Week 0, Friday Post-Investigation - Ion

[fragileprophet]

[Ion knows if the two of them are going to be co-existing in this place for an indeterminate amount of time, he needs to get over the way his stomach twists with anxiety whenever he looks at his Original. And besides, for all that he feels, conflicting or otherwise, he doesn't want any harm to come to him. In fact, he'd rather that his Original have more of a chance than even himself. So, he goes and finds him, where ever he may be, and takes a seat with him so they can talk, Ion-to-Ion.]

How are you doing?

[Have to start somewhere.]

Comments

[fonlines]

And you and the others all remember nothing of it...

[ Troubling, that they can't take simple measures to protect themselves.

Wryly: ]

Hopefully, no one targeting either of us in specific aims wrong. Or, someone trying to target us to harm our partners. That truly would be the most unfortunate outcome...

[ It's wondering, wandering, vaguely dispassionate and distant talk of revenge and petty disputes that sounds reminiscent of Order politics and Fon Master Evenos' pragmatic teachings. Van's ascendance to Commandant surely wasn't without at least some trials, to say nothing of other matters.

He refocuses and glances over at the other Ion again. ]

Are you truly all right, though?

[fragileprophet]

I don't think we have to worry quite yet about something that severe.

[Say what you will about a game that's fueled by murder, but they are two children that none of the others are familiar with. There'd be nothing political to gain from their assassination. And it's not as if either of them come off as particularly threatening. The tone to the other Ion's words concern him...but he brushes it off in favor of the next question.]

Do I seem as if I'm not?

[fonlines]

Your tapestry was on full display, even above the others present. I can only imagine that others might be more aware of you... you're right in that so far there's no reason to target anyone in specific, but people grow desperate when protecting their own, or... seeking to avenge them. [ His tone and expression are surprisingly sober. ] I wouldn't be surprised if you were subject to at least some amount more scrutiny than others, if only because of that.

[ and the fact that you were sort of found passed out. Still, it's mostly musing, and only half a warning because the other things the metatext points out are true. ]

You seem no better and no worse than always.

Still, I think we both know that there are ailments that might not be entirely visible.

[ this is as close as he'll ever get to asking 'how are you feeling,' psychologist style. ]

[fragileprophet]

[He picks up on the unsaid question, and considers it carefully. How much would be prudent to say? How much would get him an admonishment? And should he even be afraid of such a thing, right here, right now?]

I'm just a touch on edge, I think, and perhaps that isn't a bad thing, considering where we are. It's only unfortunate that being on edge hasn't stopped me from getting into trouble.

[He turns his staff over in his hands, and decides not to leave it at just that. They both know what this is about, at least in part, and they're simply waiting for someone to be the one to say it. Ion recognizes that it's on him...it probably always was.]

...I never expected to see you again. It's just so surprising, so I'm sorry if I've been standoffish.

[fonlines]

[ and of course, there it is. Ion's eyes light up just a bit, sharpening behind the placid mask. ]

I can't say I expected it much, either. I can't say I expected to see much of anyone, really...

So that makes two of us. But between the two of us, I believe you are much more accommodating than I. [ He hums a little, faintly, adjusting his grip on his own staff. ] There's hardly any reason to be apologizing for being standoffish.

[ Then his stance slackens a little, shifting with the drop in his mood. Less airy, and more serious now. ]

... Still, you have a point, regarding the rest of it. I'm not sure which part is worse: that we cannot be at ease, or that despite any wariness, there's little we can do to actually defend ourselves.