I'm not convinced that Vaeros can tell the truth. Everything he does is for his own benefit, nothing else.
We both saw what the future holds for us. This is why I don't trust him to keep his word. However, this would not be the first time we had relied on him to resolve the issues that plague this realm.
I just wonder if relying on him again will further push us into the dark future we've explored together.
[Screw authority. Saelfen isn't so easily fooled. He's skeptical to a fault.]
[He recalls how difficult it was to escape from his prisons and guards even with all of their powers. A plain Taryon, with nothing backing him up? What can he do but try to charm his way out?]
At least we rebuilt the crystal communication system without any of his help. He can't get us there.
What would we do? Is there some other way we can fix this problem that doesn't involve him?
Good question. Unfortunately, I am not sure if I have the answer.
While it is true that we are knowledgeable enough to bring the Network back, I recognize that some aspects of this world are beyond our understanding. This is why, despite our better judgement, we seek Vaeros' help in the first place.
It is frustrating to see our limitations laid bare in front of us, but I have to admit that I do not see any other outcome here.
We have to learn more about the world than what Vaeros allows us, but it's tricky. This is his home, and we know so little about the extent of his powers and the perils of the land.
Maybe we can find those dragons again. They seemed pleasant enough to trust, and they lived here long before he arrived.
Agreed, we must actively work on this if we are to live beyond his means. The fact that we keep crawling back to him after every inconvenience or disaster demonstrates our helplessness, which is actually our neglectfulness.
I truly despise the idea of allowing that sorcerer to help us, especially if it means swallowing the dregs of our pride once more. Vaeros has betrayed us numerous times in the past, and he plots to enslave us in a dark future in which our very autonomy is threatened.
I believe we are too quick to give up in the face of adversity because we cannot imagine a future that does not include Vaeros in some way. But I digress.
The dragons are an option that we should consider in due course. As of now, I believe everyone is willing to give up any remaining autonomy for the sake of convenience.
[Taryon dislikes Vaeros as much as anyone else, but the level of spite painted with these words is on another level.]
I get it. He's bot the best guy to rely on, but I dont think we're horrible for accepting help when he offers it. I don't know what's going on most of the time. And I don't think I'm neglecting my duty to protect everyone.
No one is giving up. I think its difficult to give up as long as we have each other.
Are you feeling alright? Do you need to not be alone?
[His rebuttal was on the tip of his tongue, or, in this case, the tip of his fingers. When Taryon asks if he is okay, he deletes everything. The short answer is, "No." Saelfen is not feeling well. He has been left to stew in his own thoughts for far too long. Since everything has happened, he has developed a severe case of paranoia, making him increasingly hesitant to leave his small treehouse. Despite his best efforts, he can not break out of this unhealthy cycle. Isolation is his bane, but Taryon may be the solution.]
No, I’m not well. I haven’t been well in a very long time.
I could…could use the company, your company in particular. I know you’ve been busy but surely we can just have some time to ourselves and forget all this.
[Taryon also needs the company — apart that of Doty's. The end of the world comes again and again, and each time, Taryon wanted to help. If he doesn't participate this time, will he doom everyone else? Is it selfish not to trust Vaeros?
Saelfen approaches the problem from the opposite end. It's actually kind of concerning how little faith he has, but considering how he, too, was betrayed by the political maneuvering of his family, Taryon doesn't blame him. In the end, a hug might be the best solution.
Taryon passed by several Dreamers rushing to donate their powers while other urge them to do so or to refrain. His heart breaks at his inability to commit either way.
He arrives with Doty at his side to protect the two artificers while they take a break. After a brief knock at the door, he steps inside without waiting. There's a sense of understanding between the two: their houses are open to the other at any time.] Sael?
[Whether it was selfish or not, Saelfen could not bring himself to trust the sorcerer after several obvious instances of betrayal. Vaeros is not a benevolent ruler in any way; he is not even a fair man in Saelfen's opinion. Vaeros' actions are motivated by a delusional sense of grandeur. Saelfen has witnessed firsthand what a villain will do to subjugate them, and it has tainted his opinion of the sorcerer forever. However, Saelfen is unsure whether he is simply projecting his own biases or not. It is so difficult for him to tell, especially since he is become skeptical of everyone here.
That is why he isolated himself in his small home. It is been awfully cold lately, so he turned up the heat a little higher than usual. Nonetheless, Saelfen could be found nestled within a thick purple blanket, sitting on what could be considered his living space. He peeks out from beneath the blanket, his blue eyes wide with surprise. When he asked Taryon to come, he did not expect him to arrive so quickly. However, his surprise quickly turns to relief as he gets up with blanket in tow.
Saelfen wordlessly shuffles his way over towards Taryon. He stares up at him for a moment, his seemingly calm blue stare studying Taryon’s face briefly before suddenly resting his head against the man’s chest.]
[Taryon swiftly undoes his snow-streaked coat and slides his off his arms while Doty pulls it the rest of his way off. Though he removes most of his winter attire, his scarf remains when he steps forth to meet Saelfen at the center of the living space. He watches the shorter man with eyes questioning how he feels, unsure of what is needed.
The closing of the space between them tells him that the first step is to comfort him. Taryon wraps his arms around the lovely purple blanket, warming himself at the same time. Saelfen's solid body is dulled beneath the layers of fabric, and Taryon hugs hims tightly without worry that his bony frame will dig uncomfortably into his body. His head rests on its side atop the silvery hair.
He smells nice. Not that he never smells nice, but Taryon has noticed this in particular now in close proximity.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
theartificer) wrote2024-03-06 11:51 pm
no subject
Maybe he's lying, but what if he's telling the truth? What benefit would come of holding back?
[And Vaeros spoke in an authoritative voice. How can Taryon not listen?]
no subject
We both saw what the future holds for us. This is why I don't trust him to keep his word. However, this would not be the first time we had relied on him to resolve the issues that plague this realm.
I just wonder if relying on him again will further push us into the dark future we've explored together.
[Screw authority. Saelfen isn't so easily fooled. He's skeptical to a fault.]
no subject
[He recalls how difficult it was to escape from his prisons and guards even with all of their powers. A plain Taryon, with nothing backing him up? What can he do but try to charm his way out?]
At least we rebuilt the crystal communication system without any of his help. He can't get us there.
What would we do? Is there some other way we can fix this problem that doesn't involve him?
no subject
While it is true that we are knowledgeable enough to bring the Network back, I recognize that some aspects of this world are beyond our understanding. This is why, despite our better judgement, we seek Vaeros' help in the first place.
It is frustrating to see our limitations laid bare in front of us, but I have to admit that I do not see any other outcome here.
no subject
Maybe we can find those dragons again. They seemed pleasant enough to trust, and they lived here long before he arrived.
I just hope they can keep us safe long enough.
no subject
I truly despise the idea of allowing that sorcerer to help us, especially if it means swallowing the dregs of our pride once more. Vaeros has betrayed us numerous times in the past, and he plots to enslave us in a dark future in which our very autonomy is threatened.
I believe we are too quick to give up in the face of adversity because we cannot imagine a future that does not include Vaeros in some way. But I digress.
The dragons are an option that we should consider in due course. As of now, I believe everyone is willing to give up any remaining autonomy for the sake of convenience.
no subject
I get it. He's bot the best guy to rely on, but I dont think we're horrible for accepting help when he offers it. I don't know what's going on most of the time. And I don't think I'm neglecting my duty to protect everyone.
No one is giving up. I think its difficult to give up as long as we have each other.
Are you feeling alright? Do you need to not be alone?
no subject
No, I’m not well. I haven’t been well in a very long time.
I could…could use the company, your company in particular. I know you’ve been busy but surely we can just have some time to ourselves and forget all this.
I just want to be held.
no subject
[Taryon also needs the company — apart that of Doty's. The end of the world comes again and again, and each time, Taryon wanted to help. If he doesn't participate this time, will he doom everyone else? Is it selfish not to trust Vaeros?
Saelfen approaches the problem from the opposite end. It's actually kind of concerning how little faith he has, but considering how he, too, was betrayed by the political maneuvering of his family, Taryon doesn't blame him. In the end, a hug might be the best solution.
Taryon passed by several Dreamers rushing to donate their powers while other urge them to do so or to refrain. His heart breaks at his inability to commit either way.
He arrives with Doty at his side to protect the two artificers while they take a break. After a brief knock at the door, he steps inside without waiting. There's a sense of understanding between the two: their houses are open to the other at any time.] Sael?
no subject
That is why he isolated himself in his small home. It is been awfully cold lately, so he turned up the heat a little higher than usual. Nonetheless, Saelfen could be found nestled within a thick purple blanket, sitting on what could be considered his living space. He peeks out from beneath the blanket, his blue eyes wide with surprise. When he asked Taryon to come, he did not expect him to arrive so quickly. However, his surprise quickly turns to relief as he gets up with blanket in tow.
Saelfen wordlessly shuffles his way over towards Taryon. He stares up at him for a moment, his seemingly calm blue stare studying Taryon’s face briefly before suddenly resting his head against the man’s chest.]
no subject
The closing of the space between them tells him that the first step is to comfort him. Taryon wraps his arms around the lovely purple blanket, warming himself at the same time. Saelfen's solid body is dulled beneath the layers of fabric, and Taryon hugs hims tightly without worry that his bony frame will dig uncomfortably into his body. His head rests on its side atop the silvery hair.
He smells nice. Not that he never smells nice, but Taryon has noticed this in particular now in close proximity.]