AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
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Post by Rhyme on Mar 31, 2019 4:26:48 GMT
This place is beautiful, Rhyme thought.
He wasn't sure what to think of it when it had been described to him, how it was a place underground where people live--- he had so many questions, like how it could be bearable to live there, without the sky above and the sun or the moon. His friend told him to see for himself, and he was understandably floored. Luminescent plants provided lighting; it was surprisingly spacious; and while it was different from living above ground it had its charm. Specially this particular portion of Byzel, the City of Tears.
He had come here because he'd heard that the most affordable housing was situated here; he did not expect to be treated to an exquisite scenery. Perhaps he was subconsciously biased--- one of his mutations was related to water, after all--- but he'd always liked the rain, and finding out that this place rained all the time was intriguing; seeing it for himself was a treat. Unlike some of the other people who perused the wet streets here, Rhyme did not wear a hood or sport an umbrella, content to get drenched in his clothes.
Ah, but he supposed he shouldn't dilly-dally around too much. Where were the apartments here again? |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 1, 2019 20:14:35 GMT
Larsa made it a point to pay close attention to sectors within Eos. He spent a lot of time taking in the environments. They brought him both a sense of familiarity and a sense of pride. He was a man born from the ashes of the lower-class. Most wouldn't know it by just looking at the young man. He was well dressed, well spoken, but his step spoke of the hard strides in his life. It was true. He had worked hard to get to where he was and was deserving of the titles he had earned.
The adviser had visited Byzel several times in his life. It was perhaps one of the most beautiful escapes. Larsa loved city life, but to vacation to a place so different in every way...well, it took his breath every time. He wasn't a sentimental person, but he always enjoyed the scenery of the underground sector. Life here seemed so carefree. It was wild unlike his life in Era. The air was fresh despite being so far underground, and the walls glowed with various species of plants. The water itself seemed to give off life and you could see it illuminating on the cavern walls, dancing like a fire in a state of ominous peace.
The man walked with little purpose. His strides were slow as he took in the beautiful city as if it was his first time all over again. To not notice a lost soul wondering about, well that would be unacceptable. He stopped mid-stride, his eyes furrowing as he locked onto another man wondering about the streets. Larsa was a watcher. Reading people was his job, after all. He liked to pretend that he didn't notice such things, but a pull from within him forced him to engage. As hard as he would try to fight it, Larsa always found himself wanting to interfere. Perhaps it was his curiosity. Perhaps he always wanted something.
"First time in the beautiful depths of Byzel?" Larsa leaned forward, a smile painted on his delicate face. His white hair stood out in the dimness of the underground town. "It's easy to get lost in its beauty, no?" His eyes wandered off as if to back up the stunning display of the City of Tears. |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
|
Post by Rhyme on Apr 1, 2019 20:47:56 GMT
His reverie was broken by the appearance of a man.
The man's appearance was... rather flamboyant. He had white hair, like his, but of much greater volume and length; and he had the rather colorful set of robes. He had come out of the blue to address him, which was a surprise in and of itself, although his variance allowed him to not look completely flabbergasted. He'd noticed the stranger's curiosity towards him as he had approached.
"Um... yes?" For all that his empathy and foresight afforded him all sorts of insight, they did not really do much in the face of talk and socialization. Words and thoughts were more complicated issues for his gut to process. At the very least, the man seemed to not have any untoward desires against him, and it wasn't like he was in a hurry, so he supposed he would humor him.
"It's very beautiful. The rain is particularly nice. Although I wonder if they really needed to let it fall from the lake above..." he found himself saying, scratching his cheek lightly with a single finger.
"Um... who are you, exactly?"
Larsa Castelle |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 1, 2019 21:04:54 GMT
A grin formed onto the man's face. "Forgive me. I am Larsa." He did not share any more unneeded information. His last name was not needed in such a casual situation and his position as an advisor was needed even less. "I visit as often as I'm able. Consider me a traveler." It wasn't untrue, but it wasn't appropriate to call himself a traveler. Larsa traveled a lot, but his home was in Era with the other council members. His lightened, "You? Are you just passing through or intending to stay?" Larsa's question was direct and to the point. Many of people traveled through Byzel. Some with the intention of passing through caught themselves lost in the timeless metropolis.
His lavender eyes traveled upward, blinding in response to the drips from above. "It wouldn't be much of a City of Tears without it." Larsa spoke bluntly. It wasn't as if it was built this way. The man had always assumed nature intended it, but it was the people who decided to build in a place such as this. He agreed silently despite his response. It wasn't the most pleasant idea to be rained on constantly. For whatever reason, though, it worked for Byzel. It made it what it was. |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
|
Post by Rhyme on Apr 1, 2019 21:32:58 GMT
He could sense that there was something more that this... Larsa was not saying, that he was not just some sort of traveler--- there was something he was consciously holding back, although it did not seem like it was done out of malice. Rhyme supposed he would not call it out.
"I am Rhyme." he answered his introduction in kind. "I suppose I am a traveler as well, although I think I'll be staying around here for the time being." He'd divined that his best chance of finding out just who he was was inquiring around the academia--- which apparently was a whole portion of this gigantic city-state--- and so he would probably linger around. And if he would linger around he would need income and lodging, and the latter was why he was here...
"I was looking around just now for a place to stay. I've heard from a friend that there is affordable housing in these parts." It was a strange combination, a tourist spot that had low-cost apartments, but he supposed it was the case because not everybody liked being drenched all the time. Well, their loss.
"I suppose it wouldn't be the same without it." he acquiesced. "I was just mostly wondering if it would have been simpler to reroute it someplace else. I'm no expert in how these things are done, though... and I do prefer it like this."
Larsa Castelle |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 2, 2019 15:35:09 GMT
Larsa could sense Rhyme's uneasiness as he neglected the details of his name and position on the Council. Reading people was his job as well as his ability. No one could really hide anything from him and sometimes that was just as much of a burden as a gift. It was good for political gain, but casual conversation was often vexed because of it.
"Pleasure." His lavender eyes smiled. He had expected that much. Someone who is merely walking through wouldn't wander around in search of something as Rhyme had done. Someone wanting to stay would have such curiosities though. "If you're looking for a place to stay, there is a fairly cheap but well-kept inn by the square. If you're wanting something more longterm I could reach out to some of my acquaintances," Larsa's offer was sincere. He knew what it was like to need a place to stay and a cheap one at that. If there was any way he could help secure a place for the man he would. Well, up to digging through his own pockets. As much as he liked to help others, Larsa was rather stingy with his own money.
Larsa's eyes lit up. "Scratch that! I know just the place." He stepped forward, gesturing for Rhyme to follow and led him to a quiet section of Byzel. It was only about five minutes of walking before they arrived. "I believe I'm owed a favor." Larsa walked into a building etched into the walls of the cavernous city. The inside was much larger than it appeared. Its spacious lobby was dimly lit but relaxing with its floral decorations and distinct lavender smell.
A man approached Larsa, eyes beaming brightly as he extended his hand. "Well, I'll be damned. I wouldn't have recognized you if it weren't for the..." the man stopped, gesturing at Larsa's oddly flamboyant appearance. "What can I do you for this time m'boy?"
The councilman accepted the handshake. He offered a firm grip and smiled politely. "Myles! It's been too long, my friend. I've come to cash in. Do you have any apartments available?"
Myle's eyes furrowed and fidgeted with a rag he juggled in his hands. "I believe I got one or two. Can't see why you would wanna live in this ole trash heap though. We're decent but it's not exactly a luxury apartment. Besides are you stayin' in Era?" Larsa elicited no response to his friend's question but gracefully dodged it with another response.
"Oh! It wouldn't be for me." He turned to Rhyme, "this gentleman is going to be staying in Byzel for a while. If you have a place, he'll take it. All I ask is you have it covered until he can get his bearings."
"'Course, but it's not much of a cash in. You sure this is all you want?" Myles looked from Larsa to Rhyme and back again.
Larsa turned his attention to Rhyme. "If you're okay with this, that is?" |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
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Post by Rhyme on Apr 3, 2019 2:57:14 GMT
...there was something strange with how... the man seemed to be reacting to him. Something similar to... how he was reacting himself?
"Mrm, I think I'd prefer something more... long-term." he conveyed, borrowing the word Larsa had used. If it was short-term, well, his friend was generously providing him lodging in the housing district of Ordan, so it was not really something that he particularly needed.
Then, suddenly, the man had an idea, and Rhyme, slightly bemused but also amused, followed. He followed Larsa away from the main street with the passing tourists and into a deeper, less lively part of the City of Tears. He lead him into one of the buildings that seemed like they were hewn from the rock of the city rather than just made wholesale on the ground, which was rather fascinating to look at. The inside was rather homey too.
...owed a favor. Curioser and curioser.
He watched the exchange between Larsa and this... Myles, who seemed like the proprietor of the place. It seemed Larsa was actively looking for a place for him, which was kind of a lavish and unexpected service. How many strangers would lead you right to an apartment complex after you shared a little tidbit of what you were looking for? Rhyme was a little cautious and wary, although, again, he did not feel any sort of conniving vibe from Larsa. Well, people could be forthrightly good, he supposed, but he still felt that there was something eluding him, even if it was not something that would inconvenience him...
"This seems like a nice place." Rhyme said, as the conversation between the two naturally flowed towards him. "I would be happy if you could let me stay, although..." he paused, thinking of how to word his little hang-up of the whole set-up, exactly. "I'm already staying with a friend of mine until I get my bearings, per se, so I suppose I'll be taking the apartment when I have the ability to pay for it, is what I'm saying? If it'd be all right?"
He watched Myles and Larsa for how they would react.
Larsa Castelle |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 3, 2019 18:11:26 GMT
Larsa hid his frown. He was a fan of favors. He often payed off favors in order to earn trust among other things. The Councilman could sense a wariness coming from the white-haired male. Myles, a bit puzzled by the rejection of Larsa's generous offer, continued to play with the rag he held in his hands. Larsa listened to Rhyme's explanation patiently, though he would be lying if he wasn't slightly disappointed. He hid it well though. The man, a master of the human psych, had learned to hide his quiet well. The man, in ever sense of the word, was nearly unreadable when he truly wanted to be. "Of course." Larsa didn't want to impose any more than he already had. He wasn't going to press the issue anymore than needed. He always had his ulterior motives, but it was a rare sight for his offers to be refused. He would offer no strings attached, but if he ever found the right person, he could easily guilt them into believing they owed him favor of sorts. It had worked countless times in the past both with and without his use of Emotion Magic. "As long as you content," He smiled warmly and turned to Myles. "Perhaps another time then, yes?"Myles hesitated and then nodded slowly. "Y-yes, just let me know what I can do for ya'"Larsa's attention returned to the white-haired male. "I make it a personal mission of sorts to ensure that anyone who finds their way into Eos is well taken care of." He would say this sincerely. He truly did have a soft spot for newcomers being one himself several years before. "Thank you again, Myles." He gave him a slight nod before heading towards the door. "I'm sure we'll meet again, Rhyme." Larsa's lavender eyes narrowed as he faced away from the white-haired male, and a crooked smile colored his face. He liked his secrets. Perhaps Rhyme had one of his own. If that were ever the case, he'd find it. He lifted his hand in a wave and then turned around. "Ah, yes. If you ever find yourself...lost again..." He reached into an inner pocket of his white robe and revealed a card. It was a simple white card, elegant with a small golden border. Council Advisor of Eos
Larsa Castelle At this point in time, revealing his position would be much more beneficial than before. "Don't hesitate." |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
|
Post by Rhyme on Apr 4, 2019 6:24:57 GMT
Disappointment leaked through the man's psyche, even though no trace of it bled through his face. What a rather strange person... did he really want to help him so badly? Was it all in the way of these favors that he had mentioned with Myles? Did he want Rhyme to owe him a favor so badly? He would help someone if they needed it...
He turned to Myles, who seemed more confused than anything. Was he troubled by the favor asked? Perhaps he was a little daunted, but not by much, so again, Larsa didn't particularly seem to be a bad sort. "Sir Myles, I'll come back when I actually can pay you... and I'm sorry for the trouble. Hopefully you still have space by then." he apologized, and bowed.
Already he was leaving, as abruptly as he had arrived. It seemed he was frustrated that he did not react the way he had expected... and he was intrigued by him, apparently as much as he was. And, for a moment, there seemed to be quite a mean streak that painted Larsa's thoughts, even if it was banished quickly. He stopped and then gave him a card.
"..."
"...wait." He would follow him outside if he needed to, although if he was truly in a hurry to be done with him, he would not stop him. "This means you're some sort of important person, right?" he said as he waved the calling card Larsa gave him.
"I'd like to clarify... a couple of things. If it isn't too much."
Larsa Castelle
Seems like Rhyme isn't quite done with Larsa yet, although you could always just shake him off. |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 4, 2019 18:40:35 GMT
Larsa turned around, his eyes meeting the white-haired male's own. His brows furrowed as he took in the man's question. Oh? Now he was interested? Larsa wasn't as surprised as most would be. It was a tactic he had used before. People's opinions change once they realize he had more power than the average Joe. If they thought he was only a traveler wandering around and randomly offering help, they seemed to be more likely to reject. However, once it was brought to light that he was a member of the Council, there was a quick snap in their mind. Larsa did not prefer using this tactic. It was more of a last resort, a ditch effort in case all others somehow failed.
He shook his head, faking a modesty in his voice quite well, "I'm just a man." He smiled warmly. "It is true what I said though. I am a traveler." The smile turned quickly into curiosity at Rhyme's sudden and vague request.
"Oh? Larsa hesitated, his eyes staring back at the man, "Ask away. I've never been an open book, though." He gave off a nervous laugh. It was true. If anything Larsa was one of the hardest books to crack. If he didn't want someone to know something, they simply wouldn't know. |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
|
Post by Rhyme on Apr 5, 2019 11:39:55 GMT
The man seemed... satisfied that he had asked for the conversation to continue. He gestured towards the door and went out, so they could talk without Myles overhearing.
Outside, in the endless rain, he turned to address the stranger.
"I'm unfamiliar with many things, so I don't really know what being a councilor entails." he began. "Does it include walking around places and offering things to people?" he asked.
"I don't mean to question your goodwill... but what do you mean by favors, when you were talking with Sir Myles inside earlier?" he said, getting right to the point. "Do you expect a favor from me for your help?"
Perhaps he was being overly suspicious, but the man acted too smoothly in the outside and too slippery in the inside, if that made sense. Still, as he had already pointed out to himself before, the man seemed to harbor no ill will, and that was why he had chosen the avenue of inquiring with him directly.
"I apologize if any of these questions are... impolite. I mean no offense. I am... merely curious."
He watched, closely, what he would say, and what he would feel.
Larsa Castelle |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 8, 2019 18:39:48 GMT
((Just a fair warning, I don't typically reply over the weekend. I'll also be out of reach week after next. 13th-21st, possibly 22nd))
Larsa gave a small chuckle. "Let me start by saying I'm not like most of the other Council members." In truth he was not. Most of them were born for the life within Era. Castelle, on the other hand, had been born in the slums. Ever penny he had earned and he had worked tirelessly for his position on the Council. "Most of them wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this." There was a misunderstanding it seemed about the beauty of the lower and middle class. Others seemed to look only at the filth and the poverty. Larsa saw hard work, struggles that made life more real, and people who depended on each other for safety and comfort. It was not something he saw regularly in Era or within the Noble Houses. "You could say I have a soft spot for people in your predicament...as does Myles." It was partially the reason Larsa had reached out to his old friend.
His head cocked to the side and a finger raised to his chin. A smile lay hidden underneath, amused at Rhyme's ability to catch on so quickly. He read Larsa like an open book. Gifted as he was. "I'm a politician, Rhyme. Think of it as a trade. I find that favors and whispers pay so much better than gold." He shrugged, letting his arms fall to his side, one of them catching at his hip. "With that being said, my intentions are always to the good of the people. I find most of my fellow council members are lost in that aspect. No need to apologize. I can understand your concerns."
His eyes looked past Rhyme and back to the building where Myles could be seen through the window wiping off the counter tops with his rag. His mind pulled very specific memories of Myles and it was clear that Larsa was reminiscing. "Myles is a special case. He helped me get to where I am today and for that I helped his business...among other things." In truth Myles and Larsa both stayed in an every circulating debt to each other. It was to the point where they were no longer favors as much as it was two brothers helping when needed. "Myles, for lack of a better term, is like my brother. We don't play with the same rules as I do in politics."
Larsa listened intently. "You're a curious man, Rhyme. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to pick at it." His words were said so in muse. |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
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Post by Rhyme on Apr 9, 2019 9:51:59 GMT
Rhyme listened to his piece, even as they stood in the pouring rain. He closed his eyes and pored over his words and waited until he was finished.
"I don't know much about being a council advisor, or a politician." he reiterated. "You are... leaders of a sort, are you not? Of this city?" he asked. "It seems strange that with how you worded it, that your position is more like... a merchant. Should not a leader naturally take care of the ones he governs? Without asking for anything more in return?"
"It is strange, too... if they wouldn't go here. It's a beautiful place, and wouldn't they want to know the conditions of the people under them?" he posited.
Larsa seemed earnest enough, with his words aligning with his desires, even if he seemed to have a twisted point of pride in being different, and thus better, from his peers in this council he was in. "Your relationship with Sir Myles is good, then." he said. "Shouldn't people help each other simply like that, though? Why would it have to be a special case?" It seemed strange that compassion for people like him, people like Myles, people like the people of Byzel, should be seen as a unique trait rather than something that should be usual, should be a requirement... for one who leads.
He angled his head at Larsa's last comment. "Curious, huh?" he chuckled. "You seem so too, Sir Larsa. Curious, that is." His small smile belied the intrigue he felt about this new acquaintance of his.
Larsa Castelle
No problem, thanks for the heads up! |
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I fear a world with more blood than tact.
AGE
27
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Etherium Council
OCCUPATION
Adviser
UNSORTED
|
Post by Larsa Castelle on Apr 9, 2019 15:20:14 GMT
Larsa frowned. He was normally not so honest with strangers. He saw no ill intent in the man before him, and perhaps that is what drew him closer. Loose-lipped and relaxed wasn't a common thing for the quirky male. Rhyme's innocence struck the Councilman as odd. It was something he neither expected nor was used to. Most of his relations were with people of his status. Larsa found that most of his peers within Era were more interested in their fame, fortune, and status. Status was important to Larsa, his fortune he had earned, but fame...fame was never his intent. As murky as the waters of his past were, most would think Larsa was corrupt. Well...he was, but always for the good of the people. He'd lie and squeeze his way through any loophole that he could if it meant he could get what he wanted done. He held himself in high regards because of that.
Larsa could easily work towards a higher position on the council, but he was more tactical than that. Working behinds the scenes was more his style. He would whisper in the ears of others. His plan was eventually to just make them his puppets. He considered himself the lesser of two evils. That was his pride.
"One would think," he said with a scoff that escaped drenched in obvious disagreement to the other Council members. It wasn't all of them, sure, but the few he had known over the years were some of the most despicable of men and woman he had ever come across. "No, most seem to be more concerned with their own gain. Don't get me wrong, I have my own...hidden agendas. He looked towards Rhyme for a response at his reveal. "The Council is more than just a leadership over Byzel, my friend." There was again an innocence in Rhyme's personality. Larsa chuckled in amusement. "We are responsible for the wellness and prosperity of all of Eos."
There was a reminiscence gleaming in his eyes. He felt a sense of purpose ever since he joined the ranks of the Council. He finally felt he was doing the work he always wanted. To free the slums of poverty and decay. As noble as it sounded, Larsa was still a despicable man. His reasons were his own, and that tended to lean more towards a side of vengeance and pettiness towards the high class. If he could make them suffer by living as equals with those of the lower class he would. It wasn't always that he wanted the lower class's livelihood to better, but to make those who held pride in their Nobility be humiliated by the very people they used to step on.
"As I mentioned before, I enjoy my whispers and favors. Curiosity leads to knowledge and knowledge does more than a blade at another man's throat." Larsa, despite all of the evils within him, was a man of peace and negotiation.
The drops of rain from above began to increase in number. Larsa covered his head with his hand, gesturing for Rhyme to follow him to take shelter from the droplets. A roof now covered them and the smell of hot tea filled his nostrils. "Let's sit for a while, if you have the time?" |
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AGE
25?
GENDER
Male
FACTION
Citizen
OCCUPATION
Freelancer
UNSORTED
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Post by Rhyme on Apr 12, 2019 2:33:04 GMT
He didn't so much as blink when Larsa slipped the thing about his hidden agendas--- pride and greed were as much a thing in the councilor's subconscious as was his goodwill. Rhyme wasn't a mind reader, and even if he could sense the ebbs and flows of people's moods, there was only so much he could divine from people. Right now, it felt... that Larsa had many secrets, and yet the man seemed to sincerely believe that what he was doing was good. That was what the empath found strange, in his dealing with this stranger.
"But Byzel is part of Eos, right?" His mind wandered to the other parts of Eos he had not yet seen, and the parts that he had been warned not to see... Fersen and that crater at the edge of the border. If they didn't so much as pay attention to Byzel, what more those places? "The prosperity of Eos should include the prosperity of its parts." he posited.
For a moment, in the middle of the conversation, Rhyme felt a hint of malice from Larsa, although it didn't seem particularly directed to him or anyone present. Considering the topic of their conversation... his fellow officials, his fellow councilors? He wondered what it could mean. While it seemed he liked to think of himself better than them... perhaps it was more than that. If they really were not up to the task before them, after all... Rhyme mulled these possibilities for a bit.
"You seem like a sketchy sort of person, Sir Larsa." he said, directly saying what he thought. "But at least you seem to believe what you're doing is good? So I guess that balances out." He gave the man a cheeky grin. He did not completely understand what Larsa's aims are, beyond becoming wealthier, it seemed, and helping out people, but at least they seemed benign, and if they ever became more of a problem, well, he'll try to do something about it.
"The amount of rain changes in here too?" He'd thought it would be a regular thing, but it seemed it had its ups and downs. Now that it seemed that they would be talking more--- he had thought he'd only resolve a few concerns, but it seemed they were getting waylaid, the rain may be a bother, if not to him, then to Larsa.
"Time is something I have a lot of." he chuckled, as he followed Larsa to some shelter. "Is this a teahouse or something?"
Larsa Castelle |
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