[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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expiationlogs2024-04-14 10:44 pm
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.]