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[grinninggrifter]

[For those that still remember Grift’s handwriting, it’s just a bit shakier and slanted than ever, though it seems he’s making a concentrated effort to keep his script as graceful as always.] It seems that this place feels the need to return the crucified back to life. A pointless endeavor, if you were to ask me, though no one did. It does

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[live_ringer]

[It takes a good amount of blinking before Lyle believes what he's seeing.]

Gotta say, I wasn't expecting to see you claw your way back.

Unfortunately, I didn't really have the room to keep your hats around. I have something I think you'll want to see even more, though.

[live_ringer]

[At least one of them was amused at all of this. Lyle let out a low whistle and shook his head. He had to admit Grift had guts, even if he had no sense.]

If what you wanted was to get a shot in before things went to shite, you should have gone the distance route. [He crossed his arms before asking:] So did he say anything to you during all this, or was it all tree branches and terror?

[He didn't bother to comment on the Watch. They were the least worrisome factor in all of this.]

[grinninggrifter]

[He closed his eyes, briefly.] I preferred answers over getting a shot in, and decided to take a rather large risk to obtain it.

[He picked up one of the guns and ran his hand over the cold metal, as gentle as if he were handling a newborn babe and not a mechanism for death.] I was trapped, you see - I did not wish to be a dog of the CPA, but they knew a touch too much about me. [He diverted his gaze to the gun.] And what I may do. Before he ran off, Fugue told me that this world was simply a labour of his love. He's mad.

[live_ringer]

Using the proximity to get answers does make more sense.

[Lyle was quiet as Grift described the rest of the predicament. In truth, he was very curios about what the CPA could possibly hold over Grift that would have him so stuck--but if it was so dire, Lyle doubted the man would want to share it if asked.]

'A labour of his love'? If this is what love looks like, I don't want to see hate. Though I suppose that supports the idea that part of his motivations are loneliness.

As for the CPA... what exactly did they want you to do?

[grinninggrifter]

Loneliness? Perhaps. [Grift moved onto the next gun.] I have cause to believe that selfishness is a far better term for it - the last thing I wish to have for that man is sympathy.

[He paused to gather his wits about him and hid the pause by pretending to inspect the gun more closely than he would normally. He wasn't actually concerned with the gun; if there was one thing he trusted Lyle with, it was firearms. It was, however, convenient.]

Handing out memory crystals and writing out petty hints, [he said with a derisive snort.] Maintaining the status quo, if you will.

[live_ringer]

'Lonely' is what the girl who saw his dream called it. Right before she was never heard from again. [His 'smile' can hardly be called as such, since it's turned tight and bitter.] I'd hardly say that and selfishness are mutually exclusive. And I sure as hell wouldn't say it's any sort of justification for what's going on.

[A convenient reason to occupy the hands and obscure facial expressions is always helpful in conversations like this. The lack of such a diversion is one of the few reasons Lyle regrets quitting smoking.]

Do you think that's their aim, then, maintaining the status quo? Or is it like you said before your 'departure'--too roundabout for your tastes?

[grinninggrifter]

Oh, no, not at all. In fact, I have reason to believe that they would spear me alive to hear me speak of them that way. [His words had a knowing sort of amusement to them mingled with the bitterness as he remembered the one who did just that. Harpooned, speared, whatever you called it, the outcome was the same.] No, they speak of change, but they do nothing of the kind.

[He put down the gun.] What use are those who write in rainbows? Or handing out memory crystals? Not the sort of thing to elicit change. [He turned his head to look Lyle in the eye.] And, indeed, I never did consider myself one to wish for change. But here we are.

[live_ringer]

[That knowing tone got a raised brow. Lyle suspected it meant Grift had received explicit threats of such, little knowing that it had already literally happened.

When Grift looked him in the eye Lyle leaned forward, resting his hands on the table.]

So now you do want change. As do I, as do plenty many others. Got any ideas for how to go about it that don't involve being trussed up with tree branches?

[grinninggrifter]

No, [Grift admitted.] However the CPA's roundabout movements do absolutely nothing - though to use them for our own gain, as an... organization to hide behind, perhaps, would not be out of the question.

[His lip curled. This sort of talk reminded him of days long ago, days he did not remember but knew he experienced nonetheless. He was a man of vice, of sin. He had killed. He was certainly not above the manipulation of a few bastards for his own means.]

If one does not mind getting their hands dirty, that is. Which I do not, as you well know.

[live_ringer]

Are you talking about infiltration or scapegoating?

[Much like Grift, he found this thread of discussion reminiscent of a certain kind of work that he was no stranger to. Lyle's thoughts drifted to his last memory and the infiltration work he was apparently charged with then.]

It would be useful, being privy to their resources and what they know. That would at least give a better idea of what sort of change is possible. [His brow arched at the mention of getting hands dirty, though he didn't say anything just yet.]

[grinninggrifter]

Infiltration, of a sort. [Grift said, teeth worrying at his lower lip in a rare show of a nervous twitch as he pondered his options. It was only natural that the CPA would make him nervous, of course, but he had always prided himself on allowing his body and his voice fill with lightness even as he spoke on the heaviest of topics.]

If one's goals match, that is one thing. But if they do not, sabotage is an option, as is the simple act of gleaning information from those who wish to hold it close to their chests. Simply a passing thought, Lyle, but one that deserves to dwell in the mind a bit longer than most. I cannot imagine that none have tried it before.

[live_ringer]

I think milking them for what information they have first is a good approach. Sluggish as their methods are, I don't know of any other constant sources of information.

[The corner of Lyle's mouth quirked upward.] Would've been useful to approach things from that angle before when you first had an in with the CPA. Do you think they'd let you back into the ranks?

[grinninggrifter]

Hah. Yes, yes that would have been useful, [Grift admitted, fingers tapping on the chest that, to him, had so recently been torn asunder by the Tree's branches.] My mind was rather - rather muddied at that point in time. I do not take kindly to being forced to join. Should I infiltrate, it will be on my own terms.

[He tilted his head with a cocky sort of grin.] However, they may accept me back. I have certain... skills that they do not. Or at least, I assume that they do not.

[live_ringer]

I can understand bucking against being forced into something.

[Again, Lyle raised a brow.] I'm tempted to ask what these skills are. [Though, if Grift didn't want to share Lyle doubted he ever would, so he let that statement stand as an open invitation.] In any case, it's worth a shot to see if they'll take you back. If not... well, maybe they would be interested in taking others on.

[grinninggrifter]

Why, is it something that interests you? [The thought of showing another his shapeshifting powers or his regenerative ones sends a thrill through him. It feels like he has felt so little adrenaline in his time here. When death is not permanent, there is some of that rush gone. That is what Grift misses most of all, he thinks - life here is empty. Grift's life at home may very well have been empty, but it was an exciting sort of emptiness at least.

Perhaps he will reveal his secret to Lyle. It would be interesting. It would be exciting. He has not yet shown anyone the way he can alter his appearance, though he has been tempted to many times if not only for the surely hysterical reactions that would follow. His smile is a bit impish now.]

Perhaps I will show you - if we are indeed on the same side, my friend.

[live_ringer]

[Curioser and curioser. He was expecting some ordinary skills like, well, grifting (one didn't get to know Grift without getting a sense for why he picked the name, after all). However, it seemed like Grift was alluding to something a little more... special.

Lyle smirked, hooking a thumb into his pocket.]

I think it's safe to say my interest is piqued. As for being on the same side, I believe we've made it crystal clear we're both fed up with the Powers That Be.