[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.]
[But it's so interesting to see what people cling to...!
Altius follows Richard's movements with his gaze, with only a brief glance at the hand placed on his shoulder and no attempts to remove it or indications that it's unwelcome. What a curious image that must be to anyone that might look their way. Not that Zekarion particularly cares or minds. It might be fun to have a harmless rumor or two about himself in this place.
So—follow he does, getting up from his seat and keeping pace with the other man. He doesn't feel the need to ask about the details of where Richard is taking him, so he doesn't ask. He doesn't always hate surprises—and it's not like he's always gotten the details he's wanted out of this man.]
I am curious as to what drew you to that event in the first place, [he remarks after they've exited the building properly.]
[Richard himself isn't all that concerned with any rumors that might spring from tonight. After all, nothing too condemning had happened under the watchful public eye. If someone, like certain blue haired girl for an example, truly were to try drag his reputation through mud (again) he could just say that it was nothing but a friendly meeting between like-minded people -- which was not completely untrue. Besides, it is not the first time Richard had gotten close and crossed the boundary known as "personal space" in public.]
Just that. Curiosity towards this place's customs and traditions. I have found that attending to these events and learning about the people is best way to get by here. Frigid isolation only works as a disservice if one wants to survive here. [Again, not entirely untrue. He never attended to gatherings like these just 'for fun'. They were an efficient way to gain information on the others and gauge the interest towards his cause. Something that he was doing here with Altius.] What of you? Were you bored and looking for company, or did you have something else in your mind?
[Once they are out Richard heads towards a post, not too far from the entrance, where he has left his horse, Blackie. He unties the reins from the fence, gently pulls with a click of tongue, guiding the animal towards Altius.]
We're in agreement on that, [Altius replies; trying to pretend any of them could get by and make any progress on their own would be unreasonable at best, and getting to know their fellow Chosen was his personal choice of how to proceed in Aldrip.] To answer your question: a little bit of everything. Information; getting to know other Chosen, and see how these particular locals are acting about it. Seeing if any few faces appeared. If I'd found it, I would have liked to find some company, as well.
[What he's not saying: he dearly needs the distraction from his own thoughts. Thankfully he doesn't have to get too deeply into those, as a new distraction arrives in the form of Richard's horse. He watches with faint interest; he has no real opinions on the animal. It seems well trained, in any case.]
I did. [He tilts his head just barely. He knows very little about horses or how complicated the process might be, so he simply offers:] I'm not opposed to riding if you prefer, though I've never been on a horse.
Well, then. It seems like you gained everything you were looking for, correct? ['Company' included. Whatever that meant.
The horse takes a look at Altius but otherwise doesn't seem to react to his presence even when he's led close. It's clear that the animal has been well trained and socialized. Richard, meanwhile, is hardly surprised to hear that Altius was inexperienced with horses. Honestly, it seemed that about everyone was in this place. A fact he found confusing and kinda ridiculous. What else could they be using for travel??
Well, either way. Altius does gain some points in Richard's mind when he expresses interest to try out riding. Not all had been as open to the idea.]
Do you need help to get on his back? [Considering how tall the other man was there shouldn't be any major difficulties. As long as he didn't panic or accidentally kick the animal, that is.]
Hmm. [Is that a yes? Is it a no? He doesn't particularly have any interest in correcting Richard about the type of company he was after. (Unless...? Hm, he'll see how their chat goes.)
Richard clearly missed all the children bragging about their motorcycles...
But honestly, anything that can get him somewhere faster, he's potentially interested in. Walking everywhere is so tedious. He has no issue with doing it in terms of exertion, but he's admittedly used a concealed portal or two when he's found himself too impatient to get somewhere.
In any case. Riding a horse. Why not? He likes to think of himself as a fast learner.]
[Vague is the name of the game for tonight, it seems. :)
Richard eyes Altius, considering the course of the action briefly. He then pulls from the reins and bring the horse right in front of the other man, offering the reins to him.]
I think it'll be best for you to go first. [You know. In case you goof up and fall.] Here take these and take a hold of his mane. Lift your left foot here, [He gestures at the stirrup], then grab on the back of the saddle, spring up with your right leg and swing it up around his back. Try to avoid sitting on the saddle, that is unless you want to sit on the front.
[Honestly, the saddle is mostly fitted for Richard so it ought to be quite uncomfortable for Altius to sit on. But luckily the man is quite tall so getting on Blackie (who is by no means small horse!) shouldn't be too challenging for him.]
Alright, then, [he acquiesces, turning his attention to the horse at first as he takes the reins, then to each step he's supposed to be taking, and the saddle, which... hm, no, definitely too small for him, thank you. He will be taking the back.
He follows the instructions as given, taking a moment with his foot in the stirrup to be sure of his placement before he lifts himself properly and settles onto the horse's back behind the saddle. He doesn't feel the need to hold on particularly tightly, either with his hands or his legs; balance hasn't been a problem for him in a long time.]
Hm.
[That's the sound of a new experience being unlocked, apparently. Horseback. He's sort of ridden on creatures before, but those were only constructs he more or less directly controlled...
That accomplished, he waits a moment to make sure he's not about to get tossed off before he offers the reins back to Richard.]
[Oh well. Look at that, he actually does a decent job at getting up on the horse's back. Color Richard impressed. After Silco's catastrophic attempt at horseback riding he didn't really expect much of anyone. Blackie waits patiently for Altius to get settled down on his back, turning his head to look back at him only briefly before leaning down to sniff at the ground.
Richard reaches out to take the reins to his own hands, places his feet in the stirrup and then, with one smooth move, he flings himself up on the saddle. Yeah, he does this everyday.]
You can hold onto the back of the saddle if you want to. [After that last bit of instruction he clicks his tongue and gives his horse a light kick on his back. And off towards the inn they go!]
[Altius does take some pride in his athleticism, even if it's partly made easier with his magic and he doesn't typically attempt to show it off in any fashion... at least, not in public. It's more enjoyable to take people by surprise, after all—and practical, given his modus operandi is to get people to underestimate him until it's too late.
Anyway—with Blackie's apparent approval and Richard's quick mount, it looks to be a pleasant enough ride ahead of them. He takes note of the direction they're moving, holding loosely onto the saddle. After a few moments of silence along the way:]
[Luckily for both of them Blackie is a working horse, and he is used to carry a lot of additional weight on his back outside of Richard. So he is not all that bothered by Altius, at least as long as this double ride doesn't become a habit. He takes a brisk pace while walking towards their destination.]
Not really. It has come to my attention that horse riding has become yet another forgotten talent within these people. [Something that he didn't really get. Why would one prefer walking by feet when you could just mount a steed? ]
Hm. [Richard hums conversationally. He supposes that some things hadn't changed through the years and applied to different realms. Horses, as favored they were by the people, were a sign of both wealth and status. Most peasants could only dream of having one unless they were farmers. But hey, if there's something that Richard has learned in this world it's that people were more sensitive to the talk about class and wealth so he let the topic alone. He really wasn't in mood for an argument. Not when he had whole other plans for tonight.]
Nay. He arrived few months after me. Just like Whitey. [Blackie, Whitey... Yeah, his name game is not the strongest is it?]
[Well—it's not like Altius is in the habit of naming anything, so he doesn't even know if he would have picked something... less obvious? No, surely he would have done better than Blackie and Whitey. Even if it was something like Spot—that one is a classic, at least.]
It makes me even less sure of if this places likes or dislikes us.
[Surely they didn't bring Richard's animals here to judge them. What other reason could it have other than granting the man something beneficial? Another mystery. Perhaps inconsequential in the long run, but it will bother him, nevertheless.]
[Hey. Richard merely calls them as he sees them. Quite literally in this case, though. ]
Who knows. Then again, I have heard of stories of people being rewarded with things that hold much more value than a horse. [People had been able to receive their home buildings and businesses even. Silco had been gifted the bar Last Drop, his joy and pride. Just like Altius had gained back his medical building. But for some reason the fate only kept bringing Richard's animal companies from his home world. Hm. Seems like the world was playing favorites with them.]
But I must wonder what are the purpose of these gifts. Would you have an idea of their true nature.
[Blackie picks up the speed somewhat, walking in a steady yet brisk pace, leading them to the inn. When the horse stops Richard turns his head to look over his shoulder.] Do you need help to get down?
[Sure, he was granted a miniaturized version of his own business, but a certain ghost he knows was granted the ability to become corporeal—a much more powerful boon, in some ways. He doesn't know if there's any real consistency between them, these gifts... something to look into, perhaps. He hums thoughtfully.]
I only have theories. Attempts to make us let our guard down, which I'd consider a failure. Or tools meant to help us with our "rehabilitation," perhaps, granted by something that doesn't understand the concept at all. ... There's always the chance it's just mocking us, of course.
[It's hard to assign any sense to it; he simply doesn't have enough information.
When they come to the inn, Altius is half ready to dismount on his own, but when Richard makes the offer, he pauses and considers for second. With a slight smile and some humor in his one-shouldered shrug, he replies,]
Hm. [Richard returns the hum. Truth to be told, he hadn't given too much thought to it and merely accepted the strange gifts and what not just to be part of this world's deity's whims. Be it god or ai or spirit or whatever. It was much easier for him to approach their situation like that. And just as back in his own world he did not try to decipher the thoughts of the divine. It seemed more or less pointless in his mind. To him it mattered more what he could do with his time and life in here.
Aaand just like that, Richard flings himself off the saddle, his movements just as graceful and practiced as when he had gotten up.]
Mind your footing and balance. Take a hold of the reins and take support from the pommel. It's quite the same as the mounting, just in reverse.
[Well, he couldn't fully disagree with that approach; whatever it is bringing these things in is certainly about as unpredictable as any deity might be.
Altius watches Richard's dismount and listens to his instruction with the focus of an attentive student. Easy enough, he's sure—and after making sure of his grip and his footing, follows suit in getting off of Blackie. Any pause or unsteadiness brought from inexperience is balanced well enough with his strength, and then he's got his feet on the ground.
Brushing any hair off of his hands:] Well, that was an interesting experience. [And he does mean that positively, if his tone is any indication.] Thank you, sir.
[He'll continue to follow to wherever Richard is taking him.]
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expiationlogs2025-02-10 12:12 pm
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
Altius follows Richard's movements with his gaze, with only a brief glance at the hand placed on his shoulder and no attempts to remove it or indications that it's unwelcome. What a curious image that must be to anyone that might look their way. Not that Zekarion particularly cares or minds. It might be fun to have a harmless rumor or two about himself in this place.
So—follow he does, getting up from his seat and keeping pace with the other man. He doesn't feel the need to ask about the details of where Richard is taking him, so he doesn't ask. He doesn't always hate surprises—and it's not like he's always gotten the details he's wanted out of this man.]
I am curious as to what drew you to that event in the first place, [he remarks after they've exited the building properly.]
no subject
Just that. Curiosity towards this place's customs and traditions. I have found that attending to these events and learning about the people is best way to get by here. Frigid isolation only works as a disservice if one wants to survive here. [Again, not entirely untrue. He never attended to gatherings like these just 'for fun'. They were an efficient way to gain information on the others and gauge the interest towards his cause. Something that he was doing here with Altius.] What of you? Were you bored and looking for company, or did you have something else in your mind?
[Once they are out Richard heads towards a post, not too far from the entrance, where he has left his horse, Blackie. He unties the reins from the fence, gently pulls with a click of tongue, guiding the animal towards Altius.]
I take it you arrived here by foot?
no subject
[What he's not saying: he dearly needs the distraction from his own thoughts. Thankfully he doesn't have to get too deeply into those, as a new distraction arrives in the form of Richard's horse. He watches with faint interest; he has no real opinions on the animal. It seems well trained, in any case.]
I did. [He tilts his head just barely. He knows very little about horses or how complicated the process might be, so he simply offers:] I'm not opposed to riding if you prefer, though I've never been on a horse.
no subject
The horse takes a look at Altius but otherwise doesn't seem to react to his presence even when he's led close. It's clear that the animal has been well trained and socialized. Richard, meanwhile, is hardly surprised to hear that Altius was inexperienced with horses. Honestly, it seemed that about everyone was in this place. A fact he found confusing and kinda ridiculous. What else could they be using for travel??
Well, either way. Altius does gain some points in Richard's mind when he expresses interest to try out riding. Not all had been as open to the idea.]
Do you need help to get on his back? [Considering how tall the other man was there shouldn't be any major difficulties. As long as he didn't panic or accidentally kick the animal, that is.]
no subject
Richard clearly missed all the children bragging about their motorcycles...
But honestly, anything that can get him somewhere faster, he's potentially interested in. Walking everywhere is so tedious. He has no issue with doing it in terms of exertion, but he's admittedly used a concealed portal or two when he's found himself too impatient to get somewhere.
In any case. Riding a horse. Why not? He likes to think of himself as a fast learner.]
I can follow your lead.
no subject
Richard eyes Altius, considering the course of the action briefly. He then pulls from the reins and bring the horse right in front of the other man, offering the reins to him.]
I think it'll be best for you to go first. [You know. In case you goof up and fall.] Here take these and take a hold of his mane. Lift your left foot here, [He gestures at the stirrup], then grab on the back of the saddle, spring up with your right leg and swing it up around his back. Try to avoid sitting on the saddle, that is unless you want to sit on the front.
[Honestly, the saddle is mostly fitted for Richard so it ought to be quite uncomfortable for Altius to sit on. But luckily the man is quite tall so getting on Blackie (who is by no means small horse!) shouldn't be too challenging for him.]
no subject
He follows the instructions as given, taking a moment with his foot in the stirrup to be sure of his placement before he lifts himself properly and settles onto the horse's back behind the saddle. He doesn't feel the need to hold on particularly tightly, either with his hands or his legs; balance hasn't been a problem for him in a long time.]
Hm.
[That's the sound of a new experience being unlocked, apparently. Horseback. He's sort of ridden on creatures before, but those were only constructs he more or less directly controlled...
That accomplished, he waits a moment to make sure he's not about to get tossed off before he offers the reins back to Richard.]
no subject
Richard reaches out to take the reins to his own hands, places his feet in the stirrup and then, with one smooth move, he flings himself up on the saddle. Yeah, he does this everyday.]
You can hold onto the back of the saddle if you want to. [After that last bit of instruction he clicks his tongue and gives his horse a light kick on his back. And off towards the inn they go!]
no subject
Anyway—with Blackie's apparent approval and Richard's quick mount, it looks to be a pleasant enough ride ahead of them. He takes note of the direction they're moving, holding loosely onto the saddle. After a few moments of silence along the way:]
Have you had many people ride with you here?
no subject
Not really. It has come to my attention that horse riding has become yet another forgotten talent within these people. [Something that he didn't really get. Why would one prefer walking by feet when you could just mount a steed? ]
no subject
Horses and their care are an expensive luxury for most, in my time. Largely replaced by machine-driven carriages that don't need to be trained.
[Convenience, certainty, speed... in most circumstances, horse travel is the worse of the two. Not that the animals don't have their uses.]
Of course, without any of those offered here... you certainly have the advantage. Did he arrive with you in Aldrip?
no subject
Nay. He arrived few months after me. Just like Whitey. [Blackie, Whitey... Yeah, his name game is not the strongest is it?]
no subject
[Well—it's not like Altius is in the habit of naming anything, so he doesn't even know if he would have picked something... less obvious? No, surely he would have done better than Blackie and Whitey. Even if it was something like Spot—that one is a classic, at least.]
It makes me even less sure of if this places likes or dislikes us.
[Surely they didn't bring Richard's animals here to judge them. What other reason could it have other than granting the man something beneficial? Another mystery. Perhaps inconsequential in the long run, but it will bother him, nevertheless.]
no subject
Who knows. Then again, I have heard of stories of people being rewarded with things that hold much more value than a horse. [People had been able to receive their home buildings and businesses even. Silco had been gifted the bar Last Drop, his joy and pride. Just like Altius had gained back his medical building. But for some reason the fate only kept bringing Richard's animal companies from his home world. Hm. Seems like the world was playing favorites with them.]
But I must wonder what are the purpose of these gifts. Would you have an idea of their true nature.
[Blackie picks up the speed somewhat, walking in a steady yet brisk pace, leading them to the inn. When the horse stops Richard turns his head to look over his shoulder.] Do you need help to get down?
this places. great job ryoko
[Sure, he was granted a miniaturized version of his own business, but a certain ghost he knows was granted the ability to become corporeal—a much more powerful boon, in some ways. He doesn't know if there's any real consistency between them, these gifts... something to look into, perhaps. He hums thoughtfully.]
I only have theories. Attempts to make us let our guard down, which I'd consider a failure. Or tools meant to help us with our "rehabilitation," perhaps, granted by something that doesn't understand the concept at all. ... There's always the chance it's just mocking us, of course.
[It's hard to assign any sense to it; he simply doesn't have enough information.
When they come to the inn, Altius is half ready to dismount on his own, but when Richard makes the offer, he pauses and considers for second. With a slight smile and some humor in his one-shouldered shrug, he replies,]
I'd hate to make a fool of myself. Please.
no subject
Aaand just like that, Richard flings himself off the saddle, his movements just as graceful and practiced as when he had gotten up.]
Mind your footing and balance. Take a hold of the reins and take support from the pommel. It's quite the same as the mounting, just in reverse.
no subject
Altius watches Richard's dismount and listens to his instruction with the focus of an attentive student. Easy enough, he's sure—and after making sure of his grip and his footing, follows suit in getting off of Blackie. Any pause or unsteadiness brought from inexperience is balanced well enough with his strength, and then he's got his feet on the ground.
Brushing any hair off of his hands:] Well, that was an interesting experience. [And he does mean that positively, if his tone is any indication.] Thank you, sir.
[He'll continue to follow to wherever Richard is taking him.]