Neria, how well do you know AM? His villainy runs as deep as the hunger in my blood. Anyone trapped within his pull is someone I've a duty to save. So few see what he is. Or few have had chance to experience it. Even Lord Ignacio does not turn my stomach like this man. The thought of Ms. Care with his hand around her throat, keeping her close... it frightens me for her.
Where shall we begin, though? Consider me your sword, my friend. I cannot claim strategy as a mantle I wear well without some minor direction.
[It's not a thing he would readily admit to most people, but he needs some idea of what to do and where to go. He's been spinning his wheels rather useless in attempting to figure out the best course by himself. A colleague to bounce ideas back and forth with would help.]
These trackers that are in people. They don't seem to be LIEs' work, which leaves us with something of a dead end on that score.
Maker's breath, Jonathan. If you keep this up, you'll have more enemies than I do back home.
[ It's hard to tell via writing but it's a fond exasperation because... ]
I have never met AM. He seems devious at best and likely is monstrous at worst. The animosity he has towards you is concerning to me. I cannot imagine the things he's done to people who haven't your will. So yes, I share your concern about Hiling, but she has never struck me as incapable in her own way.
[ She doesn't know Hiling very well, either, but she has a hard time believing that if AM is as horrible as Jonathan claims - and she trusts he is - that Hiling doesn't have her own methods of survival and dealing with him. So far, she's never turned up broken. So Hiling is doing something to stay afloat. What that is, she isn't certain. ]
I don't want swords, Jonathan. I'm capable of fighting things on my own, you might recall? I don't send soldiers to fight while I sit back and watch.
[ This is the difficult part, where she doesn't know how much to let anyone in on, the struggle to lead while she has to delegate her troops, or the pain of knowing many might not make it back. ]
I feared as much. They still should be dealt with first. I wonder if their technology wouldn't be better served helping us, if we can convince them. And if we cannot, then other measures can be implemented. But the sorts of things they're doing... We could utilize them, under the right guidance.
[The words are sharp, pressed hard into the page. Then, the text changes back to Jonathan's usual hand, less vehemence.]
There was an incident on Patara. I responded to it later when a chance arose, and he has lived in fear of me and the powers I possess when there is no chain upon them ever since. We tangled at the Fort, as well. During the hunt. [It's about as vague as he can make it while still trying to convey some personal experience in the matter.] Hiling has told me of his abuses and I have seen some of the results of them. She should not have to simply survive that man. I know there are other things to focus on, but leaving her to him... it is unconscionable to me, however capable she might be, and whatever her strangeness and attitudes toward humans.
A warrior fights with a sword. My apologies for the confusion of metaphors. I want you by my side, Neria. I simply know you have better insight on certain things than I do.
You think we could use these trackers against LIEs, itself? Perhaps plant them on its own people? Monitor them as they monitor us?
[ An incident on Patara. It makes her blood run cold because she can imagine all sorts of things that could have happened then, as it had happened to her. Saber and Gilgamesh had brutalized her. To hear Jonathan suffered similar, found retribution, and then was attacked again just chills her to the bone. ]
I'm sorry, Jonathan. I did not know. I only ask that you are careful when it comes to him and Hiling. He will know you're helping her and will just use that to his advantage.
[ And she will discuss AM with Ivy. ]
I would prefer to be at your side as well. And yes, that is what I am implying: if we can get trackers into a few LIEs employees, we can perhaps gather information and monitor them as well. When the opportunity presents itself, we can find the time to strike.
Asra and Sinbad, back during Tumenalia, struck a LIEs building. No one was inside, likely because they anticipated their attack. With more discretion, we could catch them unawares.
I did not want to tell you. It is a private matter I intend to deal with myself. I trust I have your confidence in this. I have only ever told Magnus of the details and not the identity of the person responsible. As I said to him, I will say to you, Neria: I have no need of a knight upon a white horse. Just as you have no need of soldiers while you sit upon some throne behind your gathered forces. I've told you this only so that you might understand how imperative it is to get Ms. Care away from that man.
I can see if it's possible to gather the trackers from a few people. I'm not entirely certain how we might get them back into the employees, though. Another discussion with Mr. Stark, perhaps. He may be able to understand their construction.
[ Right, so. Not telling Ivy. She'll likely be angry if she finds out but this is...private, and Jonathan doesn't need rescuing. He wants validation and understanding around AMs's villainy, yes, but not people who will fight for him or take retribution for what's been done. ]
I understand. But when you are ready to deal with him, know I'm a call away if you wish for me to stand beside you.
I think we should take it a step further. Likely we will not be able to deliberately place them into someone from LIEs unless we can catch them on their own. Which is equally unlikely. I've been wondering who these people even are and, likely, some of their number are inconspicuous.
The trackers can be placed via injection or through sexual contact, yes?
Who do you think would be likely to be having sex with someone from LIEs? Someone from Duplicity. Perhaps we've been going after this a little too directly. If we found someone close enough to LIEs but not a part of them, someone likely to have contact...
[It's some time before they're able to converse again, what with the city transforming. Jonathan picks up the thread of the conversation again, though.]
I shall bear your offer of assistance with AM in mind. Thank you.
[He won't take it, but he'll bear it in mind.]
I think it likely someone in the regular community might be having relations with those in the LIEs program. Perhaps someone like Mr. Gray could be induced to court and infect them? Surely he must have a tracker.
[Because Dorian is sex on two legs half the time.]
I also have received a letter that I am granted permission by the government of Duplicity to formally submit my qualifications as a medical physician and to sit for the examinations required to reobtain my specific certifications in hematology and surgery. It would seem our trials were not without reward.
I'll be certain to make inquiries of him. Though I'll hazard a guess that there are likely others among our more attractive LIERs.
[ Likely he can hear her rolling her eyes. She wouldn't be surprised if Ignacio had also seduced an official or two, but she'll keep that to herself. ]
Well, it was worth it just to have the nice reprieve, too. I've missed using my magic in combat. Still, I'm very happy for you that you'll have the opportunity. Mind that they don't then put stipulations on it or take it away, or leave your license in limbo. They've offered you the ability but not necessarily for the prize.
I'm to go to the nearest government medical center in the Up to pick up the appropriate papers tomorrow night. We shall see if they attempt to act in some underhanded manner. I'm slightly more inclined to trust Duplicity's government over LIEs. Though, the separation between them seems little more than a sheet of paper at times.
Agreed. It's too fine a line to put a point on at times. Let me know how it works out. I know I need to get back to studying for the exam, myself, but that's taken a back seat to a great deal of other work I've been meaning to do. Only so many hours in a day, etc. etc.
Well, I have my dog back. Which has been an interesting development in the Surana-Valbanise household.
[ She knows Ereuvir has no issues with Valen but she could swear he wilts a little when she's so free with her tenderness on the hound. It's sparked some more overt displays of affection than she's been used to giving. ]
I've also received notes and possible lists to work on a cure for the Taint.
I have my license, officially. I'll need to sit for a few exams to prove competence in my specialty areas and perform a practical exam for surgery. I've set dates for those already. I'd like to post my credentials in the reception area, if that would be all right with you? I think it only sensible to have some evidence that we have officially licensed physicians. It can only add to our legitimacy.
[And stick poker in the eye of everyone who might be annoyed that said credentials are being given to a Submissive. Jonathan will just privately gloat about that.]
I'm glad you have your dog. I do hope Ereuvir's taken to it. But the Taint! Neria, when were you going to tell me? I'll be available to assist every evening, as you need it. Any evening.
[ It's through paper but Jonathan's exuberance is heartwarming. She smiles while she writes part of her response. ]
Of course you can. Make certain that whatever's holding it is quite resistant and that it's hung up in a way that it's difficult to tear down. I'd hate for anyone to try to take it. It's proof of your hard work and your legitimacy. I'm glad you've received it.
[ The rest is...harder to write. It takes a little longer for her to write back. ]
If you'll believe it, I think Ereuvir is jealous, likely because I spoil that hound as if he were my own child. So I've needed to be more attentive to him and no, that's not innuendo. He knows how I feel towards him but it never hurts to remind him. It's muddled and it probably makes no sense, but that's where we're at.
I haven't talked much about it. There's been a great deal going on. Many of the things it requires don't exist in Duplicity, to my understanding, so...it's likely I will need substitutes. That's another issue.
[There's no written response to her first comment, but the next day when she comes to Haven, she'll find his medical license in a frame, all but cemented to the wall behind the reception desk. The glass looks to be quite thick.
He might have used what remained on the credit card he'd received at the festival for that item.]
He shape-shifts, does he not? You could tell him to be a dog for a time.
[He's teasing. Mostly.]
If you'd like to provide me with an ingredients list and their properties for your cure, I should be happy to aid in the investigation.
Oh, no, I can't do something like that. You don't understand. He's made jokes about being my hound before, Jonathan, and it's a been more charged than you think it might be.
[ Jonathan likely doesn't understand that part of her relationship with Ereuvir. If she asked, he'd hunt for her. She suspects...no, she knows he would kill for her. The amount of power she has with Ereuvir is a terrifying and dangerous thing. Their entire experience together at the Fort only makes that clearer to her. Ereuvir is a god, one who has now made it clear in no uncertain terms that he will never, ever let her go.
Not that she wants him to, nor has she asked or considered it.
But the hound comment would likely make him laugh, even if it might never be literal. She can be a wolf for him, too, could sink her teeth in anyone he might ask her to. Him and Jonathan both. Ereuvir knows but Jonathan cannot begin to fathom the lengths she'd go to for either of them. Or maybe he knows but can't properly qualify it.
She hopes he doesn't have to find out the hard way. ]
I'd like to go over it first, please, and work on a list and see what might be needed. I received notes and would like to revise what I have before I proceed.
[ Yep, that's Neria obviously stalling and trying to nudge all help out of the picture. Again. ]
[Jonathan has an inkling. That business during the trial had not been entirely without use. That first trial, when he'd been shaken, shying, uncertain. And Neria? He's really not certain if Neria's behavior was so much less her... or more. Certainly, he doesn't think she'd ever act in such a manner naturally, but she hadn't acted entirely unlike herself, either, if she were to simply give herself license to take what she wanted.
Her polite refusal troubles him. He knows she'd batted away his help after he'd admitted to her that their connection made her ever more enticing. But this feels different. It's not even learning anything about her, but the Taint itself. He doesn't think that would do anything. There are small taps at the side of the page to signify his thinking before he responds to her.]
I will be available immediately upon your request, Neria. I'll check in with you about this next Monday.
[He's setting a firm deadline on her stalling. Maybe it's rude, but he's not going to let her permanently put him off.]
[ It...irritates her, frankly. In fact, it nettles at her for the days following, that Jonathan has put a deadline on her decision to allow him to aid her. It's not his work; it's not his to decide on any more than it is Ivy's, who is also pushing her to relent and to allow her support. She shouldn't be so frustrated; she should let them help. She knows that. She does know that.
The truth is that she isn't afraid of Jonathan finding her blood more alluring. She isn't afraid he'll lose control if he knows more. Maybe what truly troubles her is the thought that without the corruption, she will have no more excuses, no more veils to cover what is truly monstrous within her. It was never about what she was physically becoming; it had always been about the darkness, the selfishness, within her own heart. And if she finds a cure, then they'll have to realize that she'd never had any intention of taking it.
There is no justice in a simple cure, not for someone who has done so much wrong.
So she spends her time looking over the notes on her own, looking through the list of potential ingredients. She doesn't sabotage her work but she also certainly doesn't leap at the chance to expose everything: the long nights she's stayed after to work on things, or the blood she's taken from herself. The things she's had to do to isolate the Taint. She's kept Jonathan at arms' length with this work and only recently allowed Ivy to help. Until now, it's really just been her project.
It feels like she's hollowing herself out, being too vulnerable, to allow either of them - or anyone - so close. But she makes her decision before the deadline, several days later, writing back: ]
We can begin when you and Ivy are ready. If we succeed, everything will change, so much more than you can know or understand right now. But you - neither of you - will not stop me from doing what is necessary, no matter the cost.
If you do, I will take my work elsewhere, and neither of you will touch it again.
[Doing what is necessary? That sounds rather ominous when it comes to the development of a cure. Unless she's thinking of what happened with Ivy and her efforts to find a cure for her own situation.]
When have I ever stood against you, Neria? We are partners. I will help you do what is necessary. And Ivy and I will be ready to manage things if something should go awry.
Change is not necessarily a bad thing. Jester's god favors it, you know? Perhaps this will count for my weekly mischief.
[It's an effort to lighten the tone of the conversation to an extent.]
[ She supposes one of them needs to be the hopeful party here. Jonathan either is being deliberately obtuse or he's being naive, and if it's the latter, then she doesn't have the heart to tell him how he's very, very wrong in some respects. While they stand a suitably large chance to cure the Taint and prevent her Calling, and Anders', it doesn't mean that there isn't a suitable risk that she might simply speed up the process.
Or make it worse. ]
No, it's not necessarily a bad thing. But this is complicated.
[ It means putting more of herself out there on the table. It means showing her notes and being honest with what she's been doing to herself. And it means that Jonathan is just as likely to stop her from her more direct paths of experimentation. ]
I know you've never stood against me. [ That doesn't mean he won't. ] I'm glad we're partners, Jonathan. And I appreciate all that you're willing to do to help me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 03:04 pm (UTC)From:Neria, how well do you know AM? His villainy runs as deep as the hunger in my blood. Anyone trapped within his pull is someone I've a duty to save. So few see what he is. Or few have had chance to experience it. Even Lord Ignacio does not turn my stomach like this man. The thought of Ms. Care with his hand around her throat, keeping her close... it frightens me for her.
Where shall we begin, though? Consider me your sword, my friend. I cannot claim strategy as a mantle I wear well without some minor direction.
[It's not a thing he would readily admit to most people, but he needs some idea of what to do and where to go. He's been spinning his wheels rather useless in attempting to figure out the best course by himself. A colleague to bounce ideas back and forth with would help.]
These trackers that are in people. They don't seem to be LIEs' work, which leaves us with something of a dead end on that score.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 03:22 pm (UTC)From:[ It's hard to tell via writing but it's a fond exasperation because... ]
I have never met AM. He seems devious at best and likely is monstrous at worst. The animosity he has towards you is concerning to me. I cannot imagine the things he's done to people who haven't your will. So yes, I share your concern about Hiling, but she has never struck me as incapable in her own way.
[ She doesn't know Hiling very well, either, but she has a hard time believing that if AM is as horrible as Jonathan claims - and she trusts he is - that Hiling doesn't have her own methods of survival and dealing with him. So far, she's never turned up broken. So Hiling is doing something to stay afloat. What that is, she isn't certain. ]
I don't want swords, Jonathan. I'm capable of fighting things on my own, you might recall? I don't send soldiers to fight while I sit back and watch.
[ This is the difficult part, where she doesn't know how much to let anyone in on, the struggle to lead while she has to delegate her troops, or the pain of knowing many might not make it back. ]
I feared as much. They still should be dealt with first. I wonder if their technology wouldn't be better served helping us, if we can convince them. And if we cannot, then other measures can be implemented. But the sorts of things they're doing... We could utilize them, under the right guidance.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 03:37 pm (UTC)From:[The words are sharp, pressed hard into the page. Then, the text changes back to Jonathan's usual hand, less vehemence.]
There was an incident on Patara. I responded to it later when a chance arose, and he has lived in fear of me and the powers I possess when there is no chain upon them ever since. We tangled at the Fort, as well. During the hunt. [It's about as vague as he can make it while still trying to convey some personal experience in the matter.] Hiling has told me of his abuses and I have seen some of the results of them. She should not have to simply survive that man. I know there are other things to focus on, but leaving her to him... it is unconscionable to me, however capable she might be, and whatever her strangeness and attitudes toward humans.
A warrior fights with a sword. My apologies for the confusion of metaphors. I want you by my side, Neria. I simply know you have better insight on certain things than I do.
You think we could use these trackers against LIEs, itself? Perhaps plant them on its own people? Monitor them as they monitor us?
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 04:13 pm (UTC)From:I'm sorry, Jonathan. I did not know. I only ask that you are careful when it comes to him and Hiling. He will know you're helping her and will just use that to his advantage.
[ And she will discuss AM with Ivy. ]
I would prefer to be at your side as well. And yes, that is what I am implying: if we can get trackers into a few LIEs employees, we can perhaps gather information and monitor them as well. When the opportunity presents itself, we can find the time to strike.
Asra and Sinbad, back during Tumenalia, struck a LIEs building. No one was inside, likely because they anticipated their attack. With more discretion, we could catch them unawares.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 05:10 pm (UTC)From:I can see if it's possible to gather the trackers from a few people. I'm not entirely certain how we might get them back into the employees, though. Another discussion with Mr. Stark, perhaps. He may be able to understand their construction.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-21 07:07 pm (UTC)From:I understand. But when you are ready to deal with him, know I'm a call away if you wish for me to stand beside you.
I think we should take it a step further. Likely we will not be able to deliberately place them into someone from LIEs unless we can catch them on their own. Which is equally unlikely. I've been wondering who these people even are and, likely, some of their number are inconspicuous.
The trackers can be placed via injection or through sexual contact, yes?
Who do you think would be likely to be having sex with someone from LIEs? Someone from Duplicity. Perhaps we've been going after this a little too directly. If we found someone close enough to LIEs but not a part of them, someone likely to have contact...
no subject
Date: 2019-06-25 05:13 am (UTC)From:I shall bear your offer of assistance with AM in mind. Thank you.
[He won't take it, but he'll bear it in mind.]
I think it likely someone in the regular community might be having relations with those in the LIEs program. Perhaps someone like Mr. Gray could be induced to court and infect them? Surely he must have a tracker.
[Because Dorian is sex on two legs half the time.]
I also have received a letter that I am granted permission by the government of Duplicity to formally submit my qualifications as a medical physician and to sit for the examinations required to reobtain my specific certifications in hematology and surgery. It would seem our trials were not without reward.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-25 05:29 am (UTC)From:[ Likely he can hear her rolling her eyes. She wouldn't be surprised if Ignacio had also seduced an official or two, but she'll keep that to herself. ]
Well, it was worth it just to have the nice reprieve, too. I've missed using my magic in combat. Still, I'm very happy for you that you'll have the opportunity. Mind that they don't then put stipulations on it or take it away, or leave your license in limbo. They've offered you the ability but not necessarily for the prize.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-29 04:50 am (UTC)From:What did you receive for our troubles?
no subject
Date: 2019-06-29 04:56 am (UTC)From:Well, I have my dog back. Which has been an interesting development in the Surana-Valbanise household.
[ She knows Ereuvir has no issues with Valen but she could swear he wilts a little when she's so free with her tenderness on the hound. It's sparked some more overt displays of affection than she's been used to giving. ]
I've also received notes and possible lists to work on a cure for the Taint.
[ She writes it a little like an afterthought. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-05 10:20 pm (UTC)From:[And stick poker in the eye of everyone who might be annoyed that said credentials are being given to a Submissive. Jonathan will just privately gloat about that.]
I'm glad you have your dog. I do hope Ereuvir's taken to it. But the Taint! Neria, when were you going to tell me? I'll be available to assist every evening, as you need it. Any evening.
no subject
Date: 2019-07-05 10:34 pm (UTC)From:Of course you can. Make certain that whatever's holding it is quite resistant and that it's hung up in a way that it's difficult to tear down. I'd hate for anyone to try to take it. It's proof of your hard work and your legitimacy. I'm glad you've received it.
[ The rest is...harder to write. It takes a little longer for her to write back. ]
If you'll believe it, I think Ereuvir is jealous, likely because I spoil that hound as if he were my own child. So I've needed to be more attentive to him and no, that's not innuendo. He knows how I feel towards him but it never hurts to remind him. It's muddled and it probably makes no sense, but that's where we're at.
I haven't talked much about it. There's been a great deal going on. Many of the things it requires don't exist in Duplicity, to my understanding, so...it's likely I will need substitutes. That's another issue.
no subject
Date: 2019-07-06 11:20 pm (UTC)From:He might have used what remained on the credit card he'd received at the festival for that item.]
He shape-shifts, does he not? You could tell him to be a dog for a time.
[He's teasing. Mostly.]
If you'd like to provide me with an ingredients list and their properties for your cure, I should be happy to aid in the investigation.
no subject
Date: 2019-07-07 03:42 am (UTC)From:[ Jonathan likely doesn't understand that part of her relationship with Ereuvir. If she asked, he'd hunt for her. She suspects...no, she knows he would kill for her. The amount of power she has with Ereuvir is a terrifying and dangerous thing. Their entire experience together at the Fort only makes that clearer to her. Ereuvir is a god, one who has now made it clear in no uncertain terms that he will never, ever let her go.
Not that she wants him to, nor has she asked or considered it.
But the hound comment would likely make him laugh, even if it might never be literal. She can be a wolf for him, too, could sink her teeth in anyone he might ask her to. Him and Jonathan both. Ereuvir knows but Jonathan cannot begin to fathom the lengths she'd go to for either of them. Or maybe he knows but can't properly qualify it.
She hopes he doesn't have to find out the hard way. ]
I'd like to go over it first, please, and work on a list and see what might be needed. I received notes and would like to revise what I have before I proceed.
[ Yep, that's Neria obviously stalling and trying to nudge all help out of the picture. Again. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-09 03:55 am (UTC)From:Her polite refusal troubles him. He knows she'd batted away his help after he'd admitted to her that their connection made her ever more enticing. But this feels different. It's not even learning anything about her, but the Taint itself. He doesn't think that would do anything. There are small taps at the side of the page to signify his thinking before he responds to her.]
I will be available immediately upon your request, Neria. I'll check in with you about this next Monday.
[He's setting a firm deadline on her stalling. Maybe it's rude, but he's not going to let her permanently put him off.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-09 04:22 am (UTC)From:The truth is that she isn't afraid of Jonathan finding her blood more alluring. She isn't afraid he'll lose control if he knows more. Maybe what truly troubles her is the thought that without the corruption, she will have no more excuses, no more veils to cover what is truly monstrous within her. It was never about what she was physically becoming; it had always been about the darkness, the selfishness, within her own heart. And if she finds a cure, then they'll have to realize that she'd never had any intention of taking it.
There is no justice in a simple cure, not for someone who has done so much wrong.
So she spends her time looking over the notes on her own, looking through the list of potential ingredients. She doesn't sabotage her work but she also certainly doesn't leap at the chance to expose everything: the long nights she's stayed after to work on things, or the blood she's taken from herself. The things she's had to do to isolate the Taint. She's kept Jonathan at arms' length with this work and only recently allowed Ivy to help. Until now, it's really just been her project.
It feels like she's hollowing herself out, being too vulnerable, to allow either of them - or anyone - so close. But she makes her decision before the deadline, several days later, writing back: ]
We can begin when you and Ivy are ready. If we succeed, everything will change, so much more than you can know or understand right now. But you - neither of you - will not stop me from doing what is necessary, no matter the cost.
If you do, I will take my work elsewhere, and neither of you will touch it again.
no subject
Date: 2019-07-14 02:10 am (UTC)From:When have I ever stood against you, Neria? We are partners. I will help you do what is necessary. And Ivy and I will be ready to manage things if something should go awry.
Change is not necessarily a bad thing. Jester's god favors it, you know? Perhaps this will count for my weekly mischief.
[It's an effort to lighten the tone of the conversation to an extent.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-15 03:28 pm (UTC)From:Or make it worse. ]
No, it's not necessarily a bad thing. But this is complicated.
[ It means putting more of herself out there on the table. It means showing her notes and being honest with what she's been doing to herself. And it means that Jonathan is just as likely to stop her from her more direct paths of experimentation. ]
I know you've never stood against me. [ That doesn't mean he won't. ] I'm glad we're partners, Jonathan. And I appreciate all that you're willing to do to help me.
We'll start next week, if time allots.