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[Lobelia is held up in his study more often than not. Frequently, he'll vacate when others enter to scan through the books and various baubles in this room— give them a Lobelia-free experience for the sake of their nerves.
He knows people fear him. He hardly takes offense. Alhaitham, however, is different.
When he enters the study with his eyes making a beeline right for the shelves, Lobelia chuckles. To someone like Alhaitham, slaking his curiosity is more important than whatever would-be threat is lingering nearby.
Perches on the edge of his desk, Lobelia regards him with a wave.]
Salut, Monsieur Alhaitham. Curiosity never rests, mm? Feel free to browse or borrow at your leisure.
He knows people fear him. He hardly takes offense. Alhaitham, however, is different.
When he enters the study with his eyes making a beeline right for the shelves, Lobelia chuckles. To someone like Alhaitham, slaking his curiosity is more important than whatever would-be threat is lingering nearby.
Perches on the edge of his desk, Lobelia regards him with a wave.]
Salut, Monsieur Alhaitham. Curiosity never rests, mm? Feel free to browse or borrow at your leisure.
[Loeblia is something of a wildcard among the puppets. The only one to show his face, the one with an ostensibly different goal from the rest that aligns more with Alhaitham's, which also makes him the most interesting one in terms of identifying the differences between their groups and why they're so different within this space.
And yet it's still a bit of a surprise to actually run into him in the place he presumably haunts. The moment passes quickly, and Alhaitham offers Lobelia a nod before looking at the shelves.]
I was just looking for something relaxing. [Because this is his idea of relaxing: reading physics instead of trying to pick apart and escape the domain. He slips one of the books off the shelf that he remembers having been knocked down before and checks it over.] How lucky that the damaged caused the other night doesn't linger. This place was a mess.
And yet it's still a bit of a surprise to actually run into him in the place he presumably haunts. The moment passes quickly, and Alhaitham offers Lobelia a nod before looking at the shelves.]
I was just looking for something relaxing. [Because this is his idea of relaxing: reading physics instead of trying to pick apart and escape the domain. He slips one of the books off the shelf that he remembers having been knocked down before and checks it over.] How lucky that the damaged caused the other night doesn't linger. This place was a mess.
[Lobelia's definition of a relaxing read varies somewhat from Alhaitham's. Many of his books focus on sound, naturally, but also extend into topics like biology, criminality, and philosophy. He'll find books on acoustics that fit the bill, but not much more in the realm of physics.
Lobelia smiles, remembering the wreckage. He doesn't look particularly fussed.]
Oui. There are strange forces at work in this place, but nothing is without explanation. What remains is to gather enough evidence to make a guess at the cause, hm? Or more specifically... the source.
Alas, it seems we've made little headway.
Lobelia smiles, remembering the wreckage. He doesn't look particularly fussed.]
Oui. There are strange forces at work in this place, but nothing is without explanation. What remains is to gather enough evidence to make a guess at the cause, hm? Or more specifically... the source.
Alas, it seems we've made little headway.
[The physics of sound is what he goes for--very relevant to phonetics, though the degree Alhaitham reads about the mechanics of forming sounds is more than strictly necessary for his usual research. But he always likes to know a bit of everything at least.]
It's slower than I'd prefer, but at least we did learn something new. [Something they genuinely wouldn't have without Lobelia having decided to hang out with the rest of them that night.
His tail flicks absently.] Though now that certain things have become a pattern, we don't have the luxury of time.
It's slower than I'd prefer, but at least we did learn something new. [Something they genuinely wouldn't have without Lobelia having decided to hang out with the rest of them that night.
His tail flicks absently.] Though now that certain things have become a pattern, we don't have the luxury of time.
[Having little fear of retribution has its perks. The tradeoff is that noxious personality, but it pleases Lobelia all the same to have company even if his presence is just barely tolerated.
More importantly... if he's going to burn time talking to people, he would rather it be conversations with studious sorts like Alhaitham. Having another brain to bounce off is delightful on an otherwise dull day.]
Oui, time is a luxury we cannot afford to waste... but even if we had such a luxury, we are working with precious little in terms of resources. A bit disconcerting, N'est-ce pas?
More importantly... if he's going to burn time talking to people, he would rather it be conversations with studious sorts like Alhaitham. Having another brain to bounce off is delightful on an otherwise dull day.]
Oui, time is a luxury we cannot afford to waste... but even if we had such a luxury, we are working with precious little in terms of resources. A bit disconcerting, N'est-ce pas?
Resources can be built as knowledge grows, but there's no helping a time limit. [Between the two, the time is a bigger problem.
Since Lobelia is sitting on the desk, Alhaitham walks around to take the chair behind it with the book.]
Is everything that happened with our arrival the first substantial change you've seen in this place?
Since Lobelia is sitting on the desk, Alhaitham walks around to take the chair behind it with the book.]
Is everything that happened with our arrival the first substantial change you've seen in this place?
[He already assumes the trial dramatics are all Lobelia.
Alhaitham hums as he opens the book. He is reading, even if intermittently with the conversation.
He also switches to Fontainian as he mentally aligns what he reads with what he speaks:] And you had no warning for it. As far as we know the change in setting may only be a correlation.
I have a theory. Since you don't have an overview of the entire domain, it's possible that something or someone found it's way in or woke up in between the arrival of your group and ours.
Alhaitham hums as he opens the book. He is reading, even if intermittently with the conversation.
He also switches to Fontainian as he mentally aligns what he reads with what he speaks:] And you had no warning for it. As far as we know the change in setting may only be a correlation.
I have a theory. Since you don't have an overview of the entire domain, it's possible that something or someone found it's way in or woke up in between the arrival of your group and ours.
[Alhaitham is a stern, no-nonsense man, but this is the second time he's changed his speech with Lobelia's preferences in mind. That does not go unnoticed, nor unappreciated.
He remains casually seated on the desk, back unguarded, seemingly unbothered by the prospect that he could easily become a target this way. Maybe he trusts Alhaitham. Maybe he simply does not fear him.]
A promising théorie, and one that crossed my mind as well. Whatever this something or someone may be... I suspect they are consuming those marked for death in order to bolster it's own strength.
[Lobelia casually waves a hand as though to dismiss the thought.]
Mere speculation, bien sûr. I could easily be wrong.
He remains casually seated on the desk, back unguarded, seemingly unbothered by the prospect that he could easily become a target this way. Maybe he trusts Alhaitham. Maybe he simply does not fear him.]
A promising théorie, and one that crossed my mind as well. Whatever this something or someone may be... I suspect they are consuming those marked for death in order to bolster it's own strength.
[Lobelia casually waves a hand as though to dismiss the thought.]
Mere speculation, bien sûr. I could easily be wrong.
Surely that isn't a reluctance to share your thoughts. Are you not the kind of person to share his ideas with curious minds? [His gaze flicks up.]
I don't think what changes here result violence are mere coincidence. [It's starting to seem like the likely explanation, but there's still a lot about the why and how that isn't understood.]
But if death is an aspect of what it needs, it makes sense that it would need to find a group with less internal trust or purpose to unify them.
I don't think what changes here result violence are mere coincidence. [It's starting to seem like the likely explanation, but there's still a lot about the why and how that isn't understood.]
But if death is an aspect of what it needs, it makes sense that it would need to find a group with less internal trust or purpose to unify them.
Then that's one problem easily solved... at least in théorie.
[Lobelia turns, looking at Alhaitham over his shoulder with a thin smile.]
What will it take to foster goodwill between all our amis? Openness. A touch of vulnerability. A willingness to offer your throat to the guillotine, if only to prove you trust the hands that hold the rope.
Mm. You truly are a man of considerable intellect, Monsieur Alhaitham. That relentless thirst for knowledge is admirable on its own... but you seek harmony as well, non? No one genuinely wishes for death— not their own, not another's.
[It is the act of killing some people savor. The consequence is far less poetic. Almost painfully silent.]
So, would you say it is time we all laid our cards on the table? Sage, Foxglove, Rosemary... strangers until proven otherwise. I've always believed you cannot truly know a person until you've seen them in the flesh.
Tell me, mon ami, what do you think?
[Lobelia turns, looking at Alhaitham over his shoulder with a thin smile.]
What will it take to foster goodwill between all our amis? Openness. A touch of vulnerability. A willingness to offer your throat to the guillotine, if only to prove you trust the hands that hold the rope.
Mm. You truly are a man of considerable intellect, Monsieur Alhaitham. That relentless thirst for knowledge is admirable on its own... but you seek harmony as well, non? No one genuinely wishes for death— not their own, not another's.
[It is the act of killing some people savor. The consequence is far less poetic. Almost painfully silent.]
So, would you say it is time we all laid our cards on the table? Sage, Foxglove, Rosemary... strangers until proven otherwise. I've always believed you cannot truly know a person until you've seen them in the flesh.
Tell me, mon ami, what do you think?
[Maybe if they weren't a group that were stabbing each other on week one, but. Well, it's entirely possible who's here isn't much of an accident either, given how well they're known.]
Just like how the four of you have been open enough with each other to have enough faith of character. [A bit of trust and faith. Alhaitham leans forward, tilting his head to meet Lobelia's gaze.
And that's why he's so willing to reveal himself first. Extend the farthest offer. The flattery rolls off him--but Lobelia speaks an understandable perspective and Alhaitham has no argument.]
It's hard to say which group trusts the other less. The others have stronger opinions about how you've all handled things, but however warranted the current suspicion was I believe it's only playing into another hand that has neither of our best interests at heart. I'm not going to waste time that could be put towards a solution on convincing people about a mutual danger... but if the four of you are starting to see it, then there won't be a better time than now to offer a partnership instead of mere tolerance.
After all, is what happened to you last Thursday not a sign that you four aren't as distant from what's after the rest of us? You can try to run from it, but without a way out, how long will that really work?
Just like how the four of you have been open enough with each other to have enough faith of character. [A bit of trust and faith. Alhaitham leans forward, tilting his head to meet Lobelia's gaze.
And that's why he's so willing to reveal himself first. Extend the farthest offer. The flattery rolls off him--but Lobelia speaks an understandable perspective and Alhaitham has no argument.]
It's hard to say which group trusts the other less. The others have stronger opinions about how you've all handled things, but however warranted the current suspicion was I believe it's only playing into another hand that has neither of our best interests at heart. I'm not going to waste time that could be put towards a solution on convincing people about a mutual danger... but if the four of you are starting to see it, then there won't be a better time than now to offer a partnership instead of mere tolerance.
After all, is what happened to you last Thursday not a sign that you four aren't as distant from what's after the rest of us? You can try to run from it, but without a way out, how long will that really work?
[Alhaitham has quite the talent for peeling back the truth without flinching, doesn't he? It's a quality Lobelia appreciates— dangerous people who speak plainly are far more interesting than harmless ones who don't. He rests his folded hands on a knee, fingers laced loosely, watching Alhaitham with curious eyes.]
Mm. You make a compelling case, mon ami. A partnership instead of tolerance is a far more appealing prospect than the fragile truce we've been entertaining.
Trust is a rare currency oui? Easily squandered, easily exploited. And yet, would we be having this conversation if suspicion were all we had?
[A soft hum.]
We are not untouched by whatever stalks this place, but neither are we powerless before it. The four of us acted— not perfectly, not beautifully, but decisively. Working in harmonie will be crucial if we want to thwart whatever foe threatens us.
What say you, Monsieur Alhaitham? Shall we make something of this... faith of character?
Mm. You make a compelling case, mon ami. A partnership instead of tolerance is a far more appealing prospect than the fragile truce we've been entertaining.
Trust is a rare currency oui? Easily squandered, easily exploited. And yet, would we be having this conversation if suspicion were all we had?
[A soft hum.]
We are not untouched by whatever stalks this place, but neither are we powerless before it. The four of us acted— not perfectly, not beautifully, but decisively. Working in harmonie will be crucial if we want to thwart whatever foe threatens us.
What say you, Monsieur Alhaitham? Shall we make something of this... faith of character?
[Had this been before he went and overthrew the government with a bunch of mostly strangers, Alhaitham would probably scoff that the Plausibility. But he knows what people of different backgrounds and skills can do, and that a little bit of faith and a common goal can do more than one would think.]
I'm not against it. While our efforts are still uncoordinated, there's clear desire among the rest of us to work as a cohesive whole. I'm not the only one still willing to merge our efforts together.
But I wonder what that looks like to you. [Well, conch shells ad heel learn later.] Your decision to spend the night out with Ramuda provided some useful information. Any thoughts on how to further exploit the different relation we have to this place to uncover more answers?
[He does. But he wonders how far Lobelia has already taken that thought himself.]
I'm not against it. While our efforts are still uncoordinated, there's clear desire among the rest of us to work as a cohesive whole. I'm not the only one still willing to merge our efforts together.
But I wonder what that looks like to you. [Well, conch shells ad heel learn later.] Your decision to spend the night out with Ramuda provided some useful information. Any thoughts on how to further exploit the different relation we have to this place to uncover more answers?
[He does. But he wonders how far Lobelia has already taken that thought himself.]
[Alhaitham's clarity and his insistence on structure is a refreshing contrast to the chaos that usually surrounds Lobelia. The man sees more than he admits, and it's only fair Lobelia return the courtesy.]
But of course, mon ami. If nothing else, our little excursion proved that proximity can yield answers where logic alone proves insufficient.
[He considers Alhaitham's question, fingers tapping lightly against his knee.]
As for furthering relations... I suspect the answer lies not in any single action, but in a pattern. This place responds to us— sometimes to our fears, other times to our desires, and occasionally to the bonds we choose to form. If we wish to coax more answers from it, we must be willing to test those boundaries. Together.
But of course, mon ami. If nothing else, our little excursion proved that proximity can yield answers where logic alone proves insufficient.
[He considers Alhaitham's question, fingers tapping lightly against his knee.]
As for furthering relations... I suspect the answer lies not in any single action, but in a pattern. This place responds to us— sometimes to our fears, other times to our desires, and occasionally to the bonds we choose to form. If we wish to coax more answers from it, we must be willing to test those boundaries. Together.
[Meanwhile, Alhaitham appreciates someone clear-eyed about what needs to be done and a shared enough goal to actually make it happen. Not that he regrets leaving Lobelia to puppet drown in the well that one time. That's just a lesson in not acting impulsively.
Taking calculated risks on the other hand...
He hums, and then there's the slight quirk up of his lips.] Then I have a few ideas where we can push its limits.
[Others can worry about the trial. He doesn't have a strong preference how they work with it. He just wants to see how quickly they can act out of expectations and get one step ahead of this.] There's enough of us we can target multiple areas at once.
Taking calculated risks on the other hand...
He hums, and then there's the slight quirk up of his lips.] Then I have a few ideas where we can push its limits.
[Others can worry about the trial. He doesn't have a strong preference how they work with it. He just wants to see how quickly they can act out of expectations and get one step ahead of this.] There's enough of us we can target multiple areas at once.
[As long as Alhaitham makes no further attempts to drown him, they're gucci.
It is, of course, a pleasant surprise to find someone with the nerve to take risks knowing full well the consequences may be dire. That takes audacity. That takes nerve. Lobelia is quietly pleased to discover he has an ally cut from a similar cloth. For a man who has lived most of his life alone in the shadows, it is an odd comfort to find himself in capable company.
He shifts, dragging one leg up onto the desk to turn and study Alhaitham more closely.]
A bold idea... and one worth exploring. You are in good standing with the others, oui? With coordinated efforts, I believe we can push those limits exactly as you intend.
[Side note:]
A smile suits you. Do brighten up more often, nuage d'orage.
It is, of course, a pleasant surprise to find someone with the nerve to take risks knowing full well the consequences may be dire. That takes audacity. That takes nerve. Lobelia is quietly pleased to discover he has an ally cut from a similar cloth. For a man who has lived most of his life alone in the shadows, it is an odd comfort to find himself in capable company.
He shifts, dragging one leg up onto the desk to turn and study Alhaitham more closely.]
A bold idea... and one worth exploring. You are in good standing with the others, oui? With coordinated efforts, I believe we can push those limits exactly as you intend.
[Side note:]
A smile suits you. Do brighten up more often, nuage d'orage.
[Perhaps it's just the matter of having something worth taking those risks for. That, and entirely too much self-confidence.
When Lobelia leans in, he says two things that are unexpected, though not necessarily untrue. Alhaitham isn't usually in good standing with people, but with everyone focused on a common goal his usual stand-offness hasn't driven people away. When that's usually the intention, it's strange to acknowledge.
And given his usual attitude, he doesn't get many comments on his smile either.] Then give me something else to smile about.
[Forecast for next week is not looking good.]
When Lobelia leans in, he says two things that are unexpected, though not necessarily untrue. Alhaitham isn't usually in good standing with people, but with everyone focused on a common goal his usual stand-offness hasn't driven people away. When that's usually the intention, it's strange to acknowledge.
And given his usual attitude, he doesn't get many comments on his smile either.] Then give me something else to smile about.
[Forecast for next week is not looking good.]
[Lobelia laughs, low and pleased. Alhaitham's challenge stirs the fire in him. And that request? Even better. He leans in, studying Alhaitham with unmistakable delight.]
You want something to smile about... très bien. Then let us give the trial a reason to tremble. A plan bold enough to warrant that expression, non?
[His smile sharpens, warm around the edges, far too entertained by the prospect of pushing limits together.]
Work with me, and I promise you'll find no shortage of things worth smiling at.
You want something to smile about... très bien. Then let us give the trial a reason to tremble. A plan bold enough to warrant that expression, non?
[His smile sharpens, warm around the edges, far too entertained by the prospect of pushing limits together.]
Work with me, and I promise you'll find no shortage of things worth smiling at.
[Oh, now that's got Lobelia's attention. Alhaitham props his chin on his hand, holding his cool expression in a taunt. No more smiles yet.]
If the pattern holds, we have four more days before things move to facilitate someone else's death. [One of which will be taken up by Suffering.
He shifts so he can pull his notepad from his belt pouch.] Let's start by combining our information on this place and everything we've witnessed in each trial. Did this place ever shift or expand before our arrival?
If the pattern holds, we have four more days before things move to facilitate someone else's death. [One of which will be taken up by Suffering.
He shifts so he can pull his notepad from his belt pouch.] Let's start by combining our information on this place and everything we've witnessed in each trial. Did this place ever shift or expand before our arrival?
Smart thinking. Let's do that.
[Lobelia hums, chin tipped up as if the answers lie somewhere along the ceiling.]
This place only began to shift once you and the others arrived. It was... peaceful. The winds didn't carry the same ominous air. The weather was stable and predictable. Quite odd, in hindsight. It's as if it were waiting for a full house before beginning the show.
[Lobelia hums, chin tipped up as if the answers lie somewhere along the ceiling.]
This place only began to shift once you and the others arrived. It was... peaceful. The winds didn't carry the same ominous air. The weather was stable and predictable. Quite odd, in hindsight. It's as if it were waiting for a full house before beginning the show.
And the layout from your perception hasn't changed? [Meaning the buildings are the same, their contents the same... hm.] Did it revert attempts at modification?
So this study has always had a hidden cell attached. [Well. It's somebody's kink.]
For the most part it seems to refuse to let us adapt this place to our preferences, excluding moving the books around. [He has so many stacked in his room. And the living area.] But as it consistently appears with desire, perhaps the initial blueprint comes from you four, drawn in from the moment you entered.
[Until something else took over.] What happens when you walk to the bounds of the visible area?
For the most part it seems to refuse to let us adapt this place to our preferences, excluding moving the books around. [He has so many stacked in his room. And the living area.] But as it consistently appears with desire, perhaps the initial blueprint comes from you four, drawn in from the moment you entered.
[Until something else took over.] What happens when you walk to the bounds of the visible area?
Oui. Do not trouble yourself over it.
[Or do. Alhaitham would be right to be wary— Lobelia simply won't press the issue.]
Mm... but I do understand your point. It is entirely possible that the four of us shaped this place, however unintentionally... and that the rest of you may, in due time, leave your own imprint as well.
As for walking beyond the bounds... ah. We always return to where we began. A loop, neat and inescapable. I can only assume there is some peculiar magic at work. It would make sense, non? Given how thoroughly our perceptions have already been twisted and tampered with?
[Or do. Alhaitham would be right to be wary— Lobelia simply won't press the issue.]
Mm... but I do understand your point. It is entirely possible that the four of us shaped this place, however unintentionally... and that the rest of you may, in due time, leave your own imprint as well.
As for walking beyond the bounds... ah. We always return to where we began. A loop, neat and inescapable. I can only assume there is some peculiar magic at work. It would make sense, non? Given how thoroughly our perceptions have already been twisted and tampered with?
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