Still knowing intimately what role to play here. Sadly, given what he has had to walk through in his life it as second nature by now. Still though at his heart he was still the perfect weapon, for here. A virus. Though, if it was the one that kills a species....or the one that integrates into the DNA to give the same sentience was yet to be determined. Breath exhaled out finally, after a few long minutes of holding it in. Bouncing off the back mirror of the bar as only smoke could do. Dark eyes unblinking, but narrowed looking over the labels. What tonight indeed. Hand finally eased out though, plucking up a bottle of bourbon from the rack though. Gentleman Jack, though. Bottle uncorked, and the brown liquor poured into his tumbler. The immense comfort he always had, no less lost tonight. When the veneer began to crack, they would know quickly. Though he just capped his JD bottle, and leaned on the wood. Elbows to it, so he could tilt up the tumbler and rest it against his temple delicately.
Another night drew Xenia out of solitary confinement, boots thudding dully against the cobbled road. Sapphire velvet clung to her petite form, white lace trailing along the ground. It was a nice night out; honey lifted up to gaze at the expanse of the heavens. And starry too. Russet curls were only pulled half-back, held with a sapphire and diamond clip; the remaining curls tumbling down her back. She was humming again, certain acts from the Nutcracker distinguishable in the silence of the night. She regarded the inn momentarily before she began her ascent of the porch steps, white lace trailing the porch railing. On the brink of the expanse of wood, she came to a halt. The musical tune fell flat on her lips, hanging there a moment longer before falling deaf to the world. No further movement except for her arm to coil around the post. Leaning against it, she studied the heavy oak door, and Guido, in such a manner that would make one appear to wonder if she was trying to open it with her mind. Head leaned against the cool wood, a sigh on her lips. It felt noisy inside from the outside. Like being on the outside looking in. Perhaps noise was best to be avoided. Remaining where she was, she made no intentions to move....Just yet. She was pensive tonight.
Damn brain was on fire it felt like. Too much information coming in, for some reason. But he already tasted the end. An odd thing, there. Like eating your meal as you were picking up the ingredients from the market. Hand idly pulled out the PDA from his pocket. Reeking technology to the point it was noticeable. Carrying around something in this town was sometimes like carrying a flare around a gasoline fight. But he seemed to do well enough No explosions, well, accidental ones. Fingertips began to tap on the screen, seemingly randomly. Now, who to roll up" Couldn't be too subtle, would just go amiss around here. But couldn't be too large though, as well. Too much, was just tacky. And expensive, besides. The Calvary....why not. Was a good blend of arrogance, and annoyances. Middle finger tapped once more. And somewhere, not that far away in the metro, but far enough. Six hundred tons of metal groaned to life. And thus, Dillon just sat the PDA down. Murmuring lightly to himself as he took the first drink of his alcohol. "They shall come with teeth and claw. With sword and spear. So we shall bring them the tsunami."
Those murmured words caught her attention, even through the aged, oaken door and walls of the inn. She lifted her head, though not subtly. Uncoiling her arm from the post, she pushed away from the edge of the Abyss. Closer to the door she moved, fluid like water as she extended a hand. Lace shrouded digits curled around the door handle, the other pressed flat against the door to ease it open. Not any farther did she go, then to billow in the doorway uneasily. Gold cat-eyes trained on the back of who could only be best described as the largest person in the inn. Leaning against the doorjamb, door kept open by an extended foot, she curls a finger towards her person; beckoning, if not pleading with her eyes.
Oh what was this. Silly, silly Dillon. So used to looking a thousand paces ahead he sometimes didn't see the ground right underneath him. In the process of refilling his glass, before dark eyes flicked up to the door. Eyebrow rose, but then it was over powered by the grin that came over his lips. There was a burst of impossible speed for his side, sliding over the bar from behind it somehow feet first. With enough presence of mind, to not slide on his coat for one. And to take his drink with him in passing. So when he landed, he was already in pace. Long coat settling around his form. A blink, and he was pacing towards the front door. Sorry, he'll play the General later. Something more important came up. Gloved fingertips pressed to the door, and out he paced. Rumbling lightly. "So happy to show me off to your friends, but now..." Just to playfully tease.
Of course he wouldn't want to lose another coat, now would he" Honey met with onyx briefly, the corners of a tired mouth twitching dangerously. As he neared, she backed out of the doorway, stepping carefully backwards so she could keep an eye on him. Or both. He was something delicious to look at, a piece of art. A work of art. Innocent twinkling of topaz at his nearness. "Mm, been long day, moya misha." Angling for the porch swing with less grace than normal, laced fingers grabbing his own free hand as she passes by.
So he might not get to order a tank to smash through the front of the place. You know, it had been so long that he felt something warm against his hands that wasn't a weapon, that he didn't care. Hand was taken up by her own, and his grin tilted into something amused. "Isn't every day?" Just another light poke, but he was more then happy to be pulled around with her. Even was amusing to see her like this, allowed him to step back from the line a bit. A few paces, and he would lift her hand to signal for her to sit before him. Though he was a second behind her. Kicking out boots in front, to cross at the ankle half assly. Hand already coming up to loosen his tie, as he turned to face her. Elbow resting up on the back of the swing. Comfortable, even as such. "You doing alright though, hmm?" Just making sure, and making conversation. Top button of his oxford, undone with a pinch between gloved forefinger and thumb.
That would probably be wise. Weapons had long since been abandoned as best friends, for the most part, but the human interaction side of her life had never been regained. Until now, that is. Yellow looked up at him enigmatically. "Something like that, da." Nod of agreement. She felt deflated, like all the air and energy in her person had been sucked out. So, it was gladly that she eased her lithe form upon the swing, legs curling beneath her and crossing at the ankle. Watching him with interest, fingers found his own again while the remainder folded in her lap neatly. "I am not sure," admitted feebly to his inquiry. Though, honey dropped down hungrily at the gesture. Continuing in a softer voice. "I vitnessed one of the mobs." She felt so silly, getting her emotions all corkscrewed about such a thing.
They had a lot in common in that arena then. Flowing along in the same river. This made it a bit easier to take in his mind. One that still rebelled, and questioned why he was not someplace else. But such things were easy to quiet, when you had his control. An eyebrow arched up as he listened, but outwardly there wasn't much else. "Yes, I've been reading about such in the paper. Dreadful thing, I never will understand it." A snap, but then he would nod. "Well, actually I could. As once upon a time, I was the lonely human being pushed around by dragons, mages, super-powered Gods....Give enough pressure, and any device turns into an explosive I guess. Still, sad no one discussed things. Might understand the why, or more importantly here, the who." In an easy conversation with her, and he rolled that tone out with it. Linguistics just as slick as form and motion. Coming out with the presence of an irresistible force that hasn't met an immoveable object yet.
Two peas in a pod, if you will. She didn't mean to keep him, if that's what she was doing. Men were free spirits, and she had accepted that long ago...And decided to shut them out altogether as a consequence. Weapons had no heart, never talked back or questioned. Neither did books. Books were the closest thing she had to a relationship. Slender brow quirked at his statement. Someone managed to keep their emotions intact. She was beginning to feel like she was unraveling at the seams. "Dragons?" she asks skeptically. Not that she should be surprised after all. For the next moment she was quiet, rolling his words over in her mind's eye. "Da, you haff point," conceding slowly. Not that she knew much about 'talking things over.' Such situations tended to end with a bullet in the head, or trying to escape such fate.
Feeling comfortable around everyone was easy in his mind. Feeling content and happy around one was a chore, but he seemed to be such there as he looked at her. Listening again, before he would nod. "Yes. Once, a great red wyrm came down from the far mountains. Came to the city, seeking enjoyment I guess..." A pause, a hand coming out to pick a cigarette out from somewhere on his form so he could take the first pull. Offering her one too, of course after his was lit. A small tell there....for a man who seemed would spark her own up first, he did it for himself quickly. "The city burned that night....All over. Entire blocks just...gone. Into fire and ash." A snap of his fingers, to show how long it took. "Between putting out fires, and trying to keep people from tearing each other apart in terror....the Marshal service was just too spread out. Lost three good people that night....And the worst part was at the end, after I killed it. Such arrogant pride I felt, until I got to its head. And saw a small, bloody shoe there..." He had to blink, once. Some things just never leave you. "Where was their vaulted magic then?"
Looks up at him, his presence soothing for her state of mind. It wasn't often that she relapsed into a fragile state of mind. And usually, it was dangerous, with incomprehensible repercussions. A fleeting smile for the brute as she accepted his offer with a nod of her head, fingertips stealing one by the butt before pressing it against her lips. She waited a moment for a light, brow ticking upward again as he continued his story. "That sounds avful." There weren't many other words left to describe such devastation and emotions. Few things were worse than losing a fellow comrade. Gold hues look at him woefully, "Everything must meet its demise, eventually." She didn't bother to mention that it was so simple to take down the biggest and most powerful.
Wasn't the loss of his people that hurt him. Sadly, he was so used to that anymore that it barely affected him. Even in his youth, he only employed those who were willing to put their lives down for an ideal. Then it had been justice. Who knows what it was, now. The part that kept him up at night was the little girl still in the beasts mouth. Just another time in his life, he almost broke. Almost. A nod there, in agreement when she reached her last comment. "And we all get what is deserving of us, in the end too. Live long enough in this town as a person who has only their flesh to protect them, and you learn a singular thing about magic." An exhale of smoke, up to the air, before the next pull came before more of that deep, lulling tone. "It's selfish. Singular. Always used to help it's wielder, never to those used again. Science, is something that takes a thought and makes it into form. Makes two dollars of plastic and carbon into something that will provide a town with clean water for years. Makes corn grown in a desert and feed millions. Allows equal transfer of knowledge to anyone, with a blink of an eye....Never see any corn growing in the desert, 'round here." An arrogant snort there, but it did curl his lips into a grin.
And he called himself a general" Not that she was behind that, either. Justice, such a fickle description for a set of ideals. Irrational, like religion. Children were the worst, the easiest and most heartbreaking. Comfortably, she leaned against him, head resting on his chest as she puffed at the cigarette, exhaling through her nose. She watched the wisps float up and disappear. Like hopes and dreams. His comment about magic, however, surprised her. She was biased, sure, given who her boss was. Both brows met with her hairline as she looked upside down at him, cigarette hanging out of her mouth halfway. "That is not vedy accurate. There are plenty whom I know of who put there arcane ability to benefit society." One could argue technology was singular, selfish too. Though, he did have a point, too, she had to admit. "Vell, I suppose you are haffing point about that..." begrudgingly. The corners of her mouth were tugged downward as she regarded his words further.
He did not call himself a General, those that followed him did. And it made him do, just absolutely crazy things. Like sending five hundred of his own to their death to save one innocent. No pain in their loss, because there was only the highest honor in that sort of death. There had to be, or else....he just wouldn't be able to live with what he has done for the past ten years. "Well, yes there is. I wouldn't say there was no one that did....But does magic feed a country' Does it teach poor children how to read, or mathematics?" This wasn't pointed, this was just a conversation. When he spoke, he still held that absolute respect. Listening intently. But he was good at a debate, too. "Technology has it's own dangers, after all. But those are dangerous allowed to the singular person. Making them, make the decision to wield such power for good, or ill. Magic just keeps that responsibility up, to a privileged few." Another pointed exhale as he adjusted his hips to turn his body to her fully. Knee coming up on the swing, a bit of distance. But he solved this by laying his arm down on the back of the swing so he could rest fingers on the back of her neck. Massaging slowly there, in appreciation. Even as he went on. "And in history, when a privileged few have the power....they always fall unless the masses are elevated to the same position, or even better, a sort of check and balance, to the other. To allow symbiosis."
At least he believed in something. What reason did she have for her sins" None other than the order given by her father. No wonder she felt the pang of guilt. She puffed on the cigarette again, smoke flaring from her nostrils like a dragon. Now this was getting somewhere. Eyes were trained avidly on him, hanging on to his every word as she sucked in the conversation hungrily. "Oh, vell....that is vedy good argument." One that hit a little too close to heart. The privileged few. She looked disdainful for a moment. Then, looking back at him intently, she countered, "How is that right to limit apart of who person is" Majority of magic is inherent, schooled from young age...Some is learned, helped by other things to facilitate. If it inherent, it is part of them. Who are ve to make them limit apart of self they cannot help" Vhy the sudden interest on magical beings" This area, " airy gesture of her gloved hand to the town, "vas founded on basis of magic. Magic lives and thrives here only one of few safe havens for magical beings. Vhy should they suddenly be limited" Vhat power or stake do they hold that citizens suddenly feel afraid of that they are not feeling same of as weapons, or certain technologies?"
Yes, he knew talking to a Russian woman about the privlidged few might strike a chord. Man knew what he said most of the time. And even though it came quickly, rarely would you find him sputtering something out that might not make sense. His turn to listen again, which he did well. Fingers still moving in a stark contrast to the conversation, perhaps. But in his mind it all flowed the same speed. "I never said it was inherently right or wrong what they are doing darlin', nor am I saying I am defending one side or another....But saying that each side has an equal say in the matter. Arguably, the ahem, mundane of the city have a bigger right, because they have the higher numbers of people on their side. And if we are all truly, equal beings under law and nature, then they have more pressing weight to throw around." A motion of his hand. "So then I ask you, for how long this city has been around, why is it now that it is coming out like this" A majority living in the shadows of beings of innate, and terrible power....that they have no taste of. Why now?" And here, was when it would change. And he would actually get a bit more serious then just his normal intelligence. "Personally, between you and me....I believe someone wants both groups to collide, to weaken the whole. As to take it over." A shrug, of broad shoulders. "I did toy with the idea, of letting this all go down, and then lapping my men into position to assault the one, who eventually assaults this world. But I promise you this. The first day I would be a liberator, the second, I would be a tyrant." A slow nod of honesty there. "This land is too important to leave the hands of the unwashed masses, or in those blinded by their own false arrogance to their reek of stupidity." That....was something that should never come out of his mouth, so calmly.
She managed to purr lowly at the movement of his fingers, cigarette forgotten and smoldered out as it hung from her lips like deadweight, threatening to drop any second. Her mouth opened, as if to say something, but instead closed as she listened and mulled over his perceptions and thoughts with interest. That wasn't an angle she had tested from before, but it seemed to fit like puzzle pieces, and make an inordinately large amount of sense. "I am not thinking I vould be vedy surprised at this rate," she admitted. Then quirked a brow at his toying idea. A twitch of the corners of her maw. "Mm, intriguing," she mused, smirking up at him as she dropped a hand to his thigh, squeezing lightly. "I am surprised at your vords." Teasing tone, topaz playful as they looked up into onyx.
Still the same man there as they spoke, watching her carefully. Stepping with her in this dance he was remembering quickly. Though, he couldn't keep himself all the way hidden. This was something he understood, as well. "That's what it is, you know....I smell it. In the air like a coming storm." A light admission, as eyes dropped. The man could always taste war from a distance that made even those predator's senses seem dull. But he shook it off, not his concern, anymore. "Don't be. I am a realist darlin'. Only thing I can afford to be, in my job. I can not play the conqueror here, I don't have the heart for it anymore. Can't play the savior, as they made this problem. So on both sides, my hands are tied. But, I know how this all plays out already. Someone's going to do something stupid, I'm going to step in to save an innocent. And then....Let the dying, begin." With a motion of his hand out, dismissive. "That is the future, of this town. Violence. We will take what we can before it happens really. Mineral and water rights. Lumber. Relics and artifacts. And....other things."
He was a warrior, she was a rogue. Yet they shared so many qualities. Maybe just soldiers for all the wrong things. She had no qualms about his intuition, lips curving softly for him. "You haff good instincts. I believe you," admitted, with all seriousness in her tone. His eyes dropped and she lifted her hand from his thigh to his face, gently grasping, tilting his jaw so he was looking at her. "Can you stop once you haff begun?" asked quietly, after listening to him say his piece. She refrained from commenting on the 'other things' part, though a muscle twitched obnoxiously in her jaw. Those scars weren't just from battle wounds. "Vill you still be you aftervard?" added even more quietly.
She asked good questions, that made her even more dangerous then he thought she was. He knew her perception was pretty damn good, but to be perceptive and analytical was a killer. His hand still once she asked him, deep thought crossing his mind. Keeping him balanced there. He paced it out, what would happen. What he would feel. What he would do...."No." Simply put. He wouldn't stop. He knew that...."I would become the flame that burns white hot. I would seek out every instance of evil I can perceive and I would devour it in single, simple gulps. I would wade through this new war I make with a snap of my fingers. Call down thousands that think like I. Bring down technology beyond their comprehension. Tanks, Armor, fliers, mechanics, infiltration squads, assassins....Every card in my deck would come out. And then it will all come full circle, the child that ran from the monsters that burned the city, will burn the city in killing the monsters with such a violence of action that even those I protect will gasp, cry, sicken themselves." A pause, the last inhale before he flicked it away. Sickeningly calm still, during all this he admitted to her. "And in the end, I'll come right back to normal. But give this place such a scar, their last thoughts are on who is magical, or not. But rather, what the hell have they let loose among them that is neither."
Her hand fell from his face, resting on his chest as she leaned toward him. Honey burned bright, watching him intently...Almost hungrily again. For a second, she looked dismayed by his 'no', but it quickly returned to rapt, avid attention. She was greedy for knowledge about this man who intrigued her so; like a moth to flame. She kept coming back for more. Deep down, she admired him, had honor reserved. He took on a lot more than she could probably handle, and his was for the good of others. It made her feel like a bad person in comparison. Topaz shone appreciatively for him, voice low and dangerous. Laced with a hint of embarrassed, meek tones. "You make me feel so insignificant." Soft chuckle as she dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. "They should haff called you Bringer of Var." she mused, watching him still. He was so philosophical and real that it almost pained her to be graced with the presence of such a person.
For all his arrogance, there had to be a heavy balance. A sense of absolute modesty that went beyond even normal. To a point of a monkish behavior. His job was it. So no surprise the one thing he picked up on in her entire words, was her words about insignificance. "You, are not insignificant." Sharply snapped out there, but not at her. More, at the thought that such a statement would even pass into his mind. This was beyond sin. "You have no idea what I would do for you, not because I know or like you, but because you are a single, sentient life. I have sent hundreds to their death to save one single life. Burned entire worlds in war for such. Done such....terrible things like taking those that I, loved, and respected. And turned them into weapons that willingly give up their happiness. Their lives. Their souls, for such an ideal." A slow nod there. But this one had, pressure. This was beyond zealotry. This was just a truth in his mind by now, just something he moved and transformed into action whenever, he could. "Hell doll, once went to war over a single flower..." A sudden laugh there, a bark of humor. Shaking his head, even to himself. Mother, that sounded foolish when he actually said it out. "...Was a good war, though." Chuckle eased off. "You have free will, most powerful #$%^&* thing in the existence of this reality."
Again, surprise registered across her face at his sharp words. The cigarette fell from her lips, bouncing between them before hitting the porch. She paid no mind. His words made her look even more meek, and if she we were a cat, she'd be pinning her ears back. Again, a doleful expression, laced with a lingering guilt. Again, her mouth opened to speak, but instead she gaped like a fish at his idea of humor. Dubious look, brow raised. "I—vhat?" her entire train of thought had been derailed. A cant of her head as she studied him pensively. He really was one of those souls. A guardian angel, in a form. Her emotions were too powerful to express with words, and she hoped her sentimental expression was able to convey what words could not. Sometimes you just needed to feel, or learn to listen from another's touch. She was shifting in the porch swing, moving to a knee, the other dangling over the edge of the swing, supported by a foot firmly on the ground. Both lace covered hands came to either side of his face, eyes closed, lips crushed against his. Maybe that would get the message across.
( Cross posted with Prop 37 )
Another night drew Xenia out of solitary confinement, boots thudding dully against the cobbled road. Sapphire velvet clung to her petite form, white lace trailing along the ground. It was a nice night out; honey lifted up to gaze at the expanse of the heavens. And starry too. Russet curls were only pulled half-back, held with a sapphire and diamond clip; the remaining curls tumbling down her back. She was humming again, certain acts from the Nutcracker distinguishable in the silence of the night. She regarded the inn momentarily before she began her ascent of the porch steps, white lace trailing the porch railing. On the brink of the expanse of wood, she came to a halt. The musical tune fell flat on her lips, hanging there a moment longer before falling deaf to the world. No further movement except for her arm to coil around the post. Leaning against it, she studied the heavy oak door, and Guido, in such a manner that would make one appear to wonder if she was trying to open it with her mind. Head leaned against the cool wood, a sigh on her lips. It felt noisy inside from the outside. Like being on the outside looking in. Perhaps noise was best to be avoided. Remaining where she was, she made no intentions to move....Just yet. She was pensive tonight.
Damn brain was on fire it felt like. Too much information coming in, for some reason. But he already tasted the end. An odd thing, there. Like eating your meal as you were picking up the ingredients from the market. Hand idly pulled out the PDA from his pocket. Reeking technology to the point it was noticeable. Carrying around something in this town was sometimes like carrying a flare around a gasoline fight. But he seemed to do well enough No explosions, well, accidental ones. Fingertips began to tap on the screen, seemingly randomly. Now, who to roll up" Couldn't be too subtle, would just go amiss around here. But couldn't be too large though, as well. Too much, was just tacky. And expensive, besides. The Calvary....why not. Was a good blend of arrogance, and annoyances. Middle finger tapped once more. And somewhere, not that far away in the metro, but far enough. Six hundred tons of metal groaned to life. And thus, Dillon just sat the PDA down. Murmuring lightly to himself as he took the first drink of his alcohol. "They shall come with teeth and claw. With sword and spear. So we shall bring them the tsunami."
Those murmured words caught her attention, even through the aged, oaken door and walls of the inn. She lifted her head, though not subtly. Uncoiling her arm from the post, she pushed away from the edge of the Abyss. Closer to the door she moved, fluid like water as she extended a hand. Lace shrouded digits curled around the door handle, the other pressed flat against the door to ease it open. Not any farther did she go, then to billow in the doorway uneasily. Gold cat-eyes trained on the back of who could only be best described as the largest person in the inn. Leaning against the doorjamb, door kept open by an extended foot, she curls a finger towards her person; beckoning, if not pleading with her eyes.
Oh what was this. Silly, silly Dillon. So used to looking a thousand paces ahead he sometimes didn't see the ground right underneath him. In the process of refilling his glass, before dark eyes flicked up to the door. Eyebrow rose, but then it was over powered by the grin that came over his lips. There was a burst of impossible speed for his side, sliding over the bar from behind it somehow feet first. With enough presence of mind, to not slide on his coat for one. And to take his drink with him in passing. So when he landed, he was already in pace. Long coat settling around his form. A blink, and he was pacing towards the front door. Sorry, he'll play the General later. Something more important came up. Gloved fingertips pressed to the door, and out he paced. Rumbling lightly. "So happy to show me off to your friends, but now..." Just to playfully tease.
Of course he wouldn't want to lose another coat, now would he" Honey met with onyx briefly, the corners of a tired mouth twitching dangerously. As he neared, she backed out of the doorway, stepping carefully backwards so she could keep an eye on him. Or both. He was something delicious to look at, a piece of art. A work of art. Innocent twinkling of topaz at his nearness. "Mm, been long day, moya misha." Angling for the porch swing with less grace than normal, laced fingers grabbing his own free hand as she passes by.
So he might not get to order a tank to smash through the front of the place. You know, it had been so long that he felt something warm against his hands that wasn't a weapon, that he didn't care. Hand was taken up by her own, and his grin tilted into something amused. "Isn't every day?" Just another light poke, but he was more then happy to be pulled around with her. Even was amusing to see her like this, allowed him to step back from the line a bit. A few paces, and he would lift her hand to signal for her to sit before him. Though he was a second behind her. Kicking out boots in front, to cross at the ankle half assly. Hand already coming up to loosen his tie, as he turned to face her. Elbow resting up on the back of the swing. Comfortable, even as such. "You doing alright though, hmm?" Just making sure, and making conversation. Top button of his oxford, undone with a pinch between gloved forefinger and thumb.
That would probably be wise. Weapons had long since been abandoned as best friends, for the most part, but the human interaction side of her life had never been regained. Until now, that is. Yellow looked up at him enigmatically. "Something like that, da." Nod of agreement. She felt deflated, like all the air and energy in her person had been sucked out. So, it was gladly that she eased her lithe form upon the swing, legs curling beneath her and crossing at the ankle. Watching him with interest, fingers found his own again while the remainder folded in her lap neatly. "I am not sure," admitted feebly to his inquiry. Though, honey dropped down hungrily at the gesture. Continuing in a softer voice. "I vitnessed one of the mobs." She felt so silly, getting her emotions all corkscrewed about such a thing.
They had a lot in common in that arena then. Flowing along in the same river. This made it a bit easier to take in his mind. One that still rebelled, and questioned why he was not someplace else. But such things were easy to quiet, when you had his control. An eyebrow arched up as he listened, but outwardly there wasn't much else. "Yes, I've been reading about such in the paper. Dreadful thing, I never will understand it." A snap, but then he would nod. "Well, actually I could. As once upon a time, I was the lonely human being pushed around by dragons, mages, super-powered Gods....Give enough pressure, and any device turns into an explosive I guess. Still, sad no one discussed things. Might understand the why, or more importantly here, the who." In an easy conversation with her, and he rolled that tone out with it. Linguistics just as slick as form and motion. Coming out with the presence of an irresistible force that hasn't met an immoveable object yet.
Two peas in a pod, if you will. She didn't mean to keep him, if that's what she was doing. Men were free spirits, and she had accepted that long ago...And decided to shut them out altogether as a consequence. Weapons had no heart, never talked back or questioned. Neither did books. Books were the closest thing she had to a relationship. Slender brow quirked at his statement. Someone managed to keep their emotions intact. She was beginning to feel like she was unraveling at the seams. "Dragons?" she asks skeptically. Not that she should be surprised after all. For the next moment she was quiet, rolling his words over in her mind's eye. "Da, you haff point," conceding slowly. Not that she knew much about 'talking things over.' Such situations tended to end with a bullet in the head, or trying to escape such fate.
Feeling comfortable around everyone was easy in his mind. Feeling content and happy around one was a chore, but he seemed to be such there as he looked at her. Listening again, before he would nod. "Yes. Once, a great red wyrm came down from the far mountains. Came to the city, seeking enjoyment I guess..." A pause, a hand coming out to pick a cigarette out from somewhere on his form so he could take the first pull. Offering her one too, of course after his was lit. A small tell there....for a man who seemed would spark her own up first, he did it for himself quickly. "The city burned that night....All over. Entire blocks just...gone. Into fire and ash." A snap of his fingers, to show how long it took. "Between putting out fires, and trying to keep people from tearing each other apart in terror....the Marshal service was just too spread out. Lost three good people that night....And the worst part was at the end, after I killed it. Such arrogant pride I felt, until I got to its head. And saw a small, bloody shoe there..." He had to blink, once. Some things just never leave you. "Where was their vaulted magic then?"
Looks up at him, his presence soothing for her state of mind. It wasn't often that she relapsed into a fragile state of mind. And usually, it was dangerous, with incomprehensible repercussions. A fleeting smile for the brute as she accepted his offer with a nod of her head, fingertips stealing one by the butt before pressing it against her lips. She waited a moment for a light, brow ticking upward again as he continued his story. "That sounds avful." There weren't many other words left to describe such devastation and emotions. Few things were worse than losing a fellow comrade. Gold hues look at him woefully, "Everything must meet its demise, eventually." She didn't bother to mention that it was so simple to take down the biggest and most powerful.
Wasn't the loss of his people that hurt him. Sadly, he was so used to that anymore that it barely affected him. Even in his youth, he only employed those who were willing to put their lives down for an ideal. Then it had been justice. Who knows what it was, now. The part that kept him up at night was the little girl still in the beasts mouth. Just another time in his life, he almost broke. Almost. A nod there, in agreement when she reached her last comment. "And we all get what is deserving of us, in the end too. Live long enough in this town as a person who has only their flesh to protect them, and you learn a singular thing about magic." An exhale of smoke, up to the air, before the next pull came before more of that deep, lulling tone. "It's selfish. Singular. Always used to help it's wielder, never to those used again. Science, is something that takes a thought and makes it into form. Makes two dollars of plastic and carbon into something that will provide a town with clean water for years. Makes corn grown in a desert and feed millions. Allows equal transfer of knowledge to anyone, with a blink of an eye....Never see any corn growing in the desert, 'round here." An arrogant snort there, but it did curl his lips into a grin.
And he called himself a general" Not that she was behind that, either. Justice, such a fickle description for a set of ideals. Irrational, like religion. Children were the worst, the easiest and most heartbreaking. Comfortably, she leaned against him, head resting on his chest as she puffed at the cigarette, exhaling through her nose. She watched the wisps float up and disappear. Like hopes and dreams. His comment about magic, however, surprised her. She was biased, sure, given who her boss was. Both brows met with her hairline as she looked upside down at him, cigarette hanging out of her mouth halfway. "That is not vedy accurate. There are plenty whom I know of who put there arcane ability to benefit society." One could argue technology was singular, selfish too. Though, he did have a point, too, she had to admit. "Vell, I suppose you are haffing point about that..." begrudgingly. The corners of her mouth were tugged downward as she regarded his words further.
He did not call himself a General, those that followed him did. And it made him do, just absolutely crazy things. Like sending five hundred of his own to their death to save one innocent. No pain in their loss, because there was only the highest honor in that sort of death. There had to be, or else....he just wouldn't be able to live with what he has done for the past ten years. "Well, yes there is. I wouldn't say there was no one that did....But does magic feed a country' Does it teach poor children how to read, or mathematics?" This wasn't pointed, this was just a conversation. When he spoke, he still held that absolute respect. Listening intently. But he was good at a debate, too. "Technology has it's own dangers, after all. But those are dangerous allowed to the singular person. Making them, make the decision to wield such power for good, or ill. Magic just keeps that responsibility up, to a privileged few." Another pointed exhale as he adjusted his hips to turn his body to her fully. Knee coming up on the swing, a bit of distance. But he solved this by laying his arm down on the back of the swing so he could rest fingers on the back of her neck. Massaging slowly there, in appreciation. Even as he went on. "And in history, when a privileged few have the power....they always fall unless the masses are elevated to the same position, or even better, a sort of check and balance, to the other. To allow symbiosis."
At least he believed in something. What reason did she have for her sins" None other than the order given by her father. No wonder she felt the pang of guilt. She puffed on the cigarette again, smoke flaring from her nostrils like a dragon. Now this was getting somewhere. Eyes were trained avidly on him, hanging on to his every word as she sucked in the conversation hungrily. "Oh, vell....that is vedy good argument." One that hit a little too close to heart. The privileged few. She looked disdainful for a moment. Then, looking back at him intently, she countered, "How is that right to limit apart of who person is" Majority of magic is inherent, schooled from young age...Some is learned, helped by other things to facilitate. If it inherent, it is part of them. Who are ve to make them limit apart of self they cannot help" Vhy the sudden interest on magical beings" This area, " airy gesture of her gloved hand to the town, "vas founded on basis of magic. Magic lives and thrives here only one of few safe havens for magical beings. Vhy should they suddenly be limited" Vhat power or stake do they hold that citizens suddenly feel afraid of that they are not feeling same of as weapons, or certain technologies?"
Yes, he knew talking to a Russian woman about the privlidged few might strike a chord. Man knew what he said most of the time. And even though it came quickly, rarely would you find him sputtering something out that might not make sense. His turn to listen again, which he did well. Fingers still moving in a stark contrast to the conversation, perhaps. But in his mind it all flowed the same speed. "I never said it was inherently right or wrong what they are doing darlin', nor am I saying I am defending one side or another....But saying that each side has an equal say in the matter. Arguably, the ahem, mundane of the city have a bigger right, because they have the higher numbers of people on their side. And if we are all truly, equal beings under law and nature, then they have more pressing weight to throw around." A motion of his hand. "So then I ask you, for how long this city has been around, why is it now that it is coming out like this" A majority living in the shadows of beings of innate, and terrible power....that they have no taste of. Why now?" And here, was when it would change. And he would actually get a bit more serious then just his normal intelligence. "Personally, between you and me....I believe someone wants both groups to collide, to weaken the whole. As to take it over." A shrug, of broad shoulders. "I did toy with the idea, of letting this all go down, and then lapping my men into position to assault the one, who eventually assaults this world. But I promise you this. The first day I would be a liberator, the second, I would be a tyrant." A slow nod of honesty there. "This land is too important to leave the hands of the unwashed masses, or in those blinded by their own false arrogance to their reek of stupidity." That....was something that should never come out of his mouth, so calmly.
She managed to purr lowly at the movement of his fingers, cigarette forgotten and smoldered out as it hung from her lips like deadweight, threatening to drop any second. Her mouth opened, as if to say something, but instead closed as she listened and mulled over his perceptions and thoughts with interest. That wasn't an angle she had tested from before, but it seemed to fit like puzzle pieces, and make an inordinately large amount of sense. "I am not thinking I vould be vedy surprised at this rate," she admitted. Then quirked a brow at his toying idea. A twitch of the corners of her maw. "Mm, intriguing," she mused, smirking up at him as she dropped a hand to his thigh, squeezing lightly. "I am surprised at your vords." Teasing tone, topaz playful as they looked up into onyx.
Still the same man there as they spoke, watching her carefully. Stepping with her in this dance he was remembering quickly. Though, he couldn't keep himself all the way hidden. This was something he understood, as well. "That's what it is, you know....I smell it. In the air like a coming storm." A light admission, as eyes dropped. The man could always taste war from a distance that made even those predator's senses seem dull. But he shook it off, not his concern, anymore. "Don't be. I am a realist darlin'. Only thing I can afford to be, in my job. I can not play the conqueror here, I don't have the heart for it anymore. Can't play the savior, as they made this problem. So on both sides, my hands are tied. But, I know how this all plays out already. Someone's going to do something stupid, I'm going to step in to save an innocent. And then....Let the dying, begin." With a motion of his hand out, dismissive. "That is the future, of this town. Violence. We will take what we can before it happens really. Mineral and water rights. Lumber. Relics and artifacts. And....other things."
He was a warrior, she was a rogue. Yet they shared so many qualities. Maybe just soldiers for all the wrong things. She had no qualms about his intuition, lips curving softly for him. "You haff good instincts. I believe you," admitted, with all seriousness in her tone. His eyes dropped and she lifted her hand from his thigh to his face, gently grasping, tilting his jaw so he was looking at her. "Can you stop once you haff begun?" asked quietly, after listening to him say his piece. She refrained from commenting on the 'other things' part, though a muscle twitched obnoxiously in her jaw. Those scars weren't just from battle wounds. "Vill you still be you aftervard?" added even more quietly.
She asked good questions, that made her even more dangerous then he thought she was. He knew her perception was pretty damn good, but to be perceptive and analytical was a killer. His hand still once she asked him, deep thought crossing his mind. Keeping him balanced there. He paced it out, what would happen. What he would feel. What he would do...."No." Simply put. He wouldn't stop. He knew that...."I would become the flame that burns white hot. I would seek out every instance of evil I can perceive and I would devour it in single, simple gulps. I would wade through this new war I make with a snap of my fingers. Call down thousands that think like I. Bring down technology beyond their comprehension. Tanks, Armor, fliers, mechanics, infiltration squads, assassins....Every card in my deck would come out. And then it will all come full circle, the child that ran from the monsters that burned the city, will burn the city in killing the monsters with such a violence of action that even those I protect will gasp, cry, sicken themselves." A pause, the last inhale before he flicked it away. Sickeningly calm still, during all this he admitted to her. "And in the end, I'll come right back to normal. But give this place such a scar, their last thoughts are on who is magical, or not. But rather, what the hell have they let loose among them that is neither."
Her hand fell from his face, resting on his chest as she leaned toward him. Honey burned bright, watching him intently...Almost hungrily again. For a second, she looked dismayed by his 'no', but it quickly returned to rapt, avid attention. She was greedy for knowledge about this man who intrigued her so; like a moth to flame. She kept coming back for more. Deep down, she admired him, had honor reserved. He took on a lot more than she could probably handle, and his was for the good of others. It made her feel like a bad person in comparison. Topaz shone appreciatively for him, voice low and dangerous. Laced with a hint of embarrassed, meek tones. "You make me feel so insignificant." Soft chuckle as she dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. "They should haff called you Bringer of Var." she mused, watching him still. He was so philosophical and real that it almost pained her to be graced with the presence of such a person.
For all his arrogance, there had to be a heavy balance. A sense of absolute modesty that went beyond even normal. To a point of a monkish behavior. His job was it. So no surprise the one thing he picked up on in her entire words, was her words about insignificance. "You, are not insignificant." Sharply snapped out there, but not at her. More, at the thought that such a statement would even pass into his mind. This was beyond sin. "You have no idea what I would do for you, not because I know or like you, but because you are a single, sentient life. I have sent hundreds to their death to save one single life. Burned entire worlds in war for such. Done such....terrible things like taking those that I, loved, and respected. And turned them into weapons that willingly give up their happiness. Their lives. Their souls, for such an ideal." A slow nod there. But this one had, pressure. This was beyond zealotry. This was just a truth in his mind by now, just something he moved and transformed into action whenever, he could. "Hell doll, once went to war over a single flower..." A sudden laugh there, a bark of humor. Shaking his head, even to himself. Mother, that sounded foolish when he actually said it out. "...Was a good war, though." Chuckle eased off. "You have free will, most powerful #$%^&* thing in the existence of this reality."
Again, surprise registered across her face at his sharp words. The cigarette fell from her lips, bouncing between them before hitting the porch. She paid no mind. His words made her look even more meek, and if she we were a cat, she'd be pinning her ears back. Again, a doleful expression, laced with a lingering guilt. Again, her mouth opened to speak, but instead she gaped like a fish at his idea of humor. Dubious look, brow raised. "I—vhat?" her entire train of thought had been derailed. A cant of her head as she studied him pensively. He really was one of those souls. A guardian angel, in a form. Her emotions were too powerful to express with words, and she hoped her sentimental expression was able to convey what words could not. Sometimes you just needed to feel, or learn to listen from another's touch. She was shifting in the porch swing, moving to a knee, the other dangling over the edge of the swing, supported by a foot firmly on the ground. Both lace covered hands came to either side of his face, eyes closed, lips crushed against his. Maybe that would get the message across.
( Cross posted with Prop 37 )