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Post by Risukage on Jan 9, 2017 1:02:01 GMT -5
Lys picks up the tablet with his other hand and checks the information on it.
"There is much to be done. I have measures in place but they must now be activated. Though first I suppose that I must review them to ensure that everything is up-to-date and correct, many things have changed since-" Xander plucks the tablet from his hand, despite his companion's protestations.
"He didn't say when it's gonna happen, and I doubt a war is just gonna drop in on our doorstep. We'll have warning, especially now that we're looking for it. Update your contacts and leads, tell them what you know and have them feed back what they get once they know what to look for. You may be a spider in your web but few people know just how far that web extends. You're making yourself worried for nothing." Another small smile finds its way back to Lys's face and he chuckles at Xander's advice.
"Even after all of these years it is strange to have my internal thoughts also be my external ones as well. But you are correct. I shall set aside preparations for now and shift my focus to intelligence-gathering. Let us learn about our enemy so that we may face them at our greatest strength." Xander gives him his usual, fanged grin, and contemplates teasing or even flirting with him, just to lighten the mood (Lys is so easy to predict, and Xander knows just how to nudge and prod him to get a desired result), but decides against it. This is a serious situation and he knows what his mirror-twin is thinking. He's already in a better state of mind, best leave it there for the moment.
"I'm hungry, I bet you are, too," he says, getting up again, "I'll pop down to the dining hall and bring back something."
"I can send for someone to-"
"Nah. You need a bit of mental space right now. Back in a few." The smile deepens as Xander walks out, and Lys stares into his tea, feeling more at ease. How strange, he thinks, taking a delicate sip, he is brash, annoying, loud, and irritating. And yet, when the moment calls for it, he knows exactly what to do and say. It is funny how that works when someone is a walking copy of one's self. And yet, he is his own person now. I do not think I can simply think of him as a "copy" any longer.
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Vir
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Post by Vir on Jan 10, 2017 17:10:07 GMT -5
January 4, 7000 AGW 11:45 AM Sinis time Azandra, accompanied by Reylan, knocks on the door to Lys's office. Better to let him - no, them - know before she disturbs the girl, she thinks. Besides, it's a good excuse to see him again. ...The last meeting hadn't gone so well. Maybe she could repair her standing with them - with Lys, at least. |
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Post by Risukage on Jan 10, 2017 20:00:55 GMT -5
Xander stacks the dishes in the sink in the kitchenette. He will take them back to the dining hall later, but for now, a post-lunch cup of tea is called for, and he rinses the pot before filling it with near-boiling water.
"What'cha in the mood for, mate?" he asks, opening the tea cupboard again. Lys smiles, sending off a few last messages before he sets down his tablet.
"I think that a cup of genmaicha would be pleasant. Something warm and earthy after that meal." He turns that smile to his companion, who adds the tea and brings the pot over to the desk. "There, that is the last of the requests for information and updates to all of our contacts. Further, you are being unusually helpful today. Most days you vex me sorely, and barely offer an apology for it." The smile is returned with one as warm, though a bit pointier, as Xander's fangs are far sharper than the cuter, rounded ones that Lys possesses.
"Yeah, well, I'm an asshole, but this is serious. I saw what that guy's visit meant to you, and I'm you, remember? I remember the war, too, I just feel it differently." Reclining in his chair, Lys rests his elbows on the arms of the chair and his chin on the back of his folded hands.
"I...believe that I need to give you more credit than I already do. And more equality. This chair has been mine for ages, but perhaps it is time that I shared it, or had another crafted. You are not merely my mirror-twin, you are a person in your own right, and I do not think I give that enough respect." Laughing, Xander claps him on the shoulder and flops into one of the plush chairs on the other side of the desk.
"Nah, I'm good. If you made one I'd be inclined to use it more, and I prefer having a bit more mobility when visitors arrive. I'm your guardian, remember?"
"I am grateful for it, but I never asked it of you."
"You never needed to. I'm you."
"By that measure, I am you as well."
Their banter is interrupted by a knock at the door. Lys glances at a small monitor under his desk that is connected to a video feed of the hallway, so that they are never caught by surprise by unwanted visitors. They exchange a silent conversation in one glance and Xander gets up to open the door and let in their guests.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2017 4:39:11 GMT -5
Reylan enters the office after Azandra, but takes the lead after that. "Headmaster Lys, Xander," he says as he respectfully nods to both of them. "Good morning. I've come to meet Abbyline, my daughter and your student. I hope this is not a bad moment for a visit." He gestures toward Azandra. "Princess Azandra wishes to meet her." Rey steps back, and lets Azandra speak.
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Vir
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Post by Vir on Jan 11, 2017 9:09:45 GMT -5
Azandra bobs her head in a sort-of bow to Lys. "Headmaster. It's been far too long since I've visited you, to be honest. I noticed your security has improved... a wise decision." Purposely, she doesn't acknowledge Xander.
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Post by Risukage on Jan 11, 2017 19:07:18 GMT -5
Xander's grin threatens to reach critical proportions, and he and Lys share another fast, unspoken conversation in a glance, but there is a flicker of a smile as well that only Xander knows how to see. After admitting both guests, he strolls around to the kitchenette, retrieving a few more cups. Lys gestures politely to the chairs in front of his desk.
"Be welcome, the both of you. I am pleased to make an acquaintance for the first time and greet a former student, who excelled within these walls long ago. Please, be seated, and avail yourselves of my hospitality. I have just put on a fresh pot of tea, to which you are welcome if you desire." He pulls up a different tablet, tapping and scrolling through the information displayed. "Ah, Abbyline, I remember now. Yes, I will dispatch a message to her so that she may be aware of your presence." He taps a couple of buttons and sets the tablet upon the desk. "While we await a reply, perhaps I can inquire as to anything that I can do to make your stay more pleasant or facilitate your business? And my thanks, we have been doing a significant amount of modernization of this facility since you were last here. I am quite pleased, as it has made my work so much easier and gives us all a better quality of life. It is beautiful when technology and magic can operate in harmony."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2017 20:01:32 GMT -5
Reylan takes a seat. "Thank you very much, Headmaster. Hospitality is greatly appreciated. And yes, I would enjoy a cup of tea," he says with no discernible emotion on his face. Unless one counts a fine polite smile as one. "Magic that entwines us and our tools together has many names, and just as many purposes. Seeing the ways to use the aura that we've been gifted with never fail to impress me. Such is here, with your technology."
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Vir
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Post by Vir on Jan 11, 2017 21:43:36 GMT -5
Azandra smiles thinly, knowing full well the cost of some of the advances in technology. Lys is likely unaware of some of the things she's done... and she's fine with that. He wouldn't approve. Certainly not. She takes a seat as well, crossing one of her legs gracefully over the other. "Thank you, Lys. Yes, I'd like some tea as well. As for business, well, unless you have any knowledge of Krolaken's or Spire's movements, I doubt you can help me." Her eyes focus on the tablet - is it Paxian, like the bits of technology she'd managed to scavenge from the deathtrap city, or one of the kind she'd derived from the Paxian with the help of her scientists, or... something else? How did he have it connected to the other terminals? She glances about the room, looking discreetly for visible wires, connectors, or other sources of power.
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Post by Risukage on Jan 12, 2017 4:15:31 GMT -5
Lys demurrs politely, pouring for his guests, and casts a fond glance around his office.
"It is marvelous, is it not? Such artistry was needed to blend them successfully and I was fortunate in achieving it. Long has this been my seat of power, so to speak, and little has changed, yet so much at the same time. If I may boast a little, I am proud of that which I have constructed and given assistance to flourish. I wonder if this is the delight that parents feel when hearing of the accomplishments of their children. To answer your question, I have no information of that sort, but then, I have not yet turned my sights in that direction. If it were to my benefit and should I become aware of anything pertinent that needs knowing, I could direct my informants to avail me of anything on that subject."
He allows the suggestion to linger in the air as he sips his tea. Xander thinks about this, tapping a finger to his chin, and picks up a separate tablet to check something.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2017 7:27:59 GMT -5
Reylan takes his cup and sips. Lux indeed is a place of innovation. This is an excellent place for Abbyline. Azandra, however... He chooses to keep his thoughts to himself, in presence of the Princess. The discussion is shifting to politics and games of power, a subject which he has never been interested in. He rather protects what he has than risks it all in a gamble to obtain more. However, his opinions have no place here. There is nothing he can contribute to this discussion.
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Vir
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Post by Vir on Jan 12, 2017 8:25:13 GMT -5
Right now, Azandra wishes she were a technopath. She can't quite tell what is powering the Lux's devices. She frowns for a moment before allowing a polite smile to return to her face. "How did you get this level of technology?" she asks, trying to seem awed, curious. "I wasn't aware you were technopathic. As for the information, well, I'm sure you can think of some benefit for gaining it." She smiles lightly, meaningfully.
Xander is typing now. Her eyes flick to him, watching him, somewhat discreetly, she hopes.
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Post by Risukage on Jan 12, 2017 19:14:58 GMT -5
Xander appears to be absorbed in the information on the tablet that he holds, and Lys smiles sweetly and waves a hand.
"Should information come my way that would benefit you then we can discuss terms to appropriately recompense each other. And you are too kind. No, sadly, I lack that ability, though I have studied it extensively. So strange yet so exquisite! And even more sadly, I must apologize in that I cannot divulge the secrets to that which runs and powers the Lux. I fear not for myself, only the safety and sanctity of my students and staff. What I can state, however, is that I did develop much in conjunction with the good Lord Eshevrhi of Spire, whose city brought to me no end of wonder and amazement. One could say that his city in-spired me!" He laughs at his own joke, his smile becoming even more warm, and Xander only snorts and rolls his eyes.
"You're too cute for your own good."
"And you are curiously silent."
"Eh, I'm just checking the weather, thinking of going out, I could use the entertainment."
"You know that I don't like leaving."
"Yeah, but you know it'd do you good. Weather's nice, shouldn't need to bring a coat, and I don't see any storms coming up any time soon."
"Perhaps we can make plans later, if I am finished with my work." Shrugging, Xander drops into another chair, propping his feet up on the coffee table in front of him, able to see the other three, but still more interested in the information on the tablet. Turning his attention back to his guests, Lys taps a delicate finger to his lips as he thinks.
"Where was I? Ah yes, the Lux. Once more, no, my power is rather the wrong sort for the creation of such devices, but I've not been stopped in the past by mere impossibilities. And though Lord Eshevrhi was a bit reticent at first and rebuffed my offer of collaboration, eventually he was swayed by my convincing words and charming personality. I cannot say all that tran-spired, but I can say that together we per-spired, and together we created that which it was I had a-spired." Once again he laughs at his own terrible puns, and Xander facepalms, chuckling.
"Baka da yo." He snickers.
"Urusai wa ne." Replies Lys with a quirk of a smile.
"Kimi no koto kawaiisugiru ze."
"Anata mou waraimashita ne." A flicker on the tablet catches Lys's attention and his smile changes again. "It appears that she is on her way, how delightful! Do you plan to explore the city, or is it a short visit? If you are pressed for time and space, I can provide a private room for all of you if it pleases you." He folds his hands neatly across his midriff and smiles at them cheerfully over the top of his gold, half-rim glasses.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 6:08:37 GMT -5
"I appreciate the offer, headmaster, but our family lives has a house here in Deep. A room isn't required, although I am not speaking for her majesty," Rey replies, his eyes shifting to Azandra. He feels eager to see Abbyline again. It's been some time since the last time he has met his daughter. Hopefully Azandra won't take her like she took Delilah. It would be unfortunate if this was a permanent replacement she is planning. Where might Del even be...
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Vir
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Post by Vir on Jan 13, 2017 8:01:44 GMT -5
Azandra was under the impression that the private room was to talk in. "I'm not certain that's what he means," she tells Reylan, before turning back to Lys. So he'd worked with Eshevrhi. Of Spire. Damn. "You convinced Lord Eshevrhi to collaborate with you?" Perhaps she could play the innocent game. Let's see, what could she use his help with? "I haven't been able to so much as see him." She laughs lightly, with a touch of music to her voice. "I'd give much to be able to have an audience with him." And strike him down, she thinks, though of course she doesn't say it. She smiles. "I've heard his city is the crown jewel of Novem... I may have made advances in technology, but I doubt I'm anywhere near his level." Only a slight exaggeration.
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Post by Risukage on Jan 13, 2017 19:52:34 GMT -5
Lys sighs, almost wistfully, and rests his elbow on the arm of the chair and his chin on his hand.
"None of us are remotely close, and though I am not given to such petty emotions like jealousy or envy, I find even myself desiring further knowledge of his workings. Truly, his city is a gem, shining bright in these lands as a beacon of contemporary elegance and advancement, much as I have lit the beacon of knowledge, and that light glimmers in the facets of Spire... Would that I could visit once more myself. It took no small amount of work to even gain an audience, much less work in tandem on a project he holds so dear. I would give much, indeed, to have the opportunity to craft by his side again. Such a brilliant mind..." He stares off for a moment, thinking, and nods to himself. "I shall send him a missive, attempting to open lines of communication once more. At that time I will also share your desire to have an audience. It is the least that I can do for one who brought so much to my school, and I daresay that my influence may be what is needed to give the both of you the opportunity to converse. Call it a favor from an old friend."
Xander appears to have lost all interest in the conversation, having turned the tablet sideways and is typing on it, propped up against one leg that is crossed over the other. There is a knock at the door, which he doesn't notice, and Lys turns to him, amused.
"If I could bother you to pause your game, please admit our next guest. I believe that Abbyline has arrived."
"Hunh? Oh, yeah. Sure." He puts the tablet face-down on the table in front of him and stands up to walk over and open the door, and as predicted, Abby enters the office.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 20:08:47 GMT -5
Reylan turns toward the door. Abbyline. They greet their daughter with a look of fatherly pride. "Abbyline. Delight to see you."
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Post by Vir on Jan 14, 2017 9:51:00 GMT -5
Azandra smiles at Lys. "You've done me quite a few favors already. Don't you expect anything in return?" Then the door opens, and she turns her focus to Abbyline, who enters beautiful in an orange dress and golden ringlets, her arms covered by a white jacket. The girl is smiling even though her lesson's been interrupted, and her smile brightens as she sees her father, whom she runs to, hugging him close. "Father!" she exclaims, then more quietly, meant for only his ears, "why is Azandra here?"
Azandra raises her eyebrows at Abbyline - of all things, she hadn't expected a bright and bubbly young girl, who radiated innocence, to be the daughter of Reylan and Phoebe. But then again... she wondered if that was just a front, a pretense. Creators know she'd had to put up that front... but never so young as Abbyline must be. But then, she hadn't been born in prewar.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2017 12:34:59 GMT -5
Reylan hugs Abbyline with a smile, while whispering to her ear very quietly. "Delilah is missing. Azandra wants you to replace her until she's found. Be careful." Better let her know its about her sibling and where she has gone. Abby should know exactly what this is about now. Then he speaks to her more loudly, so everyone can hear. "I came here with Azandra to ask you something. Abbyline, now listen the Princess very carefully."
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Post by Risukage on Jan 14, 2017 23:03:57 GMT -5
Xander has by now returned to his chair and device, once more engrossed in his previous actions. Smiling at the happy reunion, Lys chuckles and stands up, clapping his hands together.
"Perhaps I have, my dear student, but I can think of nothing to ask of you at the moment, and further, I shall not interrupt a family conversation with talk of business and politics. I am pleased to hear that you have lodging in the area; being able to be close to one's loved ones must ease one's mind and heart considerably, though I cannot say that I know the experience. Is there any more assistance that I can provide at the moment?"
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Post by Vir on Jan 15, 2017 8:43:17 GMT -5
"I'll be alright, Father," Abbyline whispers. "Mother knew this would happen. I'm ready." Then she lets go of her father, mostly, facing Azandra, with one of her arms wrapped around one of Reylan's.
Azandra glances at Xander's tablet again, though she can't see what he's doing, of course.
Interesting, Abbyline thinks. Is she... of course she is. Why wouldn't she be hungry for information at a time like this? Yes, she's already made that abundantly clear. It might gain her favor if she's able to procure a piece of information Azandra needs. On the other hand, it'd prove her dangerous. She'd have to act as innocent as possible.
The possibility is intriguing, though. She can't help but be curious too. And Azandra hadn't ordered her to stay yet... She approaches Azandra and holds out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Princess Azandra." And the princess actually takes her hand and shakes it. How naive. She hadn't thought the attempt would actually work, but then, she supposes, everyone has a weakness somewhere. Azandra's is either overconfidence, naivety, or a mixture of both, and the way she looks, it can't be naivety.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Abbyline." What a polite girl, Azandra thinks. Likely easy to command, as well... she wonders if she could convince her to look over at Xander's tablet.
And then Abby heads over to Xander's seat, and Azandra wonders if the girl can read her mind.
"Mr. Xander?" Abbyline asks, her voice childish, innocent. She walks over beside him, hoping to get an angle from which she can see his screen. "How are you today? And Headmaster?" she continues, walking over to him, whether she sees the screen or not. "Are you well too?"
What is the child doing? Azandra wonders.
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