abraxaslogs | I don't trust, but I see right in front of me

Specifically hating incompetent authority figures, which so far is All of Them.

Mmmmm. No, that's not entirely correct. Though most would argue, he would call what the Queen is doing competent, but she's going to run into a wall at some point. Maybe if the Singularity and their spite with Free Cities wasn't in the immediate picture, she could continue to rule with fear and a side of... whatever her citizens see.

Two people that aren't here anymore, he says. Kol, who Lucifer got a weird enough sense from that he wasn't human, and some female version of Wilhelm. Did he ever learn her name? Eh, yes, but he deemed it unimportant. She had spunk, he'll give her that. She was very determined to 'help' and hunted me down after Wilhelm accidentally kinda-sorta called out to me publicly. Good times.

Istredd also doesn't like incompetent leaders, and he has already stated privately that he thinks they're all essentially incompetent because they had no idea what they were playing with. Bringing the Summoned here was foolish. He's glad they are there now, but it was a dangerous risk to the world and the fabric of reality with spells through a multiverse.

Still, the High Mage is useful in terms of Thorne so he is polite. He does remind him of Stregobor sometimes, so he's not surprised he did something so stupid on the quest for power.

Ah, yes, I heard about Kol when he gave my sun ring to Lenore. I plan on making one for Louis as well. Other vampires may have to ask, I'm not inclined to let Ikorr know about them for now. It is possible Ikorr has their own version, so there is no reason to assume otherwise. But Istredd is hesitant to be the person to make anything no one else strictly has. Perhaps it is a diplomatic card he can play another day.

Lucifer knows now what type of inhuman Kol was. He had to tell Istredd the truth in order to ask for the ring and explained what it was. Louis he offered because they are friends now. Blue eyes dart around as he sizes up anyone who walks by. No threats. He misses when he barely noticed, although that in general wasn't good either.

There is no way Nott would be able to protect us from the crown. They're barely making it. This is an observation. He knows Lucifer is hopeful about that, but it has no obvious defenses against the type of power that can wipe out a city.

They have permanent darkness, I don't see them needing a ring anytime soon unless somehow their spell gets boned. Which maybe their Feywild neighbors would do, who knows. They never have any--or enough--knowledge about the Feywilds.

Lucifer's keeping a casual gait, eyes straight ahead. Purposeful, though not over-the-top. It's mostly for Istredd's benefit. If he were by himself he'd just be easy-breezy through the streets.

He knows Nott is next-to-useless. He'd questioned and tried to pick apart Thancred proposing Lyle's offer when they had their secret Horizon meeting. I'm still of the mind that Lyle wants the Summoned as a benefit to him. Taking advantage that we might need this place. But it could only ever be a stepping stone for us, nothing more. If enough of them run, the Queen might just decimate this place off the map in her irateness.

With them in it.

You never know. Although I'd be surprised if they don't have something equivalent. I can't possibly be the only one with the idea. Since the vampires live in their eternal darkness there's no way of knowing. Istredd knows that he is ultimately a very paranoid person. They both are. It wouldn't be difficult for him to simply explain how he does it if there ever was a need.

I'd hate to live in eternal darkness. There would never be enough light to read comfortably. Yes he knows they have bright lights but nothing is better than actual sunlight. And yes Istredd is that much of a nerd that his first argument against eternal night would be to read books better.

Istredd knows Lucifer is very aware of him and he is glad he's not making it obvious. He's frustrated enough at his inability to logic away an illogical feeling of dread. It's putting him on edge more than the fear, his anger at himself. He is keeping it from bubbling over to Lucifer as best as possible.

I don't blame him. They've clearly had no power for a very long. What hope do they have of excelling at this point? The relationship between Nott and the crown only gets worse. But they don't have the money or the ability to become thriving in this situation. It's a no-win situation. Thorne isn't going to be the answer. Eternal night might be the only one.

It could be worth selling the enchantment anyway. Get a patent. Ha! I doubt that exists here. Or in your world, for that matter. He tries to convey the legalese over their link but even Lucifer gets a little lost in the difference between patents and trademarks and copyright and whatever other nonsense.

He's not a crossroads' demon, thanks.

But it would mean Istredd could get something for it and not have to be directly involved. Make other people do the work, rake in some funds over time, still get to blend into the background as he'd prefer.

Because really unless this family decides to just throw their offering back in their face, they're both about to be broke again. Some income would be nice, though Lucifer knows if he's in a pinch he could just ask Kell, but the guy's already agreed to fund Lucifer's not-yet functioning spy network, so...

Asking for more just seems trite.

(Funny, Lucifer's argument against eternal darkness is the similarity to the complete gaping void into the abyss of Limbo where his Cage hung, but y'know, being able to properly read is a good argument, too.)

Istredd gets an odd amount of silence as they walk, weaving through the crowds, keeping aware of anyone that may try and pickpocket them, but he's getting a growing feeling that no one is in a particular rush to approach them.

I'd stay in Thorne before I lived in Nocwich, he says, eventually.

Which. Hurts a bit to admit, actually.

Istredd vaguely understands what he's saying when he attempts to explain. Owning a concept or a spell. Interesting. They'd just take the money from me, no doubt. Although if it was useful, having vampire friends couldn't hurt. And he's not talking about the Summoned vampires. Thorne would likely see that as a bad thing though. Thorne isn't going to let them be independently wealthy or find a way to leave.

He glances over considering the amount of silence he's getting, eyebrows furrowing slightly. It doesn't take him long to come to the conclusion since he saw the Cage himself. Istredd saw it and he's been angry about it since, on his lover's behalf. He may be very in his head at the moment, but not so much that he doesn't consider Lucifer's feelings first.

Istredd is so close to Lucifer while walking that it's not hard for him to briefly take his hand. He tenderly runs his thumb along his knuckles, a small comforting caress, before letting it go. It's off the list then. As simple as that. They're not going anywhere Lucifer would feel like that again.

I still think we could go to one of the other cities in Free Cities. The farthest one away from where the Winchesters are. It's a large place. That beach town Aquila is right under the Feywilds. Istredd's memorized the map, obviously. Maybe the Fey will show up one of these days and give them another option.

Edited 2023-05-10 01:54 (UTC)

An army of vampires backing them.

Lucifer doesn't know which his Father would hate more: Lucifer taking a knee before the Old Gods, or him leading an army of monsters.

Well.

Frankly, they'd be a step above demons.

Not that they'd have any reason to listen to Lucifer. But he's petty enough that it's enjoyable for him to think of these kinds of things.

Nocwich still might have to be a consideration one day; the Summoned are always lacking choices, after all. It wouldn't be so surprising. But Lucifer only goes to Nocwich when it opens to throw himself into the Hunting Grounds and keep his prowess up to snuff. He tries not to think about it for much else. Those brief snatches are all he needs from it.

But--it's nice. It isn't that he expected Istredd to rebuff him; even before their relationship Istredd wouldn't have. He's just not always used to being heard without having to shout that he forgets that he... doesn't have to.

Oh yes, because you loved Borrel's beaches. I think salt water air is supposed to be bad for books.

Edited (I googled rando stuff about it and then I forgot to change it) 2023-05-10 03:16 (UTC)

Istredd leaves the grandeur dreams and imaginings to his partner. The idea of leading any army is laughable, he can barely lead a group of Summoned or mages. The vampires do seem interesting here though. Very distant compared to the werewolves, he's not sure entirely why yet, but he does hope they can learn more.

His interest in Nocwich is fleeting. He likes that it's different and he can search for books and learn more about the rest of the world, but he doesn't like staying for full weekends. It's not a bad chance to see his rare cross-faction 'friends' either. Istredd may pop his head in for one afternoon every weekend, if it seems worth it, but he probably won't again any time soon. Nocwich currently reminds him too much of the aftermath, of everyone on stretchers, of pain and infection. And rescue, yes, but he doesn't feel safe anywhere right now.

Except with an archangel between him and the door. Or him and everything else.

And here I thought the fact that it is warm would convince you alone. He bumps him with an elbow on purpose, smiling faintly. I am not going for the beaches. We could make money there. Build a life with the kids. It's not the worst option, is all I'm saying.

It's not the best option for him, since magic isn't as popular there, but he can live with it. Istredd trusts that Castiel would be willing to parley. Keep his people away from Lucifer.

Lucifer trusts his brother as far as he can throw him which at the current levels of his grace isn't very far. But it would put him closer towards Jack; no one could really keep the kid pinned down if he actually wanted to see his ~~old man~~ uncle and whatever built life he'd have and--

Nope. A stretch too far. The thought of having a concrete future and a stable life that wasn't fleeting and filled with disaster because even if Lucifer's been in Abraxas for nearing a year it hasn't been stable, it's been an honest-to-God wreck from start to finish and there's no end in sight of that, the Singularity the center of all the problems for them and the factions and maybe a smattering of deities and--

"I'm fine," he says aloud, because his head might as well be filled with marbles and nails that someone decided to shake up and cause a bit of a racket that Lucifer only just barely managed to muffle slightly as to not suddenly jar Istredd's own mental unease. Definitely fine, with his shoulders just barely hunched. "Let's just--not. Right now." With that.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:06 (UTC)

Istredd's used to Lucifer's occasional instability and the way he thinks is so unique that he's grown accustomed to feeling the 'marbles and nails' rather than specific emotions. It's a way in which no other minds truly work. His concern is obvious, for the first time distracted from his anxiety to focus on Lucifer.

His response is the mental version of soothing, smoothing over it with that burst of warmth and love to cover him that Lucifer's getting fed frequently these days. If they were alone in the room he might press a little harder at what set him off, but they are in public in Nott on a mission. Not the time.

Once upon a time, Yennefer accused him of seeing the world as a romantic adventure. He envisioned an exciting life for them full of possibility, as soon as they left the Brotherhood behind. They almost chose that life again in Cintra, but it wasn't to be. Maybe he does hold hope within his heart, always, of a life worth holding onto. But that isn't in sight for any of them.

"Not right now," he agrees. I love you. Take a breath. You're fine.

It's easier to focus on Lucifer than himself.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:21 (UTC)

At least his mood shift had some advantage. All things considered, Lucifer would accept that trade-off, even if Istredd's distracted may be brief.

It's a couple things that set him off, all built unsafely atop each other that it came down in a construction failure of a mess. Lucifer's been just as fine outwardly as Istredd has. No one would ever know these instances of his without being wired in to that mess.

He does take a breath. Winning.

He can feel the wind from the lakefront starting to wrap its way through the streets anyway, leading them on towards the harbor. They had to charter a boat. The three Summoned and their now likely-traumatized Thorne babysitter. There's enough bustle of activity the closer they get and with that creature dead they'll have less fear of going further out on the waters and better luck with their catches. "Any of the other captains should have an answer." I don't think, given our intentions, we'll need to push around some coin to get answers.

For all they know they already went by the family home. Or Istredd's bookshop, but that seems most unlikely.

You didn't get queasy on the docks back in Luna, did you? Just the boat itself?

The mess of Lucifer's mind would probably be difficult or frustrating for someone else, but Istredd's pieced it together since the first time Lucifer allowed him into his mind. It's as familiar as his own mind by now. It'll never be simple, this bond, but it is the only thing keeping him sane at times. Like now.

The distraction is temporary because as soon as they keep moving and more people appear, Istredd's anxiety spikes again. He keeps close to Lucifer again, bumping arms with him, eyes darting back and forth. These are all fishermen, he shouldn't be concerned about them. (But what were the zealots, before? Farmers?) He remembers to breathe himself.

"I'm not going to get sick on a dock." Probably. Istredd actually does not know that for certain. He did adjust to the ship eventually and he was fine by the time they left. People notice when he speaks and he clenches a hand into the handle of his backpack. His frustration turns to determination. Istredd pushes past Lucifer onto the docks and searches for a captain who looks old enough to have been at this for a time.

Not that long ago, Istredd worked with people. Many of them helped him with his digs and research into the monoliths. They used to talk to him, share their hearts. He is better with regular folk than he is with anyone in the castle. His blue eyes are sincere, his manner casual. "Excuse me. We are looking for the family of a brave fisherman who was lost to a sea creature while trying to help others. Perhaps of the name of Moran. We are seeking to give them recompense."

If the first one doesn't work, he is likely to keep asking.

For the first time that he's ever done it by choice, Lucifer casts out a use of Bless on Istredd. Istredd's already felt it once before, that warm, unexpected feeling on the ship when Lucifer has stumbling into the spell, so it won't be a surprise. Well. Mostly not a surprise.

Just a minute. An extra push to guide Istredd's burst of determination.

Lucifer's keeping an eye out, much the same way he'd threatened in the Horizon. That shadow at Istredd's back, ever vengeful if someone steps out of line wrong. Lucifer is not the forgiving sort.

He'll keep his hood down on the chance that someone recognizes him and approaches him instead of Istredd, but that wariness he sensed in the streets still follows them here. And it is them both, not just Lucifer.

Nott always had a different vibe than Thorne, sure. But this? It's changed just from the last time he was on these docks.

He closes the distance to Istredd again, keeping at his back but with several feet between them. The mage has moved on already to another ~~target~~ source, and Lucifer already knows it's a winner by the way the man's gaze shifts from Istredd, to Lucifer. "You're back."

"Hi," Lucifer says, holding up a hand, not recognizing the fisherman in the slightest.

The man focuses right back to Istredd, dismissing Lucifer. "Morain. Recompense you say?"

Istredd does sense the Bless and maybe it does feed into him feeling more confident. Or having someone at his back in general helps. Either way he is forcing himself past his comfort zone. It is very unlikely anyone who would attack them here out in the open could handle them. It was different with the captures, they made certain they were out of sight, easy to snatch. There are people all around them here.

Istredd can also tell when it's a match because of the difference in the body language and attention. He could use his telepathy to be certain, but he rarely uses it on anyone without permission. Josselyn was a rare exception. It is better to try and do it this way, especially on people in Nott who already have been mistreated enough.

He slants a look at Lucifer and then back to the man.

"Yes. I was one of the people taken." Istredd knows there has been sympathy their way by people in Thorne, but he doesn't know if that will remain true here. But it does explain why he has a stake in this, hopefully. He was a driving factor, due to Lucifer's desperation. "My companions came here hoping to track us down. Captain Morain paid the price. We have gathered what we can as compensation to the family."

Istredd pulls the bag off since he wasn't so stupid as to put money where it could be pickpocketed. He offers a few coins to the man. Not too many, as everything they have saved is supposed to be for them. "He died in part because of me, sir. Please help us try to make it right."

"Unfortunately funds my compatriots and I had given to Morain were on his person when the... event occurred," he says solemnly. Istredd will be able to feel a trill of annoyance because that was his money on that man and in the belly of a sea monster. Maybe they've recovered it? Buuuut..... that's best not to ask. "So they never made it back to the family."

He shifts his weight to another foot, leaning into an air of discomfort, a dash of awkwardness, and a tad out-of-his-depth. He looks smaller than his height would normally suggest. Most people tend to forget that Lucifer does actually know what he's doing much of the time.

"None of us wanted that to happen. I still have nightmares of that creature." That creature is not what keeps him up at night. "The only blessing is that his family didn't have to witness it."

The man is stiff-faced for a few moments more before he relents with a tired sigh. He has other things to be doing, though the coin from Istredd gets palmed into safety and he seems mildly appeased. "If I hear you gave them any trouble, you'll have trouble the next time I see you."

"Of course," Lucifer says earnestly, holding up both his hands. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They're given directions for further out along the harbor, the best estimate of streets and a shambled home tucked in among the many other fishermen homes.

When they're enough out of visible range, Lucifer groans mentally, like he's expelling the soiled layers of 'ingenuity'. Your story does help the lead-in, he admits, briefly hooking his arm with Istredd's as they return to the narrower pathways, a jaunt in his step to hide the brief offered comfort for what it was before he releases him again.

The difference is Istredd's story is the truth and Lucifer's simply toting the proper, expected words to fill-in the blanks.

Istredd knew Lucifer was going to put on an act for this so he can only be mildly amused on their bond, while the rest of him continues to be very solemn. It's true that his story is the truth and his sincerity is real. While he knows intellectually it is in no way his fault, and he doesn't hold that burden, he does feel somewhat responsible. The man did die because of getting involved in the hunt for the Summoned. None of them knew what would happen to him so it was a true accident. But it didn't make the Nott people any happier with them.

"Absolutely. Thank you, Captain." He knows that technically these titles are for military, but if someone owns a ship, they captain it in his opinion. He would take a fisherman over a military captain any day. He nods his head respectfully before they both turn to head in the direction of the house.

The brief hook of their arms together, that display of affection and closeness, does work as offered comfort. Especially as his adrenaline from talking to others fades away into anxiety again. They are in narrow streets and he seems to be breathing easier at least.

It's the truth. Who knows how many of their own people were taken by the zealots? No one cared when it was natives in smaller ignored places. So he doesn't know if people would react to the fact he was captured with sympathy or frustration for that very reason. A small gamble, but it paid off. Nott has been treated terribly by Thorne.

I spent much of my years doing digs and working with every day people to get answers. We talked a great deal. Most mages would look down their nose at that. They can be a very snobby group. His snobbiness comes out purely on the magical side, but on the class system side. I was allowed by a hated nation to do my work on their conquered land. He is a bad person, their leader, but the people loved him since they were starved and left to die before.

It was a strange position to be in. Yennefer accused him of buying in on Nilfgaard. He just thinks it's more complicated than that. He has no loyalty to any nation. He may have a soft spot in cases where every day civilians feel safer.

Edited 2023-05-10 14:17 (UTC)

Istredd getting a firsthand witness to Lucifer in complete deception mode should at least be an eye opener because Lucifer didn't... really bother with Istredd. He didn't have to, and maybe that is just out of not wanting to uphold masks in his space, but even their initial meeting while Lucifer was assessing the man, he just... didn't.

No need.

(It's an interesting parallel to Sabine, because he can't get an assessment on her and she makes his skin crawl every time he talks to her, trying to find an in to her workings when Lucifer would hate anyone doing the reverse to him.)

Nott continues to be a simple metaphoric stepping stone for Lucifer. The people could be useful--disenfranchised people easy to manipulate--or they could be wiped out from the consequences of the Summoned.

You can still hide in a ghost town.

It's the same with Abraxas as a whole. He doesn't need the people. He just needs his people; there's a difference. Everything else is malleable. There are casualties to shaping a world.

And rumors of them going missing have been for awhile, he agrees. Of course Thorne did nothing, but he doesn't imagine Nott asked for help, either. It's as he said in bed; Nott asking for anything from Thorne was too detrimental for what they wanted. They'd rather suffer than give the Crown a way in, a way to use them.

Maybe your situation is similar to why the Lords are in favor here. 'Maybe' they're doing all they can, but this city still suffers greatly. Anyone would be upset with that, and yet their blame is to Thorne as the source of all their troubles. I'm not saying the Lords are 'villains' but Thorne's kept out of Nott, and Hayle. How much is accurate, I wonder?

Thorne is comprised of villains in Lucifer's mind, but Lyle wants independence, and his people think Thorne's ignored them. Where does the fault truly belong?

Istredd's well aware at this juncture in their relationship that he's never seen the Lucifer that other people have. From the start, something was different about them. It could be the utter lack of knowledge he came into it since angels and the Bible don't exist in his sphere, no pre-existing information to taint him, or that Istredd, in general, doesn't bother with snap judgments. Or maybe their personalities simply gelled from the start.

He's seen Lucifer with others. Lucifer has been forthcoming about his past. He has no doubt about what his partner is capable of, which is why to Castiel and Kyle both, he simply shrugged at their concerns. They are valid concerns, but not something Istredd himself can worry about.

Istredd does care about people as a whole though. He's always had a streak of concern for the average person, free from the Brotherhood but not from the cruelty of their sphere. It's the same here. The people of Nott have dealt with Thorne for their entire existence. The Summoned only for less than two years.

I doubt they've actually kept out. Historically, the greatest disaster that ever happened to Thorne was losing control over the Free Cities and Solvunn. The royal family was executed for that failing. They may ignore them for now, but the moment Nott tries to gain true independence, they'll be squashed.

Little do they know that soon after this, Thorne will intentionally put on a demonstration in Nott of their power and influence. Using the Summoned, if they do all of it. Perhaps they already sense that there is a weakness in their power here. After losing the Summoned, they probably will try and display dominance everywhere they can.

That's why I think true war between Thorne and Free Cities is inevitable. They want to re-conquer the land they think is theirs. They want an excuse. It's surprising they agreed to a ceasefire at all, but Nocwich getting involved threw a wrench in it. They had to reconsider when other powers showed themselves. Solvunn's neutrality you didn't trust either. So it's all doomed, really. Inevitable.

Too bad we can't find a different island and move all the Summoned there. Get out of the way.

He has some bad-idea thoughts about keeping Nott from being squashed but they're lost in the bottom of the sea of Lucifer's mind in that they're not shared at all with Istredd. Later, perhaps, when he judges the value of these ideas and he needs the mage's skill.

The war will come to a head again at some point. That might provide them with the greatest distraction, depending how Thorne chooses to wield its Summoned. But perhaps Nott will be able to fall to the wayside if Thorne and Free Cities goes at it for real.

He doesn't even want to think about Solvunn likely coasting in the background again, despite everything.

Oh, yes, an island, he drawls, like the island you were holed up on. Maybe whatever creature my brother released has cleared it all out and is just waiting for him to come back.

Istredd thinks Solvunn might very well end up coasting in the background. Waiting for everyone else to kill each other. It's not the worst strategy. For all they know, Nocwich plans to do the same, and the Feywilds, which they know nothing about still.

Castiel was not the only person who released it. The shrine creature was very clever, it was talking to all of us in voices that could persuade us. He has no idea what voice Castiel heard. Perhaps it was God. Either way, Istredd wouldn't call that his mistake. It was a group effort and decision in the end ... while out of their minds.

If only we could trust Hayle. Istredd was there a short time and he already wants to go back. It is unsurprisingly his ideal sort of place, albeit just another type of gilded cage. A crystal cage, with so so so many books. If he didn't have better reason to sleep in bed with Lucifer, he might have snuck off to the library to read what he could before they were forced to leave.

He picked his partner over books, a true sign of love.

It seems like it could withstand pressure.

Castiel is the only person that matters. You are not going to dissuade him of this fact. He never did tell Istredd that he, ah, 'met up' with both his siblings at Josselyn's execution. It wasn't important. He's so about not making mistakes and yet he keeps being 'led into' them every time. By now he should know better than to listen to someone or something coercing him into something.

Unfortunately because of that meeting at the execution, he knows about his brother being tricked by Metatron, which ultimately did more damage to Heaven than Lucifer ever had.

I'll figure Hayle out in due time, he assures. It's on his to-do list. No city is as perfect as that place appears. I tried to dig into backstreets and found nothing out of sorts. Even rich cities--especially rich cities--have problems.

Glassware and crystal often have imperfections. He just needs to know what they are, and if its better or worse than Thorne. He has wondered if his rocky relation with Ambrose might benefit him into getting in good with Anastasia, but that's a different consideration.

They'd probably disagree on what they consider important. But that's mostly because Istredd is a busybody and likes to know things. He did tell Lucifer he informed Castiel of their friendship (still a friendship at the time) and left it fairly ambiguous as to what happened. He suspects Lucifer wouldn't be impressed by Castiel's promise to keep Istred safe ... and might even be very irritated by it.

You three make me glad I never had siblings. Or at least I don't think I do. It wouldn't matter if he did. Most of them would be older by now or already dead. Not a whole lot of people in their 80s and 90s comfortably living in the continent. Istredd has no family but the one he is quietly making day by day in the castle.

He knows befriending all three of them was asking for trouble, but he has been clear where his loyalties lie at the end of the day. In bed with this troublesome creature.

I'm sure it does, but it's not going to be easy to go back there. Alas. His great regret. Although he has some sentimental feeling toward the place too. Their first trip as a couple. Don't perceive him. Anastasia might like you considering Ambrose does not. Saying out loud what seems obvious. Now their sibling relationship does remind me of you all.

If he knew about Castiel's promise it might give his brother the barest pass. Minuscule brownie point (singular). Oh, but Castiel wouldn't even want that, not from him.

It'd still be a hilarious prospect. Castiel's in a worse state than Lucifer. An archangel losing grace is shaking and detrimental, but he's not sick and actively dying. An angel losing grace? Honestly, Castiel is pathetic right now. He'll likely peter out before he tries to be someone's flimsy shield.

Here's hoping one of the Rhett siblings does. It's something to use, anyway. You work on one, I work on the other. Tag-teaming to get what they need.

He pauses at a winding, lopsided intersection, recalling their instructions and Not At All subtly moving his stance just slightly to cover Istredd's back before he takes the upper right path and continues on.

Don't perceive him.

The intention was good. Istredd would maintain, rigorously and stubbornly, that he can take care of himself. He's learned how to not take it personally when people want to protect him though. It was an adjustment, that's all, since it comes from a place of caring that he exists.

He really smiles for the first time since they got there, glancing over at him. We make a fairly good team, you know. It's a little bit of a flirt, but mostly coming from a warm 'glad you're here' type of energy. If you can convince her to get us a closer look at Hayle, I would be very happy. Obviously he means the university and the books. Lucifer knows who he is dating.

Speaking of the protective bit, Istredd knows exactly what he's doing, and he considers being annoyed but the truth is, he's relieved. It makes his own anxious vigilance relax slightly. He takes the upper right path and his eyes only slightly dart when walking forward. "We'll make the same approach here." Istredd, sincere and direct. If they get mad, don't get defensive.

Boutiques it is! All the finest hat shops! Jewelry!

He's grinning broadly. It might be the first time they look out of place in the streets with keeping their thoughts between them.

Istredd can take care of himself when he's not hopped up on adrenaline, Lucifer is certain of that. Istredd can take care of himself when he's not on a hair-trigger for a shield spell if someone moves in a way he doesn't expect and only serves in making a bigger scene for them that he'll hate even more than just a sliver of protection from Lucifer.

"I should introduce myself first," he says.

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