[Upon approaching the wishing well, Anaxagoras will find a familiar-looking conch shell sitting upon its pebbled mouth. Vague sounds emanate from it... and if he puts it up to his ear, or perhaps speaks to it, Lobelia will answer.
Or he could ignore the conch entirely. Also a valid option. Live your life, Anaxa, Lobelia ain't here to judge.]
[ Seriously, though. Anaxagoras makes choices in his life, even if he is making a sigh all the while, knowing what kind of person he is searching for (in a way??)
He then sees this, looking confused. But, he picks up the conch, not knowing what he's supposed to do with this. ]
[ Before Lobelia can start being nonsensical...or so he hopes. Rip. ]
After the events of last week, I wasn't about to leave it all alone. I'm sure you and the rest of your allies had a chat about what to do going forward.
Yet, I haven't heard anything else following that. I'd almost thought someone within that little group of yours would have changed the approach in light of the danger - however, it looks like instead the status quo was preserved, hm?
Ah, Monsieur Anaxagoras, straight to the heart of the matter. How refreshing!
[He laughs, as if the accusation of idleness amuses him more than it offends.]
You are correctβ our little council has not changed course. Rashness would only serve to feed whatever game is being played with us. The others are gathering information, testing samples, and watching for patterns. We are proceeding with caution, not complacency.
[His tone turns a touch more pointed.]
But tell me, Monsieur... does prudence disappoint you? Or were you hoping for a show of desperation?
[Anaxagoras won't have to rely on hunting down a conch shell to speak to Lobelia today. He's holed up in the library amidst the storm, tucked in a corner with a stack of books at his side. His hood is up β the chill is pervasive β but it doesn't prevent him from picking up on approaching footsteps.
Lobelia tips his head back to see who it is, and when he does... ah. He smiles.]
We meet again, Monsieur Anaxagoras. Don't tell me you were a vilain garçon wandering about in the snow... Quite the perilous journey when there is little warmth to be found.
[ Anaxagoras appears in the library himself, looking miserable, face even a little reddened from the cold, nodding his head at the greeting. It's strange, seeing Lobelia as he is, with the books surrounding him all the while. He's the type of person to indulge in such things as well? ]
...I don't know what that is.
[ His words are spoken softly as he keeps a close eye on the other man, gaze curious all the same. ]
But, I was trying to do quite a bit. There's much to be done. Even if it's cold, I can't stop for anything...how irritating it is to suddenly deal with a snowy spell. Why not simply grace us with pleasant weather instead if we must endure the horrors?
[Ah... Anaxagoras is rarely sunshine and rainbows, but right now he's practically a storm cloud. If nothing else, Lobelia hopes he left the frost and sleet outside.
He clears a path through the towers of books to let Anaxagoras step closer. The sheer amount of literature, piled beside him, scattered at his feet, bristling with sticky notes and tabs, might be concerning to anyone else. But Anaxagoras will soon learn this is perfectly ordinary for Lobelia. He pursues knowledge as voraciously as any practiced mage.]
If only the world were so kind! Perhaps this is merely the storm before warm, gentle weather... or perhaps the storm will worsen before it breaks. Who can say?
[Lobelia shrugs.]
Ah... but you seem to be feeling this bout of inclement weather more keenly than most. I prefer warmer days myself, but chin up, Monsieur. All that pouting will give you wrinkles.
[ Something like a storm cloud, indeed! He comes on over despite the general mood he has, eye sweeping over each and every note laid out before him as he walks through. He even reaches for a book, far too curious to keep from doing so. ]
Typically, in dangerous situations, there is still more of a chance for a storm to worsen.
[ A disgruntled mutter. Though, after allowing himself to properly digest all of that apparent showing of research and note-taking, he gives Lobelia a little Look. ]
Hmph. You often will see such a face regardless. Though, that being said...it will take quite a long while for wrinkles to appear. Just so you know. [ He already seems so cheery despite his silence when Yuki died. That's right, he remembers that...it makes him wonder, but one thing at a time. ] You have been quite at it yourself, haven't you? Working through even this storm. I doubt you've been researching the elixir of youth in our circumstances.
[Anaxagoras's little Look earns a quiet laugh from Lobelia. He watches the man thumb through a book, amused at how quickly curiosity wins out over gloom.]
Ah, so even storms can be coaxed into clearer skies with the promise of something interesting.
[His smile curves, eyes tinged with a quiet amusement. Nothing mean, though. Nothing pointed.]
You are right, of course. Dangerous moments do tend to worsen before they break... but you are navigating this one quite well, Monsieur. Better than you give yourself credit for.
[He rests an elbow on the arm of his chair, chin settling into his palm as he studies Anaxagoras openly now, far too delighted by the shift in his manner.]
And oui, I have been keeping myself occupied. When the weather is unkind, one must find warmth in other forms, non? Books, company... stimulating conversation.
Tell me, Anaxagoras. What keeps you warm when the storm refuses to pass?
[Lobelia has been scarce this week, but those who know how to find him won't find it too terribly difficult to pin him down. Mercifully, he's suggested Anaxas meet him in a place the sun fails to reach. In this case, it's the morgue.
The low light helps hide the telltale signs of exhaustion on him. When Anaxas enters, Lobelia greets him with a wave that comes a touch delayed.]
[ Perfect. No interference from any other elements at this time for what he has in mind.
...They aren't grand plans. Just simple ones. That said, the delay and lack of obvious energy is indication enough on something being up. ]
I did.
...Lobelia, do you consider someone the type of individual who is able to entertain himself with a game or two?
[ He is bringing his arms out from behind his back to raise something over head, and then present what he has on hand. He supposes he doesn't know if it's Lobelia's speed, but the offer is there. To be exact, the presentation of a board game or two (one is chess, another maybe a knock off monopoly game if those exist.) ]
[...Well. He understands Anaxagoras as a man with as many facets as he has surprises up his sleeves, so maybe the offer of a board game shouldn't shock him. Lobelia blinks, looking down at both boxes.]
...Ah, oui. All the better with a sharp-witted opponent on the other end of the board.
[ A little bit of a dramatic flourish towards one of the desks before seating himself down. ]
Given what has transpired recently, there is much cause for preoccupation. In times like these, we make the best of what we have. Including seeing how well our minds can stay sharp. So, choose whichever shape is here and suited to yourself - then, we can begin.
[ He begins to spread out monopoly ontop of one of the desks. It's not something he's played often and requires a bit more open thought as opposed to chess. He takes the hat-shaped piece because it calls to him. ]
[...Lobelia stares at Anaxagoras for a long moment.]
You're much kinder than you let on, aren't you? Ah... but that isn't a criticism. I find that quite charming.
[He didn't need to be told that Anaxagoras was a good, upright man when they met, but it's heartening to know that someone with so much good would bother to expend his time on him. He reminds Lobelia of a certain other surprisingly kind, eyepatched man...]
I will take this piece.
[The one shaped like a man riding on a horse. Lobelia sets it on the board.]
["What have you fucked up this time" is certainly one way to begin a conversation... though with Anaxagoras, intriguing premises are hardly unusual.
Even so, Lobelia has his own concerns, more about himself than about the man he's meeting. And there's no point hiding them now. With the company Anaxagoras keeps, he may well have sensed something amiss already.
He sets a time and overshoots it by nearly thirty minutes. Ordinarily, he would never be late. If he were, he would at least feign contrition. Today, he offers neither. He simply arrives in the study, a touch less composed than usual. It will have to do.]
Do you truly expect I've wrought that much chaos between our last conversation and now? C'est triste...
[ Anaxagoras knows Lobelia has a penchant for causing trouble. Some people have pointed it out because they are annoyed, perhaps, but a man like himβ¦
Does anyone notice if there is ever really something amiss with him? He has had concerns, even if he is sharp in the way he presents himself. As Lobelia arrives late, that does not help matters much. Either way, he had brought along a certain lamp just in case - the man has his own capabilities, but he could have fought people here or there and sustained injury.
Or...well, he is paying close attention to Lobelia now. Does he appear tired (eyebags)? How was his gait when he arrived (normal, slow or off?)? ]
You have a tendency to easily rile up others, as well as get into trouble. Itβs a tendency I recognize well.
[ Because he too is like that, but in different ways. It is the life of a Ragebaiter. One in which he knows a certain other eyepatches man lives as well⦠]
Either way, you never struck me as an individual who arrived so late. If it were a few minutesβ¦itβs easy to overlook. But, it took longer than that. What happened?
[Lobelia looks tired, heavy bags under his eyes and sluggish movements. He's doing his best to keep himself presentable, all things considered... but it's clearly taking a lot of effort on his end.]
I understand your time is valuable... but these things happen. I simply... took a different path, you could say.
A different path, you say? I should hope that you realize that isn't exactly convincing?
[ Because of the state he is in.
Anaxagoras is, unfortunately, pretty sharp. Not much happens to get by him - but, he has a sneaking suspicion that this is a battle he may not win just yet.
So, while he questions him, he looks towards the furniture. ]
Well, since you are here...how about we take a moment to sit down as well? Standing around for chat is hardly worth it if we're going to take our time as usual.
[ He will go to seat himself in one of those chairs pointedly. At least if Lobelia is feeling difficult in answering questions he get him to rest his feet, he is certain, while mulling on why he looks so...off. It's deeply concerning. ]
[He's fine, he's fine! Geez, what is everyone so worried for?
...No, Lobelia knows why. It's the finer details he can't discuss with any particular ease. Following Anaxagoras, Lobelia takes a seat.]
Oui... but no difficult questions today, hm? I'm afraid I can't give our wonderful conversations the full attention they deserve today, and I would hate to disappoint you.
[Lobelia has all the higher functioning of a fruit loop right now, but with a little luck and a whole lot of misdirection, he makes his way to the sitting room. He looks, hm, unwell!
What's more, he doesn't even say anything to Anaxagoras when they lock eyes. Lobelia simply stares at him. Menacingly.]
[ Anaxagoras sees that Lobelia's condition has deteriorated rapidly and suddenly...whatever bit the man is holding onto must be the last vestiges of his sanity, even in the threatening way he looks at him.
It pains him, because despite who Lobelia is, he finds that he can't be inclined towards otherwise. Perhaps he'll regret holding even that sentiment some day. But, it is just as well. ]
You've held on for quite a long time. Yes, even if you look at me like that, with such inane expression, I'm proud you stubbornly persisted.
[ How dangerous. The man could claw out his throat even like this, but he is not afraid. He is here to make good on his word, even if it may prove to be useless. He will be obstinate as he said he would.
Then, he makes a dramatic gesture with a hand pointing upwards. ]
...Today, I bring a reminder in a form of a performance. Do you still understand that concept, Lobelia?
[...So effortlessly kind. Frustratingly enough for Lobelia, he's inclined to accept what Anaxagoras says as the truth. He doesn't hand out baseless platitudes. His concern is misplaced, yes, but not unappreciated... even if Lobelia will never admit it.
The tension in his shoulders eases, as does the serrated look in his eyes. Anaxa disarms him easily enough, though Lobelia is, as always, on high alert.]
...Oui. All of life is a stage, isn't it? I haven't forgotten the ground I tread on.
[ Within Anaxagoras' stubbornness lies his desire to be truthful in every single fiber of all that he is - he sugarcoats nothing, yet he cares nonetheless, even if it might lead him to ruin.
But, in the end, if he can manage something - that is enough. Nothing is set in stone. Even if it is what it appears to be. With a single thought, everything can be turned on its head. ]
It certainly is. I had hoped you would say as such.
Not only because it is something you would not have forgotten [ Yet... ], but it is also common ground.
[ Their mindsets remain different, though intersect at points. This one being one of them - Anaxagoras even spreads his arms like some kind of crazy man on stage as he can be wont to do, instead of the one. Yes, a little performance will do indeed, even if he follows no script. ]
The universe is vast, with gods, beings, and whatever else that dare to view us as mere playthings - even a concept of irrefutable fate.
So, are you interested in a tale of one who stubbornly tried to defy fate? Or one who answered the door when it came knocking? Or both?
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Week 1, tuesday
Or he could ignore the conch entirely. Also a valid option. Live your life, Anaxa, Lobelia ain't here to judge.]
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He then sees this, looking confused. But, he picks up the conch, not knowing what he's supposed to do with this. ]
...What is this doing here?
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Salut! Is that Monsieur Anaxagoras I hear on the other end of my conque...?
[Bet you wished you left that conch alone, eh, Anaxa?]
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Yes, it is.
[ He wished he did leave that conch alone. ]
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[ Before Lobelia can start being nonsensical...or so he hopes. Rip. ]
After the events of last week, I wasn't about to leave it all alone. I'm sure you and the rest of your allies had a chat about what to do going forward.
Yet, I haven't heard anything else following that. I'd almost thought someone within that little group of yours would have changed the approach in light of the danger - however, it looks like instead the status quo was preserved, hm?
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[He laughs, as if the accusation of idleness amuses him more than it offends.]
You are correctβ our little council has not changed course. Rashness would only serve to feed whatever game is being played with us. The others are gathering information, testing samples, and watching for patterns. We are proceeding with caution, not complacency.
[His tone turns a touch more pointed.]
But tell me, Monsieur... does prudence disappoint you? Or were you hoping for a show of desperation?
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week 2, tuesday
Lobelia tips his head back to see who it is, and when he does... ah. He smiles.]
We meet again, Monsieur Anaxagoras. Don't tell me you were a vilain garçon wandering about in the snow... Quite the perilous journey when there is little warmth to be found.
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...I don't know what that is.
[ His words are spoken softly as he keeps a close eye on the other man, gaze curious all the same. ]
But, I was trying to do quite a bit. There's much to be done. Even if it's cold, I can't stop for anything...how irritating it is to suddenly deal with a snowy spell. Why not simply grace us with pleasant weather instead if we must endure the horrors?
[ He is huffing a little... ]
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He clears a path through the towers of books to let Anaxagoras step closer. The sheer amount of literature, piled beside him, scattered at his feet, bristling with sticky notes and tabs, might be concerning to anyone else. But Anaxagoras will soon learn this is perfectly ordinary for Lobelia. He pursues knowledge as voraciously as any practiced mage.]
If only the world were so kind! Perhaps this is merely the storm before warm, gentle weather... or perhaps the storm will worsen before it breaks. Who can say?
[Lobelia shrugs.]
Ah... but you seem to be feeling this bout of inclement weather more keenly than most. I prefer warmer days myself, but chin up, Monsieur. All that pouting will give you wrinkles.
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Typically, in dangerous situations, there is still more of a chance for a storm to worsen.
[ A disgruntled mutter. Though, after allowing himself to properly digest all of that apparent showing of research and note-taking, he gives Lobelia a little Look. ]
Hmph. You often will see such a face regardless. Though, that being said...it will take quite a long while for wrinkles to appear. Just so you know. [ He already seems so cheery despite his silence when Yuki died. That's right, he remembers that...it makes him wonder, but one thing at a time. ] You have been quite at it yourself, haven't you? Working through even this storm. I doubt you've been researching the elixir of youth in our circumstances.
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Ah, so even storms can be coaxed into clearer skies with the promise of something interesting.
[His smile curves, eyes tinged with a quiet amusement. Nothing mean, though. Nothing pointed.]
You are right, of course. Dangerous moments do tend to worsen before they break... but you are navigating this one quite well, Monsieur. Better than you give yourself credit for.
[He rests an elbow on the arm of his chair, chin settling into his palm as he studies Anaxagoras openly now, far too delighted by the shift in his manner.]
And oui, I have been keeping myself occupied. When the weather is unkind, one must find warmth in other forms, non? Books, company... stimulating conversation.
Tell me, Anaxagoras. What keeps you warm when the storm refuses to pass?
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week 3, tuesday
The low light helps hide the telltale signs of exhaustion on him. When Anaxas enters, Lobelia greets him with a wave that comes a touch delayed.]
Salut. You wanted to speak with me?
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...They aren't grand plans. Just simple ones. That said, the delay and lack of obvious energy is indication enough on something being up. ]
I did.
...Lobelia, do you consider someone the type of individual who is able to entertain himself with a game or two?
[ He is bringing his arms out from behind his back to raise something over head, and then present what he has on hand. He supposes he doesn't know if it's Lobelia's speed, but the offer is there. To be exact, the presentation of a board game or two (one is chess, another maybe a knock off monopoly game if those exist.) ]
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...Ah, oui. All the better with a sharp-witted opponent on the other end of the board.
[Care to stick around for a game?]
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[ A little bit of a dramatic flourish towards one of the desks before seating himself down. ]
Given what has transpired recently, there is much cause for preoccupation. In times like these, we make the best of what we have. Including seeing how well our minds can stay sharp. So, choose whichever shape is here and suited to yourself - then, we can begin.
[ He begins to spread out monopoly ontop of one of the desks. It's not something he's played often and requires a bit more open thought as opposed to chess. He takes the hat-shaped piece because it calls to him. ]
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You're much kinder than you let on, aren't you? Ah... but that isn't a criticism. I find that quite charming.
[He didn't need to be told that Anaxagoras was a good, upright man when they met, but it's heartening to know that someone with so much good would bother to expend his time on him. He reminds Lobelia of a certain other surprisingly kind, eyepatched man...]
I will take this piece.
[The one shaped like a man riding on a horse. Lobelia sets it on the board.]
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Week 4, wednesday
Even so, Lobelia has his own concerns, more about himself than about the man he's meeting. And there's no point hiding them now. With the company Anaxagoras keeps, he may well have sensed something amiss already.
He sets a time and overshoots it by nearly thirty minutes. Ordinarily, he would never be late. If he were, he would at least feign contrition. Today, he offers neither. He simply arrives in the study, a touch less composed than usual. It will have to do.]
Do you truly expect I've wrought that much chaos between our last conversation and now? C'est triste...
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Does anyone notice if there is ever really something amiss with him? He has had concerns, even if he is sharp in the way he presents himself. As Lobelia arrives late, that does not help matters much. Either way, he had brought along a certain lamp just in case - the man has his own capabilities, but he could have fought people here or there and sustained injury.
Or...well, he is paying close attention to Lobelia now. Does he appear tired (eyebags)? How was his gait when he arrived (normal, slow or off?)? ]
You have a tendency to easily rile up others, as well as get into trouble. Itβs a tendency I recognize well.
[ Because he too is like that, but in different ways. It is the life of a Ragebaiter. One in which he knows a certain other eyepatches man lives as well⦠]
Either way, you never struck me as an individual who arrived so late. If it were a few minutesβ¦itβs easy to overlook. But, it took longer than that. What happened?
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I understand your time is valuable... but these things happen. I simply... took a different path, you could say.
What matters now is that I am here, oui?
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A different path, you say? I should hope that you realize that isn't exactly convincing?
[ Because of the state he is in.
Anaxagoras is, unfortunately, pretty sharp. Not much happens to get by him - but, he has a sneaking suspicion that this is a battle he may not win just yet.
So, while he questions him, he looks towards the furniture. ]
Well, since you are here...how about we take a moment to sit down as well? Standing around for chat is hardly worth it if we're going to take our time as usual.
[ He will go to seat himself in one of those chairs pointedly. At least if Lobelia is feeling difficult in answering questions he get him to rest his feet, he is certain, while mulling on why he looks so...off. It's deeply concerning. ]
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...No, Lobelia knows why. It's the finer details he can't discuss with any particular ease. Following Anaxagoras, Lobelia takes a seat.]
Oui... but no difficult questions today, hm? I'm afraid I can't give our wonderful conversations the full attention they deserve today, and I would hate to disappoint you.
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week 5, wednesday
What's more, he doesn't even say anything to Anaxagoras when they lock eyes. Lobelia simply stares at him. Menacingly.]
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It pains him, because despite who Lobelia is, he finds that he can't be inclined towards otherwise. Perhaps he'll regret holding even that sentiment some day. But, it is just as well. ]
You've held on for quite a long time. Yes, even if you look at me like that, with such inane expression, I'm proud you stubbornly persisted.
[ How dangerous. The man could claw out his throat even like this, but he is not afraid. He is here to make good on his word, even if it may prove to be useless. He will be obstinate as he said he would.
Then, he makes a dramatic gesture with a hand pointing upwards. ]
...Today, I bring a reminder in a form of a performance. Do you still understand that concept, Lobelia?
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The tension in his shoulders eases, as does the serrated look in his eyes. Anaxa disarms him easily enough, though Lobelia is, as always, on high alert.]
...Oui. All of life is a stage, isn't it? I haven't forgotten the ground I tread on.
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But, in the end, if he can manage something - that is enough. Nothing is set in stone. Even if it is what it appears to be. With a single thought, everything can be turned on its head. ]
It certainly is. I had hoped you would say as such.
Not only because it is something you would not have forgotten [ Yet... ], but it is also common ground.
[ Their mindsets remain different, though intersect at points. This one being one of them - Anaxagoras even spreads his arms like some kind of crazy man on stage as he can be wont to do, instead of the one. Yes, a little performance will do indeed, even if he follows no script. ]
The universe is vast, with gods, beings, and whatever else that dare to view us as mere playthings - even a concept of irrefutable fate.
So, are you interested in a tale of one who stubbornly tried to defy fate? Or one who answered the door when it came knocking? Or both?