Voicetesting

[sacrificial_lambda]

I see. So you have a desire to play me, but no concrete plans. I can respect your interest, though I find the name you've picked for me to be in poor taste.

Regardless, I request you refrain from those darker thoughts you indulge in. I would like to avoid trouble.

Comments

[protectrice]

You don't know what you're gonna do, Richard?

[timaeus_testified]

It's cute how you think she'll listen to you.
Those darker thoughts are always the ones they indulge in first.
Protip: You get used to the laughing.

[sacrificial_lambda]

[He softens because, well, Sophie!]

I have some idea for the short term, Sophie, but I am a little worried about the plans for the future.

[sacrificial_lambda]

[Maintaining a polite composure at being called cute (is he cute?! He can ponder that later).]

It is exactly that which concerns me. While I can sympathize with dark feelings, I would still oppose the methods she chooses.

[protectrice]

Why's that? Is something gonna happen to you?

[Because that would be bad! Really bad!!]

[timaeus_testified]

And what methods are those?

[sacrificial_lambda]

[Oh great. Now he's worrying Sophie. He places a gloved finger over his lips, brows drawing together in a slightly troubled expression.]

I cannot say for sure. But I will do everything in my power to persuade her against anything drastic.

[He won't lie to Sophie, but he can try to reassure all the same.]

[sacrificial_lambda]

As yet her plans remain vague. But the thoughts she has had so far are most troubling. I understand that life cannot all be easy, but in a matter like this...

Her willful interest in chaos and destruction is unfortunate.

[timaeus_testified]

I see you haven't taken a look at the rest of the cast on her roster; past and present.
You might want to do that.
Go on, I'll wait.

[thatsthespearit]

That is a pretty ominous-sounding name, but at least it doesn't apply here! I think. [Looking torn between sympathy and amusement.] What's your mun got cooking?

[sacrificial_lambda]

...

[Sharing headspace with a psychopath is unfortunately not a new experience.]

I still hope that I can dissuade her from this trend. But perhaps it would take Asbel to truly effect that sort of change on her.

[protectrice]

[There's a pause before she speaks, then a nod. Richard has to know what he's talking about. Right?]

...Okay. But you've gotta be careful.

[timaeus_testified]

Then you need to present counter policies and alternate plans.
You can't dissuade someone from their present course without pulling a few strings of your own.

[sacrificial_lambda]

While I can see the humor in it, it is probably too personal for me to enjoy.

[A slight, ironic smile for the strange redhead. And a tilt of the head in greeting.]

I do not believe it applies to this space at least, you are right. [He grimaces just slightly.]

As for her plans... I can not be entirely sure. She is vague yet, and I hope to dissuade her before they become concrete. Perhaps you would aid me?

[sacrificial_lambda]

[His smile softens further.]

I will do my utmost not to worry you. If I am lucky, we will at least be together.

[thatsthespearit]

Hm, I see. [Sobering a little.] It's too bad you've got your dirty laundry out there, but we can't pick our muns.

[Thoughtfully--]

Vague plans really are the worst ones, aren't they? Why don't you make a plan of your own and pitch it? That should help you both out.

[sacrificial_lambda]

[Richard leans his chin lightly against his fingers, and then smiles.]

Yes. Of course. You are right. Such a basic idea is of course necessary. Simply talking without offering a solution cannot hope to persuade anyone. It would be foolish of me to expect results this way. Thank you--Ah, forgive me. It seems manners as well as reason have fled me tonight.

[protectrice]

[There's a hint of a smile now. Right. If she's going to be here, then she does want it to be with a friend.]

Because we're friends... right? We have to stick together.

[sacrificial_lambda]

[His smile is small and slightly self-ironic, but still genuine.]

It seems that I am having the obvious pointed out to me tonight. I must thank you, such a simple solution is elegant and mutually beneficial. It may be worrying to have such a vague fate looming, but rather than focus on what I do not know, countering with my own idea does seem to be the best solution.

[timaeus_testified]

No, it's reasonable to forget introductions when you're rushing about trying to prevent a calamity. I'm Dirk Strider, sometimes called DS. I answer to both.

[thatsthespearit]

[In response, she breaks out in another smile, bright and pleased.]

Right? Sometimes the ones in charge just don't understand the situation as well as we do. Nothing like giving 'em a little kick when things need to be getting done.

You got anything in mind?

[sacrificial_lambda]

[He relaxes a little when she smiles back. That's right, he must be strong for Sophie as well. Things will be alright. They must be.]

That's right. We are friends. So we can face things together.

[sacrificial_lambda]

Preemptive planning may be important, but so is awareness of others. It is a pleasure to meet you Dirk. I am Richard.

[protectrice]

Friends face things together...

[And isn't that the most important thing? Nods again.] We're gonna be okay, Richard.

[sacrificial_lambda]

[Her smile is infectious. His smile remains, because who wouldn't be moved by someone so open and pleased?]

A stern talking-to may be needed in her case, certainly.

I had not thought so far yet. I should think of something quickly though, you're right.

[And he puts on his thinking face as he considers what to do about all this.]