text; username: ambivalenceblack

[voiceofanimus]

[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.]

Comments

[cadeuces]

( The flash of teeth and slight curve to his lips is enough to tell her it's a smile, half-feral though it may become were it any wider, but she tries not to stare regardless. Sue her; she likes raising spirits. He seems like someone that could use it. But she nods to his correction and listens, making quick enough work of more of her plate. She could take her time if she weren't on a schedule, but she's using most of her allotted "lunch" to chat with him. Her bites are dainty but frequent. )

Mm, I think I understand. Still, what are we without knowledge? Monkeys in clothes, if a bit taller. I suppose it could be dangerous to a degree, but I would much rather have asked and know than to not.

( If it's a threat, then she's half-oblivious. She gets the warning in the words even without the device's ability to add an edge to its tone, but she doesn't seem to heed it. Which he'll come to find is rather typical of her. It's only a couple bites more and she's finished, as well, going to sip at her water as she passes her wrist over the reader at the other end of the table and takes a moment to dial in a tip for the waitstaff, fabric napkin pristine in her lap as she draws it up and looks over the table. She piles their dishes together and wipes the table down of any crumbs or a stray sauce spot or two, then adds the napkin to the top and leaves the pile by the edge, easy to collect. )

You're free to ask questions of your own, you know. Walk me back to the clinic?

[voiceofanimus]

["Still, what are without knowledge? Monkeys in clothes, if a bit taller." The comment is so odd, so off the mark, that Caim's expression is... Well. Likely transparent. While it's true he would consider humanity to be little more than beasts (some feral, and others not quite so much), 'monkey' is not exactly how he'd put it. When she says it like that, it's almost endearing and foolish humanity, even at its best, is nothing close to endearing.

Her words stay with him even as he watches her neatly stack up their eatery. They had people to do that for them in Caerleon. Is that not the workload of those who are employed in the restaurants? He hasn't even said it yet, but a waiter and an attendant is hardly different. Except one of those things get paid. (Although he supposes servants had their own annual pensions or whatever kingdom finances decreed appropriate for the help.) Regardless, that she's remarkably kind, and not just to him, is a strange thing to observe. She's helpful, irritatingly selfless, and seems as if she never has a moment where a part of her isn't smiling.

Caim feels, once more, that Angela at best, must be perceived as a threat. Something is simply not adding up here.

At her invitation, or her request, whichever it might be, considering he has no way of deciphering truth from fiction when it comes to the woman in question, his eyebrows knit together, evidently perplexed.]

"You seem capable enough. I doubt very much that you need an escort."

[But he isn't exactly saying no. He just doesn't think she's in need of the assistance and quite likely has some other reason for acquiring his extended companionship.]

[cadeuces]

( She sees that complete lack of comprehension to the reference on his face and her smile turns a touch apologetic, but she doesn't offer to elaborate if he isn't going to ask, and he doesn't. And perhaps it is the job of the employees here, but she doesn't see why she couldn't take the extra few moments to make their life easier, instead of climbing into the booth to reach everything or making extra trips, instead of just collecting one simple pile and being on their way.

It was a courtesy that extends to time for other guests, and other employees, and made the world a little kinder in its outward effect. A little more patience afforded to someone else down the line.

But to assume there are times she isn't smiling is a touch false. He may realize that one day, spending enough time around her. She does allow it to falter sometimes, outright fall from her lips in trusted company when she's upset, but... He'll figure it out eventually. Gauge her a little better. He's already essentially turning down her invitation as she moves to stand, and she just offers a little shrug. )

I was thinking more along the lines of you knowing where to find me if you needed the additional help with the device; and, it would be a chance to speak a little more. But if you've somewhere to be, I won't keep you. It was nice meeting you, Caim.

[voiceofanimus]

[Angela's kindness and sense of helpful demeanour is somewhat lost on the man. As a prince, he never had to clean up after himself. Didn't even have to fix himself up nice and proper. (He dressed himself, bathed himself, did all of that, however...) It simply seems to be this line between how different people can absolutely be. Caim's not certain he's noticed it before, or perhaps it simply hasn't seemed as prominent as it is in the current moment. For several moments, he simply watches her stack everything, an expression of bewilderment taking him.

Yet her words bring him back to the reality of the situation. So it's not an escort mission. She simply wants to offer additional help. A part of him recognises that the assistance may be needed. Pride speaks up afterwards and tells him it is best not to get too attached. Or give her the wrong idea. Such as one where he might need the help, because there's just no way to easily admit to that. Another time, perhaps. Not this time.

She's done more than enough and he will have to ponder on that some.]

"I imagine we will find our paths crossing before you know it. Even should we not want them to. I will visit your clinic another time, Lady Angela."

[He doesn't have the courtesy to tell her to be well. A part of him thinks it, but the words won't leave him. It just wouldn't sound like him at all.]

wrapped just in time to tag dragon!caim 👀💕

[cadeuces]

( It's a bit sweet, really, to watch him watching her pile things, trying to figure out the hows and whys. Some of the other waitstaff having to climb into booths and bend over to reach items far back on the tables from the walkway is hint enough, most like, but it still baffles him. It's probably going to become her new hobby, that.

No, it isn't an escort mission. Just a further invitation for company and the chance to know where to find her, but he already knows how to use the devices to a certain degree. He'll be able to look her up easily enough, or reach out if need be. This meeting and the information exchanged would just have to be plenty. She'll lead the way out of the restaurant and pause beyond the scope of the doors, smiling to the sound of "his voice" and how he chooses to phrase their parting. )

I imagine we will, you're right. I'll look forward to the next time we meet, then, and for now I'll simply say to take care of yourself.

( It's said with a gentle touch of her fingertips to her arm before it draws back and she gives a little flutter of the fingers in a wave, turning to begin the walk back across the boardwalk and down toward her clinic. Maybe she can surprise him next time with an upgrade for that text to speech feature. )