[It's while dodging the heat that Alhaitham manages to run into Hansa. He's in the middle of drawing up the perpetrator list when he looks up.]
Hello. Seems this place has expanded again. [The conversation is also a moment to look Hansa over and see how he's holding up--better than some other people after yesterday, but Alhaitham also wonders if he's the only one who's left with the lingering feeling of a strange nightmare.]
I think he just didn't like what he was hearing from me. [Alhaitham shrugs. He doesn't really assume it's personal, and he stands by his assessment of Ramuda's foolishness.] You seem to have some other context, though. Had a spat before then?
Not with him. But I never got the sense from the beginning he was showing his true face. All those smiles weren't exactly the most subtle in covering what he really felt.
[A sigh.]
Lobelia told me he was upset he helped us with the identification of the symbol. It put suspicion on him. I was mad on his behalf.
If he hadn't decided to take that wish and kill Amaya, there wouldn't be any suspicion to cast on him in the first place. [So that's really all Ramuda's fault, isn't it!
But that was it, was it... Alhaitham had already talked to Lobelia about it that morning, and better understood why he was so much more muted even leading up to the trial. That adds a little more context.]
Perhaps he hoped Lobelia would put him above everyone else and cover for him.
[Alhaitham huffs out a breath. Ramuda isn't the one he feels bad for between the two of them, however.] It was obvious he was never going to keep whatever his wish was. But he was a coward and was willing to trade his life and relationships for less than a week of whatever it was he received, because he had no faith in his ability to achieve it himself.
It's be pitiful if it didn't cause the rest of us so many problems. Still, it's troubling that this demon is starting to speak with people directly.
[Unsurprising, this does not make him a popular man in Sumeru.]
Hm. Prejudice, unrestraint, emotional, selfishness... it's harder to predict an entity that seems to go after our weaknesses. It isn't a simple target of desires.
[But would everyone really admit the things that could be used against them? And do they even know themselves that well?]
I'm certain that it does. It maintains this cycle too consistently to prevent anyone else from interfering, and now we know the extent it really goes to make sure we can't wander around before we're knocked out.
[Which also means minimizing the time someone has to run.]
In a sense. It's a term that's been applied to all manner of supernatural creatures of they've developed a malicious reputation: jinn, youkai, or remnant dead god energy are all examples.
But if you're thinking of something specific it's best to describe its particulars.
[Losing his sense of touch is. Not good but it as least makes it possible to hold a conversation which is all he needs right now. He's sure the [ setting ] won't fall apart if he stays in for a few hours after this.
That it's gone at all though is worrying for exactly the reason he's seeking Hansa now. Once he spots him--] Hansa. I need to talk with you.
He glances around to be sure that they're alone, though he gestures Hansa to follow him. Somewhere a little more private. His movements are mostly steady but he does keep looking down at his feet to make sure he's connecting to the ground.]
I understand you're partly aware of Lobelia's situation?
[Alhaitham snorts. Okay, that's fair.] The one he himself has a problem with, which is the deterioration of his health. I was wondering if you knew the details as well.
[As well, because Alhaitham does. But he's also being mindful not to reveal the things Lobelia was not comfortable talking about.]
That'd be ideal. However things may be at the point that's no longer feasible.
Unfortunately, it's already apparent that I won't be able to keep my attention on him at all times. It would help to have someone else who's concerned for his well-being... if you're willing to take the responsibility.
[... Well, the situation is dire. They spoke at length about the nature of happiness and attachment and while Alhaitham's not sure how much he inspires the former off the latter...
Alhaitham knows this isn't how he wants knowing Lobelia to end. Not when Lobelia has only begun to consider answers to questions that let him find achieve his potential.
Happiness is a temporary emotion. If Lobelia only made him happy those moments they came together over language and strategy, he wouldn't be here at all.]
Thank you. [Genuinely. Alhaitham knows his own limits in helping someone out of their mire. It's good that Lobelia isn't as alone as he believes.] I'll get something from him or Y'shtola today for keeping in touch.
I'll keep it in mind. [And try not to need it, because Lobelia is trusting him.
And there's not a thing in the world that can make up for it if Alhaitham fails him. So he won't. Simple as that. There are some mistakes you don't make twice.
He shifts a little, testing the ground under him.] I have one more question. You felt something missing as of today?
It seems the effects get more debilitating each time. [Though he'd say the pain touch was the most tolerable.] ... I wonder if this is a sign that the power behind this is growing stronger.
Isolating the most relevant ones. [Ones related to wishes, wish beings, and sentient energy. Anything that can actually point them in the right direction of dealing with Magi.] Research will be simpler if we don't have everyone confirming if each book has useful information.
Company for your thoughts? [But he slips the book back on the shelf and turns to approach Hansa.] But if privacy is what you need, we'd better leave before everyone else shows up.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WK3 Monday
Hello. Seems this place has expanded again. [The conversation is also a moment to look Hansa over and see how he's holding up--better than some other people after yesterday, but Alhaitham also wonders if he's the only one who's left with the lingering feeling of a strange nightmare.]
no subject
[Hey, Alhaitham - Hansa offers a smile, but even he seems tired.]
Yesterday felt like a million years ago, huh.
no subject
Didn't sleep well? [Yesterday feels like a normal amount of time because some of us looked at Ramuda, attended a meeting, and then took a nap.]
no subject
[He offers the man a sideways glance.]
He really tore into you too, the other day. Do you know why?
no subject
no subject
[A sigh.]
Lobelia told me he was upset he helped us with the identification of the symbol. It put suspicion on him. I was mad on his behalf.
no subject
But that was it, was it... Alhaitham had already talked to Lobelia about it that morning, and better understood why he was so much more muted even leading up to the trial. That adds a little more context.]
Perhaps he hoped Lobelia would put him above everyone else and cover for him.
no subject
[A little scoff.]
No doubt. And then he was let down. Poor him. Serves him right for using others.
no subject
It's be pitiful if it didn't cause the rest of us so many problems. Still, it's troubling that this demon is starting to speak with people directly.
no subject
[Please, disrespect people more.]
Mm, but yes. And no infection, too. He agreed on his own accord. Temptation really is that strong.
no subject
Hm. Prejudice, unrestraint, emotional, selfishness... it's harder to predict an entity that seems to go after our weaknesses. It isn't a simple target of desires.
[But would everyone really admit the things that could be used against them? And do they even know themselves that well?]
no subject
[But it makes it all the harder to resist.]
I wonder if it isolates us on purpose. Makes us fight, makes it easier for us to go against one another.
no subject
[Which also means minimizing the time someone has to run.]
no subject
[He's thoughtful, silent for a moment.]
Althaitham. Are there demons where you come from?
no subject
But if you're thinking of something specific it's best to describe its particulars.
WK4 Monday
That it's gone at all though is worrying for exactly the reason he's seeking Hansa now. Once he spots him--] Hansa. I need to talk with you.
[... Hopefully he's not deaf.]
no subject
Hm? Oh, hey, Althaitham.
What's up?
no subject
He glances around to be sure that they're alone, though he gestures Hansa to follow him. Somewhere a little more private. His movements are mostly steady but he does keep looking down at his feet to make sure he's connecting to the ground.]
I understand you're partly aware of Lobelia's situation?
no subject
[He doesn't mean it as accusation, its just-]
That man has a lot of situations going on.
no subject
[As well, because Alhaitham does. But he's also being mindful not to reveal the things Lobelia was not comfortable talking about.]
no subject
[And he's NOT HAPPY LET HIM TELL YOU!!!!]
I was worried he was infected. He was having awful dreams. Saying stuff about how hell was waiting for hm.
no subject
What are your thoughts about it? [Can't he ask if he's worried like a normal person.]
no subject
[YEAH HE IS WORRIED]
no subject
Unfortunately, it's already apparent that I won't be able to keep my attention on him at all times. It would help to have someone else who's concerned for his well-being... if you're willing to take the responsibility.
[Even if it's only to watch and get no closer.]
no subject
I took on that responsibility a while ago. I care about him a lot.
[:)]
Seriously. Don't worry. I'll look after your boyfriend.
no subject
But I'm glad to hear that. Do you have objections to keeping something like the shells or earrings on hand for quick contact?
no subject
[He means that.]
No objections here. I'll help out.
no subject
Alhaitham knows this isn't how he wants knowing Lobelia to end. Not when Lobelia has only begun to consider answers to questions that let him find achieve his potential.
Happiness is a temporary emotion. If Lobelia only made him happy those moments they came together over language and strategy, he wouldn't be here at all.]
Thank you. [Genuinely. Alhaitham knows his own limits in helping someone out of their mire. It's good that Lobelia isn't as alone as he believes.] I'll get something from him or Y'shtola today for keeping in touch.
no subject
[And a little pause, considering, before offering:]
I'll look out for you, too. You should never hesitate to reach out to me.
[He doesn't know this man as well, but...anyone close to Lobelia outside of Ramuda seems like someone he'd be interested in, too.]
no subject
And there's not a thing in the world that can make up for it if Alhaitham fails him. So he won't. Simple as that. There are some mistakes you don't make twice.
He shifts a little, testing the ground under him.] I have one more question. You felt something missing as of today?
no subject
[He's just going to say that. Looking out for Lobelia...]
Hm? Yes. I couldn't smell my coffee this morning...I don't know what's going on. You?
no subject
I lost my ability to physically feel anything shortly after I awoke. [So they've both lost a particular sense, huh.]
no subject
[That's....problematic.]
Guess they're just making the well water thing happen to everyone. What a pain.
no subject
WEEK 5 DAY 1
[Hansa waves.]
Hard at work?
no subject
Hello Hansa. [He doesn't actually look away from what he's doing.]
no subject
[Don't mind him just sidling up to pluck one of those books up to look through it.]
Are you re-categorizing them? Seems like a lot of effort.
no subject
Isolating the most relevant ones. [Ones related to wishes, wish beings, and sentient energy. Anything that can actually point them in the right direction of dealing with Magi.] Research will be simpler if we don't have everyone confirming if each book has useful information.
no subject
[A mock salute...]
...Are you going to take a break sometime?
no subject
[Go on, he's listening to what Hansa needs. It's more than fair worth how much they've been working together.]
no subject
[He starts, stops. And then blurts out-]
I've been alone with my thoughts for too long. So I need company.
[.......]
no subject