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[asmywitness]

[[Tyler screens his calls - anyone who tries to actually call him, he'll text back in reply.]]

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[amaure]

Following Tyler in giving the corridor a bit more space, he does indeed lean on the wall, letting out a soft sigh at the relief it affords him. Once again putting his cane in the crook of his elbow to free his hands.

I've been better, I suppose... He starts, keeping that placid and disarming smile, the left corner of his mouth quirked slightly higher than the right. Had a bit of an altercation earlier in the week, quite unfortunate.

[asmywitness]

He sees the slight shift of his chest from that sigh, and that fraction of concern increases.

You look like it, he signs frankly. I can see it through your make-up. Nice try with that, though, it works from an okay distance.

Isis doesn't look anywhere near as sympathetic as Tyler does, still frosty in her glare, but at least she's not starting anything. What happened to you, that's more than a bit of a fight.

You got your ass wrecked, Solus.

[amaure]

I am no stranger to make-up, but I must admit glamours do a much better job.

He's thankful for Isis tolerating him at the moment, he really did not need her aggression on top of everything. Another thing he could deal with, if he must, but only if he must. At Tyler's concern, he hesitates a moment. If only to discern whether or not it'd be worth sharing the truth. Not to protect Steven's name, far from that, but more whether or not Tyler would care if he said, or if he'd even believe it. After all, he has no idea if this is the first time Steven's ever done something so brutal and barbaric.

Indeed it is. More accurately it was a push down the radio tower's stairs, followed by a bit of an onslaught ere I could do much at all. Rather embarrassing, I confess. He's so casual about it, downplaying the damage that had left him unable to walk for a day, a cracked rib, and myriad other injuries he should be allowing to heal, instead of pushing it like he is. He had tried to do that, but his mind was too restless, too full of what he should be doing, even if he did truly just want to sleep.

[asmywitness]

Maybe he does care. Fuck you. You're not the boss of him.

Regardless, it's still concerning. Not just that someone shoved him down the fucking stairs and wailed on him, but that he's let it go on this long without getting it properly seen to.

Is that why you apparently haven't seen some sort of medical professional about it? Because you're embarrassed? Nonetheless, Tyler seems rather disapproving of this line of thought, and has an almost disappointed frown from that knowledge. Because if you had, I wouldn't have thought you'd be wearing make-up. You always struck me as the type to parade around in whatever injuries you got to try and shame whoever gave them to you.

[amaure]

Mayhap I would parade them as shameful trophies if the one whom is responsible would feel any shame for what he has done. Yet that is not the case.

Estinien had taken him to the center, but Solus hardly wanted their treatment. Not that he truly wished to suffer, but something didn't sit right with him about it. Maybe he's slowly accepting this as another means to live as a mortal, as he's done so many times before, but always with that safety net of being able to ditch the body should it die. A challenge, perhaps? Or maybe he truly is self-destructive, and this is but another means to satisfy that part of him.

Please, you aren't concerned for me, are you?

[asmywitness]

Hardly. I'm just surprised.

He says it with such a natural edge it almost seems genuine, too. He doesn't care about other people, that's how it was supposed to work. Isis gives nothing away, since she's still staring at Solus and waiting for him to try something.

With all your talk earlier about pushing boundaries and your own superiority, it feels a bit unusual that you've been brought so low.

[amaure]

He sighs at that call out, but doesn't seem truly bothered by it. After all, it's true and he can appreciate the irony, even if it's biting him in the ass.

Yes, well...there's little point in denying it. Even an ancient being such as myself can be caught unawares. Which is a whole lot easier to do when the ancient being has been robbed of his senses. Comparatively, he's effectively blind, deaf, and numb. Everything is so diluted and foggy, it's embarrassing.

But it is as your lot has said: I am but a mortal now. With all the limitations that encompasses such an existence. Truly, I know not how you manage.

[asmywitness]

Most of us were born into it, he signs with a dry smile. We've got some practice.

Ask a stupid question, really.

Personally, I'm rather used to coming up against limitations, Tyler continues. Deafness is a common disability in my world, but it's extremely poorly catered to. I couldn't go most places without an interpreter back home.

[amaure]

Such afflictions are unheard of in my people. Due to their complete and perfect nature, but he leaves that out. But I know well the various enfeebling limitations mortals suffer, however knowing and truly experiencing them are very different.

Even when he took on mortal bodies, living out the rest of that mortal's life as them while doing his great work, he always had his Sight. Always had his abilities that kept him above being just a mortal. As much as he might have tried to live the Mortal Experience™, it is now clear as ever he's far from ever having done as much.

It is a true pity that there are not better accommodations made for you and yours, it would not be hard, I wager. Unless your star is one behind in technology, I suppose.

[asmywitness]

There's a slightly sour look on his face for a moment, but it passes.

I wouldn't consider it behind in terms of technology, as such. It's about on par with here for the most part, disregarding the teleportation technology and... uh. His hands falter for a moment, before he has to say with a flat face. Complexity of robotics. Accommodations like that are more of a societal issue, and my world happens to be kind of a shit-hole in that regard.

[amaure]

That sour look does not go unnoticed, but he doesn't remark on it.

Yes, that is another problem in and of itself. Too quick are mortals to forget their brothers, unwilling to give succor to those in need, a hand to the downtrodden—regardless of what ails them. A truly detestable and reprehensible quality.

Whether that is a genuine sentiment is up in the air, but he does seem to mean it. In all honesty, he actually does. His issues with mortals are their selfishness, their cruelty, their thirst for power that is never sated no matter how much blood wets their blades. Steven's recent assault only adding fuel to that fire...

It would seem that is a universal trait, but I will admit that in turn mortals ever have an indomitable spirit.

[asmywitness]

We don't like being put upon. And we do band together in times of distress, for better or worse. He's got plenty of experience in that regard, as well. Which I'm sure you've seen over and over again, but it says a lot that humans are always willing to drop everything to help one another out in a crisis.

[amaure]

Such ephemeral loyalty is not enough. He signs that a little too quickly, seemingly talking about something...not quite on topic, yet still is. He shakes his head and shrugs a moment later.

Though I cannot deny that when like-minded people band together, working towards the same goal, it does fair move one's heart. Would that it more common than not. He pauses there for a moment, clearly struck by a thought as his expression falls almost solemnly, but he smiles through it.

Speaking of loyalty and banding together—you and Steven...you are rather close, are you not?

[asmywitness]

Well that's one way to get Tyler's hackles up.

Isis immediately fluffs when she recognises the sign for 'Steven', but Tyler puts a hand over her entire body and gently smooshes her into submission - it takes a few seconds for the bright red feather poking between his fingers to stop standing at attention, and he removes it warily in case she starts something anyway.

It's only when Tyler's confident that Isis won't start shit (which, coincidentally, gives him a chance to cool down as well) that he continues talking.

Steven was the first person I met when I arrived here. I imagine he feels rather responsible for me in that regard; certainly he's protective. Not that Tyler's necessarily appreciated his attempts at being such, when it all felt rather more like coddling. He's not going to mention that they're from the same world, at least.

[amaure]

Solus is patient as Tyler calms Isis, and likewise takes time to soothe himself, his expression not much changing either. Placid, pleasant, if a little sad looking. However, when Tyler answers, he is not disappointed by it. Rather, that smile grows.

As he begins, his movements are slow and deliberate, as if trying to emulate a sincere and clear tone. Perhaps something close to fondness.

Should you ever find your faith in his protectiveness and loyalty wanting, may you remember the state I am in, for it is like as not the only proof you'll need. He is a rather fearsome ally, indeed.

[asmywitness]

Tyler's eyes widen, with those words, and he looks over Solus with a new eye, taking in the true extent of those wounds.

And... shrugs. Barely even with his shoulders, he just kind of makes an 'eh' motion with a tilt of his head.

That's it, that's literally the extent of his reaction.

I'm already fully aware of Steven's propensity for ferocity, he replies, with an almost amused bounce to his hands, while his expression remains even and politely neutral. And I appreciate you feeling the need to tell me. Sincerely. But I've become rather familiar with Steven's more violent habits - I was introduced to them on our first mission together, in fact, and very little escapes my notice once I've been given even the slightest clue.

Now he smiles, and one hand briefly lifts to brush under Isis's chin, making her tilt back so she can enjoy it while still glaring at Solus. But I'm well protected, as you yourself have born witness to. If Steven were ever to raise a hand against me, be sure there would be repercussions. But, and he turns a steel eye on Solus. I rather doubt it's going to come to that. Steven likes me, and I've been well informed that that's a rare thing indeed.

[amaure]

Solus gives no overt reaction to how Tyler shrugs it off, primarily because he is not surprised in the least bit. It isn't a if he expected this to be some big reveal, but he was curious if this was the first of Steven's violent outbursts, and it's invaluable to him to know that it is not. Something to utilize potentially later.

If anything, he's thankful for Tyler's answer, it certainly gives him much more than something more sympathetic would. So he retains that smile, nodding along slightly, his eyes transfixed on the other man, though Isis' near comical stare down does not go unnoticed. Ridiculous animal.

You are very fortunate he does, a mere mention of your name brought this about, I can scarce imagine what might befall anyone who does aught more scathing. Though, I have indeed noticed your impressive skills of observation, little are you one merely distracted by problems in front of your nose—but you worry and watch for all that may come your way. A very unique and rare trait in mortals I've found.

As he signs, he comes across as genuine, even somewhat dropping that fanciful way he signs to do so.

It is truly heartwarming to see a bond so strong, it could fair bring a tear to the eye.

[asmywitness]

Isis continues to side-eye him, even turning her head away and narrowing her one visible eye for a moment - before she closes it and looks away completely with a dismissive flick. Tyler's acknowledgement of such is just another gentle pat.

So long as you keep your hands to yourself, I rather think the consequences will remain in your imagination. Isn't that a good thing? Now Solus is definitely posturing for him, and his own expression becomes a bit less sympathetic in response; certainly not stand-offish, just less openly caring. I've always had a keen mind, but it's been made far sharper in recent times, before I arrived here. I've had to learn to watch more closely than most for my own safety, and that's a skill that rather sticks with you.

Hm. That's more than he meant to say.

If you'd be willing to take some advice again, I'd suggest leaving Steven alone for a while. If he's shown how ruthless he's willing to be with you now, he's got no reason not to do it again later.

[amaure]

Solus merely raises his eyebrows at Isis' little side-eye, but otherwise seems as fit to ignore her as she is ignoring him.

Quite, seeing as I have no designs to let my hands run astray, worry not. He offers a little plainly. Ironically, he isn't fully posturing, such bonds of loyalty are indeed something he values, too often do mortals betray one another, unwilling to truly commit to the fealty they swear to one another.

However, as Tyler seemingly opens up, Solus's expression softens to a notable degree. He's curious, seeing as Tyler had told him before that he could not trust him because of the similarity Solus shares with something from his past—something that he and one other here shares. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the most likely person would be Steven. Their bond, and how both react to him...it only makes sense.

Would that such skills weren't a necessity, alas. As for Steven, your counsel is noted. I have scant interest in pursuing him, particularly if he should prove incapable of resisting his more violent impulses when in my presence. I had not anticipated such a reaction from him, but I suppose it all makes sense once I think on it.

[asmywitness]

Seeing Solus say he didn't plan on touching Tyler wasn't necessarily as reassuring as he probably thinks it is, but he's content on dropping the subject for now. At the very least, him putting on a calmer face for it certainly helps resolve that he's going to try and behave in that regard, if he wants Tyler on his side.

He's already under the impression you've been actively seeking him out to corner him, he points out. I shouldn't think he'd try to resist anymore.

[amaure]

Solus can't help but grin at that, but the wryness of such is plain.

He flatters himself. He signs in a way that emboldens his disinterest, I have much more pressing matters to attend, than to whittle away the hours plotting out schemes that lead me to cornering him. Truly my existence is not so dull that a single mortal would take up so much of my time. Tell me, is he this much of an egotist, or am I merely a special case?

[asmywitness]

Having someone suddenly appear out of nowhere with no prior warning and a very firm earlier message of wanting to be left alone by them leaves a certain assumption in mind, he signs flatly. Frankly it crossed my own as well, when you found me at the Contest.

Amazingly, people don't like being surprised by people they hate. Who's got the ego there now, Solus.

[amaure]

I merely saw a familiar face--though for you, it was far more your dragon that caught my eye--it is only natural to socialize with the familiar.

Which completely sidelines the fact that neither wanted much to do with him. And in your case, I had hoped to make amends. Steven I knew was a hopeless endeavor, as the proof of such a theory has been made evident.

[asmywitness]

As I've said before, I'm not able to trust you completely. Don't you forget that, Solus. The most you're going to get from me is civility, and even then your general demeanour sorely tests it.

[amaure]

Yes, and trust is nary aught forced with simple words, this I do realize. He gestures in a way that would imply a defeated sort of tone, his expression pairing with it.

Nevertheless, I cannot help but wonder if you took the early admission of mine influence on the world I hail from to be far more wicked than it truly was. Fair do I wonder just what fiend you impress upon me from this tragic past of yours—how much of this mistrust is truly earned from mine own actions, and how much is bleed-over. Keeping up that defeated and solemn air as he signs. Less accusatory in the way he does so, more idle, if sullen, curiosity.

Pray, do not misunderstand, I do not blame you for such.