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[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.]
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. ]
...What is this doing here?
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?
[He won't be left waiting for answers long! A voice, boisterous and bright, echoes from within the conch:]
Salut! Is that Monsieur Anaxagoras I hear on the other end of my conque...?
[Bet you wished you left that conch alone, eh, Anaxa?]
Salut! Is that Monsieur Anaxagoras I hear on the other end of my conque...?
[Bet you wished you left that conch alone, eh, Anaxa?]
Edited 2025-11-12 00:36 (UTC)
[ . . . ]
Yes, it is.
[ He wished he did leave that conch alone. ]
Yes, it is.
[ He wished he did leave that conch alone. ]
I'll get down to business.
[ 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?
[ 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?
Edited 2025-11-12 00:44 (UTC)
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?
[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?
[ The same words - yet, in his entire being he always had a feeling he'd hear such things indeed.
But, Anaxagoras did not run on complete presumption. Verifying was always a necessary part of it all. All the same, he hears the tone, more pointed in his direction, and even if this is communication by conch, he takes it seriously. ]
Prudence? It feels as if within there happens to be carelessness instead. An overabundance of caution can wind up being useless and ineffective. While it is convenient that all of you can shield yourselves and we can't, I doubt that will last forever.
And try not don't make me laugh. Your actions already reek of desperation. What I was hoping for was something far more tangible in the wake of the incident. Something to grant weight to words presented to us in the aftermath of that disaster...however, clearly that didn't happen.
Is it not also instead cowardice, that to confirm this I had to chase one of you down in the first place?
[ Anaxagoras takes a breath. Despite the fact he is saying this with an edge to his tone, there is a harder rage that pushes forward. So he needs to take a moment even after that. ]
...Not that I'm pleased with the results, mind.
But, Anaxagoras did not run on complete presumption. Verifying was always a necessary part of it all. All the same, he hears the tone, more pointed in his direction, and even if this is communication by conch, he takes it seriously. ]
Prudence? It feels as if within there happens to be carelessness instead. An overabundance of caution can wind up being useless and ineffective. While it is convenient that all of you can shield yourselves and we can't, I doubt that will last forever.
And try not don't make me laugh. Your actions already reek of desperation. What I was hoping for was something far more tangible in the wake of the incident. Something to grant weight to words presented to us in the aftermath of that disaster...however, clearly that didn't happen.
Is it not also instead cowardice, that to confirm this I had to chase one of you down in the first place?
[ Anaxagoras takes a breath. Despite the fact he is saying this with an edge to his tone, there is a harder rage that pushes forward. So he needs to take a moment even after that. ]
...Not that I'm pleased with the results, mind.
[There it is: indignation sharpened to a fine point. Lobelia listens, smiling on the other end of the conch, though something in his cadence cools the longer Anaxagoras speaks. It's not anger, precisely. More like quiet, deliberate disappointment.]
My, my... such venom for a question so mild. You wound me, Monsieur Anaxagoras.
[He exhales through his nose, faintly amused despite himself.]
But perhaps you are right. There's a line between caution and cowardice, I'll grant you that. Still, I would hardly call prudence a luxury when rashness risks feeding the same malice that swallowed one of our own. If you seek tangible action, rest assured, it's being taken. You simply may not see the shape of it yet.
Tell me, then. What would you have us do instead? Charge blindly into the jaws that devoured Monsieur Giyuu? You strike me as a man who values results, so enlighten me. How would you ensure we all live to see them?
My, my... such venom for a question so mild. You wound me, Monsieur Anaxagoras.
[He exhales through his nose, faintly amused despite himself.]
But perhaps you are right. There's a line between caution and cowardice, I'll grant you that. Still, I would hardly call prudence a luxury when rashness risks feeding the same malice that swallowed one of our own. If you seek tangible action, rest assured, it's being taken. You simply may not see the shape of it yet.
Tell me, then. What would you have us do instead? Charge blindly into the jaws that devoured Monsieur Giyuu? You strike me as a man who values results, so enlighten me. How would you ensure we all live to see them?
[ Anaxagoras feels more at home with the disappointment of others, wherein others might recoil at that from strangers. Perhaps even better suited to those who are nonsensical, though more than what they appear.
But, more importantly, even in the throes and fires of his sharp-toothed fury perhaps even outrageously enhanced by the rage of the beast inside, he struggles to find his footing. He can't be properly pleased.
So, he settles himself down on the dirt, unrefined, uncomfortable. It pains him because this willingness to keep away information reminds him of Aglaea, controlling information behind the scenes, where he wishes to spread everything out for everyone to know. But, he knows she cared, maybe that's why he is here. He knows that maybe this is the same, even for Lobelia with his nonsense. ]
Tsk. You know little of myself, Lobelia [ the first time he has spoken his name ] and I of you. My experience with those in power falling short is not minimal. Yet, even now the effects of this place dares to try to sink its wretched claws deep inside.
First of all, at least one of you needs to improve your communication methods with everyone. Even if I personally won't ever agree with any methods any of you employ, everyone did have a right to know if you were sticking to your initial approach.
Not that I'm interested in doing it all for each of you. That's not my responsibility. [ Stop being sassy. ] Second of all, the first was key, so naturally it's a part of keeping morale high.
Third of all, knowledge is power. I do my best to make sure the general public knows at the very least the information behind the background of this place. From what I could tell, some of the info you all may have could help us know more. If you're all keeping yourselves from acting out of self-preservation [ he lacks it completely so he supposes he knows logically why it exists, he can struggle if it means other innocent people suffer...but he's too tsundere to say that too rip ] that's one matter.
But if someone asks you all a question about this place and there's clearly some dancing around, how is that going to keep us all from being subtly pushed into those very jaws just the same?
But, more importantly, even in the throes and fires of his sharp-toothed fury perhaps even outrageously enhanced by the rage of the beast inside, he struggles to find his footing. He can't be properly pleased.
So, he settles himself down on the dirt, unrefined, uncomfortable. It pains him because this willingness to keep away information reminds him of Aglaea, controlling information behind the scenes, where he wishes to spread everything out for everyone to know. But, he knows she cared, maybe that's why he is here. He knows that maybe this is the same, even for Lobelia with his nonsense. ]
Tsk. You know little of myself, Lobelia [ the first time he has spoken his name ] and I of you. My experience with those in power falling short is not minimal. Yet, even now the effects of this place dares to try to sink its wretched claws deep inside.
First of all, at least one of you needs to improve your communication methods with everyone. Even if I personally won't ever agree with any methods any of you employ, everyone did have a right to know if you were sticking to your initial approach.
Not that I'm interested in doing it all for each of you. That's not my responsibility. [ Stop being sassy. ] Second of all, the first was key, so naturally it's a part of keeping morale high.
Third of all, knowledge is power. I do my best to make sure the general public knows at the very least the information behind the background of this place. From what I could tell, some of the info you all may have could help us know more. If you're all keeping yourselves from acting out of self-preservation [ he lacks it completely so he supposes he knows logically why it exists, he can struggle if it means other innocent people suffer...but he's too tsundere to say that too rip ] that's one matter.
But if someone asks you all a question about this place and there's clearly some dancing around, how is that going to keep us all from being subtly pushed into those very jaws just the same?
[There's a pause, just long enough to suggest that Lobelia is weighing his words carefully and not merely reacting. When he speaks again, his tone is calm, collected, but laced with something quieter. Understanding, perhaps, or restraint.]
So that's the heart of it. Not fear, but frustration. You wish for clarity, for unity... I can hardly fault you for that.
[He exhales, a sound closer to a sigh than a laugh.]
Communication, oui. I'll concede that much. Our little council could do better in keeping others apprised. You have my word, Monsieur, that I'll see to that. As for information, whatever knowledge we have will reach you, if it hasn't already. No hoarding, no secrecy for secrecy's sake.
[He lets that assurance linger a moment before continuing, tone turning sharper.]
But know this: there's a difference between careful stewardship and blind transparency. Some truths, once spoken, cannot be unspoken. And I'd rather the jaws you speak of find me first than see another soul dragged in because I spoke too soon.
[The last words soften, his usual warmth slipping back in.]
Still... your conviction does you credit, Anaxagoras. Keep speaking plainly. Heaven knows this place could use more voices unwilling to whisper.
So that's the heart of it. Not fear, but frustration. You wish for clarity, for unity... I can hardly fault you for that.
[He exhales, a sound closer to a sigh than a laugh.]
Communication, oui. I'll concede that much. Our little council could do better in keeping others apprised. You have my word, Monsieur, that I'll see to that. As for information, whatever knowledge we have will reach you, if it hasn't already. No hoarding, no secrecy for secrecy's sake.
[He lets that assurance linger a moment before continuing, tone turning sharper.]
But know this: there's a difference between careful stewardship and blind transparency. Some truths, once spoken, cannot be unspoken. And I'd rather the jaws you speak of find me first than see another soul dragged in because I spoke too soon.
[The last words soften, his usual warmth slipping back in.]
Still... your conviction does you credit, Anaxagoras. Keep speaking plainly. Heaven knows this place could use more voices unwilling to whisper.
[ ...oh.
Anaxagoras supposes he should have expected if he were to be honest and candid that people would recognize that. Some of the people here are proving to be rather unique. Or rather, it is perhaps he has to get used to dealing with people being not delusional.
He wasn't afraid of being angry at. Not by far. Lobelia has his own points as well, steel reflective in that tone, but is clearly the thoughtful type. Understanding, though not completely bending, either.
He closes his one remaining eye after the expression of shock ebbs away to something calm. ]
I see...I accept this compromise.
Though do realize I would rather you nor anyone else be found in the jaws of anything.
[ He still sounds a bit more surprised, letting out a sigh of his own. He reminds himself that this is not the Council. Nor the Grove. ]
I do also understand better now.
...Even if we'll still clash in some ways, I imagine. [ A slight huff, a little light to keep the mood as much even if he tends to grump his way through. ] However, I can sense your drive. In your own way you're earnest as well.
I will also indeed still remain unfailingly forthright in who I am and speak plainly even if it means my end. Whispering is not my modus operandi, you'll find.
Anaxagoras supposes he should have expected if he were to be honest and candid that people would recognize that. Some of the people here are proving to be rather unique. Or rather, it is perhaps he has to get used to dealing with people being not delusional.
He wasn't afraid of being angry at. Not by far. Lobelia has his own points as well, steel reflective in that tone, but is clearly the thoughtful type. Understanding, though not completely bending, either.
He closes his one remaining eye after the expression of shock ebbs away to something calm. ]
I see...I accept this compromise.
Though do realize I would rather you nor anyone else be found in the jaws of anything.
[ He still sounds a bit more surprised, letting out a sigh of his own. He reminds himself that this is not the Council. Nor the Grove. ]
I do also understand better now.
...Even if we'll still clash in some ways, I imagine. [ A slight huff, a little light to keep the mood as much even if he tends to grump his way through. ] However, I can sense your drive. In your own way you're earnest as well.
I will also indeed still remain unfailingly forthright in who I am and speak plainly even if it means my end. Whispering is not my modus operandi, you'll find.
GΓ©nial! Then we understand one another. A rarity in this place, and a pleasant one.
And rest assured, Monsieur, the sentiment is mutual. I'd prefer you remain well clear of any jaws, literal or otherwise. You strike me as the sort who would chew back, and I'd hate to witness the aftermath.
[He chuckles on the other end, fond and sharp in equal measure.]
Clash with me if you must. I welcome it. Better an honest blow than a polite lie, but don't mistake disagreement for discord. If you speak plainly and stand your ground, I will always answer in kind.
Whispering, after all, has never been my style either.
And rest assured, Monsieur, the sentiment is mutual. I'd prefer you remain well clear of any jaws, literal or otherwise. You strike me as the sort who would chew back, and I'd hate to witness the aftermath.
[He chuckles on the other end, fond and sharp in equal measure.]
Clash with me if you must. I welcome it. Better an honest blow than a polite lie, but don't mistake disagreement for discord. If you speak plainly and stand your ground, I will always answer in kind.
Whispering, after all, has never been my style either.
A rarity? ...So it is, then. We're somehow aligned.
[ Anaxagoras hopes that this remains the case...but, you know what, he's not necessarily a pessimist, even if he is realistic. He's actually slightly more of an optimist, really... ]
...Oh, we'll still have reasons to clash. [ A little smirk, that's actually sassy, but kind of in maybe a positive way. ] Though, it seems it may be for better reasons.
When we first crossed paths, I did recall how loud you are.
Trying to imagine you whispering like a mouse would be odd. I'd even start to wonder if you had been replaced.
[ Anaxagoras hopes that this remains the case...but, you know what, he's not necessarily a pessimist, even if he is realistic. He's actually slightly more of an optimist, really... ]
...Oh, we'll still have reasons to clash. [ A little smirk, that's actually sassy, but kind of in maybe a positive way. ] Though, it seems it may be for better reasons.
When we first crossed paths, I did recall how loud you are.
Trying to imagine you whispering like a mouse would be odd. I'd even start to wonder if you had been replaced.
[Lobelia lets out a laugh. He can practically hear that smirk on the other end of the conch.]
Oh, loud, was I? Then I must have made quite the impression. I'll take it as a compliment. Most men shout without purpose, but I like to think I make noise only when it's worth hearing.
And yes... a rarity. Not because we agree, but because you stand your ground while doing so. Most balk the moment you push back. You didn't. That alone earns my respect, whether we're aligned today or clawing at each other tomorrow.
Oh, loud, was I? Then I must have made quite the impression. I'll take it as a compliment. Most men shout without purpose, but I like to think I make noise only when it's worth hearing.
And yes... a rarity. Not because we agree, but because you stand your ground while doing so. Most balk the moment you push back. You didn't. That alone earns my respect, whether we're aligned today or clawing at each other tomorrow.
[ Oh, it is certainly true. Anaxagoras does remember being all too cranky at that time, but then he had a mind to come here half because of that...being exceptionally cranky, all the while. ]
Hmm. Now is a good time to say that I'm hardly surprised by the audacity. Though, it's true you did make an impression.
Even if I was annoyed by it. Don't let it go too much to your head.
[ Sharpening one's wit, was it? Anaxagoras is the type of man who can't help but want to rise to the challenge when he is so inclined.
But, also a rarity, he says? Anaxagoras considers this carefully. He can't help in being curious about it, just a little. ]
Perhaps because people assume 'agreement' means full subservience, when the reality is quite a bit more complicated than that.
...However, I also have to ask:
Are you speaking from personal experience, Lobelia?
Hmm. Now is a good time to say that I'm hardly surprised by the audacity. Though, it's true you did make an impression.
Even if I was annoyed by it. Don't let it go too much to your head.
[ Sharpening one's wit, was it? Anaxagoras is the type of man who can't help but want to rise to the challenge when he is so inclined.
But, also a rarity, he says? Anaxagoras considers this carefully. He can't help in being curious about it, just a little. ]
Perhaps because people assume 'agreement' means full subservience, when the reality is quite a bit more complicated than that.
...However, I also have to ask:
Are you speaking from personal experience, Lobelia?
[Some will call him audacious, others a menace, a problem, a monster. It matters little to Lobelia which label he's slapped with. He'll continue marching to the beat of his own drum regardless, just as he always has.
In either case, he's not unwilling to meet reasonable folk halfway. Anaxagoras is sharp-tongued and keen-eyed, but Lobelia likes that about him. Perhaps that's why he's willing to answer honestly, humming on the other end of the conch.]
Ah... personal experience? Bien sΓ»r. There is no sharper lesson than watching a man crumble the moment you push back. You learn quickly who has a spine, and who merely pretends at one.
In either case, he's not unwilling to meet reasonable folk halfway. Anaxagoras is sharp-tongued and keen-eyed, but Lobelia likes that about him. Perhaps that's why he's willing to answer honestly, humming on the other end of the conch.]
Ah... personal experience? Bien sΓ»r. There is no sharper lesson than watching a man crumble the moment you push back. You learn quickly who has a spine, and who merely pretends at one.
[ Anaxagoras lends a close ear, hearing Lobelia speak of lessons on this particular matter - much as the man is who he is, the spark of curiosity that reigned is still lit. Perhaps indeed for him holding that confident and playful tone, there is that side of quick wit as well.
Evidence of those layers that makeup what Lobelia is. And who knows what more is there to discover? ]
A fragile will is a dangerous thing. The world is not too kind to those who have forgotten what it means to stand on their own two feet in the face of adversity.
Those who can't forge a proper spine of their own simply are bound to lose it entirely.
[ He taught his students to debate against him. To give higher marks when they dare challenge his own ideas, like he did his teacher's. ]
People do not truly learn, if they are unwilling to ever push back or know to stand up after being sent to their feet. I suppose that is why even I hardly tolerated it much. Although...talking on this much with you, I have a suspicion you would have driven your teachers up a wall.
Evidence of those layers that makeup what Lobelia is. And who knows what more is there to discover? ]
A fragile will is a dangerous thing. The world is not too kind to those who have forgotten what it means to stand on their own two feet in the face of adversity.
Those who can't forge a proper spine of their own simply are bound to lose it entirely.
[ He taught his students to debate against him. To give higher marks when they dare challenge his own ideas, like he did his teacher's. ]
People do not truly learn, if they are unwilling to ever push back or know to stand up after being sent to their feet. I suppose that is why even I hardly tolerated it much. Although...talking on this much with you, I have a suspicion you would have driven your teachers up a wall.
[Ah, there it is again... Anaxagoras's spine, straight as a blade. Lobelia can almost taste the steel of it. He hums low in approval.]
You speak as though fragility is a sin. Perhaps it is. But I've found that most men who call others fragile are terrified of being seen for what they are. Push them once and they collapse... or they bare their teeth. Either is just as revealing.
As for teachers... mon ami, I assure you, they tried. I simply learned too quickly how to push back before I stopped listening to them altogether. It is a useful skill. One you clearly possess as well.
You speak as though fragility is a sin. Perhaps it is. But I've found that most men who call others fragile are terrified of being seen for what they are. Push them once and they collapse... or they bare their teeth. Either is just as revealing.
As for teachers... mon ami, I assure you, they tried. I simply learned too quickly how to push back before I stopped listening to them altogether. It is a useful skill. One you clearly possess as well.
[ ...As expected, this man is up to something, isn't he? Curious, but also not simply allowing himself to jump to the other subject, Anaxagoras turns his attention back to this with ease. He's at the ready, because it is a natural of course, after all. ]
Don't be ridiculous.
I speak on fragility as it exists within people. The mind is unique and vast, and no person is the same. If those who falter easily do not rise to acknowledge that weak part of them can be a guide to inner strength or at all, that will be it; and there are those who simply can't.
Bear in mind it is also the same with everyone else. They will collapse in on themselves.
It is a harsh truth that many can't accept, and those that do not often find themselves struggling just the same with their own delusions. Which, of course, is not difficult to witness on how.
For as much is to be said about those who dare to push back against others, and their teachers...it is not typically liable to make people fond of them.
Though, not many are able to necessarily handle certain personalities.
[ There is perhaps irony in that too. ]
Don't be ridiculous.
I speak on fragility as it exists within people. The mind is unique and vast, and no person is the same. If those who falter easily do not rise to acknowledge that weak part of them can be a guide to inner strength or at all, that will be it; and there are those who simply can't.
Bear in mind it is also the same with everyone else. They will collapse in on themselves.
It is a harsh truth that many can't accept, and those that do not often find themselves struggling just the same with their own delusions. Which, of course, is not difficult to witness on how.
For as much is to be said about those who dare to push back against others, and their teachers...it is not typically liable to make people fond of them.
Though, not many are able to necessarily handle certain personalities.
[ There is perhaps irony in that too. ]
Tsk, mon ami... you mistake me if you think I deny the mind its labyrinth. Fragility is not a failing to me. It is a doorway.
The ones who collapse in on themselves reveal the hollow places. The ones who rise illuminate their steel. Either way, it tells me precisely who I am dealing with.
You, for instance. You speak of weakness with such clarity, neither flinching from it nor clinging to it. That is exceedingly rare. Most men scramble to hide their cracks, yet you map them as though they belong to a constellation only you can read. Très fascinant.
As for those who cannot handle certain personalities...
[His smile curves, his mirth audible.]
Well. I find that those who profess such difficulty often lack imagination. Or courage. Sometimes both.
The ones who collapse in on themselves reveal the hollow places. The ones who rise illuminate their steel. Either way, it tells me precisely who I am dealing with.
You, for instance. You speak of weakness with such clarity, neither flinching from it nor clinging to it. That is exceedingly rare. Most men scramble to hide their cracks, yet you map them as though they belong to a constellation only you can read. Très fascinant.
As for those who cannot handle certain personalities...
[His smile curves, his mirth audible.]
Well. I find that those who profess such difficulty often lack imagination. Or courage. Sometimes both.
[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.
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 hadn't imagined he might feel some of that mirth himself, hearing this - yes, the first half of that made reasonable amount of sense. In fragility, in someone's collapse, their true self can be revealed - especially so after they rise back to their feet. But, there's more to it.
Such that Lobelia also then speaks of him, in particular. That he's...fascinated by him? ]
Haha! You do realize not many people would call myself that? Fascinating, that is. Especially after saying what could be construed as fighting words.
...But, also you saw right to the heart of it. How many can manage that?
[ The word Lobelia used is also close enough to what he's seen he can make a connection - though, not always. It has to be related, right? It's even surprising to him. A Blasphemer being called as such; but, it's not unpleasant...the audacity of this man. ]
'Lack imagination, courage, or both'...
If it were a matter of a difference of opinion, it'd be their prerogative. My experience typically shows that such people tend to handle such individuals with little grace as well. Do you consider that it means they add a challenge to our lives, or are not worth even that kind of acknowledgement?
Such that Lobelia also then speaks of him, in particular. That he's...fascinated by him? ]
Haha! You do realize not many people would call myself that? Fascinating, that is. Especially after saying what could be construed as fighting words.
...But, also you saw right to the heart of it. How many can manage that?
[ The word Lobelia used is also close enough to what he's seen he can make a connection - though, not always. It has to be related, right? It's even surprising to him. A Blasphemer being called as such; but, it's not unpleasant...the audacity of this man. ]
'Lack imagination, courage, or both'...
If it were a matter of a difference of opinion, it'd be their prerogative. My experience typically shows that such people tend to handle such individuals with little grace as well. Do you consider that it means they add a challenge to our lives, or are not worth even that kind of acknowledgement?
[ 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?
[ He is huffing a little... ]
...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... ]
[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.
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.
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.
Edited 2025-11-18 13:35 (UTC)
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