[Ah. It seems like his usual tale hit it's mark. Good.]
You are not married then, I presume? [People being so open and casual about being unmarried and childless was still something that Richard needed to get used to. In his own world it would only be cause for concern and ill-natured rumors, which could either lead into ostracism or execution in the worst case scenarios.
But hey, at least he had learned not to make Such assumptions regarding his fellow Chosen so that's something.]
That so? Well then, if you ever find time from your busy schedule we might even have the pleasure to bump into each other in the silence of woods. [Not that Richard had much time to visit the woods the same way as he used to. The inn, training camp and his other various projects kept him busy enough... And, oh. That did remind him. This one had recently made an interesting move in the Aldrip's economy and carved a slice of power for himself. Now whether he did or did not do it on purpose was something he'd want to find out.
So, he did as his companion suggested and picked another card. "What kind of underwear do you wan----" Yeah, no. Richard slams the card back on the table upside down on the discard pile and picks another one.]
I'm not. It hasn't seemed like the kind of life meant for me, you could say. But I enjoy that sort of company occasionally.
[Thus why he's here! Which... begs the question of why Richard is also... but he supposes he can get to that later. With a mild chuckle, he acknowledges the other man's suggestion.]
Charles was gracious enough to show me a nice path out that way, so perhaps we might.
[He watches Richard move for the card, and—ah, that bad, was it? Altius doesn't even flinch at the slam, and his expression is more one of exasperated understanding. A huff leaves him when the next is finally asked.]
Unusual questions for an event like this. [Are they supposed to be dating or debating philosophy? Unfortunately he is the type to enjoy the latter, so:] A body without a mind is just a husk, but we're still shaped by the experience our bodies give us, don't you think?
["Enjoy that sort of company occasionally." Well, that does not surprise him a bit. Altius is a man after all. Richard makes a small mental note to ask from Silco if he had been visiting the brothel.
Though hearing the man to mention Charles' name does spark his interest further. The ghost was very friendly and outgoing, sometimes a little bit too much for Richard's liking, but this meant that he had another pair of eyes and ears that he could consult.] He did? How very kind of him. Charles is quite observant young man, I am certain he knows many paths and routes that are invisible even to my own eyes.
[Quite unlikely, seeing that Richard was a skilled hunter who had spent considerable amount of time in different kinds of woods. Sometimes literally and sometimes more figuratively.
Well, either way. Richard listens to Altius' answer, humming quietly in answer. Truth is that he had never been much of a reader outside of his formal education. Most of his lifetime had been spent fighting wars and ensuring the stability of the crown. But the older he got the more he had learned to appreciate the power of a good tales. He might not be able to recite the most beautiful poems or esteemed scholars but that didn't mean he was without his wits either.
Besides, this kind of topic was far more familiar to him than what the previous one had been.]
According to my religion the body is nothing more than a prison for the soul. So, suppose we are on similar note here. However, for us it is quite the opposite. The purity of one's soul affects the state of the body. The more darkness you carry the more likely it is to swim surface and corrupt your flesh.
[Eh, Altius has no qualms with the idea necessarily, but sex workers have never really interested him. The introduction of money into the equation is probably what ruins it, given the complicated relationship he has with his wealth.
The ghost being outgoing is certainly an understatement, given that he offered the aforementioned path, specifically scouted for the sake of Altius's lack of defensive abilities, in the middle of their literal first conversation. And then he actually did it.]
I've only spoken so much with him, but my impression is that he doesn't know how to not be kind.
[He says this as a compliment, though with a hint of concern. He's observant, though, yes, without a doubt. Altius imagines all sorts of opportunities to learn about people and the surroundings comes with being a ghost, even aside from whatever background Charles may come from.
It seems like he has Richard's interest with these topics, however. It's an improvement over the awkward start.]
Is that so? [It's said lightly as he turns the concept over in his mind—he disagrees with it fully, even vehemently, but he's capable of being polite.] I'd think that that would only encourage those whose bodies have been "corrupted" to sink further into negativity... It takes a particularly strong person to work past their physical limitations without bitterness.
I would say that your estimation of him is a correct one.
[And well, it would be a lie to claim that the affection that Richard felt for Charles was not complicated and multilayered. He felt both protectiveness and entitlement to the young ghost -- which was his right at this point with all things considered. But there was still the fact that he had agreed to look away if his lover decided to bring his wrath upon the youth. A promise that he was not personally too happy about, but while he did not question Silco's resolve to act out his childish and petty vengeance he still didn't expect it to really go anywhere]
So yes, it was Complicated.] But I suppose we all ought to thrive to be more like him on that regard.
[Or something like that, he guesses. It was yet another empty statement without any real feelings behind it, but it was still delivered with a polite and appreciative tone nonetheless. One that seemed to match Altius' own as he responded to Richard's statement.]
-- Ah, quite contrary actually. [He huffs a soft amused laughter and oh my. Is that a shadow of a smile?] The suffering that we experience on the Earth is our Lord's way to test the strength of our faith and love. If you can withhold it all, and repent for your sins and trespasses the God will reward you. Those who answer to the dark temptation of sin and corruption will be met with eternal flames of Hell.
[When Zekarion hums his agreement over his folded hands, there's a softer sense in his eyes—he actually means it, at least in a significant way. Sure, he thinks the lad needs to take care of himself, but if there were more people so willing to be generous and kind to strangers in the world...
Hm, always with the what ifs. And frankly, it's a stretch to say Charles is even still in his own world. He turns his attention to the topic at hand.
Somehow he's gotten something marginally less serious out of this man? Incredible. So religion was the key, was it?]
An eternal punishment after a harsh life. Interesting. [That's the most positive thing he's going to grace that garbage with, but he's not denouncing it outright. Yet.] I can see your faith is strong. Have you found any like-minded sorts among the Chosen?
An eternal punishment after life of sin and crime. [Richard corrects his companion again.] And nay, I have not. Even the man maintaining the church is more aligned with heresy rather than with word of God. Though, I must admit that I do find it amusing that I am considered devout.
[Because in reality? He was far from being one. In his own world's standards he merely did the bare minimum, which included attending to services and sermons, making the donations and following the calendar as required. More or less the same as what he continued to do in this world.] In my own world it would depend on who you ask, good sir. For an example, to my subjects I'm as devout and pious as is expected of the duke and the lord protector. However, according to my enemies I worship the devil, host the banquets of filth and debauchery while drinking the blood of innocent.
[His expression remains unchanged at the correction—polite and attentive interest masking an absolutely solidified disagreement. He knows he'd be fighting a losing battle, trying to debate theology with a medieval Englishman when he hasn't seen a bible outside of hotel rooms in at least a decade.
He can't help but let out a sardonic laugh at that last remark.]
Exaggerating as enemies are wont to do, hm? But that's the thing about systems of belief. So often they lead to people considering their side to be the only truth while those who think differently are the cause of all the evils of the world.
[Here's a metaphorical mirror to look into, Richard. But feel free to ignore it if you want.]
Do you not consider yourself particularly devout, sir?
And yet we see God's wrath and punishment to fall upon those who sin.
[It certainly is an uphill battle. And Altius certainly isn't the first one to disagree with his religion, and certainly won't be the last. But for Richard the faith is the law, the world itself. It explains the very existence of everything, it gives them order and purpose in life. To him there just simply wasn't any other way to look at the surrounding reality.
Not that it meant that he was a naive sheep following blindly his shepherd. No, he had long decided to go against that order set by God, became the demon who'd aim to steal the staff from the shepherd and take his place.]
[God's wrath. What a joke. Nevertheless, it's a distraction that he's happy enough to indulge in; he doesn't have to change Richard's mind, as he doesn't care enough to. They can simply chat as the mature men they are, surely.
For all he speaks of atoning for sin, the other man admits his answer readily enough. Perhaps this place has granted him some level of freedom to speak his mind? Good for him, if so.]
Understandable. Life is complex enough without spending so much time on spiritual matters.
[Altius has no doubt Richard is involved in all sorts of political nonsense. Hm. Threading his fingers together, he decides to circle back around...]
There's a term used in my time, to describe a certain sort of thinking—confirmation bias. Have you heard of it?
That's what we have priests for, yes. [Leave the spiritual matters to those who excel at them. Let the cobbler stick to his last and so on.
Well, either way. Richard leaned his cheek against his gloved knuckles as he shifted on his seat, taking more comfortable position. He only raised a curious brow as an answer to other man's question. No, he can't say that he's heard of such expression before.]
[He acknowledges the change of expression for what it is, smoothly moving on to his explanation:]
It refers to the tendency of the human mind to interpret information in a way that reinforces their already-held beliefs. It holds particularly strong with topics that are deeply emotional or foundational for someone.
[He watches Richard for any reaction, but he continues like he expects nothing in particular.]
I've always thought of it as fascinating. So many try to argue using only facts or logic, but people don't quite work that way. We're incredibly irrational creatures.
[The expression on Richard's face remains pretty much the same as he listens to the explanation, showing a mild interest before he nodded. He supposes that what Altius described made a lot of sense. People were prone to cling on their beliefs and hang themselves on fabricated truths and illusions. Understanding that made it easy to predict people's thoughts and actions, allowing one to navigate around them and manipulate the foolish humans.]
So human's are stubborn and unwilling to recognize the dangers of false hopes, I see [And that's how he is going to summarize Altius' words, yep.]
[Y'know what? Sure. Zekarion certainly believes something akin to that, deep into his core. People are ultimately foolish, sometimes in ways that are despicable and some in ways that he admires. He wishes hopes weren't false so, so often, but that's the nature of the world.
He shakes his head at the question. Whether Richard can tell he's being vaguely insulted or not, Altius can't tell; the man is good at masking what he might be thinking.]
Just something I thought you'd find interesting.
[He does return his attention to the pile, though, picking one up idly like he's only half-interested in them.]
"Do you have a right to be happy or should you earn it?" [airily:] I think you already answered that one.
[Oh worry not. Richard definitely got the impression that he was being made fun of here with that little comment. Luckily he isn't one with thin skin. A lifetime of being ridiculed and looked down at for being 'less' and different than other men had taught him that. And luckily for both of them Altius seemed to miss the mark with his jabs, brilliantly avoiding to hit any of his (numerous) triggers.]
Oh? I did? [Ah, look at that. There's that smile again, though this time it is much more apparent and bemused than earlier. Leaning forward Richard places his elbows on the table, crosses his hands and rests his chin against his thumbs .] I seem to have spoken without realizing it. Won't you remind me and recite my answer?
[Luckily, indeed. He isn't here to cause any actual fuss; it's all in good fun, for him, which is part of why he explicitly included himself under the umbrella of irrational creatures.
He's almost solemn, with a hand over his own chest, the hint of a smile mirroring Richard's briefly leaving his face when he answers.]
Only through resisting temptation in life and repenting for our sins can we be granted true happiness through the grace of God, and ascend to the kingdom of Heaven. [He tilts his head, a little playful.] How close am I? Though I may have embellished a tad with what I've heard through the years.
[Don't worry, Richard, Christianity is still alive in kicking in his age, too.]
[The brief performance of feigned devotion Altius puts up is an amusing one. Because that is what what Richard believes he is seeing happening here. The man is far too perceptive and skilled at talking without telling much about himself. A quality he saw a lot in the power hungry lords at the court when they were not too busy kissing his brother's royal arse. Now, it was too soon to make any conclusions based on their brief interactions, especially since at least on the surface level his companion had not given him any reason to doubt him. But the game of scheming was something Richard excelled at and he had seen many players in his life who'd try land on the top.]
I see. I suppose you have my answer then. [A silent 'think what you will' goes unsaid behind Richard's words. And then just like that he reached to pick up a card and reads the question: "how do you know you are not dreaming right now?"
Ridiculous.
He then places the card face down on the discard pile and returns to lean on his hands.]
[It's a fairly good-natured look that Altius returns after hearing Richard's acceptance of his answer; a little gratified, perhaps, but not necessarily mocking, even if he's made his disagreement clear.
Much like him, Richard seems well versed in the game of give and take. That's not unexpected; it must have been necessary to surviving in a royal court during such a tumultuous time, he thinks. Much like him, Richard knows to use whatever tools he can. Altius hasn't forgotten the unusually violent prelude to that dream...
But... to the next question.]
That depends on the end and the means. To answer that in a more interesting way would take too long, I think. The world is too complex.
[He lets out a brief hum, an idea coming to him, and he looks vaguely around the room.]
Do you think our captors are taking note of our answers? It seems more the kind of thing they'd be interested in than something appropriate for the occasion.
[And there he goes again, offering a non-answer and skipping the subject rather than dwell in it. Well, not that he could say that he's too surprised by that response. If anything it only played more into Richard's own current perception of the man. And it's also a tactic that he would use more often than not, directing and manipulating the conversation towards the desired path.
Except for purposes of this 'game' that they were playing he supposed he could relent that control and let his companion to take the metaphorical reigns here.
Though, any playfulness that might've been present in his body language fades away with that question. He sighs deep and tilts his head to the side. The matters regarding AI and its nature were still a mystery to him and he had hard time to wrap his head around the whole subject. But he would not deny that discussing it was important as well. ]
I don't know, but I would not be surprised if 'they' did. We still know so very little of the powers keeping us trapped here so it is hard to say. There are people who think that the one in control is 'the council' while others believe this is all the doing of the entity known as 'AI.' However, [He pauses for a moment, as if he was contemplating his next words.] When I arrived here someone told me that the devices we carry can track down our every movement and everything we speak over the network. I believe that our captors could very well use similar tricks to watch over us as we walk towards the path of penance.
[Richard's more serious turn has his attention, and he listens with a clear focus as he folds his hands on the tabletop; when it comes down to it, he's far more interested in matters related to their potential escape from this place than anything else.
The other man seems to be taking what Altius considers the more sensible approach in terms of what he's choosing to believe. Still, with the way he's speaking of it, the question arises of whether anybody's taken the time to properly explain to him what an AI is at all... hm. A topic for later, perhaps.
After all, he's being asked a question.]
Absolutely. I'd say it's one of the most powerful things there is.
[And it's about the only power one such as "Altius" could wield, so of course he'd be interested. With some frustrated reluctance, he continues:]
At this point, I can't deny that they have access to not only our worlds and physical forms in some sense, but our minds, as well. [He stays deliberately vague. He doesn't want to talk about dreams right now.] It makes me wonder what about us, if anything, they can't reach.
Edited (eh different phrasing) 2025-02-16 01:17 (UTC)
['It's one of the most powerful things there is.' Well, that much he could agree with. There was value in physical strength and in money, neither of those should ever be overlooked at. But without knowledge and information they both were all in naught, leaving one vulnerable to the predators who were seeking to manipulate the others. The information was the key player in the game that Richard and his kingmaker would play. It's what had earned him the crown.]
In my world it is common knowledge that God knows all and sees all. But there are ways to fool even the divine, if one is daring enough and ready to wage everything. And just like with God there are some things that our captors can't reach. [And that was something he fully believed in. Sure, those who run this place had authority and power over so many things regarding their life. Their bodies, memories and perception of reality. But as far as he was concerned the council, AI or whoever was responsible for their presence in this world could not reach for their souls.] We might be nothing but slaves in this place, but we are not completely out of power. That is what I try to inspire in others with my attempts to organize The Chosen and have us come together.
Ah but, [He hums and reaches up to pick yet another card.] Such talk is not suitable for this game, hm?
[Altius wonders if it's true that there are parts of them their captors can't reach—and if it ultimately means anything, when their entire physical and mental states can be changed on a whim. Still, he can't deny the Chosen have shown they're capable of affecting this world in some ways...]
Perhaps not, but neither are questions such as— [he picks up the next card after Richard does, but only halfway, like he's already planning to put it aside] "Can your conscience ever be truly clean?"
[A brief twist of his upper lip displays his poor opinion of the text before he returns to a more neutral expression and moves his attention back to Richard.]
I'd be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on your inspirational efforts at some point, in any case. We can find a more lighthearted topic for now if you like.
Edited (nooooooooo affect/effect mixup... i bring shame upon my english degree) 2025-02-20 04:54 (UTC)
Mmm. [Richard hums and flips to read his own card. "If you could be an animal, what would you be?" Yet another ridiculous question. Although, he supposes that it could be used to gauge the morality and one's true nature. Just like with the question in his companion's hand. But he was getting tired of playing this game of pleasantries and masks, dancing around the real subject that seemed to be on both of their minds.]
Well, I suppose you know my answer to that, too. Prayer and penance are the only keys to 'the clean conscience' and God's forgiveness. [The words are said with a slight hint of sneer in them. Yet another lie of his faith that he could not buy. Not after he had witnessed just how deep the corruption and weakness for the in runs within even those who call themselves servants of the God. Just like everyone is. All one needs to do is figure out their poison.
Ah well, and speaking of that. Richard flicks the card off his hand onto the table.]
Unfortunately, I have never been good at games like these. They tend to grow rather tedious very quickly. However, [He says, crossing his hands on the table.] if you would like to we could continue this conversation somewhere more suitable. Where we can have privacy.
[Altius doesn't miss that snide little indication; funny, then, that Richard would continue to repeat this sort of creed in a place where so few around them adhere to it. But such things are difficult to let go of, he knows, when they've defined your life and the lives of those around you. That's part of what causes confirmation bias, after all.
He watches with an amused raise of his eyebrows as Richard discards the question he'd picked up. As good as Altius may have gotten at games like this, it's only been out of necessity. His actual interests lie elsewhere, which is why, bringing a hand to his chin, he answers:]
[Please Altius. Do not try to make sense out of Richard's overly complex and masochistic relationship with the faith, it's an ugly and treacherous waters and crossing it will just make everyone miserable.
But that is answer is enough for him. A sly smile visits his lips as he pushes himself up from his seat, walks around the small table. He briefly stops next to Altius' and gently places his gloved hand on top of the man's shoulder.]
I think I know a place or two. [In fact, he owns one! Well, either way, with that said he removes his hand from Altius and begins to walk towards the exit fully trusting the other man to follow him.]
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expiationlogs2025-02-10 12:12 pm
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You are not married then, I presume? [People being so open and casual about being unmarried and childless was still something that Richard needed to get used to. In his own world it would only be cause for concern and ill-natured rumors, which could either lead into ostracism or execution in the worst case scenarios.
But hey, at least he had learned not to make Such assumptions regarding his fellow Chosen so that's something.]
That so? Well then, if you ever find time from your busy schedule we might even have the pleasure to bump into each other in the silence of woods. [Not that Richard had much time to visit the woods the same way as he used to. The inn, training camp and his other various projects kept him busy enough... And, oh. That did remind him. This one had recently made an interesting move in the Aldrip's economy and carved a slice of power for himself. Now whether he did or did not do it on purpose was something he'd want to find out.
So, he did as his companion suggested and picked another card. "What kind of underwear do you wan----" Yeah, no. Richard slams the card back on the table upside down on the discard pile and picks another one.]
"What is a person? Is it the mind or body?"
i see you with that question
[Thus why he's here! Which... begs the question of why Richard is also... but he supposes he can get to that later. With a mild chuckle, he acknowledges the other man's suggestion.]
Charles was gracious enough to show me a nice path out that way, so perhaps we might.
[He watches Richard move for the card, and—ah, that bad, was it? Altius doesn't even flinch at the slam, and his expression is more one of exasperated understanding. A huff leaves him when the next is finally asked.]
Unusual questions for an event like this. [Are they supposed to be dating or debating philosophy? Unfortunately he is the type to enjoy the latter, so:] A body without a mind is just a husk, but we're still shaped by the experience our bodies give us, don't you think?
ehe! :3
Though hearing the man to mention Charles' name does spark his interest further. The ghost was very friendly and outgoing, sometimes a little bit too much for Richard's liking, but this meant that he had another pair of eyes and ears that he could consult.] He did? How very kind of him. Charles is quite observant young man, I am certain he knows many paths and routes that are invisible even to my own eyes.
[Quite unlikely, seeing that Richard was a skilled hunter who had spent considerable amount of time in different kinds of woods. Sometimes literally and sometimes more figuratively.
Well, either way. Richard listens to Altius' answer, humming quietly in answer. Truth is that he had never been much of a reader outside of his formal education. Most of his lifetime had been spent fighting wars and ensuring the stability of the crown. But the older he got the more he had learned to appreciate the power of a good tales. He might not be able to recite the most beautiful poems or esteemed scholars but that didn't mean he was without his wits either.
Besides, this kind of topic was far more familiar to him than what the previous one had been.]
According to my religion the body is nothing more than a prison for the soul. So, suppose we are on similar note here. However, for us it is quite the opposite. The purity of one's soul affects the state of the body. The more darkness you carry the more likely it is to swim surface and corrupt your flesh.
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The ghost being outgoing is certainly an understatement, given that he offered the aforementioned path, specifically scouted for the sake of Altius's lack of defensive abilities, in the middle of their literal first conversation. And then he actually did it.]
I've only spoken so much with him, but my impression is that he doesn't know how to not be kind.
[He says this as a compliment, though with a hint of concern. He's observant, though, yes, without a doubt. Altius imagines all sorts of opportunities to learn about people and the surroundings comes with being a ghost, even aside from whatever background Charles may come from.
It seems like he has Richard's interest with these topics, however. It's an improvement over the awkward start.]
Is that so? [It's said lightly as he turns the concept over in his mind—he disagrees with it fully, even vehemently, but he's capable of being polite.] I'd think that that would only encourage those whose bodies have been "corrupted" to sink further into negativity... It takes a particularly strong person to work past their physical limitations without bitterness.
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[And well, it would be a lie to claim that the affection that Richard felt for Charles was not complicated and multilayered. He felt both protectiveness and entitlement to the young ghost -- which was his right at this point with all things considered. But there was still the fact that he had agreed to look away if his lover decided to bring his wrath upon the youth. A promise that he was not personally too happy about, but while he did not question Silco's resolve to act out his childish and petty vengeance he still didn't expect it to really go anywhere]
So yes, it was Complicated.] But I suppose we all ought to thrive to be more like him on that regard.
[Or something like that, he guesses. It was yet another empty statement without any real feelings behind it, but it was still delivered with a polite and appreciative tone nonetheless. One that seemed to match Altius' own as he responded to Richard's statement.]
-- Ah, quite contrary actually. [He huffs a soft amused laughter and oh my. Is that a shadow of a smile?] The suffering that we experience on the Earth is our Lord's way to test the strength of our faith and love. If you can withhold it all, and repent for your sins and trespasses the God will reward you. Those who answer to the dark temptation of sin and corruption will be met with eternal flames of Hell.
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Hm, always with the what ifs. And frankly, it's a stretch to say Charles is even still in his own world. He turns his attention to the topic at hand.
Somehow he's gotten something marginally less serious out of this man? Incredible. So religion was the key, was it?]
An eternal punishment after a harsh life. Interesting. [That's the most positive thing he's going to grace that garbage with, but he's not denouncing it outright. Yet.] I can see your faith is strong. Have you found any like-minded sorts among the Chosen?
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[Because in reality? He was far from being one. In his own world's standards he merely did the bare minimum, which included attending to services and sermons, making the donations and following the calendar as required. More or less the same as what he continued to do in this world.] In my own world it would depend on who you ask, good sir. For an example, to my subjects I'm as devout and pious as is expected of the duke and the lord protector. However, according to my enemies I worship the devil, host the banquets of filth and debauchery while drinking the blood of innocent.
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He can't help but let out a sardonic laugh at that last remark.]
Exaggerating as enemies are wont to do, hm? But that's the thing about systems of belief. So often they lead to people considering their side to be the only truth while those who think differently are the cause of all the evils of the world.
[Here's a metaphorical mirror to look into, Richard. But feel free to ignore it if you want.]
Do you not consider yourself particularly devout, sir?
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[It certainly is an uphill battle. And Altius certainly isn't the first one to disagree with his religion, and certainly won't be the last. But for Richard the faith is the law, the world itself. It explains the very existence of everything, it gives them order and purpose in life. To him there just simply wasn't any other way to look at the surrounding reality.
Not that it meant that he was a naive sheep following blindly his shepherd. No, he had long decided to go against that order set by God, became the demon who'd aim to steal the staff from the shepherd and take his place.]
Nay. Not particularly.
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[God's wrath. What a joke. Nevertheless, it's a distraction that he's happy enough to indulge in; he doesn't have to change Richard's mind, as he doesn't care enough to. They can simply chat as the mature men they are, surely.
For all he speaks of atoning for sin, the other man admits his answer readily enough. Perhaps this place has granted him some level of freedom to speak his mind? Good for him, if so.]
Understandable. Life is complex enough without spending so much time on spiritual matters.
[Altius has no doubt Richard is involved in all sorts of political nonsense. Hm. Threading his fingers together, he decides to circle back around...]
There's a term used in my time, to describe a certain sort of thinking—confirmation bias. Have you heard of it?
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Well, either way. Richard leaned his cheek against his gloved knuckles as he shifted on his seat, taking more comfortable position. He only raised a curious brow as an answer to other man's question. No, he can't say that he's heard of such expression before.]
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It refers to the tendency of the human mind to interpret information in a way that reinforces their already-held beliefs. It holds particularly strong with topics that are deeply emotional or foundational for someone.
[He watches Richard for any reaction, but he continues like he expects nothing in particular.]
I've always thought of it as fascinating. So many try to argue using only facts or logic, but people don't quite work that way. We're incredibly irrational creatures.
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So human's are stubborn and unwilling to recognize the dangers of false hopes, I see [And that's how he is going to summarize Altius' words, yep.]
Was that also in one of the cards?
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He shakes his head at the question. Whether Richard can tell he's being vaguely insulted or not, Altius can't tell; the man is good at masking what he might be thinking.]
Just something I thought you'd find interesting.
[He does return his attention to the pile, though, picking one up idly like he's only half-interested in them.]
"Do you have a right to be happy or should you earn it?" [airily:] I think you already answered that one.
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Oh? I did? [Ah, look at that. There's that smile again, though this time it is much more apparent and bemused than earlier. Leaning forward Richard places his elbows on the table, crosses his hands and rests his chin against his thumbs .] I seem to have spoken without realizing it. Won't you remind me and recite my answer?
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He's almost solemn, with a hand over his own chest, the hint of a smile mirroring Richard's briefly leaving his face when he answers.]
Only through resisting temptation in life and repenting for our sins can we be granted true happiness through the grace of God, and ascend to the kingdom of Heaven. [He tilts his head, a little playful.] How close am I? Though I may have embellished a tad with what I've heard through the years.
[Don't worry, Richard, Christianity is still alive in kicking in his age, too.]
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I see. I suppose you have my answer then. [A silent 'think what you will' goes unsaid behind Richard's words. And then just like that he reached to pick up a card and reads the question: "how do you know you are not dreaming right now?"
Ridiculous.
He then places the card face down on the discard pile and returns to lean on his hands.]
"Does the end justify the means?"
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Much like him, Richard seems well versed in the game of give and take. That's not unexpected; it must have been necessary to surviving in a royal court during such a tumultuous time, he thinks. Much like him, Richard knows to use whatever tools he can. Altius hasn't forgotten the unusually violent prelude to that dream...
But... to the next question.]
That depends on the end and the means. To answer that in a more interesting way would take too long, I think. The world is too complex.
[He lets out a brief hum, an idea coming to him, and he looks vaguely around the room.]
Do you think our captors are taking note of our answers? It seems more the kind of thing they'd be interested in than something appropriate for the occasion.
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Except for purposes of this 'game' that they were playing he supposed he could relent that control and let his companion to take the metaphorical reigns here.
Though, any playfulness that might've been present in his body language fades away with that question. He sighs deep and tilts his head to the side. The matters regarding AI and its nature were still a mystery to him and he had hard time to wrap his head around the whole subject. But he would not deny that discussing it was important as well. ]
I don't know, but I would not be surprised if 'they' did. We still know so very little of the powers keeping us trapped here so it is hard to say. There are people who think that the one in control is 'the council' while others believe this is all the doing of the entity known as 'AI.' However, [He pauses for a moment, as if he was contemplating his next words.] When I arrived here someone told me that the devices we carry can track down our every movement and everything we speak over the network. I believe that our captors could very well use similar tricks to watch over us as we walk towards the path of penance.
After all. Information is power, don't you agree?
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The other man seems to be taking what Altius considers the more sensible approach in terms of what he's choosing to believe. Still, with the way he's speaking of it, the question arises of whether anybody's taken the time to properly explain to him what an AI is at all... hm. A topic for later, perhaps.
After all, he's being asked a question.]
Absolutely. I'd say it's one of the most powerful things there is.
[And it's about the only power one such as "Altius" could wield, so of course he'd be interested. With some frustrated reluctance, he continues:]
At this point, I can't deny that they have access to not only our worlds and physical forms in some sense, but our minds, as well. [He stays deliberately vague. He doesn't want to talk about dreams right now.] It makes me wonder what about us, if anything, they can't reach.
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In my world it is common knowledge that God knows all and sees all. But there are ways to fool even the divine, if one is daring enough and ready to wage everything. And just like with God there are some things that our captors can't reach. [And that was something he fully believed in. Sure, those who run this place had authority and power over so many things regarding their life. Their bodies, memories and perception of reality. But as far as he was concerned the council, AI or whoever was responsible for their presence in this world could not reach for their souls.] We might be nothing but slaves in this place, but we are not completely out of power. That is what I try to inspire in others with my attempts to organize The Chosen and have us come together.
Ah but, [He hums and reaches up to pick yet another card.] Such talk is not suitable for this game, hm?
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Perhaps not, but neither are questions such as— [he picks up the next card after Richard does, but only halfway, like he's already planning to put it aside] "Can your conscience ever be truly clean?"
[A brief twist of his upper lip displays his poor opinion of the text before he returns to a more neutral expression and moves his attention back to Richard.]
I'd be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on your inspirational efforts at some point, in any case. We can find a more lighthearted topic for now if you like.
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Well, I suppose you know my answer to that, too. Prayer and penance are the only keys to 'the clean conscience' and God's forgiveness. [The words are said with a slight hint of sneer in them. Yet another lie of his faith that he could not buy. Not after he had witnessed just how deep the corruption and weakness for the in runs within even those who call themselves servants of the God. Just like everyone is. All one needs to do is figure out their poison.
Ah well, and speaking of that. Richard flicks the card off his hand onto the table.]
Unfortunately, I have never been good at games like these. They tend to grow rather tedious very quickly. However, [He says, crossing his hands on the table.] if you would like to we could continue this conversation somewhere more suitable. Where we can have privacy.
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He watches with an amused raise of his eyebrows as Richard discards the question he'd picked up. As good as Altius may have gotten at games like this, it's only been out of necessity. His actual interests lie elsewhere, which is why, bringing a hand to his chin, he answers:]
I would. Where did you have in mind?
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But that is answer is enough for him. A sly smile visits his lips as he pushes himself up from his seat, walks around the small table. He briefly stops next to Altius' and gently places his gloved hand on top of the man's shoulder.]
I think I know a place or two. [In fact, he owns one! Well, either way, with that said he removes his hand from Altius and begins to walk towards the exit fully trusting the other man to follow him.]
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this places. great job ryoko
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