[A little pause, and then she turns on VIDEO. It's the easiest way to give him the requested update on her progress without wasting time talking about it.]
[At the moment, she looks rather more healthy than she should, given the time she's taken resting.]
Two things.
First. That surge of yoki I felt from you. Was it because of that witch? [And what she did to Yachiru. But she'll leave that unspoken.]
I'll offer. I can't really go and collect her, though.
[She frowns a little, and flexes her fingers.]
When she was injured, I tried to heal more quickly, but it just. It isn't easy for me. I couldn't finish it without going too far. And then she answered.
[At that switch, Priscilla kind of... blinks. And then her gameface breaks just enough for her to give the camera a little questioning look.]
I wonder why you--
[...and back to blankface.]
--mm. It doesn't matter.
The next thing. I've been thinking... if Riful is trying to create allies, that makes things very difficult. Especially with Clare removed from the field for... the foreseeable future.
Right now, her major ally is Luciela, and she wouldn't be much easier, would she? ...you'd know better than me.
I've spoken to-- [Arthur. But she doesn't want to drag him into the politics and wars of her world.] --I've had conversations about how to approach problems with her. After we talked about it, I thought... anyway. It's been suggested that the soldiers from our world should work side-by-side with warriors from other worlds to handle her. And I do agree, but. It's also been suggested that as long as the number of lives lost through inaction remains smaller than the lives we would lose through engaging with her, action should not be taken.
...I agree with that, too, as a commander. But the time to mobilize the Patrol is different than the time to move as a soldier. And the way Riful works... she could gather a small army of powerful awakened beings before it ever became technically justifiable to move against her.
Normally, I would speak to Teresa and suggest that we become more proactive in dealing with her. But I don't think... without Clare, I don't think we can manage. Even if we could have before, and I'm not sure about that.
[A long explanation that just brings her to...]
All of it just reminds me of what I've been thinking for weeks now. That I could spare all of those lives, at least in theory.
If you would help me, the way you offered to.
...I asked you to, once before. I mean, before everything.
...Could you not have just come out and said as much, Priscilla? Really, if time is of the essence, let us not waste any, hm?
Riful is, while most repulsive, still wily, and I'd prefer not to give her much leeway because it cannot be afforded.
Especially so as I do not expect your Patrol to stand with me to fight her.
If you will be by my side, however...consider the promise honored.
[ Mention of this will, of course, need to be made to Rigaldo. His help could be beneficial, particularly if Riful has any minions by the time this all comes crashing together. ]
I talk a lot! You know that! [Well, there went the business face. At least for a moment there. But she recovers... mostly/.] Anyway. I don't want them involved, if it can be avoided. It would be unjustifiable, at this point.
[...and since that first bit is still sort of bothering her...]
Which is what I was trying to explain!
[Anyway...]
But it's different, for me. Of course I'll stand with you.
To be blatantly honest, I would rather your friends weren't involved, so I am pleased to hear that they won't be; they would just be in the way.
Since you will stand with me, I will fight them.
It seems that you have your answer, Priscilla. What will you do with it, now?
[ He's curious. She is, after all, commander of the Patrol. He wants to know how much of a strategist she is. Preferably without resorting to baiting tactics once more. ]
Physically separating would only work for so long, wouldn't it? And it might be dangerous... I know Luciela would just come after you once Riful fell.
I want to stop her from wanting to.
[And she has a few ideas on how... though very reluctant to bring them up.]
...she might be willing to lend her to us given Riful's recent behavior. I could ask. Although... I am a little reluctant to tell anyone what we're planning. Or that we're planning.
My comrades aren't fans of yours, after all. Although to be honest, I think Clare probably doesn't mind you as much as she does Riful. I mean, even before... that.
You might be hard pressed to stop Luciela from wanting to, particularly with our history as it stands.
It isn't as though I'd be there alone, however. Why else do you think I agreed on the condition you would join me? You're the only one capable enough in such a situation, the only one I can trust near me...should I be vulnerable when all is said and done.
[ And Rigaldo, perhaps to a point...but it's never a good idea to invest too much faith in one's minions. Priscilla stands on a whole different level than Rigaldo does. ]
I understand your reservations...but bear it in mind, in case it becomes our only other option. That Abyss Feeder would certainly upset the two of them if let loose...although it is only one.
Odd how I am sorry for that. [ A cool, airy laugh. ]
Even stranger still that you would say that, about Clare, when from her own mouth she accused me of being...exactly the same as them. I don't think she likes me very much.
And all I did was send her my regards and well wishes.
Our history is much different than the one that exists between Luciela and myself. Ours is lengthy, and while it has been quite turbulent, long-lasting and healthy relationships of any kind often encounter bumps along the way.
There are no fond memories between Luciela and I, no pleasantries shared; there is nothing but ill intent.
I do not find her passive, but I have known her longer than you have...
...as I've known you longer than she has. I know I can trust you, regardless of whatever transpires between us. You will never attempt to do me true harm unless I do something wholly deserving of it.
None of that is important, however...for the moment. We've strayed off topic.
Why is it you do not think she'd be hard to dissuade from wanting to kill me?
It was important. I wouldn't have asked, otherwise.
...but you're right. Um, mostly. I'm not really sure I'd call it healthy, and-- well. Anyway, that's not really the point, so...
[...]
It's not that I think she'd be easy to talk out of her issues with you. But there isn't really any reason for her to believe I'd speak to you, considering...
[She sighs. Why is she speaking to him again?]
...well.
[A little hesitation. Because she suspects he'll dislike this.]
You must already be aware of how I feel in regards to that, or else you would not have hesitated in bringing it to my attention.
...But Priscilla, is it not common knowledge that we are still conversing with one another? That I make an effort to visit you whenever I can?
I do not expect she will be too eager to believe you are an ally to her, and an enemy of mine, whether or not she has thus far refrained from behaving...in a less than refined manner.
[ Nevertheless... ]
If you have a proposition, an idea that you would like to convey, I will hear you out and tell you in all honesty what I think of it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
^_^ And Voice
What is weighing your thoughts down?
Voice --> Video
[At the moment, she looks rather more healthy than she should, given the time she's taken resting.]
Two things.
First. That surge of yoki I felt from you. Was it because of that witch? [And what she did to Yachiru. But she'll leave that unspoken.]
Video
It would be safe to presume as much, yes.
Video | LOL HERE LOOMS THE MORAL EVENT HORIZON
Me, but not you.
...whatever you do to her. I want you to do it for me, too.
Video | ...he likes this side of you, lovely.
Video | Typical. She gets scary, he gets a happy. ;D
I'm making a request.
[Probably worse.]
Video | He can't help it!
...Will you watch over Yachiru in the meantime? I'm curious.
Video | ...that's okay, it makes me happy too, HA!
[She frowns a little, and flexes her fingers.]
When she was injured, I tried to heal more quickly, but it just. It isn't easy for me. I couldn't finish it without going too far. And then she answered.
Video
I've not yet spoken to her. Tell her for me that I am glad she is alright. And that...everything will be taken care of.
Video
I'll tell her. ...there aren't many people here that I consider to be family.
Voice
[ Just his voice now. ]
...I can say the same.
Video, ff.
I wonder why you--
[...and back to blankface.]
--mm. It doesn't matter.
The next thing. I've been thinking... if Riful is trying to create allies, that makes things very difficult. Especially with Clare removed from the field for... the foreseeable future.
Voice
Or her?
Voice | ...tl;dr
Right now, her major ally is Luciela, and she wouldn't be much easier, would she? ...you'd know better than me.
I've spoken to-- [Arthur. But she doesn't want to drag him into the politics and wars of her world.] --I've had conversations about how to approach problems with her. After we talked about it, I thought... anyway. It's been suggested that the soldiers from our world should work side-by-side with warriors from other worlds to handle her. And I do agree, but. It's also been suggested that as long as the number of lives lost through inaction remains smaller than the lives we would lose through engaging with her, action should not be taken.
...I agree with that, too, as a commander. But the time to mobilize the Patrol is different than the time to move as a soldier. And the way Riful works... she could gather a small army of powerful awakened beings before it ever became technically justifiable to move against her.
Normally, I would speak to Teresa and suggest that we become more proactive in dealing with her. But I don't think... without Clare, I don't think we can manage. Even if we could have before, and I'm not sure about that.
[A long explanation that just brings her to...]
All of it just reminds me of what I've been thinking for weeks now. That I could spare all of those lives, at least in theory.
If you would help me, the way you offered to.
...I asked you to, once before. I mean, before everything.
Voice
Riful is, while most repulsive, still wily, and I'd prefer not to give her much leeway because it cannot be afforded.
Especially so as I do not expect your Patrol to stand with me to fight her.
If you will be by my side, however...consider the promise honored.
[ Mention of this will, of course, need to be made to Rigaldo. His help could be beneficial, particularly if Riful has any minions by the time this all comes crashing together. ]
Voice
[...and since that first bit is still sort of bothering her...]
Which is what I was trying to explain!
[Anyway...]
But it's different, for me. Of course I'll stand with you.
Voice
Since you will stand with me, I will fight them.
It seems that you have your answer, Priscilla. What will you do with it, now?
[ He's curious. She is, after all, commander of the Patrol. He wants to know how much of a strategist she is. Preferably without resorting to baiting tactics once more. ]
Voice
[You did win a war, didn't you. ...with her. Hm.]
...we should deal with that alliance. Somehow.
Voice
Whether by physically separating Riful from her allies, or driving a wedge between them that would cause them to mistrust one another.
But one of...several options.
[ A pause. ]
[ Some reluctance, but he continues. ]
Dietrich's pet. I wonder if it might be of some use to us? Or if she would even relinquish it for such a purpose.
[ And if it's destroyed in the process? Why should he care? He's wanted it dead from the very beginning! ]
Voice
I want to stop her from wanting to.
[And she has a few ideas on how... though very reluctant to bring them up.]
...she might be willing to lend her to us given Riful's recent behavior. I could ask. Although... I am a little reluctant to tell anyone what we're planning. Or that we're planning.
My comrades aren't fans of yours, after all. Although to be honest, I think Clare probably doesn't mind you as much as she does Riful. I mean, even before... that.
Voice
It isn't as though I'd be there alone, however. Why else do you think I agreed on the condition you would join me? You're the only one capable enough in such a situation, the only one I can trust near me...should I be vulnerable when all is said and done.
[ And Rigaldo, perhaps to a point...but it's never a good idea to invest too much faith in one's minions. Priscilla stands on a whole different level than Rigaldo does. ]
I understand your reservations...but bear it in mind, in case it becomes our only other option. That Abyss Feeder would certainly upset the two of them if let loose...although it is only one.
Odd how I am sorry for that. [ A cool, airy laugh. ]
Even stranger still that you would say that, about Clare, when from her own mouth she accused me of being...exactly the same as them. I don't think she likes me very much.
And all I did was send her my regards and well wishes.
Voice
I don't think it would be too hard to stop her from wanting to.
[Again, more thoughts. On everything, really. But first... she bites on her bottom lip a little.]
...why would you trust me? We don't have a very good history either, really.
Voice
There are no fond memories between Luciela and I, no pleasantries shared; there is nothing but ill intent.
I do not find her passive, but I have known her longer than you have...
...as I've known you longer than she has. I know I can trust you, regardless of whatever transpires between us. You will never attempt to do me true harm unless I do something wholly deserving of it.
None of that is important, however...for the moment. We've strayed off topic.
Why is it you do not think she'd be hard to dissuade from wanting to kill me?
Voice
...but you're right. Um, mostly. I'm not really sure I'd call it healthy, and-- well. Anyway, that's not really the point, so...
[...]
It's not that I think she'd be easy to talk out of her issues with you. But there isn't really any reason for her to believe I'd speak to you, considering...
[She sighs. Why is she speaking to him again?]
...well.
[A little hesitation. Because she suspects he'll dislike this.]
I could work with her.
Voice
...But Priscilla, is it not common knowledge that we are still conversing with one another? That I make an effort to visit you whenever I can?
I do not expect she will be too eager to believe you are an ally to her, and an enemy of mine, whether or not she has thus far refrained from behaving...in a less than refined manner.
[ Nevertheless... ]
If you have a proposition, an idea that you would like to convey, I will hear you out and tell you in all honesty what I think of it.
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