[ Merlin... she's about to feel so bad for teasing him. As bad as someone can feel with an adorable little animal in their lap, anyway. ]
They're beautiful. Something like this would just be a fairytale in Vasilios. [ Or a trick, but that sounds rude. ] Our guardian god granted powers to two families when the Empire was founded. But I don't think most people really believe in that anymore. The only magic most people will ever see is when the temple receives an oracle from god.
[ Which might put a less flattering light on Merlin being the most amazing mage she's met when they don't exist for her, but. ]
[ Merlin has lived countless ages of being teased. To think this might be the last time he is ever joked around with before he dies (okay, not really, he still has enough time for other shenanigans later today...) ]
Oh ho?
What kind of powers? Like this? Or something else?
[ And then of course he takes what she said earlier to heart even more. ]
Wow, so this is really the first time you're seeing something so amazing! No wonder why you can't help but admire my prowess!
[ Enjoy your imminent bullying in the graveyard, Merlin. Vengeance for his crimes... ]
Um... much simpler than yours, I think.
[ She hesitates, weighing a lifetime of caution. But it's already all over the profiles, so... a small amount of golden light blooms around her fingers. If Fou made his precious tiny paws sore kicking Merlin in the face — okay, or if the paw impression on Merlin's face hurts — the sting of that will ease. ]
Just a little healing, or — things like that. [ Bless Merlin for taking her words in the right spirit. She laughs a little. ] You're right! It really is amazing. I never would have imagined people being able to do something like that.
[ Merlin will enjoy his bullying in the graveyard as deserved...his poor dying crimes.
But! That aside, there's the healing glow which catches his attention and indeed soothes the little ache on his cheek. It doesn't really hurt much; a light sting if any, but it's noted when it dissipates. ]
Just a little healing? Hmm, and here I wonder if you're just being humble.
[ He teases lightly, but there is a genuine compliment in there as well. ]
Well, now you've seen it. Now that you know, the possibilities are practically limitless. Such is the potential of many...humans, who are oftentimes the center of untapped and latent power.
[ Everyone's been too polite to ask about the "smiting" in her profile, so she smiles at that. ]
It's rare where I'm from, but it's really nothing special.
[ But it's still nice of him. She gives Fou a little more petting as if he can transmit the appreciation to his keeper. ]
Do you really think so? It's a nice thought. I really want want to become stronger... [ But that's a bit afield, so she redirects almost offhand: ] Do you mean yourself, too?
[ Could it be that they're afraid Psyche will answer their question and then utter in a loud voice: THIS IS WHAT SMITING IS!!
And then smite them. Okay, no. He sees the little smile, and Merlin snorts. ]
Humility strikes again! But, that's fine. It's a good quality for people to have, I think.
[ Healing powers are really useful as well, from his perspective. Fou makes another happy noise at the pettings, and begins to fall asleep in her lap. ]
I think so! You'll become stronger if you try hard enough. [ ... ] No. I'm not human. Though, I probably look mostly like one, hm?
[ Actually, Merlin is half-human, but he considers himself as completely inhuman due to some...existential issues? It's complicated. ]</small.
[ Murder submission: SOMEONE ASKS PSYCHE WHAT SMITING IS- ]
It's just difficult for me to compare it, when the people here can do things like... make flowers out of thin air.
[ Modesty can also be a very fine survival strategy that's gotten Psyche intact to age nineteen! Well, modesty and healing did that. Her eyes are going so wide at Fou's adorable little sleepy face though. ]
You do. I really didn't know what to make of the ages on some of those profiles... I suppose it makes sense, when lots of people here aren't human.
[ Oh my god, please. RIP in rest anyone who asks- ]
Hmm, I wonder who you're thinking of~?
[ Merlin asks playfully, eyes creasing in true and actual amusement. But this is also adding veritable points towards his ego. Not exactly knowing it's a survival tactic as well, though he'd think it very valid (even if he has yet to learn it...maybe it'd keep him from getting killed!!) ]
That's right. Some of the people here are less human than not, or not human at all. I suppose it's hardly surprising indeed, considering the situation. Though, there's something interesting about it too...it means we get a variety of captivating personalities and people.
[ Accidentally inflating Merlin's ego before his death: another burden of guilt for Psyche to bear. At least that one was probably beyond her powers to fix. ]
I think it's interesting. I've wondered before, what it would be like to travel somewhere new. But the people I can meet here are completely different from anything that would be possible back home.
[ ...Okay, she's curbed her curiosity as best she can. But glancing over at Merlin again, she has to ask... ]
...Is it rude to ask you what you are, if not human?
[ Truly. An aspect that Psyche could not have hoped to have fixed before Merlin's untimely demise. But that's fine, right now he's enjoying himself quite a lot. ]
Well, maybe after this, anything is possible, isn't it? Especially if you wish hard enough...a handsome fellow like myself might be inclined to grant it.
[ Wink.
As for her actual question and instead of Merlin messing around...well, actually, he might be still messing around, because a certain trickster-like amused glean comes alight in amethyst-colored eyes. ]
It's not rude, at all. Though, are you sure you want to know? What if I were some kind of monster that fed on human despair? Or something equally as horrible? Wouldn't ignorance be bliss?
[ Well... Psyche had read the hot or not poll like the morning paper (which Vasilios probably doesn't have but w/e). Merlin's... Merlin-ness gets a laugh. ]
But what if I want to grant my own wishes? I'll have to keep working harder.
[ He has a fluffy pet, he is harmless. Psyche gives his question a little nod. ]
Then I'd want to know even more. Ignorance... is only bliss because you don't realize how miserable your circumstances are. I don't want that.
[ Hope Psyche appreciated literally zero of Merlin's nonsense. Or appreciated all of it. He would bow and ask if he at least gave a good show, without a hint of repentance. But, her answers conjures amusement from him.
Greatly so, in fact. ]
Ah ha ha ha! Ah...I truly do love humans. They're truly such beautiful creatures.
Weaving songs, soldering ahead without a care of the dangers that lie before them...sometimes disgraceful and horrible too. But wonderful nonetheless, even if those of my kind spurn them so often as weak and fragile things that deserve nothing but the worst of endings.
[ Merlin falls quiet for a moment. The implications are clear. Psyche's judgment about Merlin being harmless because he had a fluffy pet is right. ]
I'm supposedly at least half of that. But, I have something in common with Beel, for the other half, as well. You're not afraid of him either, are you?
[ Psyche's eyes widen a little for that laugh. Not quite the reaction she expected, but... she thinks he means what he says. ]
We're so fragile. Even I think so, sometimes. But I think that's why people can be wonderful, too.
[ It touches an unexpected chord that Merlin can think so. She's not, despite her powers, a saint. She's had plenty of times when she's wondered how humans might look from the perspective of something eternal and much more powerful. So it's... nice. ]
I'm not. Or of you. Humans can be frightening if they choose to be. But it doesn't seem right to me that someone would be frightening just because of what they are. You're a kind person, I think.
[ Merlin certainly does, even if he phrases things in an uh...let us say, unique manner? ]
Not many agree with our point of view, you know.
A lot of people think what is fragile can't also be strong or wonderful. But, that's just not true.
[ But, honestly speaking, even if he can't stand the nature of some individual humans, he also can't help from loving them all the same. That, perhaps, prevents him from becoming so resentful to the point of danger.
He thinks it's the same for others. Psyche too. ]
That's funny. I don't get called a kind person very often. What makes you think so?
Hm... I suppose it's something like a hunch? Maybe because you can think of humans like that.
[ Despite, considering how old Merlin might be, how much of the worst of people he's probably seen. In just nineteen years Psyche's seen enough to make her have doubts sometimes. ]
And you're gentle with Fou, even when he's playing a little more roughly. I don't think he'd feel so comfortable with an unkind person.
[ That's how she's taking it, the sleeping Fou can't dispute it. ]
[ Merlin says simply. He's definitely seen the worst of people, he has dislikes and likes, but in the end, when the world keeps turning, he wants ultimately the best for those who deserve it.
Even in his time as years have gone by, that hasn't changed. ]
How smart of you to say that when Fou can't hear you~
[ It's true Fou can't dispute it right now. Except maybe if awake with a kick to the face. ]
Psyche, it sounds like you might have been through your own conflicts as well. What keeps your belief in others so strong?
[ Look at his peaceful sleeping face... a happy trusting little creature, in Psyche's opinion. Merlin is definitely a good caretaker.
Merlin's going right for the hard questions, isn't he? She gives him a smile. ]
Is it that strong? Growing up, my mother always told me, "Psyche, you mustn't hate anyone." But there are people I hate. And people who do incredibly cruel things for their own convenience, or because they enjoy it, or simply because they don't care. I just... don't think most people are like that. And people can change, if they want to. I've seen terrible things, but I've seen good things as well. I don't want to live only thinking of the bad.
[ Merlin is always glad to present himself as not a suspicious character at all. Other people who know him better would side-eye the things he is saying.
Not that he's done anything to necessarily endear him to other people. But at the same time, he hasn't annoyed too many people either. A surprise to himself, but if he hasn't, well. He will push and pull. Test and see how far he can get with others. In questions, in actions...thanks for humoring him so. ]
Hehe, there's merit to having that kind of perspective as well. No point in mulling over how horrible people are when there are good as well, and the evil can change. Same for the good, even if there are those who never change either.
And those so troublesome that they deserve to be wiped out, of course.
[ At least this time his troublemaking isn't going to get him any bad will? He'll get that soon enough with the administrators. ]
"Deserve"... you're probably right. It's hard for me to think of it like that. There are people who will only do evil to other people no matter what. What should you do in that case?
[ Heavy stuff, thanks Merlin. She looks down and pets Fou very carefully, trying not to wake him. ]
I still don't know about things like that. What do you do, Merlin?
[ Merlin offers questions instead, as Fou seems to hardly stir from the petting. Though, it is only so long that the creature will remain asleep. ]
And what do I do, you ask? Those are good questions! For the most part, when it comes down to it...I'm an observer. I'm not even supposed to be all the way out here, you know. I usually see all of those things—the selfishness, pure-heartedness, and evils of humanity and other creatures—from afar.
What can I do? Though, here is a rare opportunity.
I can only wonder, 'How might it turn out this time?' Thinking of it like that, I can only feel excited about the possibilities. It's only natural, isn't it? Since usually, I'm just watching.
[ Psyche tilts her head as she pictures that. Is that how Vasilios' guardian god feels? Just watching passively, with the power to intervene but still apart? ]
...I think I would hate that. Just having to watch. I can't say I'm glad that any of us are here, but... maybe I can be glad that you have that kind of chance?
[ She thinks she can understand at least a little why Merlin would feel so happy about it, anyway. ]
This human world in such a timeframe...I don't think I had experienced it. So there's that as well.
[ Then, he rises to his feet before reaching out with one hand to pat her head once and then drawing it away. She will suddenly feel a little refreshed, despite her sleep being interrupted. ]
I think it's also time for me to go. Humans like yourself have needs as well.
When weeks come and pass, think about everything. Appearances, our hosts' twisted intentions, and the like. The road ahead will only become far more tough. But if you keep looking for those answers, independent of everyone else's own thoughts, I believe you will reach it—and I hope to see you emerge in tact by the end. Though, I wonder . . . what will you look like at that time?
[ His eyes narrow as his expression is marked as unreadable, but doubtlessly with a curiosity that can be felt a miles away. ]
That I hope to see as well.
[ ... ]
Fou, come along now. I know she's your favorite at the moment, but you can't just sleep forever. [ He pauses and looks amused at no response. ] He's not going to wake up is he? You've spoiled him far too much, Psyche. But, maybe that's for the best. The more he is fond of creatures like yourself, the better it is for the rest of you humans.
[ Merlin scoops up Fou into his arms, and then leaves with another mysterious smile as well as a friendly wave, before heading off on that lovely note. ]
[ Oh... is that like a little healing? She's never had anyone else use something like that on her — she doesn't know of anyone else in her world who even has an ability like that. Her eyes widen a little as she glances up at him.
That's... as cryptic as any of his advice. But in her current mood, she's inclined to take it in a positive light. So she gives him a little nod. ]
I'll remember that. Thank you, Merlin.
[ She waves back, smiling after him. Maybe she'll ask him what all of that meant when she sees him again... hahahahahaHA ]
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mysticpowerbroker) wrote2023-05-18 12:37 pm
no subject
They're beautiful. Something like this would just be a fairytale in Vasilios. [ Or a trick, but that sounds rude. ] Our guardian god granted powers to two families when the Empire was founded. But I don't think most people really believe in that anymore. The only magic most people will ever see is when the temple receives an oracle from god.
[ Which might put a less flattering light on Merlin being the most amazing mage she's met when they don't exist for her, but. ]
no subject
Oh ho?
What kind of powers? Like this? Or something else?
[ And then of course he takes what she said earlier to heart even more. ]
Wow, so this is really the first time you're seeing something so amazing! No wonder why you can't help but admire my prowess!
no subject
Um... much simpler than yours, I think.
[ She hesitates, weighing a lifetime of caution. But it's already all over the profiles, so... a small amount of golden light blooms around her fingers. If Fou made his precious tiny paws sore kicking Merlin in the face — okay, or if the paw impression on Merlin's face hurts — the sting of that will ease. ]
Just a little healing, or — things like that. [ Bless Merlin for taking her words in the right spirit. She laughs a little. ] You're right! It really is amazing. I never would have imagined people being able to do something like that.
no subject
But! That aside, there's the healing glow which catches his attention and indeed soothes the little ache on his cheek. It doesn't really hurt much; a light sting if any, but it's noted when it dissipates. ]
Just a little healing? Hmm, and here I wonder if you're just being humble.
[ He teases lightly, but there is a genuine compliment in there as well. ]
Well, now you've seen it. Now that you know, the possibilities are practically limitless. Such is the potential of many...humans, who are oftentimes the center of untapped and latent power.
no subject
It's rare where I'm from, but it's really nothing special.
[ But it's still nice of him. She gives Fou a little more petting as if he can transmit the appreciation to his keeper. ]
Do you really think so? It's a nice thought. I really want want to become stronger... [ But that's a bit afield, so she redirects almost offhand: ] Do you mean yourself, too?
no subject
And then smite them. Okay, no. He sees the little smile, and Merlin snorts. ]
Humility strikes again! But, that's fine. It's a good quality for people to have, I think.
[ Healing powers are really useful as well, from his perspective. Fou makes another happy noise at the pettings, and begins to fall asleep in her lap. ]
I think so! You'll become stronger if you try hard enough. [ ... ] No. I'm not human. Though, I probably look mostly like one, hm?
[ Actually, Merlin is half-human, but he considers himself as completely inhuman due to some...existential issues? It's complicated. ]</small.
no subject
It's just difficult for me to compare it, when the people here can do things like... make flowers out of thin air.
[ Modesty can also be a very fine survival strategy that's gotten Psyche intact to age nineteen! Well, modesty and healing did that. Her eyes are going so wide at Fou's adorable little sleepy face though. ]
You do. I really didn't know what to make of the ages on some of those profiles... I suppose it makes sense, when lots of people here aren't human.
no subject
Hmm, I wonder who you're thinking of~?
[ Merlin asks playfully, eyes creasing in true and actual amusement. But this is also adding veritable points towards his ego. Not exactly knowing it's a survival tactic as well, though he'd think it very valid (even if he has yet to learn it...maybe it'd keep him from getting killed!!) ]
That's right. Some of the people here are less human than not, or not human at all. I suppose it's hardly surprising indeed, considering the situation. Though, there's something interesting about it too...it means we get a variety of captivating personalities and people.
no subject
I think it's interesting. I've wondered before, what it would be like to travel somewhere new. But the people I can meet here are completely different from anything that would be possible back home.
[ ...Okay, she's curbed her curiosity as best she can. But glancing over at Merlin again, she has to ask... ]
...Is it rude to ask you what you are, if not human?
no subject
Well, maybe after this, anything is possible, isn't it? Especially if you wish hard enough...a handsome fellow like myself might be inclined to grant it.
[ Wink.
As for her actual question and instead of Merlin messing around...well, actually, he might be still messing around, because a certain trickster-like amused glean comes alight in amethyst-colored eyes. ]
It's not rude, at all. Though, are you sure you want to know? What if I were some kind of monster that fed on human despair? Or something equally as horrible? Wouldn't ignorance be bliss?
no subject
But what if I want to grant my own wishes? I'll have to keep working harder.
[ He has a fluffy pet, he is harmless. Psyche gives his question a little nod. ]
Then I'd want to know even more. Ignorance... is only bliss because you don't realize how miserable your circumstances are. I don't want that.
no subject
Greatly so, in fact. ]
Ah ha ha ha! Ah...I truly do love humans. They're truly such beautiful creatures.
Weaving songs, soldering ahead without a care of the dangers that lie before them...sometimes disgraceful and horrible too. But wonderful nonetheless, even if those of my kind spurn them so often as weak and fragile things that deserve nothing but the worst of endings.
[ Merlin falls quiet for a moment. The implications are clear. Psyche's judgment about Merlin being harmless because he had a fluffy pet is right. ]
I'm supposedly at least half of that. But, I have something in common with Beel, for the other half, as well. You're not afraid of him either, are you?
no subject
We're so fragile. Even I think so, sometimes. But I think that's why people can be wonderful, too.
[ It touches an unexpected chord that Merlin can think so. She's not, despite her powers, a saint. She's had plenty of times when she's wondered how humans might look from the perspective of something eternal and much more powerful. So it's... nice. ]
I'm not. Or of you. Humans can be frightening if they choose to be. But it doesn't seem right to me that someone would be frightening just because of what they are. You're a kind person, I think.
no subject
Not many agree with our point of view, you know.
A lot of people think what is fragile can't also be strong or wonderful. But, that's just not true.
[ But, honestly speaking, even if he can't stand the nature of some individual humans, he also can't help from loving them all the same. That, perhaps, prevents him from becoming so resentful to the point of danger.
He thinks it's the same for others. Psyche too. ]
That's funny. I don't get called a kind person very often. What makes you think so?
no subject
Hm... I suppose it's something like a hunch? Maybe because you can think of humans like that.
[ Despite, considering how old Merlin might be, how much of the worst of people he's probably seen. In just nineteen years Psyche's seen enough to make her have doubts sometimes. ]
And you're gentle with Fou, even when he's playing a little more roughly. I don't think he'd feel so comfortable with an unkind person.
[ That's how she's taking it, the sleeping Fou can't dispute it. ]
no subject
[ Merlin says simply. He's definitely seen the worst of people, he has dislikes and likes, but in the end, when the world keeps turning, he wants ultimately the best for those who deserve it.
Even in his time as years have gone by, that hasn't changed. ]
How smart of you to say that when Fou can't hear you~
[ It's true Fou can't dispute it right now. Except maybe if awake with a kick to the face. ]
Psyche, it sounds like you might have been through your own conflicts as well. What keeps your belief in others so strong?
no subject
[ Look at his peaceful sleeping face... a happy trusting little creature, in Psyche's opinion. Merlin is definitely a good caretaker.
Merlin's going right for the hard questions, isn't he? She gives him a smile. ]
Is it that strong? Growing up, my mother always told me, "Psyche, you mustn't hate anyone." But there are people I hate. And people who do incredibly cruel things for their own convenience, or because they enjoy it, or simply because they don't care. I just... don't think most people are like that. And people can change, if they want to. I've seen terrible things, but I've seen good things as well. I don't want to live only thinking of the bad.
no subject
[ Merlin is always glad to present himself as not a suspicious character at all. Other people who know him better would side-eye the things he is saying.
Not that he's done anything to necessarily endear him to other people. But at the same time, he hasn't annoyed too many people either. A surprise to himself, but if he hasn't, well. He will push and pull. Test and see how far he can get with others. In questions, in actions...thanks for humoring him so. ]
Hehe, there's merit to having that kind of perspective as well. No point in mulling over how horrible people are when there are good as well, and the evil can change. Same for the good, even if there are those who never change either.
And those so troublesome that they deserve to be wiped out, of course.
no subject
"Deserve"... you're probably right. It's hard for me to think of it like that. There are people who will only do evil to other people no matter what. What should you do in that case?
[ Heavy stuff, thanks Merlin. She looks down and pets Fou very carefully, trying not to wake him. ]
I still don't know about things like that. What do you do, Merlin?
no subject
What do I mean by that, you mean?
[ Merlin offers questions instead, as Fou seems to hardly stir from the petting. Though, it is only so long that the creature will remain asleep. ]
And what do I do, you ask? Those are good questions! For the most part, when it comes down to it...I'm an observer. I'm not even supposed to be all the way out here, you know. I usually see all of those things—the selfishness, pure-heartedness, and evils of humanity and other creatures—from afar.
What can I do? Though, here is a rare opportunity.
I can only wonder, 'How might it turn out this time?' Thinking of it like that, I can only feel excited about the possibilities. It's only natural, isn't it? Since usually, I'm just watching.
no subject
...I think I would hate that. Just having to watch. I can't say I'm glad that any of us are here, but... maybe I can be glad that you have that kind of chance?
[ She thinks she can understand at least a little why Merlin would feel so happy about it, anyway. ]
1/2
This human world in such a timeframe...I don't think I had experienced it. So there's that as well.
[ Then, he rises to his feet before reaching out with one hand to pat her head once and then drawing it away. She will suddenly feel a little refreshed, despite her sleep being interrupted. ]
I think it's also time for me to go. Humans like yourself have needs as well.
When weeks come and pass, think about everything. Appearances, our hosts' twisted intentions, and the like. The road ahead will only become far more tough. But if you keep looking for those answers, independent of everyone else's own thoughts, I believe you will reach it—and I hope to see you emerge in tact by the end. Though, I wonder . . . what will you look like at that time?
no subject
That I hope to see as well.
[ ... ]
Fou, come along now. I know she's your favorite at the moment, but you can't just sleep forever. [ He pauses and looks amused at no response. ] He's not going to wake up is he? You've spoiled him far too much, Psyche. But, maybe that's for the best. The more he is fond of creatures like yourself, the better it is for the rest of you humans.
[ Merlin scoops up Fou into his arms, and then leaves with another mysterious smile as well as a friendly wave, before heading off on that lovely note. ]
no subject
That's... as cryptic as any of his advice. But in her current mood, she's inclined to take it in a positive light. So she gives him a little nod. ]
I'll remember that. Thank you, Merlin.
[ She waves back, smiling after him. Maybe she'll ask him what all of that meant when she sees him again...
hahahahahaHA]