[...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.]
Tsk...saying such things. But, it'd be foolish to speak unwell on the matter.
Though winter has left us, I have no intentions of being that cold.
[ Still, it's embarrassing to be called out like this, as his concern must be palpable. Not to mention, those words of encouragement stuck around too. As such, Anaxagoras knows that Lobelia's comments are not barbed with wire...it's not a bad compliment, all things considered.
Though, seeing the piece Lobelia takes, his expression turns also gentle in curiosity. ]
...Interesting. I suppose in a way that one called out to you as well?
[ He begins to grab the cards to shuffle them per the instructions. ]
[Lobelia would love to fuss over Anaxagoras some more, but knowing men like him, he'd sooner shed the veil of goodwill than allow his softer side to be the subject of teasing. The kindness of people like Anaxagoras must be treated with gentle hands, lest it be taken away.
Lobelia's eyes follow Anaxagoras's to the piece he'd chosen. Lobelia smiles thinly.]
I suppose so, oui. What does the man on his horse represent? The freedom to go where you please, to take the reins of life into your own hands.
[Something like that. Lobelia points at Anaxagoras's piece.]
And that hat-shaped piece? Knowing you, I doubt your choice was pure happenstance.
[ Lobelia does not know it, but he is definitely one of the people who have certainly earned such kindness. Everything he has done, everything he has said, has had meaning to him.
He also listens well as the other speaks upon his reason for choosing his own. The freedom to go where he pleases, to take life into his own hands...
Well, he wonders, what kind of symbolism would that have had for the other man during this week...? He can't help but let his thoughts linger on the potential imagery. ]
...I see. You never made me imagine yourself as one who would allow himself to do anything else. An uncontrollable motion forward of speed, on a steed...that's how you would prefer to live your right, correct?
[ He murmurs such words, in careful consideration, thinking already about his choice. He...originally thought maybe not, but - something else comes to mind, as he closes one eye in thought. ]
Originally, I almost answered that it was. However, even the subconscious has answers. I'm certain you are familiar with the idea of an individual wearing a multitude of hats? Many roles?
[Anaxagoras understands the symbolic meaning behind his choice without the need for lengthy explanation. That's good. Lobelia has always gotten along well with those who don't need everything spelled out for them.
He nods easily, leaning forward.]
Oui. Try to box me in and restrict me and I get a little... antsy.
[Or problematic, depending on how you look at it.]
Ah, but of course. That would be you then, oui? A master of all things... or perhaps simply a jack of all trades?
[ Anaxagoras does smirk faintly when he reopens his one eye. Some things don't change from the other man, even if the incidents that have come to pass ever so recently.
As such, it is no surprise he indeed understands that answer, perhaps expected it too. The Venerationists wanted to try to keep him trapped to one line of thought, think like the rest, follow the sheep. ]
...Seems I understood it well enough.
[ He will be now taking out the dice. ]
I don't have enough knowledge to be a master of all, nor as a jack of all trades. Yet, I can confidently state that I am a master in more than a few subjects. Variable enough, though existing outside of the conventional definition of those who have picked up a myriad skills.
It is simply who I am. However, I believe that while my capability is decent even by myself, it is even more masterful when I can use it with others. [ A hat is meant to be worn by someone, right? Himself, others... ] After all, what good is knowledge, or intelligence when I can't share it?
[Lobelia hums— quiet, but unmistakably pleased. Anaxagoras always answers in ways that surprise him without ever contradicting what Lobelia suspected. That balance is rare.]
So, you are a master, after all. Not of all things, non, that would be dreadfully boring... but of yourself. And that, mon cher, is a discipline most people never achieve.
[He watches the man handle the dice, eyes bright with amusement.]
Knowledge kept locked away is nothing but a dusty relic on a forgotten shelf. But knowledge shared? Intelligence offered freely? That becomes power. Influence. Connection.
Which is why you fascinate me. You don't hoard what you know. You sharpen it in the presence of others.
But tell me, do you prefer to teach, or to be challenged? I suspect you shine brightest when someone is clever enough to push back.
[ A master of himself, is it? Anaxagoras knows little who have ever even began to dare say it of themselves - to proclaim they know much was easy. To say that they knew themselves better than anything else, harder still...he nods to acknowledge this with a faint smile.
He throws the dice to determine who makes the first move. He then dramatically does a sweep of his hand to Lobelia to indicate, 'You first'. Now, the dice can be used to determine how far one gets on the board at a time, so on and so forth. ]
People tend to have their reasons for keeping it locked away. But, you already know how I am - and naturally, I won't deny it. Connection can become that strength; a collective truth powerful enough to clear away delusion.
To even sharpen knowledge like the very blade you spoke of perhaps now, and before. But indeed alongside others.
...As for your inquiry, I prefer both. I enjoy teaching others, to empower them so that they can make their own decisions to stand on their own feet. But, challenges are what keeps the soul alive. I taught in my own class "the bolder question, the better" and those who could debate with myself for hours could pass easier.
[ Some people when they say this, they have thin skin and are full of it, but Anaxagoras is just like this. ]
...You don't strike myself as the former. Though, we've spoken on challenges before, I do wonder. What is the kind of challenge that makes you feel the most spirited and alive?
[Lobelia accepts the gesture with a little flourish of his own, fingertips brushing the edge of the board as if he were about to read the future from its cardboard constellations. The dice settle, and so does something in his expression— not seriousness, exactly, but a keener kind of delight.]
Ah, a teacher who invites boldness. Quelle merveille. Most scholars I have known crumble the instant their pupils dare to press them... but you offer the blade and encourage them to test its edge. That is a rare kind of generosity, Monsieur.
[He moves his token far too thoughtfully for someone playing Monopoly, as if every square is an argument waiting to happen, a dialectic in miniature.]
People lock things away, yes... but you strike me as someone who opens the door the moment someone knocks with sincerity. Not because you owe the world your truths, but because you understand that ideas only breathe when they are exchanged.
[He glances up, grin bright.]
As for your question... what challenge enlivens me? It is simple. Someone who does not yield. Someone who meets my momentum with their own. Someone who refuses to be dazzled or intimidated, and instead answers in kind.
A mind that pushes back, reshapes the conversation, forces me to consider angles I had not yet seen. In other words, the sort of challenge you seem very capable of providing.
[ How many steps has Lobelia approached the very same in his duration here? Including, as always, to angle his perceptive nature quite well in the way he has done upon himself. ]
Hahaha, rare is it ever someone calls myself particularly generous in my teaching methods!
Consider myself delightfully amused to hear so.
[ For being a Professor he may or may not be a bad influence here...considering Greenhouse crimes he'll be (rightfully) judged for. But, it is true that is not always the case - it's why his students who stuck by became strong and independent on their own.
Either way, Anaxagoras tosses the dice forward - and with that, the die have been once again cast. No way to move but forward; it looks chaotic, but it is purposeful on a subtler gaze. ]
...For all of that I have given yourself new considerations, I always manage to find myself at least quite a bit surprised when speaking with you.
Most may find themselves caught up in the big picture, though it is the little details that help see the ultimate vision - one that remains at times evershifting bit by bit. Even if consistent in nature.
And of course, there is the fact that we have as usual oft tended towards talking on difficult subjects, ones that are constant, welcoming challenges in of themselves. Yet, emerge without wanting to silence the other completely...though, as I understand it, if so happens if we enter into a fierce disagreement as well, we've both accepted that too.
[ He means this in good humor as his one eye creases, sparking a bit brightly in vibrant cheer, reaching out to hand the dice back. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
...Ah, oui. All the better with a sharp-witted opponent on the other end of the board.
[Care to stick around for a game?]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
Though winter has left us, I have no intentions of being that cold.
[ Still, it's embarrassing to be called out like this, as his concern must be palpable. Not to mention, those words of encouragement stuck around too. As such, Anaxagoras knows that Lobelia's comments are not barbed with wire...it's not a bad compliment, all things considered.
Though, seeing the piece Lobelia takes, his expression turns also gentle in curiosity. ]
...Interesting. I suppose in a way that one called out to you as well?
[ He begins to grab the cards to shuffle them per the instructions. ]
no subject
Lobelia's eyes follow Anaxagoras's to the piece he'd chosen. Lobelia smiles thinly.]
I suppose so, oui. What does the man on his horse represent? The freedom to go where you please, to take the reins of life into your own hands.
[Something like that. Lobelia points at Anaxagoras's piece.]
And that hat-shaped piece? Knowing you, I doubt your choice was pure happenstance.
no subject
He also listens well as the other speaks upon his reason for choosing his own. The freedom to go where he pleases, to take life into his own hands...
Well, he wonders, what kind of symbolism would that have had for the other man during this week...? He can't help but let his thoughts linger on the potential imagery. ]
...I see. You never made me imagine yourself as one who would allow himself to do anything else. An uncontrollable motion forward of speed, on a steed...that's how you would prefer to live your right, correct?
[ He murmurs such words, in careful consideration, thinking already about his choice. He...originally thought maybe not, but - something else comes to mind, as he closes one eye in thought. ]
Originally, I almost answered that it was. However, even the subconscious has answers. I'm certain you are familiar with the idea of an individual wearing a multitude of hats? Many roles?
no subject
He nods easily, leaning forward.]
Oui. Try to box me in and restrict me and I get a little... antsy.
[Or problematic, depending on how you look at it.]
Ah, but of course. That would be you then, oui? A master of all things... or perhaps simply a jack of all trades?
no subject
As such, it is no surprise he indeed understands that answer, perhaps expected it too. The Venerationists wanted to try to keep him trapped to one line of thought, think like the rest, follow the sheep. ]
...Seems I understood it well enough.
[ He will be now taking out the dice. ]
I don't have enough knowledge to be a master of all, nor as a jack of all trades. Yet, I can confidently state that I am a master in more than a few subjects. Variable enough, though existing outside of the conventional definition of those who have picked up a myriad skills.
It is simply who I am. However, I believe that while my capability is decent even by myself, it is even more masterful when I can use it with others. [ A hat is meant to be worn by someone, right? Himself, others... ] After all, what good is knowledge, or intelligence when I can't share it?
no subject
So, you are a master, after all. Not of all things, non, that would be dreadfully boring... but of yourself. And that, mon cher, is a discipline most people never achieve.
[He watches the man handle the dice, eyes bright with amusement.]
Knowledge kept locked away is nothing but a dusty relic on a forgotten shelf. But knowledge shared? Intelligence offered freely? That becomes power. Influence. Connection.
Which is why you fascinate me. You don't hoard what you know. You sharpen it in the presence of others.
But tell me, do you prefer to teach, or to be challenged? I suspect you shine brightest when someone is clever enough to push back.
no subject
He throws the dice to determine who makes the first move. He then dramatically does a sweep of his hand to Lobelia to indicate, 'You first'. Now, the dice can be used to determine how far one gets on the board at a time, so on and so forth. ]
People tend to have their reasons for keeping it locked away. But, you already know how I am - and naturally, I won't deny it. Connection can become that strength; a collective truth powerful enough to clear away delusion.
To even sharpen knowledge like the very blade you spoke of perhaps now, and before. But indeed alongside others.
...As for your inquiry, I prefer both. I enjoy teaching others, to empower them so that they can make their own decisions to stand on their own feet. But, challenges are what keeps the soul alive. I taught in my own class "the bolder question, the better" and those who could debate with myself for hours could pass easier.
[ Some people when they say this, they have thin skin and are full of it, but Anaxagoras is just like this. ]
...You don't strike myself as the former. Though, we've spoken on challenges before, I do wonder. What is the kind of challenge that makes you feel the most spirited and alive?
no subject
Ah, a teacher who invites boldness. Quelle merveille. Most scholars I have known crumble the instant their pupils dare to press them... but you offer the blade and encourage them to test its edge. That is a rare kind of generosity, Monsieur.
[He moves his token far too thoughtfully for someone playing Monopoly, as if every square is an argument waiting to happen, a dialectic in miniature.]
People lock things away, yes... but you strike me as someone who opens the door the moment someone knocks with sincerity. Not because you owe the world your truths, but because you understand that ideas only breathe when they are exchanged.
[He glances up, grin bright.]
As for your question... what challenge enlivens me? It is simple. Someone who does not yield. Someone who meets my momentum with their own. Someone who refuses to be dazzled or intimidated, and instead answers in kind.
A mind that pushes back, reshapes the conversation, forces me to consider angles I had not yet seen. In other words, the sort of challenge you seem very capable of providing.
Your turn.
no subject
Hahaha, rare is it ever someone calls myself particularly generous in my teaching methods!
Consider myself delightfully amused to hear so.
[ For being a Professor he may or may not be a bad influence here...considering Greenhouse crimes he'll be (rightfully) judged for. But, it is true that is not always the case - it's why his students who stuck by became strong and independent on their own.
Either way, Anaxagoras tosses the dice forward - and with that, the die have been once again cast. No way to move but forward; it looks chaotic, but it is purposeful on a subtler gaze. ]
...For all of that I have given yourself new considerations, I always manage to find myself at least quite a bit surprised when speaking with you.
Most may find themselves caught up in the big picture, though it is the little details that help see the ultimate vision - one that remains at times evershifting bit by bit. Even if consistent in nature.
And of course, there is the fact that we have as usual oft tended towards talking on difficult subjects, ones that are constant, welcoming challenges in of themselves. Yet, emerge without wanting to silence the other completely...though, as I understand it, if so happens if we enter into a fierce disagreement as well, we've both accepted that too.
[ He means this in good humor as his one eye creases, sparking a bit brightly in vibrant cheer, reaching out to hand the dice back. ]