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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[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.

[siring]

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

[defending]

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

/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?

[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]

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.

[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.

/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.

[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.

[defending]

They're so normal that they have to pull our puppet strings. Of course they're all non-interesting.

[ Oh, hey, cool, names. She gives him a bright smile, perky and chipper. ] I'm Buffy! And, really, manners aren't a big deal. Tons of people around here are all nameless, or non-name-giving... Y'get used to it after a few.

[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.

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]

[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]

They may not be interesting, but they are strange.

A pleasure, Buffy. [ he's... not quite sure how to handle you, but he smiles all the same. there's something endearing about her demeanor. ] Perhaps I'm simply old fashioned, then.

[veritatem]

Perhaps it may yet be earned. [ and there's sincerity lacing his tone, clear and bare. ] Your approach seems both the wise and effective one.

[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.

[serene_rage]

Mostly it's a case of patience. And I've had more than enough practice at that, but it's also due to some good advice I was given once upon a time: Pick your hill.

Which is to say choose the hill you're going to die on, if you make every disagreement into Custer's Last Stand, you'll never get anywhere with them, or with anyone for that matter.

[siring]

[Isn't that what family is for? He narrows his eyes, but the shit-eating grin remains.]

I wouldn't say everything-- but there are some things that may not have been possible under normal circumstances. [Like a whole city of people with no access to vervain, and a few of his favorite toys tossed into the mix.] And that's enough to keep me occupied, for the moment.

[veritatem]

[ his brows lift just enough to convey his pleasant surprise. ]

That line of thinking seems to be a rarity these days. It would certainly do more good than harm for more people to take such advice to heart.

[veritatem]

[ always. it seems a running pattern in theirs, at least. elijah notices the small shift in his expression, but glosses over it. ]

I do hope they manage to keep you occupied for a long while, brother. [ it may be taking quite a bit to keep himself from asking just what klaus has been up to, but he manages. for now. ] Surely it's a fount of entertainment.

[siring]

[It's because you all are so insubordinate. All he wants is your love and loyalty, but no one will give it to him willingly. He cocks his head to the side.]

Our Katerina's been making an entertaining flatmate, at least. [And by flatmate Klaus means that he's invited himself into her living space in order to stalk her better. Among other living spaces he's invaded, thanks to a lack of a need for invitation.]