asmywitness | IC Inbox

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Edited 2020-05-26 10:26 (UTC)

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.

Edited 2020-05-26 18:18 (UTC)

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

His hands wobble a moment in uncertainty, sort of the physical version of filler words, as he considers it.

It's not the cruelty that bothers me, though I won't deny that it probably influenced me on some level. He's willing to own up to his own biases. It's the capriciousness that implied, in a way. You made yourself sound so willing to step in and out of lives with little care for the damages you caused along the way. It's the period of time, thousands on thousands of lives can be anything from a few millennia to a few hundred.

There's a pause, and he adds with a wry grimace. It's the ego, that everything you do is without fault because it's you doing it, even if you make apologies to try and soothe the tempers you fray. It's all too reminiscent of my--

But his hands falter, sharply catching himself before he finishes the sentence - and his hands form gentle, frustrated fists for a moment at the obvious slip.

Never mind. It's just a lot of common themes you're playing into.

As Solus watches him, he keeps up that non-accusatory air, more like a man searching for answers, than mere incrimination. As Tyler explains, Solus listens without interruption, allowing him to work out his answer. Though, the slip doesn't escape his notice, but tactfully he doesn't mention it.

If I may, what I told you was little about the damages and more about the gifts I brought. I am a mentor and an observer. I had taught mortals a great many things they had lost, many more they would have never known, had I not offered them my knowledge and wisdom. What they did with such was for them and them alone to decide. He explains with gentle motions, as if trying to be a bit more sensitive with his words, considering Tyler's faltering hands and their earlier wobble.

And fair disappointed was I that more oft than not they resorted to violence against one another. I had given them the chance for peace and prosperity, but instead they chose war and death. He pauses with a grimace, sighing with a slight shake of his head. After a moment, he continues.

As for my ego—I think it only fair that a being such as I would be confident in mine abilities, having lived as long and having accomplished what I have. I attempt not to get too close to mortals, this much is true, but can you truly blame me, when your lives are so fleeting, yet mine continues unabated? Your ilk can barely tolerate the death of your loved ones—and for good reason, such a tragic event is never easy. But with my endless life comes endless tragedies, so is it so unjustified that I keep my distance? His eyebrows pinch together with an upward slant as he keeps his eyes on Tyler, and for all his expression and how he signs each word...there's a genuineness there.

But I find it crucial that you come to realize that I do not think myself special. Merely, I am what everything should be. What, everything once was—in my world. I do not believe I can do no wrong, thus I apologize when I realize fault, thus I attempt to make amends. I am not the unscrupulous villain you may see me as.

Edited 2020-05-28 17:01 (UTC)

Tyler is determinedly trying not to look at Solus's face, focusing on his gloved hands - he still hasn't worked out the difference between the man's genuine sincerity and his fronts. It means he's missing out on a lot of the tone of Solus's words, but he just... doesn't want to look up and see the man pitying him.

(He's so sick of pity.)

There's a hard, almost defensive edge to his movements when he talks next, shoulders drawn tight. Not everyone considers gifts from impossible beings a good thing. Sometimes lost powers ought to stay that way. There's safety in ignorance, boring as that can be, but some things people are better off not knowing. For their own safety, their own sanity. There's another moment of faltering hands - talking with Solus really pushes the limits of Tyler's sign bank. And no-one appreciates being used, or turned into something they're not at the whim of something that tries to decide for them what their gifts should be used for.

His tension rises a little, to try and keep his hands steady; Isis is actually looking at Tyler now. I don't... I'm not trying to defend humanity. Society. There's too many of us who do find something and immediately turn to weaponize it, and it's often those in positions of power. I'm not stupid. I'm not naive. But to have the... the audacity - his hands whip through the individual letters with a vicious energy - to claim that you think you should be the standard to which all else is set? Regardless of your earned experience, or if that's true or not, it's still impossibly narcissistic. Even if you act like you care about them, you can't just set them up to fail and then be disappointed at them for not meeting your insane standards.

Solus watches him, gauges his movements, his words. Every fraction of a movement, every hesitation. His eyes changing their focus when something off happens, something telling. He waits, lets Tyler finish his piece with patience, and a steely resolve.

Then, he begins, his movements slow and punctual, as if trying to be very clear and controlled. In my world, long, long ago, someone like me would be considered average. We were all immortals, all were powerful, all were utterly capable. The concept of mortals did not truly exist, for no other sapient beings existed but us. So, when I say I am what all should be, I speak from the very fact that I was once the standard, not the exception.

Of course this is only...half true, because he is indeed utterly exceptional even among those god-like men, but that's besides the point. He continues with that same steady pace.

As such, I have tried to give back to the mortals what they have lost, I have taught them, fought along side them, broke bread with them, sired children, and died with them. I have not told them how to use anything I have taught them, I merely offer them choices. I give them succor in a world most cruel, but I suppose by your account my cruelty is in giving them aid at all, yes?

Again, not a total truth. While it is true that they could have used any of the knowledge he gave them for good, and that he did not push them towards any specific direction they weren't already going themselves, he knew full well the consequences. The corruption.

I suppose I should have merely left them to die on their own, should not have hoped that they might choose to help their brothers, than annihilate them. I did not force man's history to go the bloody course it went, I merely observed it. But from what you've said, you believe all should remain ignorant, that learning is its own sin? Or, do you believe the pursuit of knowledge should be dressed in red tape, arbitrarily decided upon what is or is not appropriate?

You sound just like their Mother.

Clearly those final words are meant to be some kind of insult, but without the proper context Tyler can't take offense. (It'd almost be funny, actually, if he weren't half-nauseous from fury. He's... pretty sure it's fury.)

There is a fundamental difference between a society rediscovering old technologies for themselves and learning how to adapt and recreate them, and you just handing them things on a silver platter with no instructions, he shoots back. So I'm inclined to say yes, actually, your specific form of aid to them was well-intended but unnecessary at best, and needlessly cruel at worst. And you've straight-up confessed that you don't fully understand the limitations of mortals, so it's not so surprising now that you keep committing the same mistakes against them - you couldn't possibly understand the scale we live on, and frankly that's terrifying. Humans-- mortals have a very intense grasp of their own mortality and the scope of things we can achieve therein despite what you might think - we're perfectly capable of building empires, ones that are fair and just, that can last for millennia.

His expression darkens, resentful anger burning behind his dark eyes. But then you come swanning in, toying with their lives, jeopardising their futures - playing with them. Your feelings might have been genuine then, but that's all that ever was, it's all just some big cosmic game that you want to be let in on because you're so perfect that you think if you could just get them to understand you then they would be too, but that's not how we work. People need to live and learn and make their own mistakes because that's how mortals learn. We don't get a thousand years to watch our fuck-ups play out, most of us barely get eighty just to try and impart the lessons on our future generations.

It's a low, shallow, spiteful blow. But he's furious now, the sickening twisting of his stomach is making him nearly light-headed, his hands close to shaking from the exertion of trying to hold it in. So he doesn't stop himself from continuing.

If I sound like their mother, at least it means I actually care about them.

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