Tyler Tian Huang | 黄泰勒田 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
asmywitness) wrote2020-03-03 05:40 pm
asmywitness) wrote2020-03-03 05:40 pm
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[[Tyler screens his calls - anyone who tries to actually call him, he'll text back in reply.]]
[She's like a 13 year old compared to toddlers, ok!!
But hey, he feels her there. He was the one who brought up the whole being immortal thing, but man did he not expect the mortals to be so sensitive about it. Maybe he should have, mortals are goddamn petty and obsess over the most useless things.]
If that's all it is, I suppose there's no need to worry. I am confident you are not wont to fall for something as fickle as charm.
[He offers a little flippantly, before moving along to address the rest. Gesturing with his hands as he talks, albeit a little languid and half-hearted.]
I wish to be candid with you, since you have the perspective to understand: little am I in denial of my state or lot in this world. That is a misconception, nay, rather I well know and am very much familiar with a world that has risen above such heights of technology, for I am a fair talented engineer and scholar.
Well have I lived in a civilization that dwarfs this one in terms of technological and cultural sophistication, and the knowledge I possess—that I have been made privy—comes not so arbitrarily to me. 'Tis born of my eternal nature. Thus when I speak of being an immortal, of my place above these mortals who squabble over the gulf between them and I, know that it is scant under the delusion that my physical form and magical capabilities are different than those here. I speak only of my wisdom—and I do suppose, the chasm that lies between the intrinsic nature of mortals and immortals, but that goes without saying.
[Crossing his arms over his chest again, he shakes his head, offering her that same placid, tired smile.]
As such, little will I stand for mortals attempting to sell me nonsense alluding to them and I being as equals, for we are not. We cannot be—by mere experience alone. Viewed thus, I have more than been reasonable in the face of such absurdity, and would rather put this stultiloquence to rest, if it is all the same to you.
But hey, he feels her there. He was the one who brought up the whole being immortal thing, but man did he not expect the mortals to be so sensitive about it. Maybe he should have, mortals are goddamn petty and obsess over the most useless things.]
If that's all it is, I suppose there's no need to worry. I am confident you are not wont to fall for something as fickle as charm.
[He offers a little flippantly, before moving along to address the rest. Gesturing with his hands as he talks, albeit a little languid and half-hearted.]
I wish to be candid with you, since you have the perspective to understand: little am I in denial of my state or lot in this world. That is a misconception, nay, rather I well know and am very much familiar with a world that has risen above such heights of technology, for I am a fair talented engineer and scholar.
Well have I lived in a civilization that dwarfs this one in terms of technological and cultural sophistication, and the knowledge I possess—that I have been made privy—comes not so arbitrarily to me. 'Tis born of my eternal nature. Thus when I speak of being an immortal, of my place above these mortals who squabble over the gulf between them and I, know that it is scant under the delusion that my physical form and magical capabilities are different than those here. I speak only of my wisdom—and I do suppose, the chasm that lies between the intrinsic nature of mortals and immortals, but that goes without saying.
[Crossing his arms over his chest again, he shakes his head, offering her that same placid, tired smile.]
As such, little will I stand for mortals attempting to sell me nonsense alluding to them and I being as equals, for we are not. We cannot be—by mere experience alone. Viewed thus, I have more than been reasonable in the face of such absurdity, and would rather put this stultiloquence to rest, if it is all the same to you.
[She's still working on words!
Though she lets him speak, a soft sigh slipping past her lips. Of course, yes, that whole... thing. She can somewhat understand where he comes from, seeing the same failings time and time again with no one wishing to take advice on the matter. Mortals, in her experience, rarely learn until they experience whatever it is on their own.]
It's not as if I have some sort of power or sway over you, nor do I pretend to do as such. But it would do you some good to look at perspective, which I assume is only to come in due time when you see what is in front of you. I'm becoming accustomed to this world, with or without the longevity I had prior. And I find it rather... I suppose curious, fascinating, something of that ilk.
But if you want to continue on this trajectory, then it is hardly my place to stop you. However, I would appreciate you keeping me out of your affairs unless it becomes particularly necessary. I don't care what anyone in this place does until it comes back to me and mine, after all.
Which, as you've since noted, extends to him as well.
[She merely shrugs and pushes herself to stand. Though she's merely heading towards the stairs that lead from the stage to the floor proper.]
Now, if you're done trying to win me over in a bid that would take more than palliative words, leave me be. I have other business to attend to, after all. Ecruteak is a fine city and I'm sure there's things here that would attract your attention far more than myself and this establishment. [Meaning get the fuck out of her face, Solus.]
Though she lets him speak, a soft sigh slipping past her lips. Of course, yes, that whole... thing. She can somewhat understand where he comes from, seeing the same failings time and time again with no one wishing to take advice on the matter. Mortals, in her experience, rarely learn until they experience whatever it is on their own.]
It's not as if I have some sort of power or sway over you, nor do I pretend to do as such. But it would do you some good to look at perspective, which I assume is only to come in due time when you see what is in front of you. I'm becoming accustomed to this world, with or without the longevity I had prior. And I find it rather... I suppose curious, fascinating, something of that ilk.
But if you want to continue on this trajectory, then it is hardly my place to stop you. However, I would appreciate you keeping me out of your affairs unless it becomes particularly necessary. I don't care what anyone in this place does until it comes back to me and mine, after all.
Which, as you've since noted, extends to him as well.
[She merely shrugs and pushes herself to stand. Though she's merely heading towards the stairs that lead from the stage to the floor proper.]
Now, if you're done trying to win me over in a bid that would take more than palliative words, leave me be. I have other business to attend to, after all. Ecruteak is a fine city and I'm sure there's things here that would attract your attention far more than myself and this establishment. [Meaning get the fuck out of her face, Solus.]
[Bless her, maybe she can move on to shapes and colors before long!
Her admission to having no power over him, while plainly obvious, does amuse him. But he lets her finish her part, long winded the pair of them are, he understands well the need to be verbose. To her comment about being kept out of his affairs he merely nods, seeing no reason to involve her anyway. Little does she have what he'll be needing in his grander scheme, after all. As she rises, heading towards the stairs, saying her last bit, he once again bows—graciously and formally.]
Worry not, 'tis little intent of mine to involve you and yours with aught I've devised. Quite contrary, for you are not mere pawns for the game.
[Rising once more to stand at his full...well, slouched height, he continues to give her that sly smile of his.]
I wish not to delay you much further, and so I would be glad to be off. Know that I am grateful for your audience which scant was I owed.
[He turns to head out, but then jolts with a thought, turning briefly to look back at her.]
Ah! Ere I forget—and if you do not mind my query—to what end is this establishment's performative arts? It would be remiss of me to mention not the curiosity it has piqued.
Her admission to having no power over him, while plainly obvious, does amuse him. But he lets her finish her part, long winded the pair of them are, he understands well the need to be verbose. To her comment about being kept out of his affairs he merely nods, seeing no reason to involve her anyway. Little does she have what he'll be needing in his grander scheme, after all. As she rises, heading towards the stairs, saying her last bit, he once again bows—graciously and formally.]
Worry not, 'tis little intent of mine to involve you and yours with aught I've devised. Quite contrary, for you are not mere pawns for the game.
[Rising once more to stand at his full...well, slouched height, he continues to give her that sly smile of his.]
I wish not to delay you much further, and so I would be glad to be off. Know that I am grateful for your audience which scant was I owed.
[He turns to head out, but then jolts with a thought, turning briefly to look back at her.]
Ah! Ere I forget—and if you do not mind my query—to what end is this establishment's performative arts? It would be remiss of me to mention not the curiosity it has piqued.
I would hope we aren't involved in your game to begin with. [Little is she interested in playing games she doesn't have control over, after all. She's never been... great with being told what to do or to be manipulated at any due length of time.
That was her thing, after all.
Though she does pause when she reaches the floor proper, a brow raised at his questioning. Well, she supposes that's a fair enough thing to answer.]
There are a few different things lined up. That is my... particular fondness, but there are others who do things from cabaret, to performance theater, to singing, pretty much anything that is interesting enough. I'm still working on a semi-final list of performers, but they can come and go as they please. [She moves to finally take a seat, a hand moving to scratch behind Allure's ear who makes a pleased humming noise.]
Other nights I may just turn it into a proper club, who knows. It depends on the night and the feeling.
That was her thing, after all.
Though she does pause when she reaches the floor proper, a brow raised at his questioning. Well, she supposes that's a fair enough thing to answer.]
There are a few different things lined up. That is my... particular fondness, but there are others who do things from cabaret, to performance theater, to singing, pretty much anything that is interesting enough. I'm still working on a semi-final list of performers, but they can come and go as they please. [She moves to finally take a seat, a hand moving to scratch behind Allure's ear who makes a pleased humming noise.]
Other nights I may just turn it into a proper club, who knows. It depends on the night and the feeling.
[He offers no comment to the first, since whether or not she and hers will become a pawn will yet to be seen. For now, she isn't, but later? Perhaps.
To her explanation, he looks duly interested, nodding shallowly with interest.]
I see, a rather flexible and all encompassing array of entertainment—as any such performative entity should be. How marvelous. Well! You may yet have yourself a patron, I would be glad to see this place take to the skies, to witness how well it soars.
But, I do believe I have overstayed my welcome, and thus I shall take my leave. So long, friends, till we meet again.
[And, despite the pain in his goddamn leg, he muscles through to his usual gait, waving that usual wave on his way out.]
To her explanation, he looks duly interested, nodding shallowly with interest.]
I see, a rather flexible and all encompassing array of entertainment—as any such performative entity should be. How marvelous. Well! You may yet have yourself a patron, I would be glad to see this place take to the skies, to witness how well it soars.
But, I do believe I have overstayed my welcome, and thus I shall take my leave. So long, friends, till we meet again.
[And, despite the pain in his goddamn leg, he muscles through to his usual gait, waving that usual wave on his way out.]
Edited 2020-05-17 20:22 (UTC)
[It isn't until Solus is physically out the door, and it's shut behind him, that Tyler finally unclenches, and slouches heavily into his seat.
He knew he was tense but holy shit was it a relief to see the back of That Motherfucker.
His signs have a somewhat stiff edge of exhaustion to them, now.]
If he comes near me again I swear to God Isis is going to try and throw him off a bridge. She already did it once on the flight over.
He knew he was tense but holy shit was it a relief to see the back of That Motherfucker.
His signs have a somewhat stiff edge of exhaustion to them, now.]
If he comes near me again I swear to God Isis is going to try and throw him off a bridge. She already did it once on the flight over.
[It's not just him who's tense, if Lydia's slow sigh and stretch is anything to note. Though she's glancing at his hands for a moment, noting the difference and frowning at him after she's done with her nonsense.]
Honestly, I couldn't blame her for doing such a thing. I think that's why Allure and Lussios in particular seem particularly tense. Not a great reading. [Though she does switch her gaze to the tiny bird, wherever she decided to roost, with a small bit of a smile.]
Though, I do believe someone has earned herself some head scratches, if she wants to cash those in.
Honestly, I couldn't blame her for doing such a thing. I think that's why Allure and Lussios in particular seem particularly tense. Not a great reading. [Though she does switch her gaze to the tiny bird, wherever she decided to roost, with a small bit of a smile.]
Though, I do believe someone has earned herself some head scratches, if she wants to cash those in.
[Tyler notices the look on her face, but meets her with an almost blank evenness, like a challenge.
There's a large red feather and a small eye staring out from underneath the collar of Tyler's overcoat, staring at Lydia. But at the offer of scratches, Isis bodily wiggles her way up and out of the jacket with a sharp peep and hops across the table for the attention.]
He fucking grabbed her when he started falling. She stopped hearing him for me - I know he noticed, too, you were talking about me.
[He doesn't care what you said, he can already assume.]
There's a large red feather and a small eye staring out from underneath the collar of Tyler's overcoat, staring at Lydia. But at the offer of scratches, Isis bodily wiggles her way up and out of the jacket with a sharp peep and hops across the table for the attention.]
He fucking grabbed her when he started falling. She stopped hearing him for me - I know he noticed, too, you were talking about me.
[He doesn't care what you said, he can already assume.]
[She's not about to challenge it, that would make things go sour and she's not keen on doing that. However, she can't help but be amused at Isis'... well, everything, to be perfectly honest.
And is happily just reaching out to lightly scratch her little head with those nails, because of course she is.]
Whether he noticed or not doesn't really matter, does it? All it was was him rambling on and on to try and win my favor or mitigate the damage he's done. While trying to nose into business that he has absolutely no reason to know about. Same as Steven, come to think of it. [That should give him enough information on what he was saying, after all.]
Was she translating just me, then, or was she entirely ignoring the conversation because of him?
And is happily just reaching out to lightly scratch her little head with those nails, because of course she is.]
Whether he noticed or not doesn't really matter, does it? All it was was him rambling on and on to try and win my favor or mitigate the damage he's done. While trying to nose into business that he has absolutely no reason to know about. Same as Steven, come to think of it. [That should give him enough information on what he was saying, after all.]
Was she translating just me, then, or was she entirely ignoring the conversation because of him?
[The comparison gets a sly, brief smile out of Tyler.]
Don't tell Steven you said that, he'll get legitimately offended.
[Isis immediately nestles down and fluffs up under those scritches, and very nearly closes her eyes for it. She's gotta keep them open for Tyler, but boy howdy scritches.]
Just you. I doubt I missed anything actually relevant. He gives Isis a headache anyway.
Don't tell Steven you said that, he'll get legitimately offended.
[Isis immediately nestles down and fluffs up under those scritches, and very nearly closes her eyes for it. She's gotta keep them open for Tyler, but boy howdy scritches.]
Just you. I doubt I missed anything actually relevant. He gives Isis a headache anyway.
As if I tell Steven anything, come on now~ [She really doesn't unless it benefits her, oops.
God, Isis is too cute and she'll continue those scritches until otherwise needing to stop.]
... Ah. So you heard some of what I said, then. [Shit. That wasn't what she had meant to happen, but that stupid jackass sure dragged her through it.]
God, Isis is too cute and she'll continue those scritches until otherwise needing to stop.]
... Ah. So you heard some of what I said, then. [Shit. That wasn't what she had meant to happen, but that stupid jackass sure dragged her through it.]
[Another short-lived smirk.] The 'you and yours' part, yes. Which, you know, still works well for me. Better than how Solus tried to treat me on the ride over.
[Tyler, you absolute bitch. Sure doesn't stop a small hint of a smile and a roll of the eyes, though there's no malice behind it.]
Don't get too content in that~ Which, speaking of, what did you think of that practice performance?
Don't get too content in that~ Which, speaking of, what did you think of that practice performance?
[Oh good, the performance. The mere mention of it gets a creeping redness across Tyler's face, but he still looks rather pleased.]
I don't suppose you'd be happy to give me a repeat performance?
I don't suppose you'd be happy to give me a repeat performance?
[That is what she wanted to see and she's humming to herself before moving to just casually straddle his lap.]
I could, or a different performance right here, if you wanted. [At least she's giving him an option?]
I could, or a different performance right here, if you wanted. [At least she's giving him an option?]
[His hands roam automatically down, starting on her knees and brushing up her thighs, digging his thumbs in a little to push up her dress a little, before he takes them back so he can talk. Though his face is much darker now, he certainly doesn't look opposed.]
What did you have in mind?
What did you have in mind?
Hey, can tale-crafting put/keep someone asleep for a set period of time?
Hey, can you stop sending me the most fucking apropos-of-nothing texts in the entire world at any given moment?
[he's not mad, he's just baffled.]
But... yes, actually. It's not sleep as much as a coma, but there's a tale that can be used to poison people. Sleeping Beauty style, more or less.
[he's not mad, he's just baffled.]
But... yes, actually. It's not sleep as much as a coma, but there's a tale that can be used to poison people. Sleeping Beauty style, more or less.
Right. Then I need to ask you for a favor.
When the weird weekend comes, will you put Solus to sleep for me? You don't have to do anything else, just make sure he's a dozy bitch at the right time and I'll handle the rest on my own.
When the weird weekend comes, will you put Solus to sleep for me? You don't have to do anything else, just make sure he's a dozy bitch at the right time and I'll handle the rest on my own.
Edited 2020-05-20 07:34 (UTC)
[Tyler stares at his phone with a heavy sigh.]
Look. As much as Solus is full of shit, the way he explained his powers to me reminds me way too much of my own Keeper. If he really is even a fraction as genuinely powerful as all the shit he says, coming after him like this is going to come back and bite us.
Talecrafting is dangerous, too. There's usually repercussions, magic bites the hand that toys with it and you know that just as well as me.
Look. As much as Solus is full of shit, the way he explained his powers to me reminds me way too much of my own Keeper. If he really is even a fraction as genuinely powerful as all the shit he says, coming after him like this is going to come back and bite us.
Talecrafting is dangerous, too. There's usually repercussions, magic bites the hand that toys with it and you know that just as well as me.
You know what?
I don't give a flying fuck. That pendejo fucking cornered me and cut off my exits to force me to talk to him yesterday. I fucking *left town* for the rest of the week last week so I wouldn't have to be in his presence again while he was still there for mandatory training and now he says he's going to fucking come back to Goldenrod to *work*.
I know he's basically a Keeper stuffed into human form. I *know*. That's fucking *why* I've been taking care to be so fucking innocuous in his presence. But since he can't fucking forgive me for suggesting that he might be subject to the same problems as everyone else, he is obviously going to be going out of his way to fucking bully and torment me until I crack.
I can't do a fucking lot against that fuckshit. But I was a *damn* fine Dreamwalker back home. I can Forge the Dream. I can call a Phantasmal Bastion. If he's going to torment me in real life, then the first chance I get, I'm going to do the same damn thing while the asshole sleeps. And maybe it'll keep me from snapping next time he does this in a public place and getting hauled away by the Jennies for attempted homicide.
I'm going to use oneiromancy against Solus no matter what, Tyler. It's the best fucking tool I have to get my own back. You don't have to help me. I'm still going to do it. You helping me would just make it so I don't waste a lot of time trying to figure out *when* the bitch is asleep.
I don't give a flying fuck. That pendejo fucking cornered me and cut off my exits to force me to talk to him yesterday. I fucking *left town* for the rest of the week last week so I wouldn't have to be in his presence again while he was still there for mandatory training and now he says he's going to fucking come back to Goldenrod to *work*.
I know he's basically a Keeper stuffed into human form. I *know*. That's fucking *why* I've been taking care to be so fucking innocuous in his presence. But since he can't fucking forgive me for suggesting that he might be subject to the same problems as everyone else, he is obviously going to be going out of his way to fucking bully and torment me until I crack.
I can't do a fucking lot against that fuckshit. But I was a *damn* fine Dreamwalker back home. I can Forge the Dream. I can call a Phantasmal Bastion. If he's going to torment me in real life, then the first chance I get, I'm going to do the same damn thing while the asshole sleeps. And maybe it'll keep me from snapping next time he does this in a public place and getting hauled away by the Jennies for attempted homicide.
I'm going to use oneiromancy against Solus no matter what, Tyler. It's the best fucking tool I have to get my own back. You don't have to help me. I'm still going to do it. You helping me would just make it so I don't waste a lot of time trying to figure out *when* the bitch is asleep.
1. Please learn how to summarise. For fuck's sake.
2.
[Ugh. He doesn't want to admit it. But if Steven's apparently already made up his mind, he doubts he can do anything to dissuade him, so. Might as well be honest.]
I am intimately familiar with how insufferable he is.
When I was taking him to Ecruteak, he tried being physical with me. Put his hands on my waist when we got on Ox. And I know he realised it as well, that it made me uncomfortable. Because a little later he did it on purpose, tried leaning over me like
my Keeper used to.
It's why Isis tried to throw him off Ox, she knew it was upsetting me. She stopped translating him.
And yesterday he did the same thing at one of the tents, he was looming over me again and Isis tried attacking him, but his Murkrow pinned her down.
2.
[Ugh. He doesn't want to admit it. But if Steven's apparently already made up his mind, he doubts he can do anything to dissuade him, so. Might as well be honest.]
I am intimately familiar with how insufferable he is.
When I was taking him to Ecruteak, he tried being physical with me. Put his hands on my waist when we got on Ox. And I know he realised it as well, that it made me uncomfortable. Because a little later he did it on purpose, tried leaning over me like
my Keeper used to.
It's why Isis tried to throw him off Ox, she knew it was upsetting me. She stopped translating him.
And yesterday he did the same thing at one of the tents, he was looming over me again and Isis tried attacking him, but his Murkrow pinned her down.
1. It's hard to summarize when you're barreling through a good rant but I'll keep that in mind.
2. What the fucking fuck.
The sick fuck actually laid hands on you. Motherfucker. And we have to *work* with this shitrag. Jesus fucking *Christ*.
Okay. Okay shit. I get why you're leery of provoking him. I do. I won't ask you to put the bitch to sleep for me. I'll just-- fuck. I'll just keep popping into dreams until I find his. But this is 1000% why I need to do this. Because the asshole shouldn't be allowed to pull this shit.
Jesus fucking Christ, I wish the admins weren't all but fucking useless.
2. What the fucking fuck.
The sick fuck actually laid hands on you. Motherfucker. And we have to *work* with this shitrag. Jesus fucking *Christ*.
Okay. Okay shit. I get why you're leery of provoking him. I do. I won't ask you to put the bitch to sleep for me. I'll just-- fuck. I'll just keep popping into dreams until I find his. But this is 1000% why I need to do this. Because the asshole shouldn't be allowed to pull this shit.
Jesus fucking Christ, I wish the admins weren't all but fucking useless.
It was barely even "laid hands", it was just. Getting a grip, for take-off. It just. Made me feel uncomfortable.
[Unsafe. In danger. Threatened.
One hand goes to pat Isis, nuzzling under his chin.]
I'm pretty sure that talecrafting doesn't lead back to me. Not directly, not like oneiromancy if he spots you. But if it goes badly, there's a steep price, and even for a Contract it feels.
Good. *Really* good, a thousand times better than harvesting.
If I do this for you, you owe me. I am *not* getting addicted to that shit for you without a fucking guarantee.
[Unsafe. In danger. Threatened.
One hand goes to pat Isis, nuzzling under his chin.]
I'm pretty sure that talecrafting doesn't lead back to me. Not directly, not like oneiromancy if he spots you. But if it goes badly, there's a steep price, and even for a Contract it feels.
Good. *Really* good, a thousand times better than harvesting.
If I do this for you, you owe me. I am *not* getting addicted to that shit for you without a fucking guarantee.
That's why I'd be using a Phantasmal Bastion. Hard to tell it's me if I'd hiding behind fancy-ass dream armor.
[He takes a deep breath. Really thinks about this.]
... I don't actually want you to get addicted. That-- is definitely not optimal. So. I don't want you to help me, then. I can do this on my own.
But I am going to do this. Knowing he did that to you only makes me more sure of it. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big thing to you, but it is a big thing to *me*.
You know why he's doing it, right? It's for the same reason our Keepers did *their* shit. He wants to fucking *crush* us. He wants to make us his bitches. He wants to break our wills for no other reason because he fucking can and that's how he gets his jollies.
And for that, he damn well *deserves* every bit of hell I am going to put him through.
[He takes a deep breath. Really thinks about this.]
... I don't actually want you to get addicted. That-- is definitely not optimal. So. I don't want you to help me, then. I can do this on my own.
But I am going to do this. Knowing he did that to you only makes me more sure of it. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big thing to you, but it is a big thing to *me*.
You know why he's doing it, right? It's for the same reason our Keepers did *their* shit. He wants to fucking *crush* us. He wants to make us his bitches. He wants to break our wills for no other reason because he fucking can and that's how he gets his jollies.
And for that, he damn well *deserves* every bit of hell I am going to put him through.
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