![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[The others are out, blessedly enough, which means no one has an audience to Temenos' screaming efforts to pick up some French from Lobelia. Seeing as there are a few folks on the island who speak the same language, it may prove beneficial for him.
Sat on the porch in their respective lounge chairs, Lobelia waves a hand through the air.]
What is it you have an interest in learning? Just the basics?
Sat on the porch in their respective lounge chairs, Lobelia waves a hand through the air.]
What is it you have an interest in learning? Just the basics?
[they're on the porch lobelia people are gonna hear
Temenos sits in his usual prim and proper manner, serene as always. But if Lobelia can dig a little bit deeper, he'll be able to tell that Temenos' guard is all the way up.]
May as well start with them, yes? I'll let you decide if I'm taking to them well enough to go beyond that.
Temenos sits in his usual prim and proper manner, serene as always. But if Lobelia can dig a little bit deeper, he'll be able to tell that Temenos' guard is all the way up.]
May as well start with them, yes? I'll let you decide if I'm taking to them well enough to go beyond that.
[conveniently, the powers that be didn't nerf lobelia's ability to isolate sound........... no one will hear temenos' embarrassing french unless lobelia wills it
It doesn't elude his notice that Temenos is... uncomfortable, perhaps? He's definitely on guard, but Lobelia doesn't mind one bit. He'd urge him to relax and focus on his lessons, but Lobelia knows that's no mean feat around someone like himself. And as for himself, he's comfortably sprawled in his lounger and sipping on a fruity cocktail. Mmm~]
Très bien! Let's begin with introductions then, shall we?
[Demonstrations are clearly in order, so Lobelia sits up, sets his drink aside, and dips into a seated bow with one hand over his heart.]
Je m'appelle LobΓ©lia. In other words, "I am Lobelia." It goes without saying, but you'll be replacing my name in this sentence with yours. Give it your best!
It doesn't elude his notice that Temenos is... uncomfortable, perhaps? He's definitely on guard, but Lobelia doesn't mind one bit. He'd urge him to relax and focus on his lessons, but Lobelia knows that's no mean feat around someone like himself. And as for himself, he's comfortably sprawled in his lounger and sipping on a fruity cocktail. Mmm~]
Très bien! Let's begin with introductions then, shall we?
[Demonstrations are clearly in order, so Lobelia sits up, sets his drink aside, and dips into a seated bow with one hand over his heart.]
Je m'appelle LobΓ©lia. In other words, "I am Lobelia." It goes without saying, but you'll be replacing my name in this sentence with yours. Give it your best!
[how wonderful for everyone
However on guard Temenos is, he doesn't appear to have any difficulty concentrating. He's...concentrating a little too much, honestly. A hand at his chin, the stare he gives Lobelia as he listens to the phrase is borderline vacant.
But just as quickly as that expression appears, he's back.]
Very well.
[He clears his throat, then lowers his hand to his chest to mimic Lobelia.]
Je m'appelle Temenos.
[The pronunciation isn't perfect, but it's clear that he was listening very closely to Lobelia's one pass at the phrase. He knew there'd be no repeats, after all.]
However on guard Temenos is, he doesn't appear to have any difficulty concentrating. He's...concentrating a little too much, honestly. A hand at his chin, the stare he gives Lobelia as he listens to the phrase is borderline vacant.
But just as quickly as that expression appears, he's back.]
Very well.
[He clears his throat, then lowers his hand to his chest to mimic Lobelia.]
Je m'appelle Temenos.
[The pronunciation isn't perfect, but it's clear that he was listening very closely to Lobelia's one pass at the phrase. He knew there'd be no repeats, after all.]
[So Temenos is the type to put effort into his studies, is he? Good to know. That'll have Lobelia being a little more lenient should corrections be necessary, because if he hates anything, it's having to explain himself to people who can't possibly understand. Seems he won't be having that problem with Temenos.]
Très bien! Very good! You're quite observant, aren't you? Still, your delivery could use a little refinement. Put some heart into it! Some romance!
[He'll repeat the phrase for Temenos with Maximum Oomph just in case it isn't clear what he's asking for. Given how dramatically Lobelia tends to deliver his lines, it's probably a good thing no one can hear them.]
Très bien! Very good! You're quite observant, aren't you? Still, your delivery could use a little refinement. Put some heart into it! Some romance!
[He'll repeat the phrase for Temenos with Maximum Oomph just in case it isn't clear what he's asking for. Given how dramatically Lobelia tends to deliver his lines, it's probably a good thing no one can hear them.]
[Channeling the tone he puts on when charming his way into the good graces of those he wants information from, Temenos repeats the phrase once more. There's a calmness to it that won't ever quite reach Lobelia's volume, but it's a far cry from the dry delivery of Temenos' first pass.]
Your praise is unnecessary.
[No, really. Stop. It feels somewhat slimy coming from Lobelia.
As they move on, Temenos' expression flattens.]
Come now, Lobelia. I'm not going to parrot whatever phrase you want me to. Tell me what it means first, and be honest.
[No, really. Stop. It feels somewhat slimy coming from Lobelia.
As they move on, Temenos' expression flattens.]
Come now, Lobelia. I'm not going to parrot whatever phrase you want me to. Tell me what it means first, and be honest.
[For what it's worth, Lobelia gets Temenos to laugh with that one.]
You have an interesting definition of "the basics." I can't say I'm surprised.
[He lets his hands rest on his knee, placid smile unwavering.]
Branding me a killer already, are you? I'd like to hear your reasoning.
You have an interesting definition of "the basics." I can't say I'm surprised.
[He lets his hands rest on his knee, placid smile unwavering.]
Branding me a killer already, are you? I'd like to hear your reasoning.
It's simple, monsieur Temenos: you'll do what it takes to survive and return to what makes you happy, won't you?
[Ah, but he knows this is a skittish topic for most. Lobelia has lived a quiet life killing in the shadows, but blessed with the privilege of inhabiting an island where murder is the name of the game? That begets honesty, if only a little. Not getting caught is still a priority here.]
Speaking for myself, nothing will stop me from achieving happiness. I doubt I am alone.
[Ah, but he knows this is a skittish topic for most. Lobelia has lived a quiet life killing in the shadows, but blessed with the privilege of inhabiting an island where murder is the name of the game? That begets honesty, if only a little. Not getting caught is still a priority here.]
Speaking for myself, nothing will stop me from achieving happiness. I doubt I am alone.
[Hmm. Now where has he heard this talk of seeking happiness before?
As he suspected, he's going to have to keep a very close eye on Lobelia.]
I intend to survive this situation without resorting to killing. As much as I would prefer they did not happen, I am far more adept at solving murders.
Kindly keep that in mind if you plan to pursue your happiness here.
[That is absolutely a threat.]
As he suspected, he's going to have to keep a very close eye on Lobelia.]
I intend to survive this situation without resorting to killing. As much as I would prefer they did not happen, I am far more adept at solving murders.
Kindly keep that in mind if you plan to pursue your happiness here.
[That is absolutely a threat.]
Heh-ahaha... How frightening! Merveilleux, Temenos! You'll keep men like me in line, won't you?
[That's... exciting on a few different levels, none of which require any explanation or clarification, but Temenos will find out in time regardless.]
Let's continue our lesson then, shall we? You have my word that I'll teach you all the basics, but what you need most is something more constructif. Let's see...
Try this. "Qu'est-il arrivΓ© au corps?" In other words, "what happened to the body?"
[That's... exciting on a few different levels, none of which require any explanation or clarification, but Temenos will find out in time regardless.]
Let's continue our lesson then, shall we? You have my word that I'll teach you all the basics, but what you need most is something more constructif. Let's see...
Try this. "Qu'est-il arrivΓ© au corps?" In other words, "what happened to the body?"
[What an unpleasant laugh. Temenos doesn't so much as flinch, though. Goodness, this is already the start of such a strange relationship.]
This is quite an unruly flock, so I expect a good number of troublemakers regardless of my efforts. My job won't be an easy one.
[At least he won't be bored...
Anyway, he'll humor Lobelia and repeat that question for him with the same level of charm and the addition of staring back rather pointedly.]
What indeed, dear Lobelia? What do you suppose happened in this instance?
This is quite an unruly flock, so I expect a good number of troublemakers regardless of my efforts. My job won't be an easy one.
[At least he won't be bored...
Anyway, he'll humor Lobelia and repeat that question for him with the same level of charm and the addition of staring back rather pointedly.]
What indeed, dear Lobelia? What do you suppose happened in this instance?
Certainly not! You'll be well-entertained.
[And something tells him Temenos isn't above some entertainment even if he won't be the one committing the murders. That's Lobelia's hope, at least, as it might just break his delicate little heart if Temenos isn't as entertaining as he seems.]
Perhaps their body was crushed by some unknown force? Utterly destroyed beyond all recognition? Without so much as an empreinte on their body to identify the killer, how would you go about solving the crime?
[And something tells him Temenos isn't above some entertainment even if he won't be the one committing the murders. That's Lobelia's hope, at least, as it might just break his delicate little heart if Temenos isn't as entertaining as he seems.]
Perhaps their body was crushed by some unknown force? Utterly destroyed beyond all recognition? Without so much as an empreinte on their body to identify the killer, how would you go about solving the crime?
[Listen.......... He doesn't want anyone to die, but the fun beachy activities aren't going to sustain him.]
Of course it would be in such a state. Certainly not for the faint of heart.
[Welcome to Lobelia's twisted mind, etc. But Temenos plays along, bringing a hand to his chin to think it over.]
I would argue that such a cause of death could be an identifying factor on its own. Crushing is no simple injury to inflict upon someone, so how the body came to be crushed would be the first clue I would seek out.
Of course it would be in such a state. Certainly not for the faint of heart.
[Welcome to Lobelia's twisted mind, etc. But Temenos plays along, bringing a hand to his chin to think it over.]
I would argue that such a cause of death could be an identifying factor on its own. Crushing is no simple injury to inflict upon someone, so how the body came to be crushed would be the first clue I would seek out.
[My, Temenos really is a quick study, isn't he? Lobelia nods along, but lest he disgust Temenos with too much praise, he holds his applause.]
Oui! What a smart man you are, Temenos. I like that in a man.
[But Temenos will never be as smart as his genius self, etc. etc......... Nevertheless, Lobelia gets back on topic before Temenos can roll his eyes or shoot a look of disgust his way.]
It helps that our capacitΓ©s are common knowledge, non? Still, there are a few whose powers overlap. That may become problΓ©matique in the event someone wants to blame their crime on another.
Oui! What a smart man you are, Temenos. I like that in a man.
[But Temenos will never be as smart as his genius self, etc. etc......... Nevertheless, Lobelia gets back on topic before Temenos can roll his eyes or shoot a look of disgust his way.]
It helps that our capacitΓ©s are common knowledge, non? Still, there are a few whose powers overlap. That may become problΓ©matique in the event someone wants to blame their crime on another.
[The restraint is appreciated...though it's not enough to stop Temenos from giving Lobelia a Look. This isn't a first date. Stop.]
In such a case, collecting additional pieces of evidence is necessary to narrow down the suspects even further. As spotless of a crime for the killer as it may appear, there is an entire story to the murder. The lead-up, the climax, and the clean-up... There are plenty of moments for the killer to slip up and leave something damning behind.
In such a case, collecting additional pieces of evidence is necessary to narrow down the suspects even further. As spotless of a crime for the killer as it may appear, there is an entire story to the murder. The lead-up, the climax, and the clean-up... There are plenty of moments for the killer to slip up and leave something damning behind.
[Lobelia listens intently, nodding along. They'll both be well-entertained while they're here, won't they? Even if they stand on opposite sides of the law, little else separates them in Lobelia's eyes.]
Oui, oui! How right you are. That is all the more reason why a tueurβ a killerβ would be foolish to linger around the scene of a crime. Unfortunately, while we're confined to an island, there's no place for the culprit to run... haha! Anyone who lives to kill would not be so foolish as to commit a crime they can't flee from.
[That's what Lobelia's personal experience tells him, anyway.]
Oui, oui! How right you are. That is all the more reason why a tueurβ a killerβ would be foolish to linger around the scene of a crime. Unfortunately, while we're confined to an island, there's no place for the culprit to run... haha! Anyone who lives to kill would not be so foolish as to commit a crime they can't flee from.
[That's what Lobelia's personal experience tells him, anyway.]
I wouldn't consider fleeing from the crime to be a guarantee to evade capture. A skilled detective can follow a killer to the other end of the realm if they were truly intent on bringing them to justice.
[Also speaking from experience.
By this point, Temenos seems to have loosened up a fair bit. Loathe as he is to admit it, Lobelia got him in a conversation that he's actually enjoying.]
But what you say about being confined to this island is true. With detailed information on personal statistics and abilities, along with limited space to dispose of evidence... It would be all the easier to track them down.
[Also speaking from experience.
By this point, Temenos seems to have loosened up a fair bit. Loathe as he is to admit it, Lobelia got him in a conversation that he's actually enjoying.]
But what you say about being confined to this island is true. With detailed information on personal statistics and abilities, along with limited space to dispose of evidence... It would be all the easier to track them down.
[Goodness... Where are men like Temenos back home in Granblueland? Lobelia might've caught some whiff of retribution if someone like him was hot on the heels of his crimes, but alas!
If this discussion has made one thing clear to Lobelia, it's that the lack of a proper challenge from any sort of authority figure is rather... boring. How much more exciting would it be if he had the pleasure of engaging in a game of cat and mouse with a man like Temenos? Maybe kidnapping him wouldn't be a terrible idea.]
In so many words, a wise criminel would steer clear of you, wouldn't they? Hahaha! Do you not fear retribution, Temenos? One of these days, you may back the wrong man into a corner and pay the prix ultime.
If this discussion has made one thing clear to Lobelia, it's that the lack of a proper challenge from any sort of authority figure is rather... boring. How much more exciting would it be if he had the pleasure of engaging in a game of cat and mouse with a man like Temenos? Maybe kidnapping him wouldn't be a terrible idea.]
In so many words, a wise criminel would steer clear of you, wouldn't they? Hahaha! Do you not fear retribution, Temenos? One of these days, you may back the wrong man into a corner and pay the prix ultime.
If I feared retribution, then the truths I sought would never have come to light.
[There's a strangely heavy seriousness in his delivery. It's not that he's cocky and doesn't think those he's pursuing can harm him. It's that he refuses to give in, even if it does cost him his life.]
As I said at the meeting, I had just closed such a case before I wound up here. That cult I mentioned- I tracked down one of its key players. She was very, very determined to silence me.
[There's a strangely heavy seriousness in his delivery. It's not that he's cocky and doesn't think those he's pursuing can harm him. It's that he refuses to give in, even if it does cost him his life.]
As I said at the meeting, I had just closed such a case before I wound up here. That cult I mentioned- I tracked down one of its key players. She was very, very determined to silence me.
[The seriousness with which Temenos speaks isn't lost on Lobelia, but he can't help but feel like that harrowing journey he'd just been on was as trying as it was exhilarating for Temenos. In a manner of speaking, they're birds of a feather, so it's hard for Lobelia to imagine he didn't enjoy himself.]
So you're a amateur de sensations fortesβ someone who seeks thrills and savors the throb of adrenaline coursing through your veins. You may not want to see our friends fall one by one, but you'll savor tracking down the culprits, non? PrΓͺtre coquin!
So you're a amateur de sensations fortesβ someone who seeks thrills and savors the throb of adrenaline coursing through your veins. You may not want to see our friends fall one by one, but you'll savor tracking down the culprits, non? PrΓͺtre coquin!
[Lobelia's endured the pain as long as he can, enjoying it just as long, but even he has sense enough to know that wandering around in his injured state will only draw attention. That runs counter to Lobelia's plans of enjoying his peaceful murder vacation, so after staking out Temenos' cabana from the bushes like a sane person and waiting for all his roomies to leave, Lobelia comes knocking.
Unusually, he's in his robes as opposed to his trusty fuckboy summer outfit. That's strange. When Temenos answers, Lobelia is all smiles as usual... but his smile is not quite as bright as usual, his breaths ragged and labored. Hm.]
Bonjour, Temenos! I'm in need of your priestly services. May I come in?
Unusually, he's in his robes as opposed to his trusty fuckboy summer outfit. That's strange. When Temenos answers, Lobelia is all smiles as usual... but his smile is not quite as bright as usual, his breaths ragged and labored. Hm.]
Bonjour, Temenos! I'm in need of your priestly services. May I come in?
Page 1 of 5