testing the waters.

[veritatem]

It does seem I am at your disposal, doesn't it? A sudden influx of power, be it over things you deem fictional or not, strikes me as something that would either grow to be intoxicating or exhausting. So, the former it is.

For now. [ punctuated with a soft press of his lips and a low hum. none of it belies the strange amusement he gleans from this. ]

However, it isn't me you're out to impress, is it? No, your nerves tell as much. How interesting.

Comments

[serene_rage]

Funny, isn't it? The things they think they have control over. And never for the reasons they think they should.

[veritatem]

It's almost cute, I admit -- ah, a flex of so-called "creative muscles", even.

[ a very slight tug of his lips. ] Experience does tell that it's rarely ever for the proper reasons.

[serene_rage]

[An equally narrow, equally fleeting smile]

I've attempted, and more than once, to explain to her that she hasn't got the experience needed to play me to the full extent of my abilities. Others have said I should trust her and let her try.

[veritatem]

Trust is something to be earned, not given freely. Letting her try is another thing entirely, though. She's likely to do it with or without your permission, unfortunately. Allowing her to may grant you more freedom.

[serene_rage]

Which is exactly what I said, that I wouldn't just be handing trust over carte blanche and sight-unseen, but that she was perfectly welcome to try.

So far she hasn't done as terribly as one might expect.

[defending]

Y'know, you keep babbling on and on like they'll listen when you'd probably be better off shutting up. Not - to be offensive, or anything... That's just when they leave us alone, usually. When we get quiet.

[veritatem]

No offense taken. It's sound advice. Though, I've no interest in discouraging her at the moment. I'm as curious to where this venture leads us as she is.

[defending]

Well, in the meantime, then? You're at least in good company. 'Cause we're all pretty much stuck in this circus.

[veritatem]

And what a circus it is. It's become quite apparent that my mundane is likely the least interesting thing concerning this place.

[ and then he gives a small shake of his head before moving on. ] My manners seem to have left me, I apologize. My name is Elijah.

lmao she's so rusty (tears)

[notheroic]

Be careful. [ But, for now... At least someone familiar is here, even if it's not the most savory type of familiar. ] Even if you act collected and calm about it, she'll probably find some way to make things difficult. These types usually do.

/gathers up

[veritatem]

Elena. [ ah, he catches himself before an actual smile forms, but the ghost of one slips through. ] So I've been told. I assume you've been subjected to their whims?

/clings to. i love you always.

[notheroic]

[ You know you want to smile because she's so pretty, jeez. No, but really. She does smile, but it's accompanied by a not-so-happy sounding chuckle. Dry. ] You have no idea. I've been sent to an underwater prison dome, and a city run by Norse Gods. I'm out of both, now. I'm on her back burner, I think. It's kind of exhausting to be treated like a puppet.

i love you too, bb ♥

[veritatem]

[ well, that's no good. he would appreciate that smile much more if it hadn't come paired with such bad news. and so his own expression smooths into one of near neutrality, if not vague concern. ] She's kept you quite busy, hasn't she. Perhaps she'll let you be and allow you some much needed rest for the time being.

I won't deny that it is good to see you, though.

[siring]

Here to join the games, Elijah? And here I thought you fancied yourself above toying with fragile creatures.

[veritatem]

Truly, Niklaus? I've been informed one of these "fragile creatures" has currently managed to trap you. Such a strange feat for a delicate thing.

[siring]

[Don't be rude, Elijah. You'll be demoted to least favorite sibling, right under Finn.]

Then I'm afraid you've been misinformed, I only remain so long as my interests are being accommodated for.

[veritatem]

[ you never fail to drag out the poorer parts of him, klaus. an exhale and his lips come together in a thin line, but he's curious and you're still his brother. ]

And are they? It must be everything you've ever wanted if you've given yourself over so freely to their whims.

[getsthelastword]

Yeah, they're all like that.

[veritatem]

I'm afraid I can't say I'm surprised.

[getsthelastword]

I think surprise is the first sacrifice you make in this place.

Dignity is the second.

[comeupblank]

Why would they want to impress you?

[veritatem]

Compliance is often won through positive reinforcement. [ and then he pauses to visibly mull that over. ] Given that she cannot frighten me, it's a viable option.

[comeupblank]

She doesn't want your consent, buddy. Just you.

[ her brows go up. ] Maybe she does and you just don't know how to deal.

[veritatem]

Does she? That is an interesting idea, isn't it. [ a low hum and he narrows his gaze past her. ] Why fear what I cannot change? It would not only be completely unnecessary, but a waste of energy, don't you think?

What will happen, will happen -- with or without my cooperation.

[prizefight]

Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes. [Sarcasm? Just a bit.]