Hm. Very much so. [ Yosano hummed. ] —Who knows maybe you'll be listening to all my woes and indulging me with foot massages soon enough.
[ She teased, but also she enjoyed how mild-mannered he was. And she imagined compliant, considering how he mentioned he liked being of use to people. Well, she could certainly make sure he does. ]
[Hermes in some way was a contradiction. He was mild-mannered and sweet but incredibly passionate about his beliefs. It just took a bit to get the latter out of him. She may be teasing him but he doesn't see it as such.]
I know we've only just met, but if you do ever need someone to listen I am happy to provide an ear. I cannot say I am any good at foot massages however...
Oh? Already extending your services? [ Yosano smiled. ] Well, I might take you up on that offer.
[ She paused. ]
Hm, I wouldn't want it to be one-sided. I am quite the listener... Oh, and the massages too—no promises it won't be painful though. [ She snickered, because painful was most definitely an understatement. ]
Then if you are willing to lend your ear in return I would be most grateful.
[Even though he knows he'll feel bad dumping his issues on her. Definitely doesn't need to do that just yet - not when they're only just meeting.]
On a more serious note, I am extending my services. I know this place is an unfair and unjust one - people being treated differently for arbitrary reasons does not sit well with me. If there is anything I can do to help you from my position as a Dominant, do not hesitate to ask it of me.
Of course. I mean, more than anything, I was interested in why you were so harshly pessimistic about yourself. So, you can't hold out on me now, can you?
[ Yosano hummed. And if held out on her, she would surely wrangle his throat until he confessed. ]
Oh, I appreciate it. It all seemed like quite the roll of the dice, yes? I thought I was certainly too unruly and fierce to be a submissive...
[ But here they were. ]
Good company, wine and the occasional visit to the Up would be wonderful. [ Yosano paused, smiling innocently. ] —Oh and good sex. If that isn't off the table?
[Oh he could hold out on her if he really wanted to, but soon enough he'll cave. Maybe not right this moment though, when he's doing his best not to appear cringe and also not choke on his wine when she says the last bit.
Clearly he's easy to fluster if his reaction is anything to go by.]
N-No...it's not, if that's something you would be interested in doing with me.
[He doesn't think he's all that appealing to fuck but if she wants to he won't say no.]
Oh, what's this? Are you shy? [ Yosano leaned closer to get a better look at his expression, sliding right up beside him on the couch... Hm, how fun. ]
—Why wouldn't I be?
[ Yosano could take a few guesses as to why, but honestly she wanted to hear it from him first. She never did make it easier for other people, after all. ]
[Of course he's shy! He wouldn't be blushing so much if he wasn't. As she leans in he moves to set his glass down quickly in fear of spilling it. Good thing he's got long arms.]
...I'm not one to assume someone wants my company simply for the sake of having it, let alone in an intimate fashion.
[Her question has him quiet for a moment, finding it hard to accept the compliments she's just given him. Even if those things were true they didn't make up for, in his mind, his flawed personality.]
Well...most people don't want pitiful men. Not as anything more than someone to use...which is fine I suppose. I don't mind being useful to others.
[ Yosano hummed while watching Hermes withdraw into himself. It was quite interesting seeing such a tall man look so small in front of her. She kind of liked it? ]
—Well, [ Yosano reached for his cheek, pulling him to look her in the eyes, while she continued in a low murmur. ] ...I just so happen to like pitiful men. Hm. Lets just say they compliment my tastes quite nicely.
[ Tastes being an absolute sadist. Oh, the things she could do to him. ]
[Oh the things she could do indeed. He can't help the way his pulse suddenly quickens when she touches his cheek and declares her tastes so boldly, luminous eyes meeting hers. Even now after all the time he's spent in Duplicity to be touched is still novel. To be wanted even more so.]
[ Yosano laughed. Her poor lockers full of wine at home now wasting away without anyone to drink them... Though she was sure one of the moochers at the ADA had already found and claimed them. ]
—But it'll take me a few bottles yet before it pairs a bit too well. [ Yosano was an alcoholic what can she say...
Her fingers danced on his cheek. Just a little bit happy at this new revelation. ]
[Should he be enabling a potential drinking habit? Probably not but he had his own vices - everyone did. He leans into the touch, unable to help himself.]
Hm. Aren't you cute. [ Yosano teased as she felt him lean into her fingers. ]
Create some? I mean I am certainly intrigued... [ She raised her glass, wondering if that was truly possible. ] —And I must say, I am quite comfortable here.
[ She withdrew her hand and settled beside him. Her chest now firmly pressed against his side and her legs still neatly folded underneath her. ]
[Cute isn't a word he'd use to describe himself but he won't protest it either, his eyes darting away as he feels her press against him. She's warm. He likes that.]
Aye...ours is the power to create. My abilities are far less here in this world but...
[He lifts a wrist, holding out his hand toward her glass which suddenly fills with wine. It'll be a bit sweeter than what she just drank, but pleasant all the same.]
Hm. How peculiar... [ Yosano watched the glass fill with wine seemingly out of thin air. She'd seen many abilities in her lifetime, but nothing quite like this. ]
How does it work? Is there restrictions or conditions to how things are created?
[ She took a sip; exactly how wine should taste... but was it a carefully crafted illusion? Was she really just drinking water?]
Back on my star the only restriction is one's imagination and the amount of aether available to use. As shepherds and caretakers of our world it is our duty to create various concepts, living and non-living to fill it and enrich it further. The only thing creation magicks cannot make is a soul.
[Nope she's definitely drinking wine. No illusion here!]
It is a complex process...but I suppose the easiest way to describe it is one envisions an idea and by doing so it can be manifested into reality. Here there is a substantial lack of aether so I am a bit restricted in what I can do.
[ Yosano listened with interest, despite not understanding what aether or creation magicks exactly was. She could put two and two together at least. What an interesting and frightening ability to have. And, of course, she had many questions, she didn't really know where to start... ]
The only restriction is a soul? Oh dear. That is quite a lot of power for such shepherds to have. Are there, hm, ethical restrictions to such use of magicks?
[ Yosano wasn't imagining a utopian world, instead she imagined one with such abuse of power ruining the lives of all those beneath it. And he was, she could assume, at the top of such a system? Of course, abilities themselves weren't too fascinating to Yosano, but how they were used was of much greater concern. ]
[He cocks his head to the side slightly, clearly taking a moment to think of how to answer her question.]
All of mankind has the shared responsibility to create responsibly. Concepts are reviewed and vetted before they are approved for widespread use. Nothing that would potentially upset the balance of life on the star is allowed to exist if it is proven to be a concept that would cause more harm than good. I know it may sound strange...but my people as a whole are inherently unselfish. Everyone is dedicated to their work and to the betterment of society as a whole.
[A soft hum slips out of him as his eyes trail back toward her glass and the liquid within it.]
I have been told by others one could call the world I live in a 'utopia' - although I would argue that it is not perfect by any means. Even so, people are treated equally and with respect. Everyone's needs are met. If there are quarrels or conflicts they are done so through debate, not physical violence. It is a peaceful place, over all.
[ His explanation had Yosano cocking her own head. A wholly foreign concept. She didn't even think it to be possible, but he did just make wine out of nothing and his anatomy was strange. So, it was certainly in the realm of possibility... But sounded too good to be true. ]
How... odd. So your race is naturally selfless by nature, and not nurture?
[ She paused. Her hand coming to stroke at his arm while she was lost in thought. Perhaps it was because her race, or rather from her world, had far more self-interested tendencies than his. ]
And what so happens if someone is born different? Surely each of you are individuals with varying degrees of selflessness? Has it ever disrupted this peace?
We are taught from a very, very young age that the good of the collective comes before our own wants and desires. To live in harmony we all must work together. Of course there are conflicts and differences in opinion - debate is healthy and so is to have different points of view. The best answer or best choice however always reigns supreme, or at least whichever is most agreed upon.
[He notices her hand stroking his arm but he does little to address it. The contact feels nice.]
We are individuals, yes of course, each with our own desires and beliefs and hopes and dreams but these come second to the collective. Individualism, for one to stand out beyond the merits of what they can provide the star, is looked down upon. We all wear the same robes, cowls and masks over our faces. There is no distinction between the roles of men or women. Public displays of affection are shunned. Everyone is expected to conduct themselves to a certain level of order and respect.
[As for her question...well...it's obvious he seems a bit uncomfortable at that.]
I believe I would consider myself someone different compared to the collective for my views on life and death. As I said before we are able to create life...but if it is deemed an imperfect creation many are quick to simply unmake what has been made, rather than give it a chance to flourish. Perfection is strived for but many people are flawed, especially myself. As for disrupting peace...there have been occasions where individuals go against the collective and act without being sanctioned to do so. If this is on a grand scale the Convocation of Fourteen, our highest governing body, become involved and that individual may be censured, stripped of their ranking or reassigned to another duty.
Hm. Quite the interesting collectivism... and at such a scale. I'd be quite interested in what your brain chemistry looks like. Ah, my species would have quite the difficult time pulling off such a society...
[ She inspected him a bit more closely now, his features. While he looked human, he obviously wasn't? Or perhaps humans in his world had evolved differently than hers. Well, now she was just itching to get a better understanding of his anatomy. Her stroking became prodding and poking instead. However, she frowned when he continued... ]
Ah. So it is actually quite restrictive. The rules in place... oh dear. You must have had quite the shock coming here then? Does physical touch make you uncomfortable? [ Referring to her hand on his arm. Of course, it didn't seem like he minded. But then she outright gaped at his last comment... ]
So they kill... whatever isn't perfect? [ She was shocked. Holding back on outright anger for the moment, despite the clench of her jaw. ]
[He looks human aside from his slightly longer neck and those glowing eyes of his...otherwise he has as much a man as any other. Of course that's only in this form that he takes - his true self had far more feathers and wings to deal with.]
It did at first...
[Comes the meek reply before he's shaking his head to correct her.]
'Kill' is not a word they would use, nor is the word 'die'. We do not kill one another, not intentionally at least...sometimes mistakes do happen on rare occasions but just because a person is flawed does not mean they are to die. My people are incredibly long lived, so long in fact they choose when to pass on, to return to the star as it were.
Other beings do not have such luxury. Those without souls, to many, are seen as unalive in the first place - only the star can give a creature a soul. It is either spontaneous or something that happens after generations of breeding...forgive me, I am getting off topic.
[He sighs quietly. It's not something he likes talking about.
Let me give you an example: a researcher creates an animal but it ends up with unintended mistakes to its design...let us say three legs instead of four. The creation would be deemed imperfect - even if it could thrive with three legs it was not the intended design. Many would see no issue with simply reducing the animal back to aether and reshaping it into a new creature.
To me though, it is death and there is a cruelty to this view that my people share. It has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the centuries.
So, those they consider people are safe from being reshaped... However, things that might be alive but without soul... which, ah, could include future species with souls are changed to fit their image of perfection?
[ Well, that was quite worrisome indeed... ]
And your people don't see anything wrong with it... But you do? Hm. I find your stance quite just. I'd hope it wouldn't change even when your people... don't agree.
[ She gripped his arm. Yosano was glad that he diverged from his own people in that regard. She was wholly uncomfortable with the idea of anyone playing with life in such a way, let alone deciding what was perfect or not... Playing God not only over individuals, but over whole species. ]
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[ She teased, but also she enjoyed how mild-mannered he was. And she imagined compliant, considering how he mentioned he liked being of use to people. Well, she could certainly make sure he does. ]
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I know we've only just met, but if you do ever need someone to listen I am happy to provide an ear. I cannot say I am any good at foot massages however...
[Then again he's never tried.]
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[ She paused. ]
Hm, I wouldn't want it to be one-sided. I am quite the listener... Oh, and the massages too—no promises it won't be painful though. [ She snickered, because painful was most definitely an understatement. ]
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[Even though he knows he'll feel bad dumping his issues on her. Definitely doesn't need to do that just yet - not when they're only just meeting.]
On a more serious note, I am extending my services. I know this place is an unfair and unjust one - people being treated differently for arbitrary reasons does not sit well with me. If there is anything I can do to help you from my position as a Dominant, do not hesitate to ask it of me.
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[ Yosano hummed. And if held out on her, she would surely wrangle his throat until he confessed. ]
Oh, I appreciate it. It all seemed like quite the roll of the dice, yes? I thought I was certainly too unruly and fierce to be a submissive...
[ But here they were. ]
Good company, wine and the occasional visit to the Up would be wonderful. [ Yosano paused, smiling innocently. ] —Oh and good sex. If that isn't off the table?
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Clearly he's easy to fluster if his reaction is anything to go by.]
N-No...it's not, if that's something you would be interested in doing with me.
[He doesn't think he's all that appealing to fuck but if she wants to he won't say no.]
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—Why wouldn't I be?
[ Yosano could take a few guesses as to why, but honestly she wanted to hear it from him first. She never did make it easier for other people, after all. ]
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...I'm not one to assume someone wants my company simply for the sake of having it, let alone in an intimate fashion.
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[ Yosano tipped her head back and finished the rest of her wine. Before looking back to the blushing cute man. ]
—You're attractive, selfless and from what I can gather quite kind. [ She paused. ] And fun to tease apparently. What's there not to want?
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Well...most people don't want pitiful men. Not as anything more than someone to use...which is fine I suppose. I don't mind being useful to others.
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—Well, [ Yosano reached for his cheek, pulling him to look her in the eyes, while she continued in a low murmur. ] ...I just so happen to like pitiful men. Hm. Lets just say they compliment my tastes quite nicely.
[ Tastes being an absolute sadist. Oh, the things she could do to him. ]
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Do they pair well with wine?
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[ Yosano laughed. Her poor lockers full of wine at home now wasting away without anyone to drink them... Though she was sure one of the moochers at the ADA had already found and claimed them. ]
—But it'll take me a few bottles yet before it pairs a bit too well. [ Yosano was an alcoholic what can she say...
Her fingers danced on his cheek. Just a little bit happy at this new revelation. ]
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[Should he be enabling a potential drinking habit? Probably not but he had his own vices - everyone did. He leans into the touch, unable to help himself.]
Or I can create some.
[It wasn't hard to manifest after all.]
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Create some? I mean I am certainly intrigued... [ She raised her glass, wondering if that was truly possible. ] —And I must say, I am quite comfortable here.
[ She withdrew her hand and settled beside him. Her chest now firmly pressed against his side and her legs still neatly folded underneath her. ]
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Aye...ours is the power to create. My abilities are far less here in this world but...
[He lifts a wrist, holding out his hand toward her glass which suddenly fills with wine. It'll be a bit sweeter than what she just drank, but pleasant all the same.]
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How does it work? Is there restrictions or conditions to how things are created?
[ She took a sip; exactly how wine should taste... but was it a carefully crafted illusion? Was she really just drinking water?]
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[Nope she's definitely drinking wine. No illusion here!]
It is a complex process...but I suppose the easiest way to describe it is one envisions an idea and by doing so it can be manifested into reality. Here there is a substantial lack of aether so I am a bit restricted in what I can do.
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The only restriction is a soul? Oh dear. That is quite a lot of power for such shepherds to have. Are there, hm, ethical restrictions to such use of magicks?
[ Yosano wasn't imagining a utopian world, instead she imagined one with such abuse of power ruining the lives of all those beneath it. And he was, she could assume, at the top of such a system? Of course, abilities themselves weren't too fascinating to Yosano, but how they were used was of much greater concern. ]
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[He cocks his head to the side slightly, clearly taking a moment to think of how to answer her question.]
All of mankind has the shared responsibility to create responsibly. Concepts are reviewed and vetted before they are approved for widespread use. Nothing that would potentially upset the balance of life on the star is allowed to exist if it is proven to be a concept that would cause more harm than good. I know it may sound strange...but my people as a whole are inherently unselfish. Everyone is dedicated to their work and to the betterment of society as a whole.
[A soft hum slips out of him as his eyes trail back toward her glass and the liquid within it.]
I have been told by others one could call the world I live in a 'utopia' - although I would argue that it is not perfect by any means. Even so, people are treated equally and with respect. Everyone's needs are met. If there are quarrels or conflicts they are done so through debate, not physical violence. It is a peaceful place, over all.
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How... odd. So your race is naturally selfless by nature, and not nurture?
[ She paused. Her hand coming to stroke at his arm while she was lost in thought. Perhaps it was because her race, or rather from her world, had far more self-interested tendencies than his. ]
And what so happens if someone is born different? Surely each of you are individuals with varying degrees of selflessness? Has it ever disrupted this peace?
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[He notices her hand stroking his arm but he does little to address it. The contact feels nice.]
We are individuals, yes of course, each with our own desires and beliefs and hopes and dreams but these come second to the collective. Individualism, for one to stand out beyond the merits of what they can provide the star, is looked down upon. We all wear the same robes, cowls and masks over our faces. There is no distinction between the roles of men or women. Public displays of affection are shunned. Everyone is expected to conduct themselves to a certain level of order and respect.
[As for her question...well...it's obvious he seems a bit uncomfortable at that.]
I believe I would consider myself someone different compared to the collective for my views on life and death. As I said before we are able to create life...but if it is deemed an imperfect creation many are quick to simply unmake what has been made, rather than give it a chance to flourish. Perfection is strived for but many people are flawed, especially myself. As for disrupting peace...there have been occasions where individuals go against the collective and act without being sanctioned to do so. If this is on a grand scale the Convocation of Fourteen, our highest governing body, become involved and that individual may be censured, stripped of their ranking or reassigned to another duty.
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[ She inspected him a bit more closely now, his features. While he looked human, he obviously wasn't? Or perhaps humans in his world had evolved differently than hers. Well, now she was just itching to get a better understanding of his anatomy. Her stroking became prodding and poking instead. However, she frowned when he continued... ]
Ah. So it is actually quite restrictive. The rules in place... oh dear. You must have had quite the shock coming here then? Does physical touch make you uncomfortable? [ Referring to her hand on his arm. Of course, it didn't seem like he minded. But then she outright gaped at his last comment... ]
So they kill... whatever isn't perfect? [ She was shocked. Holding back on outright anger for the moment, despite the clench of her jaw. ]
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It did at first...
[Comes the meek reply before he's shaking his head to correct her.]
'Kill' is not a word they would use, nor is the word 'die'. We do not kill one another, not intentionally at least...sometimes mistakes do happen on rare occasions but just because a person is flawed does not mean they are to die. My people are incredibly long lived, so long in fact they choose when to pass on, to return to the star as it were.
Other beings do not have such luxury. Those without souls, to many, are seen as unalive in the first place - only the star can give a creature a soul. It is either spontaneous or something that happens after generations of breeding...forgive me, I am getting off topic.
[He sighs quietly. It's not something he likes talking about.
Let me give you an example: a researcher creates an animal but it ends up with unintended mistakes to its design...let us say three legs instead of four. The creation would be deemed imperfect - even if it could thrive with three legs it was not the intended design. Many would see no issue with simply reducing the animal back to aether and reshaping it into a new creature.
To me though, it is death and there is a cruelty to this view that my people share. It has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the centuries.
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[ Well, that was quite worrisome indeed... ]
And your people don't see anything wrong with it... But you do? Hm. I find your stance quite just. I'd hope it wouldn't change even when your people... don't agree.
[ She gripped his arm. Yosano was glad that he diverged from his own people in that regard. She was wholly uncomfortable with the idea of anyone playing with life in such a way, let alone deciding what was perfect or not... Playing God not only over individuals, but over whole species. ]
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LOOOOOOL
he's dying
Re: he's dying
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angsty boi
so much
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