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.
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[He offers the man a sideways glance.]
He really tore into you too, the other day. Do you know why?
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[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.
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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.
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[A little scoff.]
No doubt. And then he was let down. Poor him. Serves him right for using others.
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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.
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[Please, disrespect people more.]
Mm, but yes. And no infection, too. He agreed on his own accord. Temptation really is that strong.
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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?]
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[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.
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[Which also means minimizing the time someone has to run.]
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[He's thoughtful, silent for a moment.]
Althaitham. Are there demons where you come from?
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But if you're thinking of something specific it's best to describe its particulars.