voidtreckernet | voice

[Sometime after breakfast on the fourth day of Rabbit, a voice message plays over the network.]

Hello. My apologies if I am interrupting anyone in the midst of something important. Some of you may already know me, but for those who do not, my name is Rezo, and I have a favor to ask of you.

In my own world I devoted much of my time to researching magic and since being recruited by the train I have heard a few things about the abilities that some of you have. While it seems magic, or some concept thereof, is quite common among the various worlds, the way it works and the extent of what a person can do varies considerably.

I confess I have found myself rather curious about all this. Thus, if any of you are willing to speak with me about your own abilities and the magic systems that you have experience with, I would appreciate it if you would contact me. I will be staying near the ICP in the standard coach for much of today, if you would prefer to speak in person.

Of course, I understand that some of you may wonder what is in this for you. Worry not. I have rewards prepared for anyone who is willing to indulge my curiosity, and I shall compensate you accordingly.

[[ooc: since lore dumping and technical talk isn't necessarily everyone's jam feel free to do some handwaving if you think your character would respond to Rezo's request but you don't feel up to going into/making up a bunch of weird details.

~~and if you're wondering what the reward will be, it's a sticker.~~]]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, Rezo recognizes the names of those flowers. He even used to know a place where foxgloves were deliberately cultivated as they could, if the dosage was correct, be used to make medicine to regulate the human pulse, although it was certainly a difficult treatment to get right.

Then Lioriley elaborates. And Rezo hesitates, wondering if there’s something in her words that’s meant to be directed at him. Or is that his own guilty conscience speaking?

“...I share your intrigue,” he admits. “Although it is a dangerous one.” Certainly, it’s an interest that can bring one far too close to poisons, thorns, or other, even more serious hazards.

“I hope you know, in spite of your intrigue, not to handle such things too closely. I’d hate to see you…” How to put this? “...Sickened.”

It hadn't been directed at him - most comments weren't even if they seemed to fit appropriately - but, perhaps, when she thought back to this conversation in the future, she would consider the implications.

His comment wasn't that deep - or it wouldn't be to someone lacking the myriad of confusing feelings Lioriley had toward the priest - but the Lunari still felt her heart leap at the thought that Rezo worried for her at all. That he would hate to see anything happen to her.

"Are you speaking of flowers still, my friend - or something else?" Like handling dangerous people she shouldn't be close to, because she had a bad habit of doing that too.

“You speak of an interest in the hidden aspects of people,” Rezo says quietly. “But I find that such things are often hidden for a reason.”

Again, there’s his need to keep a distance making itself known. He’s not sure if it’s out of concern for her wellbeing, or his own.

With a soft exhale, he continues in a more cheerful tone, “Besides, I’ve known quite a number of scholarly individuals over the years. There’s a tendency among our type to let curiosity override good judgment.”

"You are right." She agreed, head absently cocking to one side like she was trying to listen closely for something - or, like it would help her discern why Rezo had felt the need to lower his voice with that last comment.

She straightened up again. "For whatever solace it may bring, I do not pry often, even if I am intrigued by those around me. However, if they wish to tell me any secrets, well, I am very good at keeping them." Was that a subtle hint that if there was anything Rezo wanted to get off his chest, she would be a good candidate? Maybe. She certainly wasn't lying about her ability to keep secrets.

This isn’t the first time he’s considered talking to her about his situation. Lioriley is an intelligent woman with a great deal of magical knowledge under her belt, even if it has a different source than Rezo’s. He can likely trust her to be prudent with the information he gives her.

Yet he knows if he confides in her it will make for a shift in their relationship. Perhaps she wouldn’t despise him, but he cannot imagine their easy friendship surviving it. At best she would pity him; likely, she’d become contemptuous of him, even if she otherwise continued to treat him kindly. Neither one is an appealing option, and it seems he still has enough pride to value someone’s good opinion of him, particularly someone he likes as much as he likes her.

“You are an admirable woman,” he murmurs. It’s a true statement, but it’s also intended as a deflection.

He wants to take her hand again, or to brush his fingers against her cheek, to play with any stray locks of hair he finds. She would let him, he suspects, he’s already held her face in his hands before. But that was during the evacuation on Osiga, when she’d been desperately in need of support and comfort. If he did so now, it would only be of comfort to him, and he’d be taking advantage of her good opinion to do so.

He’s faintly disgusted with himself for the impulse, and he withdraws a step.

He’ll tell her. Eventually. He just has to find the right time.

“I’m keeping you from your reading,” he says. “Pardon me. But thank you for speaking with me.”

Lioriley was constantly resisting the urge to touch him; to comfort him because he always seemed to be so sad and tense, even when he was smiling at her. The Lunari was no stranger to smiles like that - mostly faked for the sake of others, so they wouldn't ask questions. What was he hiding that he was so unwilling to tell her, yet still hinted to time and time again?

"Ah. Thank you." Said almost absently, the compliment barely registered while she replayed the conversation - and a few others - back in search of clues she might have missed. She had said she wouldn't pry, but that certainly didn't mean she wouldn't try to piece together what she could on her own.

Her attention snapped back quickly, mouth down turned in a frown. "You do not have to go." She said, already doubtful he would change his mind.

“It is alright,” Rezo says. “It’s getting late, and I have quite a bit of data to look over before I turn in.” Which is true, and is something he’d been planning on doing mostly on his own.

Although, yes… he does take note of the distracted edge that Lioriley has taken on, and it does make him suspect he’s said too much. And even if he hasn’t, if he continues to speak with her, he’s afraid he will say too much.

It’s not the right time, he tells himself. As if there’s ever a good time to explain that you’re the vessel for a dark god of destruction.

“Goodnight, Lioriley. Until we speak again.” He smiles at her- and it’s another one of those not-quite-real smiles that Lioriley is no stranger to- and turns to leave.

She believed him, of course. Plenty of people had replied to his inquiry, not to mention all the other information she knew he was researching. They both always had data they were looking over.

That fact did not make her feel any better about him leaving after that weighty conversation. But she didn't push - just hummed absently and noted the look he gave her before he turned away.

"Take care, Rezo."

voice | rabbit 4

lior no you're giving him an opportunity to be cryptic and dramatic again

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