assume, as even when she trained here in the shooting ranges, they weren't exactly the best of weapons. She has a feeling that anything here would simply be for practice, only for safety reasons, and if one required use of a more powerful weapon, either it would be to bring their own or ask.

Doesn't mean she can't look around either! He's calm, so she appreciates it, and as someone who was investigating, she hopes he is eager to try. It would be worth a go so he'd know what to expect in the future.]

I believe it would be preferable. We can find out of this place is truly to your liking. I am sure they have some weapons available, but it may not be anything sharp.

[With his approval for her to choose for them, she looks around and spots a storeroom close by. He's waiting for her, but she'll do her best to be as fast as possible, so quickly excuses herself to go open it up.]

What kind of sword do you usually use?

[Perhaps whatever they have here could align. She looks at him, just over her shoulder, as she pauses to ask.]

["...but it may not be anything sharp." A right proper shame, that. Caim doesn't appear to be surprised by such a response. Why would they willingly offer up anything sharp free of charge? The Prismals find the Moonblessed to be practical. It's not as if they'd intend to offer anything easily that might allow their booming Moonblessed population to diminish. Fortunately, he's never expected to find anything other than weaponry to practise with. Which means it won't be anything that lets him show his true potential. All of it will simply hold him back.

But the training would still be a good idea.

Her question plucks him from his thoughts and he moves slowly to join her, though seems careful enough to leave a nice wide berth between them. She may have had no issues taking his arm, but he's an awkward man and doesn't tend to invite the touching if it isn't necessary, regardless of whatever might have been expected of him once upon a time.]

A longsword.

[Although it occurs to him that she may not know enough about swords to even know what that is. Anyone can look at a sword with a long blade and just assume it's a longsword, but that might not necessarily be the case. Hesitating a moment, he decides to move in close to get a better look at what's available to them.]

It is meant for more precision in one's strokes, though a proper show of force at equally proper angle would put it in fair comparison to the strength of a broadsword's blade.

[Although that may be true. Caim's strength in his weaponry is undeniable, though who knows how much that changed in his pact with Angelus, or how it improved. He has no real way of knowing if he continues to be as nigh invincible here as he is in Midgard, but he suspects he'll be putting that to the test eventually.]

For your hands, something smaller may be more practical.

[It's good reasoning. Because any free offer would mean that they have access to everything they need to rebel as well. Should they find anything unsavoury here.

But then they let them train? How interesting.

She doesn't notice the distance at the moment as she searches for a longsword as requested, her full focus on the task at hand. She listens to his description, on why he would need it, and picks up a sword to show him.]

Would this suffice? [She does have to hold it with two hands, and it truly is long enough that compared to her body, is very big. But for its weight, she doesn't look like she's struggling to hold it. Wielding it? A different story.]

But now I understand why you would prefer it. [If he could hold something mighty enough to go against something much bigger.

As for her, with her strength and speed, she doesn't at all mind anything smaller. It would be easier to wield.]

What would one call a smaller sword, as you say?

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voiceofanimus - 2019-12-04 22:20 (UTC) - Expand

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