[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.]
[Hm...? No scoldings from Daddy today? Lobelia's surprise doesn't linger— 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 now— 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 worlds—the fact that Lobelia is admitting these things and Temenos can do nothing to resolve them—that 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 sourire— 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 volupté?
[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...]
[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! Très 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 exécuter me? Would you delight in that as well?
[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.
[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 règle de la majorité, but that simply means you aren't acting alone. The blood would be on your hands regardless.
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 lâche.
[Huh. That's the first time he's been called that.]
My apologies, dear Lobelia, that my bloodlust isn't to your standards. But to me, crushing my nemeses' ambitions is a far greater reward than ending their lives.
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?
[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.
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! Très 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!
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?
[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.
[Temenos should've stopped letting his guard down some time ago, but that hasn't happened, has it? And now Lobelia doubts it will. After letting the man in this far, Lobelia won't be quick to let him back out the way he came.
Ah, but isn't this curious? The last person he'd expect to question their faith is a priest, and yet, knowing Temenos, Lobelia isn't the least bit surprised.]
The gods, though placed above us on the hiérarchie, are no less selfish than man. To be perfectly honest, it confounds me that a man as intelligent as yourself would debase himself by pursuing prêtrise. Have you no self-respect?
[Temenos is right there with Lobelia...for a moment, until Lobelia strikes a nerve. Irritation creeps into Temenos' tone ever so slightly.]
For many, the choice to walk the path of the Sacred Flame is a turning point in their life. It gives them hope, and purpose.
["The world is a cruel and irrational place. I wanted something to believe in. Something to hold fast to."]
Though I have come to doubt my faith, I would never belittle what it has done for others. That is why I continue to serve- not for the gods, but for those whose beliefs I want to uphold.
[Because the gods sure as hell did nothing for them.]
Perhaps I was too quick to dismiss your hypocrisie...
[That bit of irritation in Temenos' voice only spurs Lobelia on, laughter in his affect.]
And what might the people who so closely follow your word think if they knew what a déloyal man you were...? What business do you have preaching about something you no longer believe with any certainty? The blind ought not lead the blind, lest you lead your flock right off a cliff.
[Just like that the irritation is gone, replaced by a quiet, hollow laugh of his own.]
I don't deliver sermons, Lobelia. The most clerical work I do outside of my duties as inquisitor is reciting scripture to children with paper plays. If I am ever asked to lend a word of wisdom, I ask for them to analyze the world around them and come to their own conclusions.
But...what you say does still ring true. There is little left for me within the church anymore. I had just temporarily stepped away from my duties before I ended up here, as it so happens.
My, you never fail to mince words, do you? [Seriously. Wow? Wow.] But I suppose some of the more devout followers would say the same. What sort of self-respecting cleric actively encourages doubting the very gods they're meant to serve?
[Oh well.]
Do you recall what I said at the first meeting I called everyone to? I had solved a string of murders within the church. I wished to continue pursuing the organization behind it all.
It's astounding that a hérétique like you has yet to be tarred and feathered and set aflame! Perhaps the gods are more fond of you than you realize?
[Lobelia doubts it, laughing openly.]
You'd be better off dropping all pretense and pursuing your true desires. I know your kind is eager to auto-flagellé, but isn't that a bit too unseemly?
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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.]
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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 now— 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.]
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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 worlds—the fact that Lobelia is admitting these things and Temenos can do nothing to resolve them—that 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?"]
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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 sourire— 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 volupté?
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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...]
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Heh-ahaha! Très 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 exécuter me? Would you delight in that as well?
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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.]
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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 règle de la majorité, but that simply means you aren't acting alone. The blood would be on your hands regardless.
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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.
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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 lâche.
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My apologies, dear Lobelia, that my bloodlust isn't to your standards. But to me, crushing my nemeses' ambitions is a far greater reward than ending their lives.
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[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?
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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?]
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[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! Très 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!
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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.
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[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?
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[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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Ah, but isn't this curious? The last person he'd expect to question their faith is a priest, and yet, knowing Temenos, Lobelia isn't the least bit surprised.]
The gods, though placed above us on the hiérarchie, are no less selfish than man. To be perfectly honest, it confounds me that a man as intelligent as yourself would debase himself by pursuing prêtrise. Have you no self-respect?
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For many, the choice to walk the path of the Sacred Flame is a turning point in their life. It gives them hope, and purpose.
["The world is a cruel and irrational place. I wanted something to believe in. Something to hold fast to."]
Though I have come to doubt my faith, I would never belittle what it has done for others. That is why I continue to serve- not for the gods, but for those whose beliefs I want to uphold.
[Because the gods sure as hell did nothing for them.]
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[That bit of irritation in Temenos' voice only spurs Lobelia on, laughter in his affect.]
And what might the people who so closely follow your word think if they knew what a déloyal man you were...? What business do you have preaching about something you no longer believe with any certainty? The blind ought not lead the blind, lest you lead your flock right off a cliff.
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[Just like that the irritation is gone, replaced by a quiet, hollow laugh of his own.]
I don't deliver sermons, Lobelia. The most clerical work I do outside of my duties as inquisitor is reciting scripture to children with paper plays. If I am ever asked to lend a word of wisdom, I ask for them to analyze the world around them and come to their own conclusions.
But...what you say does still ring true. There is little left for me within the church anymore. I had just temporarily stepped away from my duties before I ended up here, as it so happens.
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[So he says with no small amount of glee. Temenos sure had strayed far from God's light, hasn't he? More importantly, how much further can he fall?]
Ah, but what was it that prompted you to step away? Had the lack of answered prayers simply been too much to bear?
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[Oh well.]
Do you recall what I said at the first meeting I called everyone to? I had solved a string of murders within the church. I wished to continue pursuing the organization behind it all.
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[Lobelia doubts it, laughing openly.]
You'd be better off dropping all pretense and pursuing your true desires. I know your kind is eager to auto-flagellé, but isn't that a bit too unseemly?
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[He may be a lousy cleric going by the strictest definition, but he is an incredible inquisitor.
Lobelia's advice isn't really all that welcome, but Temenos doesn't immediately shoot it down, either. He just lets out a small huff.]
"Dropping all pretense"... And I imagine you are speaking from experience.
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