[Alas, the face of salvation is fleeting, but Lobelia isn't one to give up easily. Before Temenos can completely shut the door in his face, Lobelia wedges his foot in between it and the frame.]
Are you truly so disillusioned that you would ignore un enfant de dieu?! This is your job! Your calling
[Come on, Satan Lite. Do him a solid and shower him in your piety or whatever.]
[If Lobelia is going to be persistent, then so is Temenos. He reaches somewhere beyond the doorway. His staff then comes into view...and is pushed into Lobelia's foot. Not enough to cause further pain, but with the intent to do it if this continues.]
This has nothing to do with my disillusionment. I simply reserve my healing abilities for those who both need and deserve them.
[Lobelia clicks his tongue when that staff comes into view, teased with the idea of aid but gleefully denied it. Tenemos is having fun, isn't he? What a bad man, expecting him to grovel... No, maybe if he just asks nicely, the good priest will come to his senses and do his goddamned job. Surely!]
Now now, Pรจre, I am both severely injured and more than deserving of your aid! Will it take another kiss to convince you? Perhaps a hug?
[He doesn't need to add broken toes to the list of bones in need of mending, and with Temenos less than interested in helping him, Lobelia reluctantly withdraws his foot from the doorway.]
You really are quite cruel, but I have to admit that I find that side of you quiteโ
[...Appealing, except he doesn't manage to get that thought out when a cough forces its way past his lips, gravely and damp. Unsurprisingly, there's blood left behind on his palm when the coughing subsides, but Lobelia is quick to slip that hand into his pocket and swivel on his heel begin his retreat. He doesn't realize that he's bled on the wooden slats too, but what's a little blood when you're on a murder vacation?]
Well then, I hope you'll pardon my interruption! Enjoy what remains of your morning.
[It's only when he sees blood that logic finally forces its way to the forefront of his mind, pushing whatever personal grievances he may have aside for the time being. Lobelia really is seriously injured, and if that festers long enough...they'll have an even larger problem on their hands.
Lobelia gets to the edge of the cabana's property before Temenos sighs and reluctantly pulls the door open.]
Wait. [...] You had better at least tell me what happened.
[but if he dies, temenos gets to solve his murder??????
Except it would be obvious that he died slowly as a result of some pretty gnarly injuries, so Lobelia can't imagine he'd have much fun with that. He remains casual and upbeat, swiveling on his heel and tugging his smile back on.]
You're as nosey as ever! I had a disagreement with one of our amis that led to a bit of a scuffle. I've suffered some broken ribs, but I'm sure you're thinking that much was deserved.
[He's not entirely lacking in self-awareness. He deserved this. Invited this upon himself.]
In any case, he'd only be inviting more trouble if he told Temenos who did this to him, wouldn't he? Yes, it should be enough to know someone gave him what he deserved and pulverized his ribs. Please be satisfied with this, Temenos.]
I very much doubt they would have tried. After all, this person has some inkling of what I'm capable of. We're all trying to keep our heads on our shoulders here, non?
[When Lobelia says that, it occurs to Temenos that he...really doesn't know what the extent of the magician's powers are aside from what is listed on his profile. In the two instances he now knows of, Lobelia has taken injuries out of some sense of...sick pleasure. But how would he react if his life was genuinely in danger during a conflict? If he felt he had the opportunity to inflict harm of his own?
...
He lets out a small sigh.]
That we are. I suppose I should be relieved that I don't have two people to heal.
[He should be, but he isn't. It's still Lobelia he'll be healing.]
Hm. If the other healers reject you as well, then I imagine I'll have a very unfulfilling investigation ahead of me. [He steps further inside and beckons.] Very well. I'll heal you. But I expect this debt to be repaid in full.
[Good man, Temenos. It would be pretty unfortunate if he had to slink off to ask another healer with an even worse impression of him to spare him a bit of aid. Lobelia brings a hand to his heart and inclines his head in a thankful bow before stepping inside.]
You have my heartfelt thanks!
[But that alone isn't enough. He knows Temenos better than that, so before any "services" are rendered here, he'd like to know the nature of the debt he's incurring.]
S'il te plaรฎt, don't keep me in suspense. What do you expect in return for your mercy?
[A fascinating answer from a fascinating man. He really wants to make his delight and amusement known through laughter, but alas! He'll let it all out after Temenos has patched up his ribcage.]
How sinistre! I'm beginning to think your vocation is simply a front. Are you quite sure you're in the business of healing?
[He wouldn't mind it if Temenos took the opportunity to destroy him instead, but only if the destruction is mutual.]
An inquisitor openly fraternizing with a heritic? Fascinant! You never fail to pleasantly surprise me.
[He suspected something was up with Temenos, but having it confirmed is such a pleasant surprise. Maybe a whip would serve Temenos better than a staff?]
I've considered it! Still, am I to blame if you've allowed yourself to be led astray? Do you have such little maรฎtrise de soi?
Were we in Solistia, this would be a very different story. As it stands, you are no threat to my realm, and my actions are limited on this island.
[He has also been openly fraternizing with a literal demon as well, so he's hardly concerning himself with the questions that poses for his place in the clergy.
That last bit gives him some pause. Though it is difficult to avoid someone completely here, it's not impossible. He has had multiple opportunities to shun Lobelia, yet every time he has relented. Why is that? Originally it may have been so that he could simply keep an eye on this unpredictable, unsettling man.]
I assure you, I have not been led astray. Least of all by you.
[But how long is he going to be able to claim that as the truth?]
[It's the demons that walk around in the skin of men that Temenos ought to watch his back around. Beelzebub is tame by comparison, but were Lobelia in his natural habitat, he very much doubts he'd ever have come to know Temenos as a man. Back home, he'd know him as nothing more than a stain on the ground.]
You'll fly too close to the sun one of these days and burn off those parfait white wings... Could it be that you have a death wish?
[No question is an answer in itself, of course. Curious! He'll keep Temenos' maybe deathwish in mind as he stops haunting the doorway and steps further into the room.]
[He would say "as much as it possibly can, I hope", but that would only excite Lobelia, wouldn't it?]
Given we are mending bones, I imagine there will be quite a bit of pain, but no more than you have already experienced having them broken in the first place.
[He directs Lobelia to lie down on his side of his bed. As tempting as it is force Kanon to deal with the fact that Lobelia sullied her bedding, she's been decently behaved so far.]
[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.]
[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.]
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[Alas, the face of salvation is fleeting, but Lobelia isn't one to give up easily. Before Temenos can completely shut the door in his face, Lobelia wedges his foot in between it and the frame.]
Are you truly so disillusioned that you would ignore un enfant de dieu?! This is your job! Your calling
[Come on, Satan Lite. Do him a solid and shower him in your piety or whatever.]
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This has nothing to do with my disillusionment. I simply reserve my healing abilities for those who both need and deserve them.
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Now now, Pรจre, I am both severely injured and more than deserving of your aid! Will it take another kiss to convince you? Perhaps a hug?
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[The pressure of Temenos' staff on Lobelia's foot increases.]
The fact remains that I am not interested. Not in your "affection", nor your pleas. There are other healers here. See if you can convince them.
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[He doesn't need to add broken toes to the list of bones in need of mending, and with Temenos less than interested in helping him, Lobelia reluctantly withdraws his foot from the doorway.]
You really are quite cruel, but I have to admit that I find that side of you quiteโ
[...Appealing, except he doesn't manage to get that thought out when a cough forces its way past his lips, gravely and damp. Unsurprisingly, there's blood left behind on his palm when the coughing subsides, but Lobelia is quick to slip that hand into his pocket and swivel on his heel begin his retreat. He doesn't realize that he's bled on the wooden slats too, but what's a little blood when you're on a murder vacation?]
Well then, I hope you'll pardon my interruption! Enjoy what remains of your morning.
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[It's only when he sees blood that logic finally forces its way to the forefront of his mind, pushing whatever personal grievances he may have aside for the time being. Lobelia really is seriously injured, and if that festers long enough...they'll have an even larger problem on their hands.
Lobelia gets to the edge of the cabana's property before Temenos sighs and reluctantly pulls the door open.]
Wait. [...] You had better at least tell me what happened.
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Except it would be obvious that he died slowly as a result of some pretty gnarly injuries, so Lobelia can't imagine he'd have much fun with that. He remains casual and upbeat, swiveling on his heel and tugging his smile back on.]
You're as nosey as ever! I had a disagreement with one of our amis that led to a bit of a scuffle. I've suffered some broken ribs, but I'm sure you're thinking that much was deserved.
[He's not entirely lacking in self-awareness. He deserved this. Invited this upon himself.]
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He crosses his arms, blatantly ignoring that first bit. Doesn't he deserve to know what caused his potential patient's injuries?]
I'm not just thinking it, I'm voicing it.
[Hmm. He wonders who did it. Did Lobelia piss off Beelzebub or Vergilius enough? He doubts the answer will come readily. Either way, good for them.]
Though I would not call that a "bit" of a scuffle. You should be grateful this friend of ours didn't outright kill you.
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In any case, he'd only be inviting more trouble if he told Temenos who did this to him, wouldn't he? Yes, it should be enough to know someone gave him what he deserved and pulverized his ribs. Please be satisfied with this, Temenos.]
I very much doubt they would have tried. After all, this person has some inkling of what I'm capable of. We're all trying to keep our heads on our shoulders here, non?
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...
He lets out a small sigh.]
That we are. I suppose I should be relieved that I don't have two people to heal.
[He should be, but he isn't. It's still Lobelia he'll be healing.]
Hm. If the other healers reject you as well, then I imagine I'll have a very unfulfilling investigation ahead of me. [He steps further inside and beckons.] Very well. I'll heal you. But I expect this debt to be repaid in full.
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You have my heartfelt thanks!
[But that alone isn't enough. He knows Temenos better than that, so before any "services" are rendered here, he'd like to know the nature of the debt he's incurring.]
S'il te plaรฎt, don't keep me in suspense. What do you expect in return for your mercy?
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An equal return of aid. Should I require your assistance with something in the future, your cooperation is mandatory.
[As for what that could end up being...who knows?]
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Temenos... You're aware that my capacitรฉs are not as "helpful" as yours, non? Asking me for aid may get you in trouble.
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[He'll find use in Lobelia, one way or another.]
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How sinistre! I'm beginning to think your vocation is simply a front. Are you quite sure you're in the business of healing?
[He wouldn't mind it if Temenos took the opportunity to destroy him instead, but only if the destruction is mutual.]
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I can heal, but it stopped being my business once I was appointed as an inquisitor. I suppose you could say my business now is very much the opposite.
["I'm a healer, but..." meme: personified.]
Though have you ever considered that it is you who brings out the worst I have to offer?
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[He suspected something was up with Temenos, but having it confirmed is such a pleasant surprise. Maybe a whip would serve Temenos better than a staff?]
I've considered it! Still, am I to blame if you've allowed yourself to be led astray? Do you have such little maรฎtrise de soi?
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[He has also been openly fraternizing with a literal demon as well, so he's hardly concerning himself with the questions that poses for his place in the clergy.
That last bit gives him some pause. Though it is difficult to avoid someone completely here, it's not impossible. He has had multiple opportunities to shun Lobelia, yet every time he has relented. Why is that? Originally it may have been so that he could simply keep an eye on this unpredictable, unsettling man.]
I assure you, I have not been led astray. Least of all by you.
[But how long is he going to be able to claim that as the truth?]
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You'll fly too close to the sun one of these days and burn off those parfait white wings... Could it be that you have a death wish?
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You aren't the first person to ask me that, nor do I expect you to be the last.
[But this question has no answer for the time being. Instead, he unfolds his arms and taps his staff on the floorboards.]
Now, are you going to stand there and probe me until you finally succumb to your injuries, or are you going to come in and let me deal with you?
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Pรจre, how much is this going to hurt?
[Why is he assuming it's going to hurt at all???]
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Given we are mending bones, I imagine there will be quite a bit of pain, but no more than you have already experienced having them broken in the first place.
[He directs Lobelia to lie down on his side of his bed. As tempting as it is force Kanon to deal with the fact that Lobelia sullied her bedding, she's been decently behaved so far.]
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Hehehโ! ...Ah. Well, I shall do my utmost to endure the pain, but it may help if you'll also hold my hand.
[Does he genuinely mean that? Is he just teasing Temenos? Impossible to say.
With an obedient nod, Lobelia does as instructed and lays down on Temenos' side of the bed.]
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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.]
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[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.
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