Who: Lucifer, others When:December January shhhh Where: Thorne, the Horizon What: Closed for the moment; will open more later Warnings: Wrathful teenagers, discussions of violence... Not in the same thread.
He wonders sometimes what did it, but really, he could put a bunch of scraps in a hat and pick one out for an answer. There's numerous reasons for Lucifer to be dead by Michael's time.
"Mm." It's a weak agreement, but it's something.
"No," he says, and, "thank you for the offer though. I think I'm tired of illusions." For him, someone that's used them for numerous tricks, whether be playful in nature with his siblings, or becoming sinister when manipulating his potential vessels.
Lucifer's tired, truly. Beyond-bone deep. He wants to go back to Thorne, and how screwed up is that?
His abilities aren't going away. Perhaps he'll do it to make him laugh another day. Istredd can feel Lucifer's exhaustion. He thought he was tired from the Singularity adventure and unexpected meetings, but he is not bone-weary in the same way. Lucifer did cover for him and spent time anxious. It worries Istredd that his energy is flagging. He wishes he could make it better.
Lucifer. He closes the space between them, not entirely, he does try to keep a respectful distance, but close enough to put a gentle hand on his shoulder. It won't be much longer. We'll go back to me suffering from you heating our room like we're in a blizzard soon. Istredd is half-joking, he has a normal body temperature, and they both have those logs. Sometimes the only way to be comfortable is without a shirt, but being warm makes Lucifer happy. Like a snake in the sunlight.
"I could put a ridiculous illusion on Michael when we're all together to make you laugh."
The amount this man indulges Lucifer is going to be a Problem one of these days.
For Lucifer.
We might get a blizzard soon, Lucifer adds. Thorne isn't supposed to have particularly warm winters, but maybe climate change will be a thing added to whatever is going on with the Singularity.
... That would likely be a bad sign.
He snorts at the comment. "If you can keep him from noticing, then by all means. But I think I'm going to avoid my brother for a bit. Keeping distant is the best way for us to exist in... what was it?" He raises a brow at Istredd. "A ceasefire."
He has a habit of doing that for his chosen people. The only time he did say no to Yennefer was when she offered him a second chance, but otherwise he really tends to follow her lead. The unfortunate thing about his relationship with her is that the things he respects about her are the reasons they can't work. Besides, it's apparently been a long time since Lucifer was indulged, after falling.
So you hide away in the room and avoid the draft. It has been some time since I was in this cold a climate. He'll concede that. He's been in many places that were chilly, but this is the type of cold that can seep into you. He has appreciated the cold when it came to helping distract him from being sick. Feeling that instead of sick is a trade off.
Come on, away from the maudlin mirror. Istredd tugs on his shirt and then lets him go, heading to the fireplace where he is likely to be more comfortable. The ceasefire is good. One less thing to potentially worry about. I know this isn't an ideal situation, but there are good things about it.
Lucifer makes an obvious point to roll his eyes so that Istredd can see it. Maybe even feel it. But he does pull away and instead of throwing himself into his 'usual' chair he oozes down into a sprawled state in front of the flames, against the black marble.
The rolled eyes are noted and given right back. He has his childish moments too and Lucifer is good at getting it out of him. He pulls up a chair of his own by the fire although not as close. There is something very scenic about this room although not as homey as they've managed to make the one in Thorne. He has a tendency to not slouch as much.
I got to visit the Singularity. The best possible thing for him! He has been working up tot his for months. And he isn't disappointed. There will be more chances to study it down the road, this was an excellent start. It did cause Lucifer pain and concern for a time, but it is a net good for Istredd. Eye on the prize, always.
"I liked watching the floating animals, that was truly beautiful. I'll never see its equal." It was unique. Istredd is not above admiring beauty so blatant. "We have opportunities here to get more information than usual." There are people from every faction. Time to make allies and spy on the representatives trying to make their cases.
And this, I think, is overall good. He means their connection.
Lucifer thinks he's likely going to run into more problems than allies, but then he's still been left with the realization that him and Kyle work awfully well together as a team. Lucifer still expects most of his allies--sans Istredd and Wanda--to try and stab him in the back when it's convenient, but that's just normal everyday life for him.
You got to have your date with your sentient rock, good for you. Maybe avoid sending it flowers and writing poetry. While the image is hilarious to Lucifer, it definitely seems Unwise.
"The skyshow was interesting. I checked in with a lot of the newer Thorne Summoned that I didn't at the mingle."
I learned Mat is skilled at crafting bows. Easy to do under the guise of making musical instruments. But it still has risks.
He does understand that, and those feelings occupy Lucifer's thoughts with the words. Lucifer, ever cautious, wants something, anything, to equip the Summoned with that the officials are unaware about. Even if bows and arrows may do little against a spell, perhaps the could enchant something.
He won't do it without the proper compensation; as he shouldn't. No one should do free labor. And I don't think I can pay him with protection. Yet.
My first date and it's with a magical rock entity, somehow that seems very fitting. The concept of a date is not actually one he knows outside of general definition. It's not as if he and Yennefer had any, they had stolen moments and then nothing. I'll bring it flowers in the Horizon.
Istredd settles into his chair and smiles as Lucifer rattles off a few things that weren't terrible about the trip. Not bad, although he's also going to be glad to get back to Thorne. It may be a cage, but it's a cage they have more control over and freedom in. Strange to think anywhere else would make him feel more trapped, but on a ship with all the Summoned and the faction leaders, yeah.
Mat has powerful magic that he's still learning not to be afraid of. Something Wilhelm needs to do soon. Logically, it's best if we are all capable of using magic instead of ignoring it and know common self-defense.
Istredd has very little of the latter which Lucifer has been working on him with. It does not come naturally but he is fit and strong for a soft scholar, so he's at least passable for now. Eventually he might even be good, considering the skill of his teacher.
You could always offer basic combat training to the Summoned. I'm doing magic, we could cover both sides.
If you somehow make some shrine to the Singularity on the Horizon we might end up with other problems. A pause and he hums aloud. We can bleed while in the Horizon, but blood is still a bit meaningless, unless perhaps we put the meaning behind it. I wonder if you could do blood rituals for the Singularity.
Don't worry, Istredd. He's doing what he always does: making bogus speculation.
In the name of curiosity, of course.
His face warps into disgust. It's been a very, very long time since he's been a teacher--Istredd aside. "That may be the worst thing you've ever suggested to me," Lucifer says, sounding like he's swallowed something sour. If he truly wants the ability for them to fight back and tear Thorne apart from the inside out, what better way than to teach them himself?
I've been debating what is more useful. Influence with the Crown or influence with the locals. I'd prefer the locals. There's more value to the average man than the officials. And while I could have both...
He shakes his head. He can't, not really. Not to the level he wants, anyway. He'd like an income, for one, and that's still frowned upon. But if he's to offer Mat or anyone some form of protection, he needs the "good graces" of the Crown.
He sighs.
I believe Yennefer had the right idea with who she was currying favor from. And if we approach it at all aspects...
I'm not going to make a shrine or do blood rituals. I don't think it would work in the Horizon, that's fake blood. Mentally created blood. Whatever happens in there is all in their head. Including killing someone else, in his opinion. The person would have to acknowledge their wound and allow it to harm them. That is his perception of it, at least.
You have advanced combat ability, Lucifer. Although you would be required to be slightly more patient if people are going to show up and stay. That probably will be the harder part. Lucifer is fairly patient with him, but that is because he already has a soft spot for him. Strangers may be more difficult. But Istredd thinks it is a very good idea. The Summoned need to feel strong and capable. They need to be ready.
Istredd's found some satisfaction in teaching and he didn't expect that. He prefers his training with the Summoned for the same reasons he is suggesting it to Lucifer. They also require slightly more hand-holding since many are new to magic.
Yennefer and Stephen can't be the only ones who have positions of authority here. It puts more pressure on their shoulders than need be, and there is always the possibility the Singularity removes them. It would be extremely upsetting for Istredd if Yennefer left and he doesn't want to think about it, but it is logic. It is a possibility. Then their two strongest useful people here are gone.
When Kylo Ren and Ronan disappeared, they left a power gap. Istredd didn't know either of them well but he's already moved into Kylo Ren's position for the mingles. I am suggesting we try to fill that gap.
Mental constructs though, they still have power. Mind to blood, blood to mind. It's a looped power, he thinks. Ingrained with subconscious thought, after all how else does it explain his fight with Geralt? The man had been lost in a haze, and succumbed to the fight, his blood on Lucifer's blade very real and very unusual.
He taps his thumb against each of his fingers. Sometimes he misses Nick's wedding ring for the purpose of having something to twist.
Lucifer's thoughts aren't cloudy so much as simply illegible as he thinks, plans, in pieces, like throwing a bunch of notes on a whiteboard that haven't yet had connections, indescribable to anyone else.
He put up with training all of the angels at one time. That had to be worse than a bunch of unruly Summoned and guardsmen. And maybe if he can get some sway with the guards, even a little, he could keep them from immediately turning on the Summoned should something explosive happen in Thorne.
"Istredd." You know I don't want to be in Thorne. Even this thought may seem disconnected from their current conversation, Lucifer's mind in so many different idle places at once. Fanning out, expansive. He planned his role in the Apocalypse once upon a time.
The only point of clarity is that he is in agreement when it comes to what is being spoken in the present.
But I'd rather dismantle the faction from the inside out. Change of leadership, as they've previously discussed. But. If there's any chance of getting the kids out, that needs to be taken.
Lucifer's thoughts are cloudy and jumping around, whereas Istredd's thoughts are clear and orderly. Technically his approach has been getting the trust of the mages in the palace, and Ambrose, which he's probably going to be able to do if he keeps going. It's best if he never deals with royalty. Istredd can't keep his tongue well around people with actual power, they tend to make him snap easily.
I want to be in Thorne. They are the only faction with the opportunity to go to the Singularity and continue to study it. Yes they are trapped and some day he would like to be released from that, but for now, this is where his goals align. Istredd will put up with a great deal to get where he wants to be. Free Cities wants to destroy the Singularity, Solvunn's too far away to use it.
If Lucifer wanted to escape though, he wouldn't stop him. It's possible he would be in the same position Yennefer was before, which he doesn't know about, choosing the logic of staying with Thorne over fleeing somewhere new. Or it may be he makes a personal choice over a rational one.
The best thing you can do for the kids right now is give them the tools to take care of themselves. They may not leave given the chance either. Some of them are too attached to each other or to others to abandon ship.
Istredd doesn't pay enough attention to know how close any of them are, but a bunch of young people trapped in a castle, they probably are close. He doubts they'll have another shot when they are given the option so neatly.
I know, I know, I know. What his litany is referring to is any guess. All of it, maybe.
I don't see why it should matter though. You were robbed of a choice, mm? Why should they get one? Because you didn't? Punting them out of Thorne to protect them is sure better than enslaving them to magic school or whatever (these thoughts are carefully kept from Istredd; it helps that his thinking was already all over the place).
Oh that gets him a sharp look for certain. Istredd doesn't need to read him think about the unfairness of the Ban Ard education he was forced into. He knows exactly what he is getting at. It might have been unfair, but it was necessary, and Istredd overall is at peace with that. Or so he thinks, although a little needle might have pricked correctly.
And how did you feel about choice when someone tried to take it from you? They both have histories with opinions on this very subject. Is that what you want for Wilhelm?
If Istredd thought the sharp look would deter Lucifer he's very wrong. There's only a flicker of pleasure at hitting a nerve. What? He's still him.
Angry, he answers, with more joy than the comment deserves. He'd be angry too; they all would be, it's part of the reason I've grown attached to them, they're too much like me. Guess what? I don't care. I want him not to be dead.
Istredd does something supremely mature. He telekinetically calls his journal and pen over to him, since they're still at the desk. And then he very maturely snaps the pen at Lucifer's head with his hand. He wanted to do it personally instead of magically. Lucifer has successfully irritated him, congratulations.
Not everyone is like you, you egotist. He shakes his head. Listen, the hope would be that if people had the freedom to leave, they would. There are only a few of us who would stay. It would likely be me, Yenna, and Strange in the end. Maybe some of the new people who don't know better.
A grin breaks out openly on Lucifer's face. He cannot help it. There's no malice to the laugh that follows. "Sorry, sorry," he says aloud, mostly even serious.
I'll stay if it seems necessary. I don't know Strange, but you to shouldn't pick up all the pieces of the dominoes fall. Because even peaceful resolutions always come with problems.
The problem is that Istredd wants to stay annoyed at him but Lucifer's grin and laugh are strangely appealing and he shakes his head, holding back a smile himself. "I hate you." It's his turn to say it now and it's with amused annoyance.
The three of us can handle it. You'd be more likely to be held accountable, after already raising suspicion and house arrest. And Istredd would be worried about that. He doesn't want Lucifer to be the one thrown into the jail cells they did wards for. Although he also doesn't want them to be separated, not now that they have this, irritating pain in the ass though he may be. He feels that strongly, despite what his words are.
"You don't," Lucifer says, but it holds far less impact than when Istredd had said it because he's still choking on fits of laughter.
God, he needed that though, after the stress of this whole damn trip. A brief ease of tension, but it will come back to him eventually regardless.
The point is convincing them of my loyalty. They already think what I did was for Thorne's benefit, not my own. That's why I got off so lightly. If I pick up the training that should help to actually integrate myself versus keeping on the outside as I've done.
"Stop it," Istredd says but only a second before he starts laughing too. It's not his fault, laughter is infectious, and Lucifer just has a skill for this. Irritating him one minute and making him smile the next. Very obnoxious.
Let's not worry about that until we have to, Lucifer. As of right now we have no way of escaping, so the better thing to do is focus on getting the kids prepared. Meaning, again, you should offer combat training.
"Give me back my pen." Istredd's still smiling and he puts his hand out. It is his fault that he lost it, technically, throwing it at Lucifer. And he could just telekinetically take it back if he wanted to. But he asks anyway.
Good. He feels a surge of triumph over that, having been angling for Lucifer to agree to it. And technically he won. Usually he'd mask it but apparently they're both having fun in laughter and petty town so he revels in the 'win.'
Arguably they're tied now. Point for each of them. Conditions for each of their win is skewed for sure, but they're on balanced terms. (Lucifer thinks he came out on top either way, but he won't argue the unspoken-almost game.)
He spins the pen between the fingers as a fast, fun trick, before tossing it back to Istredd, but Lucifer is also smiling by the end of it.
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His life expectancy evidently wasn't so great.
He wonders sometimes what did it, but really, he could put a bunch of scraps in a hat and pick one out for an answer. There's numerous reasons for Lucifer to be dead by Michael's time.
"Mm." It's a weak agreement, but it's something.
"No," he says, and, "thank you for the offer though. I think I'm tired of illusions." For him, someone that's used them for numerous tricks, whether be playful in nature with his siblings, or becoming sinister when manipulating his potential vessels.
Lucifer's tired, truly. Beyond-bone deep. He wants to go back to Thorne, and how screwed up is that?
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His abilities aren't going away. Perhaps he'll do it to make him laugh another day. Istredd can feel Lucifer's exhaustion. He thought he was tired from the Singularity adventure and unexpected meetings, but he is not bone-weary in the same way. Lucifer did cover for him and spent time anxious. It worries Istredd that his energy is flagging. He wishes he could make it better.
Lucifer. He closes the space between them, not entirely, he does try to keep a respectful distance, but close enough to put a gentle hand on his shoulder. It won't be much longer. We'll go back to me suffering from you heating our room like we're in a blizzard soon. Istredd is half-joking, he has a normal body temperature, and they both have those logs. Sometimes the only way to be comfortable is without a shirt, but being warm makes Lucifer happy. Like a snake in the sunlight.
"I could put a ridiculous illusion on Michael when we're all together to make you laugh."
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For Lucifer.
We might get a blizzard soon, Lucifer adds. Thorne isn't supposed to have particularly warm winters, but maybe climate change will be a thing added to whatever is going on with the Singularity.
... That would likely be a bad sign.
He snorts at the comment. "If you can keep him from noticing, then by all means. But I think I'm going to avoid my brother for a bit. Keeping distant is the best way for us to exist in... what was it?" He raises a brow at Istredd. "A ceasefire."
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So you hide away in the room and avoid the draft. It has been some time since I was in this cold a climate. He'll concede that. He's been in many places that were chilly, but this is the type of cold that can seep into you. He has appreciated the cold when it came to helping distract him from being sick. Feeling that instead of sick is a trade off.
Come on, away from the maudlin mirror. Istredd tugs on his shirt and then lets him go, heading to the fireplace where he is likely to be more comfortable. The ceasefire is good. One less thing to potentially worry about. I know this isn't an ideal situation, but there are good things about it.
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"Oh? Please, by all means, enlighten me."
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I got to visit the Singularity. The best possible thing for him! He has been working up tot his for months. And he isn't disappointed. There will be more chances to study it down the road, this was an excellent start. It did cause Lucifer pain and concern for a time, but it is a net good for Istredd. Eye on the prize, always.
"I liked watching the floating animals, that was truly beautiful. I'll never see its equal." It was unique. Istredd is not above admiring beauty so blatant. "We have opportunities here to get more information than usual." There are people from every faction. Time to make allies and spy on the representatives trying to make their cases.
And this, I think, is overall good. He means their connection.
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You got to have your date with your sentient rock, good for you. Maybe avoid sending it flowers and writing poetry. While the image is hilarious to Lucifer, it definitely seems Unwise.
"The skyshow was interesting. I checked in with a lot of the newer Thorne Summoned that I didn't at the mingle."
I learned Mat is skilled at crafting bows. Easy to do under the guise of making musical instruments. But it still has risks.
He does understand that, and those feelings occupy Lucifer's thoughts with the words. Lucifer, ever cautious, wants something, anything, to equip the Summoned with that the officials are unaware about. Even if bows and arrows may do little against a spell, perhaps the could enchant something.
He won't do it without the proper compensation; as he shouldn't. No one should do free labor. And I don't think I can pay him with protection. Yet.
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Istredd settles into his chair and smiles as Lucifer rattles off a few things that weren't terrible about the trip. Not bad, although he's also going to be glad to get back to Thorne. It may be a cage, but it's a cage they have more control over and freedom in. Strange to think anywhere else would make him feel more trapped, but on a ship with all the Summoned and the faction leaders, yeah.
Mat has powerful magic that he's still learning not to be afraid of. Something Wilhelm needs to do soon. Logically, it's best if we are all capable of using magic instead of ignoring it and know common self-defense.
Istredd has very little of the latter which Lucifer has been working on him with. It does not come naturally but he is fit and strong for a soft scholar, so he's at least passable for now. Eventually he might even be good, considering the skill of his teacher.
You could always offer basic combat training to the Summoned. I'm doing magic, we could cover both sides.
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Don't worry, Istredd. He's doing what he always does: making bogus speculation.
In the name of curiosity, of course.
His face warps into disgust. It's been a very, very long time since he's been a teacher--Istredd aside. "That may be the worst thing you've ever suggested to me," Lucifer says, sounding like he's swallowed something sour. If he truly wants the ability for them to fight back and tear Thorne apart from the inside out, what better way than to teach them himself?
I've been debating what is more useful. Influence with the Crown or influence with the locals. I'd prefer the locals. There's more value to the average man than the officials. And while I could have both...
He shakes his head. He can't, not really. Not to the level he wants, anyway. He'd like an income, for one, and that's still frowned upon. But if he's to offer Mat or anyone some form of protection, he needs the "good graces" of the Crown.
He sighs.
I believe Yennefer had the right idea with who she was currying favor from. And if we approach it at all aspects...
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You have advanced combat ability, Lucifer. Although you would be required to be slightly more patient if people are going to show up and stay. That probably will be the harder part. Lucifer is fairly patient with him, but that is because he already has a soft spot for him. Strangers may be more difficult. But Istredd thinks it is a very good idea. The Summoned need to feel strong and capable. They need to be ready.
Istredd's found some satisfaction in teaching and he didn't expect that. He prefers his training with the Summoned for the same reasons he is suggesting it to Lucifer. They also require slightly more hand-holding since many are new to magic.
Yennefer and Stephen can't be the only ones who have positions of authority here. It puts more pressure on their shoulders than need be, and there is always the possibility the Singularity removes them. It would be extremely upsetting for Istredd if Yennefer left and he doesn't want to think about it, but it is logic. It is a possibility. Then their two strongest useful people here are gone.
When Kylo Ren and Ronan disappeared, they left a power gap. Istredd didn't know either of them well but he's already moved into Kylo Ren's position for the mingles. I am suggesting we try to fill that gap.
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He taps his thumb against each of his fingers. Sometimes he misses Nick's wedding ring for the purpose of having something to twist.
Lucifer's thoughts aren't cloudy so much as simply illegible as he thinks, plans, in pieces, like throwing a bunch of notes on a whiteboard that haven't yet had connections, indescribable to anyone else.
He put up with training all of the angels at one time. That had to be worse than a bunch of unruly Summoned and guardsmen. And maybe if he can get some sway with the guards, even a little, he could keep them from immediately turning on the Summoned should something explosive happen in Thorne.
"Istredd." You know I don't want to be in Thorne. Even this thought may seem disconnected from their current conversation, Lucifer's mind in so many different idle places at once. Fanning out, expansive. He planned his role in the Apocalypse once upon a time.
The only point of clarity is that he is in agreement when it comes to what is being spoken in the present.
But I'd rather dismantle the faction from the inside out. Change of leadership, as they've previously discussed. But. If there's any chance of getting the kids out, that needs to be taken.
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I want to be in Thorne. They are the only faction with the opportunity to go to the Singularity and continue to study it. Yes they are trapped and some day he would like to be released from that, but for now, this is where his goals align. Istredd will put up with a great deal to get where he wants to be. Free Cities wants to destroy the Singularity, Solvunn's too far away to use it.
If Lucifer wanted to escape though, he wouldn't stop him. It's possible he would be in the same position Yennefer was before, which he doesn't know about, choosing the logic of staying with Thorne over fleeing somewhere new. Or it may be he makes a personal choice over a rational one.
The best thing you can do for the kids right now is give them the tools to take care of themselves. They may not leave given the chance either. Some of them are too attached to each other or to others to abandon ship.
Istredd doesn't pay enough attention to know how close any of them are, but a bunch of young people trapped in a castle, they probably are close. He doubts they'll have another shot when they are given the option so neatly.
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I don't see why it should matter though. You were robbed of a choice, mm? Why should they get one? Because you didn't? Punting them out of Thorne to protect them is sure better than enslaving them to magic school or whatever (these thoughts are carefully kept from Istredd; it helps that his thinking was already all over the place).
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And how did you feel about choice when someone tried to take it from you? They both have histories with opinions on this very subject. Is that what you want for Wilhelm?
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Angry, he answers, with more joy than the comment deserves. He'd be angry too; they all would be, it's part of the reason I've grown attached to them, they're too much like me. Guess what? I don't care. I want him not to be dead.
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Not everyone is like you, you egotist. He shakes his head. Listen, the hope would be that if people had the freedom to leave, they would. There are only a few of us who would stay. It would likely be me, Yenna, and Strange in the end. Maybe some of the new people who don't know better.
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I'll stay if it seems necessary. I don't know Strange, but you to shouldn't pick up all the pieces of the dominoes fall. Because even peaceful resolutions always come with problems.
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The three of us can handle it. You'd be more likely to be held accountable, after already raising suspicion and house arrest. And Istredd would be worried about that. He doesn't want Lucifer to be the one thrown into the jail cells they did wards for. Although he also doesn't want them to be separated, not now that they have this, irritating pain in the ass though he may be. He feels that strongly, despite what his words are.
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God, he needed that though, after the stress of this whole damn trip. A brief ease of tension, but it will come back to him eventually regardless.
The point is convincing them of my loyalty. They already think what I did was for Thorne's benefit, not my own. That's why I got off so lightly. If I pick up the training that should help to actually integrate myself versus keeping on the outside as I've done.
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Let's not worry about that until we have to, Lucifer. As of right now we have no way of escaping, so the better thing to do is focus on getting the kids prepared. Meaning, again, you should offer combat training.
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But he does, eventually, manage to calm with an out-of-tune wheeze, though delight lingers on his thoughts, idle, between the two of them.
I will. When we get back.
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Good. He feels a surge of triumph over that, having been angling for Lucifer to agree to it. And technically he won. Usually he'd mask it but apparently they're both having fun in laughter and petty town so he revels in the 'win.'
wrap here or the next?
He spins the pen between the fingers as a fast, fun trick, before tossing it back to Istredd, but Lucifer is also smiling by the end of it.
Perfect wrap. These idiots.