My apologies then, sir. [Yeah. That's all you're gonna get from now on, Sara. You had your chance.
But he laughs at the statement.]
Yes. I suppose that would be quite silly, yes. After all, while being here we have no status, rank nor money to back up our name. [That would seem reasonable, wouldn't it? Why cling on titles and proper etiquette when none of them matter in a world like this, with no kings or nobility. Except that to Richard his name and the blood behind it is everything. His lifeline and shield to protect him from the rest of the world.]
However, we must not forget who we are and where we come from. Addressing one by their rightful title is only sign of respect not only to the other person, but to yourself and your family. They say that we are born into world with a purpose. For some it is to harvest the land, for some it is to follow, and for some it is to lead. It is our blood that determines our place and purpose. What makes one divine.
[Saralegui doesn't bother correcting him, but the tiniest little smirk does cross his face. He can't help it, he's a bit of an asshole and loves reveling in the sense of I know something you don't.
At that little monologue, however, his expression goes a bit thoughtful, head tilting and hair slipping over his shoulder in a fall of gold as he eyes the man.]
...I was assuming you were a demon, but I'm less sure now.
[It's conversational, without any implied insult. He's not exactly an expert on the demon race's culture, but it seems like a fair assumption that they might put less stock in blood when their country's ruler isn't picked via primogeniture and the king himself has an adopted daughter.]
[The tone, despite all of the pretenses, has been rather light and conversational so far, hasn't it. Both of them know better than to trust one another here, holding the cards closely to their chests. It resembles the polite dance that Richard was used to perform with the other nobles, smiling and deceiving.
That is at least until the other man gives out his assessment of his person. It's so... casual, uncaring of the accusation and judgement behind it. Honestly, any other person would probably just take it as poor joke. But Richard? Yeah no.
His companion might just have stabbed him in the back, because that is what it feels like when the words slip past his lips. His entire body tenses up, breath freezing up in his lungs. The barbs of the vines are coiling around his throat, digging into his muscles. Eyes wide as plate, he casts a distressed and almost fearful look. He's almost expecting the other person to fade into darkness with a set of laughter.
Honestly? There would be some comfort if this one turned out to be Joan in another form. But no such luck for poor Richard.
'Why are you so afraid? Aren't you already in light.' He could imagine Buckingham say something along those words. But his other half is not here, no one to guide him or hold him through these nightmares. He's all alone again. Just like back in the woods.]
...That is not something to jest around so lightly, sir. [He speaks eventually, voice strained and too distant for his own ears. And of course, since this is Richard he is already reaching for his sword.]
[Saralegui is certainly prone to sly jabs and double meanings, but in this case he's being pretty genuine, and so he doesn't immediately notice the distress he's caused. He carries on a few steps further before he realizes the other man has stilled, and he looks back with a confused expression.]
Are you alright...?
[Clearly not. But the exact shade of "not alright" is evading him at the moment, and he'd like tk know if there's some other lurking threat putting this man on edge or if he's just a lunatic that might snap and attack at any moment.
Gold eyes flick briefly to the hand moving towards the sword. The wariness hasn't left him.]
['Are you alright..?' Idk, fam. It's pretty loaded question. Richard never really been alright, constantly haunted by his demons and other fears lurking in the darkness, the cursed voice calling for his death. Living itself is nothing but a Hell itself. So, yes. In that regard, he's not alright.
But at the moment? Richard is not quite sure yet. The look on his eyes sharpens as he keep waiting for the blonde man to make his another move. Waiting for yet another heckle and damnation, thinking just how much has the man heard. Had Woodvilles somehow influenced the minds of this world.]
[But seeing that the next blow doesn't come, Richard forces the tension dissolve from his shoulders and sardonic smile spread back to his lips. His hand doesn't leave the handle of his sword but hey! At least this is something.]
Hah, my apologies yet again. It seems that the wine of this world really disagrees with me. [:D ?]
[Despite the sword at his hip, he practically radiates harmlessness. Even while wary, his hands never stray towards the hilt. His palms don't even have a single callus. This is not a person that typically fights anyone.
Still, he doesn't seem entirely stupid. There's a moment of clear skepticism and exasperation before he schools his expression into something more pleasant.]
Perhaps rather than a place to sleep this off, I should be finding you a healer.
[Richard is not worried about his skill in battle or ability to take care of himself. The other one might be carrying a sword, like any self-respecting noble should, but he does not miss the softness of his skin. Yet another stark contrast to himself. Despite the fairness of his complex, he's trained his body to be hard like steel, covered in cuts and scars from the battlefields. Something he really doubts that this man has ever seen.
But despite all of that confidence he'd rather avoid unnecessary bloodshed for now, until he has found his footing properly.]
Hah. Do I truly seem to be so far gone that I might need a doctor?
[It's a clumsy and bad lie, and Richard does not really expect the other one to buy it. But hey! As long as he's not truly called out on it they can use it as a crutch and move past the awkwardness of the situation and his little hiccup.]
Nay. I assure you, I am fine. The fresh night air does wonders to clear one's mind
The skepticism makes you already so much smarter than most of people Richard has to deal with in daily basis. The good men who had dulled their senses from the danger and deceive after the horrors of the war had ended.]
Believe what? That we have been spirited away from our homes to this purgatory? Absolutely. [He fully believes in the story that he had been told upon his arrival. About prison, the council and atonement. Well, it is too bad that Richard has no intentions of following the rules laid in front of him.]
[Richard cocks up a curious brow at that question. 'It is about the same as yours. I'm certain', is what he'd like to say. But then again, there are high chances that the golden man was a foreigner -- perhaps coming from the Holy Roman Empire? It would explain the attire, at least.]
I hail from the England. My territory lies in the northern part of the country. The climate is harsh and cold, and has trained the people to be resilient when facing hardships. The London, our capital, however is different. There are lush green woods and beautiful nature. The people are more merry, enjoying from the riches brought all around the world.
[Saralegui's head tilts slightly towards Richard as he talks, listening even as he keeps his eyes forward and attention sharp in case of other dangers lurking in these dark back-alleys.]
I see. I've never heard of England, but I suppose that's to be expected of another world.
[Richard may be thinking a little too small with this whole "other worlds" business...]
My country is called Small Shimaron. Despite the name, it's the second-largest kingdom in the human territories. It's not quite as cold as Large Shimaron, so I can hardly complain about coming in second.
[He sounds lighthearted enough about it, and not at all like he's long been subtly working towards taking over Large Shimaron.]
i.. probably should cw for v. ancient colonialist mindset huh?
[Richard's brain is, unfortunately, very small when it comes to these thing. The idea of another world, one that is not neither hell or heaven just doesn't fit to it! So, when Sara admits not knowing about England Richard just corks up a questioning eyebrow because wow?? How do you not know the glorious superpower that's England? The shining Kingdom on the world map.
The name 'Shimaron' makes him think of the unknown and dangerous territories of the east -- the places beyond the map of the Ottomans. Honestly? That would explain many things. All except for the mention of "the human territories"? Just what sort of barbarians they were facing.]
I, too, have never heard of the name of your home. It seems like no one can escape the divine punishment.
it's richard iii, people should know what they're getting into
[Oddly enough, that's what draws Saralegui's eyes back over to the strange man, his brows arching up slightly in something like thought or mild surprise. He soon glances away again with an automatic smile, but it's faint and somehow bitter.
If "demon" is Richard's trigger, then Saralegui's is the exact opposite.]
"Divine punishment", hmm?
[The novelty of this place has been a decent distraction from the rollercoaster of emotions he'd been dealing with right before waking up here, but that wording knocks him back down to reality a bit. It's been all of two or three days since his mother, the queen of the Divine Tribe, suddenly reappeared – or rather, just appeared, since "reappeared" makes it sound like she'd ever been at all present in his life before – and brought with her all kinds of fresh new revelations. Extremely personal revelations about himself that he'd had to sit and listen to in a room full of people, most of which didn't even like him. He'd had to keep a straight face while they agonizingly explained all the circumstances of his birth and childhood and how his own mother hadn't wanted him and how the one person he'd trusted completely had been lying to him his whole life. It was humiliating, infuriating.
Even worse were the moments right before he'd arrived here when he'd finally lost his composure entirely. It's embarrassing to think about now that he'd had time to breathe, and every time he looks at the fucking "Divine Sword" on his hip he simultaneously wants to throw it in a ditch and selfishly keep it.
All in all, the very word "divine" tastes sour in his mouth now.]
All this is supposedly punishment for alleged crimes, from what I've heard. If those responsible can claim victims with such a large scope, then they must indeed be some sort of gods.
[Oh look at them. Both already dropping bombs around each other unknowingly.
Richard catches the subtle change in his companions companion with his bad eye. Of course, he can't be sure just what it was that triggered the shift in his demeanor, to show the cracks underneath the perfect marble, but he does pay attention to it. Could it be the conversation taking a turn into more religious direction? If so, how funny but not too unsurprising. They were all sinners here, after all.]
At the end every soul is going to have to answer for it's sins. It seems that our judgement is now sooner than later. [That is how the world works, right. God has created them all, and calls them back once they've completed their role in his plan... And then there were the ones like Richard, who could not have been born from the divine light.
But Richard remember the way Buckingham had once denied this belief, rejecting the fate. Such strong stance that had also changed Richard's own world, too. So, he just has to ask.]
["God" is a weird concept in a world where one country's god has directly interfered with shit. It's less about belief, because he certainly can't say he doesn't believe in the existence of such deities. If the question is one of respect or worship then it's definitely a no, but this guy seems pretty devout, and he's tactful enough to not be so blunt about it. Fortunately, he has a politician's skill in sidestepping such issues.]
I wouldn't say I'm religious. But given the situation, I certainly can't deny the involvement of some higher power.
[But as for that "judgement"... He's not sure what to think about any of it. The "crime" he'd been charged with was vague. And while he can admit to having done some morally questionable things, is he supposed to believe some god cared enough to do something about it? Or beyond that, that their retribution would come in this form?
And most importantly, there's another issue in when one would normally expect to face god's judgement.]
Do you think that means we're dead? Because I don't remember dying.
[He says it so matter-of-factly that it's clear he doesn't really think so, even if he's the one offering up the possibility.]
[Aaahh, if only Richard could hear the other man's thoughts. He would laugh at the absurdity of someone thinking him out of all people as devout. After all, he's a demon. Born with sin and cursed to bring ruin and death anywhere near him. But to him 'God' is just something that is. The absolute rule and law of the world.
Richard mulls over the question for a bit, bringing his hand to rest against his chest. His heart is still beating just as the same. ]
I don't know. [He admits solemnly as he casts his gaze down. It would seem that they were still alive, he thinks. But who knows. Do people have heartbeat in the paradise? And what about in Hell? Richard doesn't have answers to the questions about the world beyond the living. But he can't help but think of the person who he believes to have all Godly answers.]
[Saralegui nearly scoffs at the uncertainty, but restrains himself to a faint amused huff of breath.
As they finally step out of the alleyway, Saralegui pauses, glancing up and down the now quiet street.]
Well, this doesn't resemble any afterlife I've ever heard of. And if those of us here are from different worlds, then I can't imagine we'd all end up in the same place anyway. Doesn't it make more sense to assume everyone else is right in that this is just another world?
[One under the control of beings who for some reason want to "rehabilitate" them, beings that must be powerful indeed to make all this happen, but as long as they're not dead, then there's a chance of escape.]
[Once they reach the end of the alley Richard stops briefly, staying behind in the darkness. He looks up, eyes focusing on the fake light shining down on the main streets from the windows and tall lanterns. Suddenly he misses the comfort of the cold darkness.
Another worlds? One outside of the death and spirits? The thought of it alone makes his head spin and feel dizzy, stomach twisting painfully.]
..God is not here. [He says quietly, more to himself than to his companion. If God is not here then what about the demons?
Then he steps forward to join Saralegui.]
That may be so. I'm no priest and have no answers to the life beyond death. However, whether it be a human or a false-god, they will not judge me.
I can't control whether or not they judge me or anyone else.
[Technically, he can. But that's no fun, and also not very wise. His abilities are most effective when no one knows they're a possibility, and that goes up in smoke quick if he gets lazy and starts carelessly using it to solve all problems.
Saralegui pauses in the light under a streetlamp, glancing back as the other man finally ventures out from the darkness of the alleyway. He smiles, pleasant as ever, but there's just the slightest edge to it – a little wickedness.]
But that doesn't mean I have to respect their authority.
[It is a slight edge. A nuanced spark, easy to miss for untrained eye that is not used to seek out the shifts and changes in one's expression. But Richard has played this game for a long time now to know to pick out the hidden fangs behind ones smile. He presses his own lips tightly together into a thin line, curling the edges to meet the smile on his companion's features.]
Then that is something we can both agree to. [Come as they might. Be they Gods, humans or demons. Richard will not apologize. He's never done so before and will not from now on either. He'll continue walking his chosen path with head held high. It's the least he can do. For himself and to his other half -- one that is not here.]
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expiationmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
expiationlogs2024-04-14 10:44 pm
no subject
[So polite! What a genuine and pleasant interaction all around!]
After all, it seems silly to fuss over such niceties in a place like this, whatever it is.
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But he laughs at the statement.]
Yes. I suppose that would be quite silly, yes. After all, while being here we have no status, rank nor money to back up our name. [That would seem reasonable, wouldn't it? Why cling on titles and proper etiquette when none of them matter in a world like this, with no kings or nobility. Except that to Richard his name and the blood behind it is everything. His lifeline and shield to protect him from the rest of the world.]
However, we must not forget who we are and where we come from. Addressing one by their rightful title is only sign of respect not only to the other person, but to yourself and your family. They say that we are born into world with a purpose. For some it is to harvest the land, for some it is to follow, and for some it is to lead. It is our blood that determines our place and purpose. What makes one divine.
sorry dick
At that little monologue, however, his expression goes a bit thoughtful, head tilting and hair slipping over his shoulder in a fall of gold as he eyes the man.]
...I was assuming you were a demon, but I'm less sure now.
[It's conversational, without any implied insult. He's not exactly an expert on the demon race's culture, but it seems like a fair assumption that they might put less stock in blood when their country's ruler isn't picked via primogeniture and the king himself has an adopted daughter.]
oh no not the big D
That is at least until the other man gives out his assessment of his person. It's so... casual, uncaring of the accusation and judgement behind it. Honestly, any other person would probably just take it as poor joke. But Richard? Yeah no.
His companion might just have stabbed him in the back, because that is what it feels like when the words slip past his lips. His entire body tenses up, breath freezing up in his lungs. The barbs of the vines are coiling around his throat, digging into his muscles. Eyes wide as plate, he casts a distressed and almost fearful look. He's almost expecting the other person to fade into darkness with a set of laughter.
Honestly? There would be some comfort if this one turned out to be Joan in another form. But no such luck for poor Richard.
'Why are you so afraid? Aren't you already in light.' He could imagine Buckingham say something along those words. But his other half is not here, no one to guide him or hold him through these nightmares. He's all alone again. Just like back in the woods.]
...That is not something to jest around so lightly, sir. [He speaks eventually, voice strained and too distant for his own ears. And of course, since this is Richard he is already reaching for his sword.]
no subject
Are you alright...?
[Clearly not. But the exact shade of "not alright" is evading him at the moment, and he'd like tk know if there's some other lurking threat putting this man on edge or if he's just a lunatic that might snap and attack at any moment.
Gold eyes flick briefly to the hand moving towards the sword. The wariness hasn't left him.]
1/2
But at the moment? Richard is not quite sure yet. The look on his eyes sharpens as he keep waiting for the blonde man to make his another move. Waiting for yet another heckle and damnation, thinking just how much has the man heard. Had Woodvilles somehow influenced the minds of this world.]
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Hah, my apologies yet again. It seems that the wine of this world really disagrees with me. [:D ?]
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Still, he doesn't seem entirely stupid. There's a moment of clear skepticism and exasperation before he schools his expression into something more pleasant.]
Perhaps rather than a place to sleep this off, I should be finding you a healer.
no subject
But despite all of that confidence he'd rather avoid unnecessary bloodshed for now, until he has found his footing properly.]
Hah. Do I truly seem to be so far gone that I might need a doctor?
[It's a clumsy and bad lie, and Richard does not really expect the other one to buy it. But hey! As long as he's not truly called out on it they can use it as a crutch and move past the awkwardness of the situation and his little hiccup.]
Nay. I assure you, I am fine. The fresh night air does wonders to clear one's mind
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Saralegui definitely doesn't believe it, and the long stare he gives Richard seems to scream that fact. But generously, he doesn't call it out.]
I suppose. You said "this world". You believe all that, then?
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The skepticism makes you already so much smarter than most of people Richard has to deal with in daily basis. The good men who had dulled their senses from the danger and deceive after the horrors of the war had ended.]
Believe what? That we have been spirited away from our homes to this purgatory? Absolutely. [He fully believes in the story that he had been told upon his arrival. About prison, the council and atonement. Well, it is too bad that Richard has no intentions of following the rules laid in front of him.]
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Saralegui gives a little thoughtful hum of acknowledgement, facing forward again.]
As impossible as it sounds, I'll admit it would explain a great many things.
[Like the strange buildings, or all the people with black that that apparently aren't demons.]
So if you're from another world, then tell me about it.
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I hail from the England. My territory lies in the northern part of the country. The climate is harsh and cold, and has trained the people to be resilient when facing hardships. The London, our capital, however is different. There are lush green woods and beautiful nature. The people are more merry, enjoying from the riches brought all around the world.
What of your own home?
no subject
I see. I've never heard of England, but I suppose that's to be expected of another world.
[Richard may be thinking a little too small with this whole "other worlds" business...]
My country is called Small Shimaron. Despite the name, it's the second-largest kingdom in the human territories. It's not quite as cold as Large Shimaron, so I can hardly complain about coming in second.
[He sounds lighthearted enough about it, and not at all like he's long been subtly working towards taking over Large Shimaron.]
i.. probably should cw for v. ancient colonialist mindset huh?
The name 'Shimaron' makes him think of the unknown and dangerous territories of the east -- the places beyond the map of the Ottomans. Honestly? That would explain many things. All except for the mention of "the human territories"? Just what sort of barbarians they were facing.]
I, too, have never heard of the name of your home. It seems like no one can escape the divine punishment.
it's richard iii, people should know what they're getting into
If "demon" is Richard's trigger, then Saralegui's is the exact opposite.]
"Divine punishment", hmm?
[The novelty of this place has been a decent distraction from the rollercoaster of emotions he'd been dealing with right before waking up here, but that wording knocks him back down to reality a bit. It's been all of two or three days since his mother, the queen of the Divine Tribe, suddenly reappeared – or rather, just appeared, since "reappeared" makes it sound like she'd ever been at all present in his life before – and brought with her all kinds of fresh new revelations. Extremely personal revelations about himself that he'd had to sit and listen to in a room full of people, most of which didn't even like him. He'd had to keep a straight face while they agonizingly explained all the circumstances of his birth and childhood and how his own mother hadn't wanted him and how the one person he'd trusted completely had been lying to him his whole life. It was humiliating, infuriating.
Even worse were the moments right before he'd arrived here when he'd finally lost his composure entirely. It's embarrassing to think about now that he'd had time to breathe, and every time he looks at the fucking "Divine Sword" on his hip he simultaneously wants to throw it in a ditch and selfishly keep it.
All in all, the very word "divine" tastes sour in his mouth now.]
All this is supposedly punishment for alleged crimes, from what I've heard. If those responsible can claim victims with such a large scope, then they must indeed be some sort of gods.
no subject
Richard catches the subtle change in his companions companion with his bad eye. Of course, he can't be sure just what it was that triggered the shift in his demeanor, to show the cracks underneath the perfect marble, but he does pay attention to it. Could it be the conversation taking a turn into more religious direction? If so, how funny but not too unsurprising. They were all sinners here, after all.]
At the end every soul is going to have to answer for it's sins. It seems that our judgement is now sooner than later. [That is how the world works, right. God has created them all, and calls them back once they've completed their role in his plan... And then there were the ones like Richard, who could not have been born from the divine light.
But Richard remember the way Buckingham had once denied this belief, rejecting the fate. Such strong stance that had also changed Richard's own world, too. So, he just has to ask.]
Or do you not believe in God's mercy?
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I wouldn't say I'm religious. But given the situation, I certainly can't deny the involvement of some higher power.
[But as for that "judgement"... He's not sure what to think about any of it. The "crime" he'd been charged with was vague. And while he can admit to having done some morally questionable things, is he supposed to believe some god cared enough to do something about it? Or beyond that, that their retribution would come in this form?
And most importantly, there's another issue in when one would normally expect to face god's judgement.]
Do you think that means we're dead? Because I don't remember dying.
[He says it so matter-of-factly that it's clear he doesn't really think so, even if he's the one offering up the possibility.]
no subject
Richard mulls over the question for a bit, bringing his hand to rest against his chest. His heart is still beating just as the same. ]
I don't know. [He admits solemnly as he casts his gaze down. It would seem that they were still alive, he thinks. But who knows. Do people have heartbeat in the paradise? And what about in Hell? Richard doesn't have answers to the questions about the world beyond the living. But he can't help but think of the person who he believes to have all Godly answers.]
no subject
As they finally step out of the alleyway, Saralegui pauses, glancing up and down the now quiet street.]
Well, this doesn't resemble any afterlife I've ever heard of. And if those of us here are from different worlds, then I can't imagine we'd all end up in the same place anyway. Doesn't it make more sense to assume everyone else is right in that this is just another world?
[One under the control of beings who for some reason want to "rehabilitate" them, beings that must be powerful indeed to make all this happen, but as long as they're not dead, then there's a chance of escape.]
no subject
Another worlds? One outside of the death and spirits? The thought of it alone makes his head spin and feel dizzy, stomach twisting painfully.]
..God is not here. [He says quietly, more to himself than to his companion. If God is not here then what about the demons?
Then he steps forward to join Saralegui.]
That may be so. I'm no priest and have no answers to the life beyond death. However, whether it be a human or a false-god, they will not judge me.
What about you, sir?
no subject
[Technically, he can. But that's no fun, and also not very wise. His abilities are most effective when no one knows they're a possibility, and that goes up in smoke quick if he gets lazy and starts carelessly using it to solve all problems.
Saralegui pauses in the light under a streetlamp, glancing back as the other man finally ventures out from the darkness of the alleyway. He smiles, pleasant as ever, but there's just the slightest edge to it – a little wickedness.]
But that doesn't mean I have to respect their authority.
ohgosh my typos
Then that is something we can both agree to. [Come as they might. Be they Gods, humans or demons. Richard will not apologize. He's never done so before and will not from now on either. He'll continue walking his chosen path with head held high. It's the least he can do. For himself and to his other half -- one that is not here.]