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[A flat stare becomes mildly irritated the more Lobelia speaks.]
When are you going to give up with these futile requests for affectionate gestures? We've already completed the task.
[Worse yet, the only way to make this less satisfying for Lobelia is to actually be gentle with him. What a cruel twist of fate.
But, gentle he will be. He reaches out with his free hand until it's hovering over Lobelia's midsection. After murmuring a prayer, light bathes the site of injury. Sure enough, Lobelia will experience quite a bit of discomfort at first as his ribs are repaired, but a sense of warmth and security comes with it. Looks like Temenos' magic is doing the trick.]
When are you going to give up with these futile requests for affectionate gestures? We've already completed the task.
[Worse yet, the only way to make this less satisfying for Lobelia is to actually be gentle with him. What a cruel twist of fate.
But, gentle he will be. He reaches out with his free hand until it's hovering over Lobelia's midsection. After murmuring a prayer, light bathes the site of injury. Sure enough, Lobelia will experience quite a bit of discomfort at first as his ribs are repaired, but a sense of warmth and security comes with it. Looks like Temenos' magic is doing the trick.]
Oh? There was a task?
[That should clue Temenos in on how necessary kissing him was.
Ah... But he's correct in that this does hurt, but it's a pain he can endure without fuss. That isn't the issue here. It's that strange sense of warmth, comfort, that Lobelia has never felt.
No, he's felt this sort of comforting security before, but it's been years and years and years, back when Maman and Papa were still alive. How strange. How strange and oddly disquieting.
That revelation results in Lobelia's uncharacteristic silence, watching the magic that glows from Temenos' hands with a smile no less forced than before despite the easing pain.]
Merci. I'm feeling better already.
[That should clue Temenos in on how necessary kissing him was.
Ah... But he's correct in that this does hurt, but it's a pain he can endure without fuss. That isn't the issue here. It's that strange sense of warmth, comfort, that Lobelia has never felt.
No, he's felt this sort of comforting security before, but it's been years and years and years, back when Maman and Papa were still alive. How strange. How strange and oddly disquieting.
That revelation results in Lobelia's uncharacteristic silence, watching the magic that glows from Temenos' hands with a smile no less forced than before despite the easing pain.]
Merci. I'm feeling better already.
[It does clue him in and he hates it enough to not dignify Lobelia with an answer to the question. Lobelia is just testing him anyway, he's sure of it.
It does surprise him that Lobelia falls silent for a bit, however. He was fully expecting him to openly relish in the pain while it lasted in order to incite some kind of reaction. But when Temenos gazes down upon him, Lobelia looks...contemplative. Huh.]
Good to know I haven't lost my touch.
[That is absolutely a joke. He's used his healing ability far more than he seems to imply. It's been a necessity as of late.
As the light begins to fade...]
Lift your robes. I wish to see the results.
[Should Lobelia comply, he'll find that there is still some bruising present. Mild discomfort will also remain, but he's a lot better off now.]
It does surprise him that Lobelia falls silent for a bit, however. He was fully expecting him to openly relish in the pain while it lasted in order to incite some kind of reaction. But when Temenos gazes down upon him, Lobelia looks...contemplative. Huh.]
Good to know I haven't lost my touch.
[That is absolutely a joke. He's used his healing ability far more than he seems to imply. It's been a necessity as of late.
As the light begins to fade...]
Lift your robes. I wish to see the results.
[Should Lobelia comply, he'll find that there is still some bruising present. Mild discomfort will also remain, but he's a lot better off now.]
[It might also surprise him that Lobelia doesn't tease him over his request, still for a moment โ contemplative โ before unfastening his belt and opening his robes, undershirt brushed up to reveal his ribcage.]
Fine work, Pรจre! This looks far less ghastly than it had before.
[And while he'll miss the consistent pain, he won't miss having to go out of his way to disguise his injuries from everyone. Some tells are just too telling.]
Fine work, Pรจre! This looks far less ghastly than it had before.
[And while he'll miss the consistent pain, he won't miss having to go out of his way to disguise his injuries from everyone. Some tells are just too telling.]
[He absolutely expected it, so he'll take a pleasant surprise.
After getting a good look, he gives a satisfied nod. Lobelia can re-clothe himself now.]
It should finish healing on its own in a few days. Try not to get into anymore scuffles in the meantime, won't you?
[Or, you know, ever again. But he doesn't trust Lobelia to not end up in more trouble later on.]
After getting a good look, he gives a satisfied nod. Lobelia can re-clothe himself now.]
It should finish healing on its own in a few days. Try not to get into anymore scuffles in the meantime, won't you?
[Or, you know, ever again. But he doesn't trust Lobelia to not end up in more trouble later on.]
[It's certainly much easier to get up and dress himself than it was for the last few days, but given how terribly inconvenient grievous injury is, he'll try to avoid it happening again. Besides, he'd rather not hand Temenos another blank check, but speaking of which...
Redressing and sitting up, Lobelia captures Temenos' handโ tugs on it, urging him down low enough to whisper in his ear.]
Merci, ange douteux. As a show of thanks, I've reconsidered tearing you to pieces and making a mess of your insides. Consider this my priรจre.
[He doesn't wait for Temenos' response before releasing him and heading for the door. Adieu!]
Redressing and sitting up, Lobelia captures Temenos' handโ tugs on it, urging him down low enough to whisper in his ear.]
Merci, ange douteux. As a show of thanks, I've reconsidered tearing you to pieces and making a mess of your insides. Consider this my priรจre.
[He doesn't wait for Temenos' response before releasing him and heading for the door. Adieu!]
[Temenos lets out a huff as soon as he feels Lobelia's hand on his, and he almost considers swatting it away with his staff. But...aggravatingly to himself, he relents once again.
He lets Lobelia pull him close.
Lets him utter those horrific words into his ear.
Temenos is not often left speechless, but this is one of those moments. What does he even say to that? That Lobelia would even reveal such a thing, it's just...
Honestly, Temenos is starting to see that it's just like him, isn't it?
He meets Lobelia with a silent, icy gaze which follows him all the way to the door. And just as he reaches the door...]
Your priรจre needs work. I expect something better if you intend to speak to me again after spouting that at me.
He lets Lobelia pull him close.
Lets him utter those horrific words into his ear.
Temenos is not often left speechless, but this is one of those moments. What does he even say to that? That Lobelia would even reveal such a thing, it's just...
Honestly, Temenos is starting to see that it's just like him, isn't it?
He meets Lobelia with a silent, icy gaze which follows him all the way to the door. And just as he reaches the door...]
Your priรจre needs work. I expect something better if you intend to speak to me again after spouting that at me.
[Once again, a dreadfully dour mood has settled over the island, but it's not as if Lobelia doesn't understand why. Rather, he can't imagine why any of them care so much about a murderer paying their dues for the crime they've committed. Why should they? Should they not simply be thankful to be alive?
In any case, Lobelia is taking advantage of having the beach all to himself, sprawled out on a lounger with a drink in hand, his worldly cares ebbing away with the tide. When a familiar shadow looms over him, Lobelia tips up his sun hat to greet Temenos with a bright, sunshiny smile that hardly fits the island's somber mood.]
Salut, Pรจre! You're looking well!
[But is he?]
In any case, Lobelia is taking advantage of having the beach all to himself, sprawled out on a lounger with a drink in hand, his worldly cares ebbing away with the tide. When a familiar shadow looms over him, Lobelia tips up his sun hat to greet Temenos with a bright, sunshiny smile that hardly fits the island's somber mood.]
Salut, Pรจre! You're looking well!
[But is he?]
[Honestly, Temenos is in a better mood than might be expected of him. While some parts of of the trial were trying, it ultimately ended with the true culprit being found and judged accordingly.
After freshening up and changing back into his cleric garb, he's wandered out onto the beach for some fresh air. He's not at all surprised to find that Lobelia had a similar idea. Instead of turning on his heel and walking away, however, he actually approaches.]
We made it through another day, so there is something to celebrate, I suppose.
[Perhaps surprisingly, he takes a seat on a lounger beside Lobelia's.]
You certainly enjoyed yourself today. How often do you get to play the one investigating a murder instead of the other way around?
[The two of them have never openly discussed what Lobelia does in his free time, but it's become so painfully obvious to Temenos at this point.]
After freshening up and changing back into his cleric garb, he's wandered out onto the beach for some fresh air. He's not at all surprised to find that Lobelia had a similar idea. Instead of turning on his heel and walking away, however, he actually approaches.]
We made it through another day, so there is something to celebrate, I suppose.
[Perhaps surprisingly, he takes a seat on a lounger beside Lobelia's.]
You certainly enjoyed yourself today. How often do you get to play the one investigating a murder instead of the other way around?
[The two of them have never openly discussed what Lobelia does in his free time, but it's become so painfully obvious to Temenos at this point.]
[Hm...? No scoldings from Daddy today? Lobelia's surprise doesn't lingerโ he knows Temenos well enough now to understand why he's in something of a good mood. It pleases him to play the role of detective in much the same way that it pleases Lobelia to witness someone's utter destruction after a failed attempt at getting away with murder. Come tomorrow's trial, he won't be surprised if the two of them are sat side by side in the front row.]
Heh-ahaha! Just what are you accusing me of now? Do you take me for some sort of madman?
[There's no hiding the truth nowโ not from Temenos, someone who has sussed out his true nature, but he may regret having asked. Playing with fire is dangerous, but if he insists on learning the hard way, Lobelia won't spare him any mercy.]
Mm, I feel a bit envieux! My crimes have long been chalked up to natural disaster and uncontrollable forces of nature. No one would suspect a single man was capable of the destruction I've caused. A little credit where credit is due wouldn't hurt.
[That ought to clue Temenos in on how powerful Lobelia truly is... you know, if he believes his lofty claims.]
Heh-ahaha! Just what are you accusing me of now? Do you take me for some sort of madman?
[There's no hiding the truth nowโ not from Temenos, someone who has sussed out his true nature, but he may regret having asked. Playing with fire is dangerous, but if he insists on learning the hard way, Lobelia won't spare him any mercy.]
Mm, I feel a bit envieux! My crimes have long been chalked up to natural disaster and uncontrollable forces of nature. No one would suspect a single man was capable of the destruction I've caused. A little credit where credit is due wouldn't hurt.
[That ought to clue Temenos in on how powerful Lobelia truly is... you know, if he believes his lofty claims.]
[Temenos would not have asked if he wasn't prepared for the answer. It would do well of Lobelia to stop underestimating him.
That said...there really is a noticeable shift in the air when the confirmation comes directly from Lobelia's lips. Just to have it out there that Temenos has been fraternizing with a supposed mass murderer leaves him...
Well, he ought to be disgusted, both toward Lobelia and toward himself. And part of him certainly is. But there's something about the disconnect of them from being from different worldsโthe fact that Lobelia is admitting these things and Temenos can do nothing to resolve themโthat keeps Temenos coming back to this strange relationship they have.
That's how he'd like to explain it, anyway. Maybe he just doesn't want to admit that he enjoys how he and Lobelia can speak of these morbid subjects in a way that most people could never understand.
Worse, no amount of revelations have deterred him.
He meet Lobelia's confession with a smirk.]
You're envious that no one has caught onto you, hm? How do you suppose it would make you feel to discover that finally, someone was beginning to put the pieces together and that you might have a real confrontation on your hands?
["If someone like me were to make you face justice for the first time?"]
That said...there really is a noticeable shift in the air when the confirmation comes directly from Lobelia's lips. Just to have it out there that Temenos has been fraternizing with a supposed mass murderer leaves him...
Well, he ought to be disgusted, both toward Lobelia and toward himself. And part of him certainly is. But there's something about the disconnect of them from being from different worldsโthe fact that Lobelia is admitting these things and Temenos can do nothing to resolve themโthat keeps Temenos coming back to this strange relationship they have.
That's how he'd like to explain it, anyway. Maybe he just doesn't want to admit that he enjoys how he and Lobelia can speak of these morbid subjects in a way that most people could never understand.
Worse, no amount of revelations have deterred him.
He meet Lobelia's confession with a smirk.]
You're envious that no one has caught onto you, hm? How do you suppose it would make you feel to discover that finally, someone was beginning to put the pieces together and that you might have a real confrontation on your hands?
["If someone like me were to make you face justice for the first time?"]
[He's used to being met with looks of shock and disgust, often for lesser reasons, so it comes as some surprise that Temenos' visage doesn't shrivel in disgust at the bare, unfiltered truth revealed to him.
Ah... He's thought this for a while now, but they really are two sides of the same blade, aren't they? Temenos flirts with fire, but he's just as potent, burning with an intensity all his own. If Temenos is like a moth circling a flame, Lobelia is truly no better.
In its own way, that smirk is a tempting flame of its own. Lobelia eases into a grin to match.]
Mm, for one thing, I can hardly imagine being caught! How could I when I've gotten away with every crime I've committed?
[Lobelia's eyes narrow, grin pulling even wider.]
I can more easily imagine how you would feel bringing a man like me to justice. That sourireโ Were you to bring me to heel, I can imagine you would be grinning all the more maliciously.
How does it feel, imagining such a scenario? Does it fill you with voluptรฉ?
Ah... He's thought this for a while now, but they really are two sides of the same blade, aren't they? Temenos flirts with fire, but he's just as potent, burning with an intensity all his own. If Temenos is like a moth circling a flame, Lobelia is truly no better.
In its own way, that smirk is a tempting flame of its own. Lobelia eases into a grin to match.]
Mm, for one thing, I can hardly imagine being caught! How could I when I've gotten away with every crime I've committed?
[Lobelia's eyes narrow, grin pulling even wider.]
I can more easily imagine how you would feel bringing a man like me to justice. That sourireโ Were you to bring me to heel, I can imagine you would be grinning all the more maliciously.
How does it feel, imagining such a scenario? Does it fill you with voluptรฉ?
[Temenos doesn't quite grin, but his smirk doesn't waver either as he tips his head thoughtfully.]
You say you can't imagine it, yet you seem to be putting a great deal of thought into how I would behave upon capturing you.
[Just putting that out there.]
That said, I won't be modest about it: I would find great satisfaction in removing someone like you from the human population, if you truly are as big of a threat as you claim to be. It would certainly be a case unlike any other that I've taken on.
[Lobelia would probably find some fun in the Moonshade Order's ranks, honestly...]
You say you can't imagine it, yet you seem to be putting a great deal of thought into how I would behave upon capturing you.
[Just putting that out there.]
That said, I won't be modest about it: I would find great satisfaction in removing someone like you from the human population, if you truly are as big of a threat as you claim to be. It would certainly be a case unlike any other that I've taken on.
[Lobelia would probably find some fun in the Moonshade Order's ranks, honestly...]
[Teehee! Caught red-handed. Now that he's put the scenario out there, it is awfully fun to imagine Temenos in hot pursuit with the evidence on his side... but there's a difference between being pursued and being apprehended. It's the latter Lobelia had always sought to avoid, and with that in mind, he brings a hand to his chin and hums.]
Heh-ahaha! Trรจs bien! It's as I said, Temenos, you're no better than me! You revel in destruction just as I do, but with the law on your side, no one would view you as a monstre. Isn't that convenient?
[What is he trying to imply here...? Well, whatever it is, Lobelia isn't being the least bit subtle about it.]
Tell me, would you also take it upon yourself to exรฉcuter me? Would you delight in that as well?
Heh-ahaha! Trรจs bien! It's as I said, Temenos, you're no better than me! You revel in destruction just as I do, but with the law on your side, no one would view you as a monstre. Isn't that convenient?
[What is he trying to imply here...? Well, whatever it is, Lobelia isn't being the least bit subtle about it.]
Tell me, would you also take it upon yourself to exรฉcuter me? Would you delight in that as well?
Edited 2023-05-30 18:34 (UTC)
[Lobelia's hand isn't the only thing at his chin for long, for the moment he removes it, the tip of Temenos' staff is quick to take its place.]
I'm afraid I must correct you on one thing. I do not revel in destruction- I revel in discovering the truth. But I will admit, I do not shy away from it either. If I have to be a bit rough [he punctuates this by pressing up on Lobelia's chin] to sus out that truth, then so be it. Results are results, after all.
[If Billy hadn't been the one to force the issue with Sonya, then Temenos most certainly would have.
That said, Temenos notably does not deny that the two of them share similarities. Maybe he is a monster in some respects, but he still has enough self-respect remaining to not put himself on Lobelia's level.
He retracts his staff and sets it neatly in his lap.]
No, I would not kill you. That is not my job, nor is it something I find any pleasure in doing. What I would want is for your truth to be exposed to the world, and to see you held accountable for what you have done.
[Just as he sought in today's trial.]
I'm afraid I must correct you on one thing. I do not revel in destruction- I revel in discovering the truth. But I will admit, I do not shy away from it either. If I have to be a bit rough [he punctuates this by pressing up on Lobelia's chin] to sus out that truth, then so be it. Results are results, after all.
[If Billy hadn't been the one to force the issue with Sonya, then Temenos most certainly would have.
That said, Temenos notably does not deny that the two of them share similarities. Maybe he is a monster in some respects, but he still has enough self-respect remaining to not put himself on Lobelia's level.
He retracts his staff and sets it neatly in his lap.]
No, I would not kill you. That is not my job, nor is it something I find any pleasure in doing. What I would want is for your truth to be exposed to the world, and to see you held accountable for what you have done.
[Just as he sought in today's trial.]
[Lobelia can't help but smile wider and wider the further Temenos tips that staff into his chin. Temenos wants to draw a line between them, but any line drawn in the sand is destined to fade with the slightest gust of wind.
What distinguishes them, then? Is it that priestly self-restraint? No, that much is inherent to Temenos, Lobelia thinks, studying him long after he retracts his staff.]
And if death is the payment I must offer up for my crimes?
[Lobelia's smile widens, casually turning on his side to more easily gaze at him.]
Casting your vote for me is no different than handing down a death sentence. My fate may be determined by rรจgle de la majoritรฉ, but that simply means you aren't acting alone. The blood would be on your hands regardless.
What distinguishes them, then? Is it that priestly self-restraint? No, that much is inherent to Temenos, Lobelia thinks, studying him long after he retracts his staff.]
And if death is the payment I must offer up for my crimes?
[Lobelia's smile widens, casually turning on his side to more easily gaze at him.]
Casting your vote for me is no different than handing down a death sentence. My fate may be determined by rรจgle de la majoritรฉ, but that simply means you aren't acting alone. The blood would be on your hands regardless.
[Temenos' smile doesn't falter one bit.]
I was under the impression that we were discussing the scenario of me killing you personally.
[Ultimately, he shrugs.]
I would be a hypocrite to claim that I don't have blood on my hands here or in my own world. Many culprits that I have judged are now dead. I am merely stating that I don't tend to play the part of the executioner himself.
I was under the impression that we were discussing the scenario of me killing you personally.
[Ultimately, he shrugs.]
I would be a hypocrite to claim that I don't have blood on my hands here or in my own world. Many culprits that I have judged are now dead. I am merely stating that I don't tend to play the part of the executioner himself.
[Oh, he'd love to see Temenos try and kill him personally, but it's clear this wolf intends to remain hidden in his sheepskin. Hearing his response, Lobelia laughs.]
So long as you are aware of your own hypocrisie, all is forgiven! Haha! Ah... But it does shame me to hear that you would not take justice into your own hands if the opportunity presented itself. If you ask me, that's rather lรขche.
So long as you are aware of your own hypocrisie, all is forgiven! Haha! Ah... But it does shame me to hear that you would not take justice into your own hands if the opportunity presented itself. If you ask me, that's rather lรขche.
Heh! Is that so? It sounds to me as if you're settling.
[Hm, but thinking about it that way... which is crueler? Living a life void of a happy future or dying and feeling nothing at all? Huh. Seems Temenos has made some headway in teaching Lobelia something new.]
Then again, perhaps you are a mite crueler than myself? Leaving someone to persist an empty life devoid of all happiness is quite mean, Temenos! How did you come to be so callous?
[Hm, but thinking about it that way... which is crueler? Living a life void of a happy future or dying and feeling nothing at all? Huh. Seems Temenos has made some headway in teaching Lobelia something new.]
Then again, perhaps you are a mite crueler than myself? Leaving someone to persist an empty life devoid of all happiness is quite mean, Temenos! How did you come to be so callous?
[Finally, Lobelia has arrived at Temenos' perspective.]
Hahaha... [And an icy laugh to match.] Are you going to ignore all of the potential for happiness snuffed out by that person? And what of the open wounds left behind in the wake of their designs?
As if they deserve any less for all of the death and suffering they've caused.
[Who ever said repentance came easy?]
Hahaha... [And an icy laugh to match.] Are you going to ignore all of the potential for happiness snuffed out by that person? And what of the open wounds left behind in the wake of their designs?
As if they deserve any less for all of the death and suffering they've caused.
[Who ever said repentance came easy?]
How does the saying go...? "Two wrongs don't make a right"?
[The very idea makes Lobelia laugh. He couldn't care less about right and wrong. It isn't human to feign consideration for anything but one's own self-satisfaction.]
Heh-ahaha! Trรจs bien! You really are quite vile. I had expected we'd share some commonalities, but I'm beginning to think you're far worse than me!
[The very idea makes Lobelia laugh. He couldn't care less about right and wrong. It isn't human to feign consideration for anything but one's own self-satisfaction.]
Heh-ahaha! Trรจs bien! You really are quite vile. I had expected we'd share some commonalities, but I'm beginning to think you're far worse than me!
[Lobelia's concept of morality certainly is something.
Not that Temenos can talk.
He chuckles right back and gets comfy in his lounger. Apparently he's content to hang around. Misery loves company and all that.]
I have a feeling that we could argue about that until the arrival of a new dawn. But at least you admit to your own disgusting nature.
Not that Temenos can talk.
He chuckles right back and gets comfy in his lounger. Apparently he's content to hang around. Misery loves company and all that.]
I have a feeling that we could argue about that until the arrival of a new dawn. But at least you admit to your own disgusting nature.
Heh! What shame is there in admitting to such things in amicable company?
[The only reason he doesn't freely speak of his misdeeds to the world at large is because most are quick to misunderstand him, and more obnoxiously, pass judgment upon him that he couldn't care less about. Their admonishments mean nothing to him, but at least Temenos has a spine to back up his words unlike the average person.]
I very much doubt either of us will struggle to sleep tonight. Ah, but I can't help but wonder what the "turning point" in your life was. Surely your god never envisioned such a dubious existence for you?
[The only reason he doesn't freely speak of his misdeeds to the world at large is because most are quick to misunderstand him, and more obnoxiously, pass judgment upon him that he couldn't care less about. Their admonishments mean nothing to him, but at least Temenos has a spine to back up his words unlike the average person.]
I very much doubt either of us will struggle to sleep tonight. Ah, but I can't help but wonder what the "turning point" in your life was. Surely your god never envisioned such a dubious existence for you?
Amicable, is it?
[Questioning, but not exactly denying. Temenos is so accustomed to his methods being viewed with similar admonishment, particularly due to his standing within the church. He'll never come to an understanding with Lobelia on the matter of of his deeds, but at least the two of them don't have to hide who they are around each other.
Ah, he really ought to stop letting his guard down like this, though.]
Hah.
[His initial response to Lobelia's question is a spiteful one. Turning his gaze to the sky, he considers if it's worth answering.
...]
I would be surprised if the gods thought about my existence at all.
[Questioning, but not exactly denying. Temenos is so accustomed to his methods being viewed with similar admonishment, particularly due to his standing within the church. He'll never come to an understanding with Lobelia on the matter of of his deeds, but at least the two of them don't have to hide who they are around each other.
Ah, he really ought to stop letting his guard down like this, though.]
Hah.
[His initial response to Lobelia's question is a spiteful one. Turning his gaze to the sky, he considers if it's worth answering.
...]
I would be surprised if the gods thought about my existence at all.
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