it shall set you free etc etc

[deathkid]

» POST: a top level for your character(s) » RESPOND: to other characters ICly. your characters are now trapped in an elevator together. » UH OH: neither character can lie. » ADDITIONAL, OPTIONAL COMPLICATIONS: at player discretion characters may also... a. be unable to remain silent when asked questions b. be unable to speak around the truth when answering c. be compelled to reveal truths/secrets unprompted THE POWER OF THE ELEVATOR COMPELS YOU.

Comments

[tevinteraltus]

Well, yes. Magic's really the only thing I'm good at. Everything, I've always seemed to have fallen short.

(He says through gritted teeth.)

[buildingcastles]

[Sorry, Dorian, he's perking his ears at that.]

Oh? Now, who said that?

[tevinteraltus]

(Dorian narrows his eyes.)

This is exploitative and there will be a reckoning. Just so you're aware.

(But he looks down.)

My father. Not in such words, but in actions. (A pause.) Past lovers who always seemed to enjoy my company, but never wanted me after. Are you satisfied?

[buildingcastles]

[ Both hands go up. He's reckless, to be sure, but offending power is never going to end well for him. ]

Apologies. It wasn't really meant to harm. I'll trade you.

[ Voluntarily! ...Mostly because he doesn't think he has too much to exploit. ]

So you turned to magic because it gave you better results. That's fair. I'm sure you're truly capable. Still, I wouldn't put all your worth into what other people do.

[tevinteraltus]

I didn't "turn to" magic. I was born a mage. It was my responsibility to learn how to use that power rather than letting it master me. That I happen to be exceptionally gifted in its use is, you could say, a bonus.

To what I was referring was familial. My father is a member of my country's leadership body, a position his only son and heir will inherit on his death. My duty to the family would be to marry some twittering little hen with good breeding, continue the line, and proliferate our incredible legacy.

I'm not really a woman's man, and refused to live my life miserably unhappy. That was generally frowned upon insofar as I was no longer welcome. Is that more clear?

(He pauses.)

You speak of magic as though it's a choice, and a poor one. Why?

[buildingcastles]

[Whoops. He smiles wryly as he's corrected, because if there is one thing people with bloodlines are good at, it's giving him a strong reminder that they are magic users with bloodlines.]

Yeah, you do seem like you're naturally talented. And you're in politics too? God, that sounds awful. No offense.

[Although the way he describes his role is sort of medieval. Inheriting a position of power and being expected to marry and produce heirs.]

Very clear. Sorry. [He takes to being chastised with a placating smile, like a guilty kid.] I just wondered how you got so confident.

[The smile fades as Dorian asks a relatively simple question. It's not all that invasive, but he bites his bottom lip as he works out his response.]

Magic is a choice. Maybe you can't help having it where you're from, but not everyone feels that way. They'll ignore anything they don't understand, and if you choose to believe in things they can't see, it's because you're crazy. Troubled.

I choose to be troubled.

[He hesitates slightly. The pause might seem unsure, but when he delivers the next line, he's looking directly at Dorian, almost defiant underneath that awkward posture.]

Sometimes it's a bad choice.