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[scornful]

This is Bariyan e Kodhi... oops, no, I'm terribly sorry, it actually isn't. It used to be. But it seems that he is gone and his possessions have been passed on to me.

This is Catsovi e Viciro.


[ voice | video | text]

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[lexiconning]

[ Syll looks back, shoulders tense and eyes wide. She speaks quickly, sudden anger in her voice. ]

They're completely over-reacting! I wouldn't do that. Not to Jericho, he-- [No. Stop it. She catches herself, pausing to start again. Calmly this time. ]

I-I was with him when he died. I guess my dagger sliced him pretty badly.

[scornful]

Oh... that's very unfortunate. That would make people suspicious.

You don't remember it happening, though?

[lexiconning]

No, no. I do. I mean I didn't know it happened at the time, there was too much smoke to see. But.. but when the bomb fell he... protected me.

I think that's when it....cut him. I'm sorry, Catsovi. I just. I don't know what to do.

[scornful]

I suppose you've already tried telling them that. His friends, I mean.

[lexiconning]

They were a lot more interested in pointing fingers.

[ Yeah and she also spent a good chunk of that time arguing death rules. But. Details. ]

[scornful]

I'm sorry, child.

[ Except he's not at all. He's having difficulty dealing with this situation in the way he feels he ought to -- so he's parroting what he's heard other say, trying to remember what he's seen others do. It's all surface-level.

So, what next...?

Catsovi frowns. ]

Are you in danger, then?

[lexiconning]

Maybe... But that's the thing.

[ She kind of curls inward, head ducked and arms crossed. This part is the real reason she chose Catsovi, and even now she's anticipating being pushed away for it. ]

If they try anything, I think I really will kill someone.

[scornful]

And that'll be whoever comes after you, I should hope.

[ Answered without hesitation. Answered as if "I might kill someone" is a perfectly and unremarkably normal reaction to the situation that Syllona finds herself in.

And to Cat, it is. ]

Have you ever killed anyone before, Syllona?

[lexiconning]

[ She lifts her head at that. It isn't what she expected, but in some frightened, broken way it's nearly comforting. A kind of confirmation that she isn't wrong to think that way. ...Even if it feels like it.

Syll sits up a little straighter, a little more attentive. ]

I... Well yes. I set traps back home, to protect myself. But I was never there to actually see it happen.

[scornful]

It goes without saying that you should set your traps now. [ Cat's voice is crisp, matter-of-fact. ] Traps are good. If they're caught, it's because they came walking where they weren't welcome. . No one can blame you if something happens.

But the problem with traps I'd that they can be avoided.

[ Cat grins. ]

So... do you think you could kill someone and watch them die?

[lexiconning]

I know I'll be safe in my own apartment, I never leave it vulnerable... But- [ She frowns uncertainly, this is all riding close to some hated memories. ] y-you're right, and I can't afford to underestimate anyone.

I don't know. I've seen other people do it but they were, um, [ INSANE. ] angry.

[scornful]

As people generally tend to be, when caught in the middle of trying to kill someone.

Hm. You have seen people die, though?

[lexiconning]

I'm- I'm not trying to. I just want to be prepared...

All the time. [ A shrug.] Have you?

[scornful]

I've killed plenty if people, so yes. [ Cat shrugs. ] In any case -- if you have, then killing them yourself shouldn't be hard.

Or would you like some practice first?

[ COMPLETELY DEADPAN. ]

[lexiconning]

[ That he's killed... isn't any surprise, really. But no time to dwell on that because is this an offer?!

Syll blinks at him, is silent for a few beats. ]

...On, on who? Wouldn't that sort of thing... get me in more trouble?

[scornful]

[ Pause.

He'd been joking, but now Cat's seriously considering it. He hasn't been in a proper fight the whole time he's been here and he's starting to feel it. Starting to feel anxious, uncomfortable, aimless and without purpose.

He looks down as he thinks. And eventually, he murmurs: ]

We are technically at war, aren't we?

How would you like to go on a mission with me, Syllona?

[lexiconning]

[ A mission? Normally going to the danger was the last thing she dream of, but then there's the worry again. That she really will have to KILL Jericho's friends...

There's guilt there, too, but it's nothing compared to the fear for her life.

She nods, then remembers his eyes. ]

I- Okay. I... [ She sighs. ]

I think this is something I need to do, Catsovi. I'll go with you.

[scornful]

Lovely. [ Cat smiles pleasantly, his eyes lighting up as if he's just realized it's Christmas day. ] Now-- do you have a weapon? Physical or magical?

[lexiconning]

[ SOMEHOW his smile isn't contagious. ] Well... I lost my dagger but I'm sure the Initiative would give me another.

The first one had a spell on it, but that's a little harder to explain.

[scornful]

I don't think spells will be necessary. But do find yourself another dagger. Or two.