[ fifteen - voice ]

[twilightcall]

... Do I even have to say it?

[ There's an emphatic acrimony to his tone, softened only by a jaded sense of tiredness he just doesn't know what to do with. After a contemplative silence, he makes a harsh, disparaging huff ]

'Ch. Like we really had a choice.

Comments

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

[There is an initial silence, his voice almost suspicious when he asks.]

...With what?

Private to Riku.

[twilightcall]

... With us becoming bigger prisoners just to save this place.

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

...Elaborate.

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

I don't trust him ...

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

And you are wise for it.

But, his involvement should be minimal other than granting you permission to access the Fire Seraphim. No strings attached.

...

...Unless, I am missing something.

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

Well, that's funny. Because I'm starting to seriously question how "wise" I am.

No strings attached ... ? You don't really believe that, do you?

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

Wisdom is often similar to courage and strength. It doesn't always manifest in the most obvious of forms, and sometimes initially is presented as exactly the opposite.

No. However... it is rare a Magister will break their word.

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

[Caim unfortunately knows Dai a little too well, but actually suggesting this is a somewhat enraging to his senses, nevertheless, which is clear by the edge in his tone of voice.]

...Thus, I can only assume you are either naturally suspicious of him-which, I'm sure you've noticed, not nearly enough people are-or he is making deals out of my sight in exchange for allowing you access to the Fire Seraphim.

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

You might be right about that.

... You're right about all of that, actually. To be fair, I really didn't trust him to begin with, and now, I just feel like we're getting into something we're really not going to like.

He sure had a funny way of putting it, though ...

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

And how is he putting it, exactly?

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

Apparently, he's lonely.

[ Small pause; insert comical upbraiding ]

- I blame you.

[ He says it quickly, and his tempo slows immediately, turns real serious when he speaks again ]

I'm kidding, I think ... but listen. Just what are we getting into?

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

[insert choking sound here, and then a small coughing fit. Once he managed to control himself, he takes a few seconds longer to respond, but he's serious, maybe slightly concerned, even. Because, he really isn't sure what that is supposed to entail.]

More than you've bargained for, most likely. The Fire Seraphim itself I am sure you are all capable of handling. It is a difficult task, but it's not something I would allow you to do if I thought it futile.

And he would not let you go if he was getting something out of it upon your return, if he thought you would fail. What are you trading with him since he's lonely for this "generosity" of his?

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

Well, thanks ...

But it's not like he's asking for anything he probably couldn't live without, or anything normal for that matter. I guess that's what makes it so ... I don't know. Creepy. Not to mention he thought better than to let you know about it.

Says he wants us to be his "friends". Didn't give us much of a choice, though. And apparently we have to be his friends until he says so.

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

...

Dai has always been a social creature. At one time, on the surface, for him to be wanting friends would not have been unusual. I'd say his charm was much more alluring when he didn't have some goal that was top priority at all times.

He's too far caught up in his own agenda now for that to really hold, it seems, even to those who don't really know him.

However, I half wonder if by "friends" he means "support and agree with me".

Private to Caim.

[twilightcall]

Is that what changed for you?

Either way ... He's not being too discreet about that part. It's pretty obvious he wants us to go along with whatever he says when the time comes.

Just thought you should know.

Private to Riku ;

[undeify]

What do you mean?

...

It can't be helped, then. Do what you need to do.