That depends who gets forced awake this week, doesn't it? [His gaze drifts aside.] We don't have anything reliable to stop it. But now that we know they always come from someone, we can take advantage of the situation.
[It's terribly clinical, but isn't it better than adding extra death? Besides--] I don't think the other three know the full story either. Lobelia has a difficult time trusting others as is, but especially when it could get him killed before he has a chance to realize his goal. Stopping this thing is his priority even above needlessly throwing his life away.
If he's going to be bait, it's going to be for the beast itself.
[She'd told Lobelia, and she'd meant it. He should be allowed to keep certain things in his heart if they won't harm them.
So, if that's the public line, then... It tastes like bitter, bitter poison in her mouth. The trouble is that execution of this will require more trust and more connection than secrets half-passed between a dozen people.
If they're going to work together, then fine.]
I may have a way to stay awake. But not to perpetuate the cycle of death—outside of it.
I've been considering trying to spend the night outside of our usual boundaries. [Which he says like he's been there. Because he has.] As it seems to work for those four.
How do you plan to stay awake? [Lobelia thought they could just let the cycle play one more time--but Lobelia's plan is a little half-baked and Alhaitham's losing him faster than they can create one. And that's why he's here, trying to find a way to outrun the clock.]
[That is very fascinating, and Alhaitham will be able to tell that she caught it because Cantarella's expression cants just a little in response. He must know how to get past those barriers, then.]
I received a gift that will allow it once. Therefore, I'd prefer to use it for the most gain. If using it saves a life and allows us to gather more information about what binds us here...well, I couldn't ask for more.
[She's still concerned about using it on multiple people who might be thrust into danger and about using it prematurely...and yet Cantarella is certainly they'll need every tool in their arsenal to undo this.]
How many people are you already planning to involve in this? [Because surely she isn't waking only herself. But Alhaitham thinks he can convince Lobelia to put some faith in them to, that they can break a cycle and still move everything into its proper place for a plan that does more than just treat the symptoms.
And Alhaitham will ensure Lobelia holds out until the moment he needs to... and then drag him back out of hell by his hair for doing it.]
[But he's already guessed that, probably. Cantarella has clearly been talked out of doing it solo, either because of their current loss of senses or for other more pragmatic reasons.]
There are four of us, not counting any researchers, but one is a bit on edge of late, and another is Father Hansa.
[Who, she recalls, has beefed publicly with Lobelia even much more than she has.]
Oh, Hansa will be there? [Alhaitham pauses, considering that.]
... If this is an invitation, will you object to Lobelia's presence? Currently he and I are keeping an eye on Lobelia for anything especially threatening. [From Lobelia or to Lobelia. If they're both in the same place, it only makes sense to bring Lobelia along.
Issue of the infection aside. Alhaitham has a plan for that.]
It can be an invitation if you'd like it to be one. Understand that our work has also been quite delicate.
[So their arrangement now is one of trust and precarious care...but Cantarella would not have followed Lobelia's breadcrumbs if they hadn't directed her to someone she was certain possessed determination, even if his manner can be brusque.]
There may not be anyone better qualified, if he's running from his colleagues. Unless you two can settle yourself behind smoke and mirrors for the full night.
Unfortunately that's beyond both of our abilities, but you won't need to worry about him getting out of hand.
[Because Alhaitham has it handled.] But I understand. In that case, I'd like to help where possible. The cure is relevant to all of us.
[Even if Lobelia is refusing it right now. It just means they need one that will work even when it fully onsets, and to not let the wish-giver have someone else to snack on.]
Y'shtola already took a sample from Lobelia. I assume you've already begun integrating it in your process?
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no subject
[It's terribly clinical, but isn't it better than adding extra death? Besides--] I don't think the other three know the full story either. Lobelia has a difficult time trusting others as is, but especially when it could get him killed before he has a chance to realize his goal. Stopping this thing is his priority even above needlessly throwing his life away.
If he's going to be bait, it's going to be for the beast itself.
no subject
So, if that's the public line, then... It tastes like bitter, bitter poison in her mouth. The trouble is that execution of this will require more trust and more connection than secrets half-passed between a dozen people.
If they're going to work together, then fine.]
I may have a way to stay awake. But not to perpetuate the cycle of death—outside of it.
no subject
How do you plan to stay awake? [Lobelia thought they could just let the cycle play one more time--but Lobelia's plan is a little half-baked and Alhaitham's losing him faster than they can create one. And that's why he's here, trying to find a way to outrun the clock.]
no subject
I received a gift that will allow it once. Therefore, I'd prefer to use it for the most gain. If using it saves a life and allows us to gather more information about what binds us here...well, I couldn't ask for more.
[She's still concerned about using it on multiple people who might be thrust into danger and about using it prematurely...and yet Cantarella is certainly they'll need every tool in their arsenal to undo this.]
no subject
How many people are you already planning to involve in this? [Because surely she isn't waking only herself. But Alhaitham thinks he can convince Lobelia to put some faith in them to, that they can break a cycle and still move everything into its proper place for a plan that does more than just treat the symptoms.
And Alhaitham will ensure Lobelia holds out until the moment he needs to... and then drag him back out of hell by his hair for doing it.]
no subject
[But he's already guessed that, probably. Cantarella has clearly been talked out of doing it solo, either because of their current loss of senses or for other more pragmatic reasons.]
There are four of us, not counting any researchers, but one is a bit on edge of late, and another is Father Hansa.
[Who, she recalls, has beefed publicly with Lobelia even much more than she has.]
no subject
... If this is an invitation, will you object to Lobelia's presence? Currently he and I are keeping an eye on Lobelia for anything especially threatening. [From Lobelia or to Lobelia. If they're both in the same place, it only makes sense to bring Lobelia along.
Issue of the infection aside. Alhaitham has a plan for that.]
no subject
[So their arrangement now is one of trust and precarious care...but Cantarella would not have followed Lobelia's breadcrumbs if they hadn't directed her to someone she was certain possessed determination, even if his manner can be brusque.]
There may not be anyone better qualified, if he's running from his colleagues. Unless you two can settle yourself behind smoke and mirrors for the full night.
no subject
[Because Alhaitham has it handled.] But I understand. In that case, I'd like to help where possible. The cure is relevant to all of us.
[Even if Lobelia is refusing it right now. It just means they need one that will work even when it fully onsets, and to not let the wish-giver have someone else to snack on.]
Y'shtola already took a sample from Lobelia. I assume you've already begun integrating it in your process?