[ She really just speedran food and didn't think about anything else, huh?
Thankfully he does have a vague idea of what she looks like from her hologram, though all things considered cute girl with long brown hair is a pretty generic descriptor. If he ends up accidentally accosting the wrong brown-haired girl, it will be all her fault.
Unfortunately, because they didn't exchange names, he now has to verify her identity in the most awkward way possible when he finally meanders over to her. ]
she understands she has misstepped. she was doing sooooooooo good on the three step plan and she skipped a step and now look. she's being addressed by her online name. it's not even a cute or informative online name. this must be duke, right? duke's a nice name. a real name. hers? totally fake. wow, he's tall. march might consider him somewhere in the realm of good looking? yeah. this is why you don't skip steps and she skipped it twice? how did she not realize that. is she really that much of a glutton? this is such a bad look. he must think she's an idiot. that's fine, she is. he must think she's desperate. she isn't. is she? maybe a little. befriending people still doesn't come naturally, but being friendly does. but now she was overly friendly wasn't she? taking a meal from someone she doesn't even know the name of? no, she's definitely desperate and a glutton. he'd have the right idea of it. maybe she should lie. that's the only thing she can do now, right? lie? say that's not her at all, good luck in finding out who that is? no, that's giving up. throwing in the towel. she isn't someone who throws in the towel. she just needs to keep moving forward, one step at a
by the wings she is such a fool. why didn't she give him her name. why didn't she sign off with her name in the first place? that would've solved everything. no, she totally forgot to then, after painstakingly ensuring that her script had everything else necessary for a successful go at her three step plan and getting some new hobbies for herself. she should've checked a fifth time like she thought to and decided that was too much. lesson learned, measure ten times and cut once. ]
[ While Malkuth goes down her anxiety spiral, Wriothesley simply stands where he is, a benign smile on his face as he waits for her to respond. Maybe he's gotten the wrong person? Maybe this girl is calling the authorities on some unseen communications device in fear that he might be some sort of creep?
—Wait no, there she goes, words finally tumbling out. Good news, he does in fact have the right person! They can proceed from here. ]
It's Wriothesley, actually. [ She's going to wish his name was Duke once she has to start spelling it out. ] But you can call me 'Your Grace' if you'd like.
[ This is a joke. Unfortunately, he does not make that clear at all and instead just....sticks out one hand for a shake. ]
I was joking. It just happened to be a nickname that caught on.
[ For....good reason, but that was then and this is now. He's not so much of a pompous asshole as to cling on to a past that no longer holds any relevance here. Also: nice handshake. ]
I'm just another cog in the wheel here, just like you, so there's no reason to treat me any differently. [ Please don't treat him any differently. ]
[ How's the weather down there....but sure, okay, he can do that no problem. Far be it from him to decline a seemingly innocent request from a cute girl.
He wants to know what it is she's gleaned from him leaning down for five seconds but also he is not desperate enough to ask so this will just have to remain one of life's greatest mysteries. ]
In that case… [ He goes to get the door and politely holds it open for her. ] Ladies first.
[ She can go and pick out her favorite table inside. ]
[ thank goodness he's not because she's not sure how to explain it other than she's never asking anyone tall to lean over ever again and if they do it anyway, she's going to be in trouble. ]
You're a real gentleman, Wriothesley! I don't think I've ever had someone hold the door for me before.
[ the city got no manners, man. anyway they're getting a booth seat and while she's getting her curry udon he's welcome to get whatever he'd like. they even have spicy things if he's inclined... ]
Has Ishmael told you about the sort of work she did back home? That's a pretty good start for how I think... we started to get along.
[ His white ass could never. Malkuth can be the spice champion between the two of them. Give him a sec to flip through the digital menu though....man, what happened to the good ol' days of paper documents? ]
In broad strokes. I'd appreciate if if you could give me a more detailed explanation.
The first thing you've gotta know is that there's "nicer" parts of our City than not. Those are called Nests, and each one relies on a corporation called a Wing to act as its economic base. Those who live there are called Feathers. On the other side of things, you have the Backstreets -- Syndicates and the like run the streets there, and they're not as safe as Nests.
[ this is important. don't worry. ]
The second thing to know is what her profession in particular is, and how it relates. Ishmael's a Fixer, and Fixers belong to Offices -- these Offices can focus on a few different things besides fighting, but most of them know how to handle themselves if needed. Generally, they help to protect the Nest and ensure the Backstreets don't go out of control... Ishmael is somewhere between Offices, or part of an organization I don't know about along with two others here. It's usually people who come from the Backstreets that become Fixers in the first place, since it's a pretty good way to get into a Nest if you're not smart, connected, or rich enough to apply to work at a Wing...
... but she's actually from a Nest herself, like me. Ishmael had just wanted something different, from what I understand, and that's our common ground. So I think maybe she sees us similar in a way.
[ in a way. there's other issues, but in a way. ]
Was that okay? I know it's a lot of different terms, so I don't mind answering any questions.
[ That sure was a lot of words but he did ask for it… Time to commit as much of this to memory as he can. At least she wasn't lying when she said she was great at explaining things. Give him a couple seconds to stare at the table while he digests her words properly.
There are a lot of things he'd like to ask, and will ask in a bit, but first: ]
Actually, I do have a question. Do you guys really happen to like birds, by any chance?
Oh, I don't know why we name it like that! It never came up when I was researching the City's history... but if I had to guess, it's probably more the imagery than anything.
[ how's she put it. she'll cup her hands in front of her. ]
Feathers are those born in a Nest who then go on to become part of a Wing, and those Wings help the City to stay afloat. There's not many things that can sort of mimic that system in symbolism, you know?
I suppose the symbolism is nice enough, though usually when something tries that hard to make itself look good it means there's something a lot darker going on where people can't see.
[ But anyway, he's not here to diss a system he barely knows anything about. ]
[ he knows more than he thinks, and malkuth laughs a little as she draws back. ]
You're not wrong. But let's let that be a "to be continued".
[ what a neat little phrase. thanks march. ]
As for myself... I'm sort of a part from things at the moment. I'm Malkuth, the Patron Librarian of the Floor of History in full, and... the Library I belong to is different than most. That's where our conflict came from, but we've more or less talked things out since. The Library is considered a threat by the City, but we are trying to help them.
[ This explanation just gets more convoluted the more questions he asks, a fact made evident by the crease that's slowly beginning to grow between his brows. ]
That would explain why you're so good at explaining things.
[ Even if he's definitely a bit lost right now. That's no fault of hers. ]
I can't see why a library [ sorry, it's lowercase to him ] would pose so much of a threat though, unless you guys happen to be safekeeping dangerous knowledge of some kind.
[ not technically, but she doesn't add that. roland has a point: what other choice do the people have? ]
We send an invitation out to those who... um, it's a little hard to explain even for me, but they're people who are necessary for an end goal. Each one has a "shard of light", let's say, and we have to collect them. On these invitations the rules of engagement are concisely written: if they seek a book, then they're welcome to try and take it -- but if they fail, then they become a book themselves. By writing their signature on the invitation, they're agreeing to all of that of their own free will. So... it's not kidnapping.
[ she'll let that sink in before addressing the second. ]
We thought they died. But I've learned recently, since Ishmael is from sometime in the future compared to me, that at the very least the guests we invited, defeated, and sorted among the floors weren't dead. Just... sleeping, in a way.
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Thankfully he does have a vague idea of what she looks like from her hologram, though all things considered cute girl with long brown hair is a pretty generic descriptor. If he ends up accidentally accosting the wrong brown-haired girl, it will be all her fault.
Unfortunately, because they didn't exchange names, he now has to verify her identity in the most awkward way possible when he finally meanders over to her. ]
You're....onestepforward?
[ At least she's not LIZARD OF OZ. ]
1/2
she understands she has misstepped. she was doing sooooooooo good on the three step plan and she skipped a step and now look. she's being addressed by her online name. it's not even a cute or informative online name. this must be duke, right? duke's a nice name. a real name. hers? totally fake. wow, he's tall. march might consider him somewhere in the realm of good looking? yeah. this is why you don't skip steps and she skipped it twice? how did she not realize that. is she really that much of a glutton? this is such a bad look. he must think she's an idiot. that's fine, she is. he must think she's desperate. she isn't. is she? maybe a little. befriending people still doesn't come naturally, but being friendly does. but now she was overly friendly wasn't she? taking a meal from someone she doesn't even know the name of? no, she's definitely desperate and a glutton. he'd have the right idea of it. maybe she should lie. that's the only thing she can do now, right? lie? say that's not her at all, good luck in finding out who that is? no, that's giving up. throwing in the towel. she isn't someone who throws in the towel. she just needs to keep moving forward, one step at a
by the wings she is such a fool. why didn't she give him her name. why didn't she sign off with her name in the first place? that would've solved everything. no, she totally forgot to then, after painstakingly ensuring that her script had everything else necessary for a successful go at her three step plan and getting some new hobbies for herself. she should've checked a fifth time like she thought to and decided that was too much. lesson learned, measure ten times and cut once. ]
2/2
I am so sorry! Yes! I am! I'm Malkuth, it's nice to meet you, um, Duke? Is that your real name? It's a really nice one if so!
[ ... gggggggggggggggosh!!!!!!!!!!!!! she wishes march was here!!!!!!!!!! ]
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—Wait no, there she goes, words finally tumbling out. Good news, he does in fact have the right person! They can proceed from here. ]
It's Wriothesley, actually. [ She's going to wish his name was Duke once she has to start spelling it out. ] But you can call me 'Your Grace' if you'd like.
[ This is a joke. Unfortunately, he does not make that clear at all and instead just....sticks out one hand for a shake. ]
A pleasure to meet you in person, Miss Malkuth.
[ Well. At least he's polite. ]
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and. okay. she gives maybe a surprisingly firm handshake, tilting her head at the title before smiling. ]
Are you a monarch or something? I can speak to you more respectfully if so.
[ she can try anyway. ]
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I was joking. It just happened to be a nickname that caught on.
[ For....good reason, but that was then and this is now. He's not so much of a pompous asshole as to cling on to a past that no longer holds any relevance here. Also: nice handshake. ]
I'm just another cog in the wheel here, just like you, so there's no reason to treat me any differently. [ Please don't treat him any differently. ]
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Got it. All the things that caught on with me were insults, and only some of them still matter!
[ it's. a joke!!!!! it's posed humorously!!!! okay, off she goes. ]
Wriothesley, Wriothesley... [ she's practicing. ] You're taller than I thought you'd be.
[ ... she's 163cm most people are taller than her. ]
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Do I give off the impression of someone shorter?
[ Should he start hunching to better fit her impression of him.... ]
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[ waving her hand up... around four inches shorter... come down here. ]
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What is this for though, huh..... ]
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Nevermind, you can stay up there. I think your height is perfect for you.
[ okay??? ]
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Anything else you need me to do while we're here?
[ Before they go inside and he makes good on their deal of treating her to dinner. ]
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Nope! That's all! I've learned what I needed.
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He wants to know what it is she's gleaned from him leaning down for five seconds but also he is not desperate enough to ask so this will just have to remain one of life's greatest mysteries. ]
In that case… [ He goes to get the door and politely holds it open for her. ] Ladies first.
[ She can go and pick out her favorite table inside. ]
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You're a real gentleman, Wriothesley! I don't think I've ever had someone hold the door for me before.
[ the city got no manners, man. anyway they're getting a booth seat and while she's getting her curry udon he's welcome to get whatever he'd like. they even have spicy things if he's inclined... ]
Has Ishmael told you about the sort of work she did back home? That's a pretty good start for how I think... we started to get along.
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In broad strokes. I'd appreciate if if you could give me a more detailed explanation.
[ He's nosy.... ]
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[ a. good skill to have, probably. ]
The first thing you've gotta know is that there's "nicer" parts of our City than not. Those are called Nests, and each one relies on a corporation called a Wing to act as its economic base. Those who live there are called Feathers. On the other side of things, you have the Backstreets -- Syndicates and the like run the streets there, and they're not as safe as Nests.
[ this is important. don't worry. ]
The second thing to know is what her profession in particular is, and how it relates. Ishmael's a Fixer, and Fixers belong to Offices -- these Offices can focus on a few different things besides fighting, but most of them know how to handle themselves if needed. Generally, they help to protect the Nest and ensure the Backstreets don't go out of control... Ishmael is somewhere between Offices, or part of an organization I don't know about along with two others here. It's usually people who come from the Backstreets that become Fixers in the first place, since it's a pretty good way to get into a Nest if you're not smart, connected, or rich enough to apply to work at a Wing...
... but she's actually from a Nest herself, like me. Ishmael had just wanted something different, from what I understand, and that's our common ground. So I think maybe she sees us similar in a way.
[ in a way. there's other issues, but in a way. ]
Was that okay? I know it's a lot of different terms, so I don't mind answering any questions.
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There are a lot of things he'd like to ask, and will ask in a bit, but first: ]
Actually, I do have a question. Do you guys really happen to like birds, by any chance?
[ Nests, Feathers, Wings…what's up with that?? ]
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[ how's she put it. she'll cup her hands in front of her. ]
Feathers are those born in a Nest who then go on to become part of a Wing, and those Wings help the City to stay afloat. There's not many things that can sort of mimic that system in symbolism, you know?
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I suppose the symbolism is nice enough, though usually when something tries that hard to make itself look good it means there's something a lot darker going on where people can't see.
[ But anyway, he's not here to diss a system he barely knows anything about. ]
And you? What role do you play in all of this?
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You're not wrong. But let's let that be a "to be continued".
[ what a neat little phrase. thanks march. ]
As for myself... I'm sort of a part from things at the moment. I'm Malkuth, the Patron Librarian of the Floor of History in full, and... the Library I belong to is different than most. That's where our conflict came from, but we've more or less talked things out since. The Library is considered a threat by the City, but we are trying to help them.
[ if that's anything. ]
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That would explain why you're so good at explaining things.
[ Even if he's definitely a bit lost right now. That's no fault of hers. ]
I can't see why a library [ sorry, it's lowercase to him ] would pose so much of a threat though, unless you guys happen to be safekeeping dangerous knowledge of some kind.
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[ you know, casual things to smile apologetically about. ]
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Hello??? Don't mind that crease doubling in size as he stares at her. Finally, after a good few second. ]
Do you kidnap and kill people?
closes eyes. slight ruina spoilers. technically
[ not technically, but she doesn't add that. roland has a point: what other choice do the people have? ]
We send an invitation out to those who... um, it's a little hard to explain even for me, but they're people who are necessary for an end goal. Each one has a "shard of light", let's say, and we have to collect them. On these invitations the rules of engagement are concisely written: if they seek a book, then they're welcome to try and take it -- but if they fail, then they become a book themselves. By writing their signature on the invitation, they're agreeing to all of that of their own free will. So... it's not kidnapping.
[ she'll let that sink in before addressing the second. ]
We thought they died. But I've learned recently, since Ishmael is from sometime in the future compared to me, that at the very least the guests we invited, defeated, and sorted among the floors weren't dead. Just... sleeping, in a way.
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I GOT THE CUTE ICON, I WON
STOP IT ISNT A COMPETITION