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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]

Comments

[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.