[ 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.
[ Technically not kidnapping doesn't go very far in making him feel better about this whole dealio she's laying out. Also: what does she mean 'become a book themselves'? What kind of strange-ass library is this, actually. ]
I, for one, wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life as a collection of bound pages.
[ Said dryly, mostly to cover up his apprehension. ]
What exactly are these end goals you mention? Or is that confidential information?
All I can say is that it's important for the general well-being of the City we're from. I don't like how we're doing it, and if there was another way I'd gladly do that instead... but it's the only way forward. We just need to make sure it's worth the sacrifices this time.
Absolutely! They're all far more capable than I am, actually. Of all the Librarians, I'm the clumsiest, most master of nothing one. But I'm hardworking, so I guess there's that!
[ she said with her whole chest. it's fine. these are facts about herself. ]
[ so many people are keeping their thoughts to their chests. when will she be called cute by anyone but march. ]
Finances, huh... Maybe you can help me with mine.
[ may as well lay it out. ]
I've been trying to, well, try out as many hobbies as I can, but some of them are pretty steep in price. Both for classes and materials needed. At the same time, I have a whole album of things I want to buy for myself, or March, or anyone else I think of when I see them in shops! [ these first fucking world issues. which she's sincerely sighing over. ] I've never had to be responsible with money before and it's really showing.
[ ...
hence... why she jumped at the chance to be treated... she's always game to piggyback off someone else, unless it's kaito. ]
But wow, can't believe the scant few skills he managed to pick up as an administrator are actually coming in handy?? But alright, give him a minute to mull over her stated problem. ]
If you're looking for a magic fix, you'll have to consult someone else.
[ But if she's willing to be frugal... ]
I don't know how much of this you've already put into practice but...these hobbies of yours. Are you participating in them with others? Maybe all of you could pool some Kryptos together and share equipment. Or if it's some sort of communal space you need to rent, maybe you could try bartering with other goods, or even your own time and energy in the form of extra work. As for your shopping habits...
[ He's not much of a materialistic guy so this is a bit out of his wheelhouse. ]
Do any of your current interests produce tangible, material results? I can't speak to your own tastes, but I'm sure March would appreciate most gifts from a friend so long as they were given with genuine intent.
[ this'll be the last time he talks to malkuth then-- ]
... I've been cooking a little bit lately, and a friend and I attended a beadmaking class before. I tend to foot the bill on courses so others don't have to worry about it being a waste of their money -- just their time, which they might be able to spare a little more of. It's really just a me problem.
[ she's seeing that now. she has to rein herself in. there's no... time limit on things, she doesn't need to hurry and try a thousand things even as the world is very much in danger every day around them with the chance of kaiju attacks, and yet
she sort of is doing that, isn't she. ]
It just doesn't feel like we have enough time in our lives for everything the world has to offer, you know?
I haven't. I do like lists though, so that's a great idea!
[ she likes...... lists. normal girl things to like. her eyes glow as she brings up her hud, hmm. importance. ]
Photography is the most, since March and I have a club together. Cooking with Kaito is fun... Painting, yoga, reading... are all important to me because they're things that my coworkers back home liked to do. One of them even had a book club.
[ ... this is the same library she was talking about that beat people up yeah ]
[ she values being complimented on her skills more anyway, and her beam speaks volumes about that. she's so proud. practically puffing with it right now. ]
I was in a managerial position at my last job, so I had to learn a variety of skills to make up for my shortcomings.
[ of which there were... so many... but let's not get into that. ]
Those two... are definitely my friends, but I've really been trying to make more while I can! Another friend, Yui's her name, and I went to a beadmaking class earlier -- that's where you make things with beads -- and I've invited Ereshkigal out to befriend the cats with me too...
[ she trails off, resting her cheek in her hand. ]
But not everyone's receptive to it -- they're more like Ishmael. There's no point, or... maybe that I'm trying to get something out of it. [ such is the City. she knows that. she does. still-- ] I can't really change how they feel about me, or the idea of being friends. But I don't like when people assume I have bad intentions either, you know?
[ So earnest, so genuine….it's been a long time since he's met anyone like Malkuth. An underwater prison isn't exactly the ideal sort of place to foster those traits, after all. ]
All you can really do is lay your reasons out for the other party to hear. Whether or not they choose to believe you is out of your control. Although, [ and his voice lightens a little here as the smile reappears on his face ] I find it hard to believe that most people wouldn't be swayed by someone as charming as yourself. Even Ishmael's beginning to come around, isn't she?
[ the compliment catches her off guard and she covers her laugh with her hand, cheeks warming. her? charming? definitely not. she can think of so many others who are that, like wriothesley himself. malkuth shakes her head, but her smile reappears as she rubs her face. ]
Beginning to, and I'm still worried I'll misstep. But I think we can probably work things out as long as we talk about it instead of beating around the bush. She's a really direct person.
[ it's nice. she likes it. ]
... Thanks for the vote of confidence though, you're a really sweet guy.
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no subject
In broad strokes. I'd appreciate if if you could give me a more detailed explanation.
[ He's nosy.... ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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?? ]
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ you know, casual things to smile apologetically about. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
I, for one, wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life as a collection of bound pages.
[ Said dryly, mostly to cover up his apprehension. ]
What exactly are these end goals you mention? Or is that confidential information?
no subject
[ yeah. confidential. ]
All I can say is that it's important for the general well-being of the City we're from. I don't like how we're doing it, and if there was another way I'd gladly do that instead... but it's the only way forward. We just need to make sure it's worth the sacrifices this time.
no subject
You might have a hard time with that one while you're here. Unless you trust your associates to handle things while you're gone.
no subject
[ she said with her whole chest. it's fine. these are facts about herself. ]
So what do you do for a living?
no subject
Me? Nothing interesting. Mostly a lot of accounting. [ This is a deflection but also technically the truth. ]
no subject
Finances, huh... Maybe you can help me with mine.
[ may as well lay it out. ]
I've been trying to, well, try out as many hobbies as I can, but some of them are pretty steep in price. Both for classes and materials needed. At the same time, I have a whole album of things I want to buy for myself, or March, or anyone else I think of when I see them in shops! [ these first fucking world issues. which she's sincerely sighing over. ] I've never had to be responsible with money before and it's really showing.
[ ...
hence... why she jumped at the chance to be treated... she's always game to piggyback off someone else, unless it's kaito. ]
Any advice?
no subject
But wow, can't believe the scant few skills he managed to pick up as an administrator are actually coming in handy?? But alright, give him a minute to mull over her stated problem. ]
If you're looking for a magic fix, you'll have to consult someone else.
[ But if she's willing to be frugal... ]
I don't know how much of this you've already put into practice but...these hobbies of yours. Are you participating in them with others? Maybe all of you could pool some Kryptos together and share equipment. Or if it's some sort of communal space you need to rent, maybe you could try bartering with other goods, or even your own time and energy in the form of extra work. As for your shopping habits...
[ He's not much of a materialistic guy so this is a bit out of his wheelhouse. ]
Do any of your current interests produce tangible, material results? I can't speak to your own tastes, but I'm sure March would appreciate most gifts from a friend so long as they were given with genuine intent.
no subject
... I've been cooking a little bit lately, and a friend and I attended a beadmaking class before. I tend to foot the bill on courses so others don't have to worry about it being a waste of their money -- just their time, which they might be able to spare a little more of. It's really just a me problem.
[ she's seeing that now. she has to rein herself in. there's no... time limit on things, she doesn't need to hurry and try a thousand things even as the world is very much in danger every day around them with the chance of kaiju attacks, and yet
she sort of is doing that, isn't she. ]
It just doesn't feel like we have enough time in our lives for everything the world has to offer, you know?
no subject
I don't think being able to experience new activities and new places is ever a waste of time.
[ But maybe that's also a him thing after being trapped underwater for ten years with little access to what the world has to offer. ]
Have you tried making a list and ranking everything in order of importance to you?
no subject
[ she likes...... lists. normal girl things to like. her eyes glow as she brings up her hud, hmm. importance. ]
Photography is the most, since March and I have a club together. Cooking with Kaito is fun... Painting, yoga, reading... are all important to me because they're things that my coworkers back home liked to do. One of them even had a book club.
[ ... this is the same library she was talking about that beat people up yeah ]
no subject
Organized and good at explaining things. You've got quite the skillset.
[ He won't call her cute but he will compliment her secretarial (librarian?) skills. That'll have to be good enough. But also, these namedrops? ]
It sounds like you've made plenty of friends here already though. [ Or at least found people to engage in hobby discovery with?? ]
no subject
I was in a managerial position at my last job, so I had to learn a variety of skills to make up for my shortcomings.
[ of which there were... so many... but let's not get into that. ]
Those two... are definitely my friends, but I've really been trying to make more while I can! Another friend, Yui's her name, and I went to a beadmaking class earlier -- that's where you make things with beads -- and I've invited Ereshkigal out to befriend the cats with me too...
[ she trails off, resting her cheek in her hand. ]
But not everyone's receptive to it -- they're more like Ishmael. There's no point, or... maybe that I'm trying to get something out of it. [ such is the City. she knows that. she does. still-- ] I can't really change how they feel about me, or the idea of being friends. But I don't like when people assume I have bad intentions either, you know?
no subject
All you can really do is lay your reasons out for the other party to hear. Whether or not they choose to believe you is out of your control. Although, [ and his voice lightens a little here as the smile reappears on his face ] I find it hard to believe that most people wouldn't be swayed by someone as charming as yourself. Even Ishmael's beginning to come around, isn't she?
[ He believes in you, Malkuth. ]
no subject
Beginning to, and I'm still worried I'll misstep. But I think we can probably work things out as long as we talk about it instead of beating around the bush. She's a really direct person.
[ it's nice. she likes it. ]
... Thanks for the vote of confidence though, you're a really sweet guy.
I GOT THE CUTE ICON, I WON
I simply give credit where I think it's due.
[ Nothing sweet about that. ]
So! What's your recommendation for what to get here?
STOP IT ISNT A COMPETITION