Knoll, The Necromancer (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rextenebrae) wrote2017-05-28 01:30 am
rextenebrae) wrote2017-05-28 01:30 am
[ Knoll went straight to track L'arachel down, because it's been what...practically a month since they've come here, and he realizes it might be beneficial if they sat down to discuss less 'well our situation sucks but maybe we can do x' and more 'we should talk about we learned'. And maybe even start to. Plan things.
Of course, Knoll isn't a strategist, but he's found himself having to quickly learn to think like one since Week 1 and now...
Well, now he's in front of L'arachel's door and knocking upon it gently. ]
L'arachel? There's something I wish to discuss with you.
Of course, Knoll isn't a strategist, but he's found himself having to quickly learn to think like one since Week 1 and now...
Well, now he's in front of L'arachel's door and knocking upon it gently. ]
L'arachel? There's something I wish to discuss with you.
Do they? How pessimistic.
[She sips her tea again, smirking as she sets it down.]
The demon king stood atop a mountain of corpses before he was felled, so it was spoken, and yet our army marched strong away from our final battle. We have conquered an ancient legend so thoroughly it shall never return, and you think this an impossibility?
[She sips her tea again, smirking as she sets it down.]
The demon king stood atop a mountain of corpses before he was felled, so it was spoken, and yet our army marched strong away from our final battle. We have conquered an ancient legend so thoroughly it shall never return, and you think this an impossibility?
[ Knoll takes a breath, and then releases a shuddering sigh. ]
L'arachel...it is true that The Demon King was a monstrous and considerable threat. But, even The Demon King wouldn't be able to successfully pull so many people from different dimensions and different worlds to participate in something so cruel. It is not that I think we are too incompetent to handle the evil here, but it is that I believe we are simply at too much of a disadvantage...and I just--
[ He places his head in his hands. He doesn't want to deal with this but he's sure he at least deserves it. L'arachel, however, is one of those who don't, no matter how eccentric her attitude is. ]
I don't know how we're going to return home like this.
L'arachel...it is true that The Demon King was a monstrous and considerable threat. But, even The Demon King wouldn't be able to successfully pull so many people from different dimensions and different worlds to participate in something so cruel. It is not that I think we are too incompetent to handle the evil here, but it is that I believe we are simply at too much of a disadvantage...and I just--
[ He places his head in his hands. He doesn't want to deal with this but he's sure he at least deserves it. L'arachel, however, is one of those who don't, no matter how eccentric her attitude is. ]
I don't know how we're going to return home like this.
We will find our way.
[L'Arachel's voice comes almost softly—as close to it as her ridiculous self can manage, anyway. Her smile remains, warm and persistently bright, as she leans in across the table.]
That is the power of a human heart, Knoll. From where did the Sacred Stones draw their power? [She doesn't wait for an answer.] Human will. Our desire for peace. Community, friendship, and love. These hearts of all of ours will beat just as fiercely here. If it can be done, it can be undone. If a demon can be conquered, its acts can be resolved.
[She sits up straighter.]
You've nothing to fear. If ever these hellish forces had a certain bane, it is the holy light the very legendary godly servant before you has always carried. Such arrogance, to bring me here as well! Rausten cannot lose its crown jewel. We will find our way back in due time, I am certain of it.
[L'Arachel's voice comes almost softly—as close to it as her ridiculous self can manage, anyway. Her smile remains, warm and persistently bright, as she leans in across the table.]
That is the power of a human heart, Knoll. From where did the Sacred Stones draw their power? [She doesn't wait for an answer.] Human will. Our desire for peace. Community, friendship, and love. These hearts of all of ours will beat just as fiercely here. If it can be done, it can be undone. If a demon can be conquered, its acts can be resolved.
[She sits up straighter.]
You've nothing to fear. If ever these hellish forces had a certain bane, it is the holy light the very legendary godly servant before you has always carried. Such arrogance, to bring me here as well! Rausten cannot lose its crown jewel. We will find our way back in due time, I am certain of it.
[She hums, thoughtful, mid-sip of her tea.]
You've nothing to be concerned with, I am certain. Your quiet demeanor must have gone unnoticed against two more outspoken volunteers.
[There's no judgement in her tone, though (or at least, no more than is usual for just The Way She Is); it's simply an observation.]
You've nothing to be concerned with, I am certain. Your quiet demeanor must have gone unnoticed against two more outspoken volunteers.
[There's no judgement in her tone, though (or at least, no more than is usual for just The Way She Is); it's simply an observation.]
[She...doesn't actually start heading off towards the lounge right away for teatime. Is she just gonna have this conversation right here...]
I am disappointed but not surprised by the results. A fear of the unknown is natural. In truth, however, the sympathy I have seen expressed for our host is...disturbing, in a word.
[Her displeasure appears as a frown for just a short moment before she takes on a more neutral expression.]
But we have uncovered the Ghost and approach her vanquishing. This, at least, is one less fear to threaten our hearts.
I am disappointed but not surprised by the results. A fear of the unknown is natural. In truth, however, the sympathy I have seen expressed for our host is...disturbing, in a word.
[Her displeasure appears as a frown for just a short moment before she takes on a more neutral expression.]
But we have uncovered the Ghost and approach her vanquishing. This, at least, is one less fear to threaten our hearts.
[And here she is! She steps out, closing the door behind her.]
Of course, Knoll. Is it the sort of discussion best had over tea, then?
[She's already striding off as per usual, despite this not being a late weekend night conversation, so it had better be.]
Of course, Knoll. Is it the sort of discussion best had over tea, then?
[She's already striding off as per usual, despite this not being a late weekend night conversation, so it had better be.]
[ Maybe she was right...they would find their way. Though, he is not sure if he would be part of the 'they'--he was too weak for that. Someone like L'arachel, and someone else would have enough will to champion forward and win the day; he doesn't think he'd be able to make it though.
Still, it was enough if she, Hibiki, Yukina, and the rest of the children could.
He takes his head from out of his hands, to look at her. ]
Perhaps you are right...
L'arachel, when we head back to our rooms, there is something in strict confidence that I must tell you. I would prefer it not around the ears of these strange creatures, even if they may already have the knowledge of such things.
Still, it was enough if she, Hibiki, Yukina, and the rest of the children could.
He takes his head from out of his hands, to look at her. ]
Perhaps you are right...
L'arachel, when we head back to our rooms, there is something in strict confidence that I must tell you. I would prefer it not around the ears of these strange creatures, even if they may already have the knowledge of such things.
Edited 2017-06-16 07:34 (UTC)
Has it? I suppose so...
[ His voice is softer here, as if he may be blown away by the wind itself with how gentle he's spoken. At first, his next words are mumbled, but then his words are spoken a bit more clearly the second time. ]
... Still, I would prefer it to be myself, instead of you, if that stranger hadn't volunteered.
[ There is nothing chivalrous about his statement, or protective. It just is.
She was and would always be a friend; ergo, he didn't want her to face what was coming. It was selfish, he supposed, but Knoll rarely expressed his selfishness for his friends. ]
[ His voice is softer here, as if he may be blown away by the wind itself with how gentle he's spoken. At first, his next words are mumbled, but then his words are spoken a bit more clearly the second time. ]
... Still, I would prefer it to be myself, instead of you, if that stranger hadn't volunteered.
[ There is nothing chivalrous about his statement, or protective. It just is.
She was and would always be a friend; ergo, he didn't want her to face what was coming. It was selfish, he supposed, but Knoll rarely expressed his selfishness for his friends. ]
L'arachel, there is something I must confess to you:
I have little to no sympathy for our host whatsoever. But, when I look forward to the future, as having voting off that individual as a possible choice, I cannot help but feel awash in a sensation that prevents me from choosing that course of action. It is because I sense it is rather foreboding to take it, and it's something I cannot ignore.
Yet, I do understand the reasons behind your own actions, and I will not disparage you because of them. Your choice is just one of the few, but at the same time... I hope that together, in the future, the decisions we choose are made with more caution.
[ Knoll's eyes close for a moment. ]
Yes... perhaps we are lucky that the Ghost has been vanquished. I am glad, and still, I cannot help but feel uneasy. Is it because of what we may still need to face? Or whatever lies beyond her, I do not know. Yet, I do hope that this victory means that we are one step ahead and that there is nothing more she can do to ail us.
I have little to no sympathy for our host whatsoever. But, when I look forward to the future, as having voting off that individual as a possible choice, I cannot help but feel awash in a sensation that prevents me from choosing that course of action. It is because I sense it is rather foreboding to take it, and it's something I cannot ignore.
Yet, I do understand the reasons behind your own actions, and I will not disparage you because of them. Your choice is just one of the few, but at the same time... I hope that together, in the future, the decisions we choose are made with more caution.
[ Knoll's eyes close for a moment. ]
Yes... perhaps we are lucky that the Ghost has been vanquished. I am glad, and still, I cannot help but feel uneasy. Is it because of what we may still need to face? Or whatever lies beyond her, I do not know. Yet, I do hope that this victory means that we are one step ahead and that there is nothing more she can do to ail us.
Edited 2017-06-16 07:30 (UTC)
It is.
[ Knoll couldn't wait for the weekend; he's already learned so much and he needs to make sure that L'arachel has as well. Or if she's learnt more than he has... ]
...Though, speaking of discussions, there is one thing that makes me uneasy. Did you see that note on the bulletin board? The first one, that is.
[ Knoll couldn't wait for the weekend; he's already learned so much and he needs to make sure that L'arachel has as well. Or if she's learnt more than he has... ]
...Though, speaking of discussions, there is one thing that makes me uneasy. Did you see that note on the bulletin board? The first one, that is.
I understand.
[But she doesn't stand up right away. She takes the last few sips of her tea and sets the cup down on her saucer.]
Knoll, this is not our familiar battlefield or our same army. We are far from Magvel, but distance does not strip me of my title as Rausten's heiress apparent. As such, I think it appropriate to retain my position as a military commander here as well. It is my duty to lift the hearts of those under my ward just as well as protect them. [She's looking Knoll right in the eyes.] At the head of a battalion or in the presence of a single soldier, I will take it with the utmost seriousness. Do you understand?
[But she doesn't stand up right away. She takes the last few sips of her tea and sets the cup down on her saucer.]
Knoll, this is not our familiar battlefield or our same army. We are far from Magvel, but distance does not strip me of my title as Rausten's heiress apparent. As such, I think it appropriate to retain my position as a military commander here as well. It is my duty to lift the hearts of those under my ward just as well as protect them. [She's looking Knoll right in the eyes.] At the head of a battalion or in the presence of a single soldier, I will take it with the utmost seriousness. Do you understand?
[Struggling to hear him, she leans in, and there's the slightest sort of surprise in her face when the words come—a tilt of her head, her mouth pursing into a little o. It hardly lasts a moment; she stands up straight. Even so, some of the confusion lingers; she doesn't quite understand the reason for this particular sort of concern for her.]
I am a soldier just as well as you are, Knoll. It is an act I know myself capable of.
I am a soldier just as well as you are, Knoll. It is an act I know myself capable of.
Yes... I understand.
[ Even if Knoll's voice cracks a bit here, he doesn't have an ounce of doubt to be found in his answer. In fact, he may have been even slightly amazed at what L'arachel had to say, and indeed he was. It was somehow... moving.
He paused a bit and finally smiled. ]
Princess L'arachel, you know, you do have quite a way with words.
[ Even if Knoll's voice cracks a bit here, he doesn't have an ounce of doubt to be found in his answer. In fact, he may have been even slightly amazed at what L'arachel had to say, and indeed he was. It was somehow... moving.
He paused a bit and finally smiled. ]
Princess L'arachel, you know, you do have quite a way with words.
I know this...it's even probable that you would have more strength in carrying out such a deed than I would.
[ Knoll doesn't even defend his statement against what he perceives to sound irrational; he just sighs a little. He's voiced that he wouldn't want Percival to be an executioner as well, though he also understood he was someone who would likely vastly handle it better than he ever could. ]
Pay it no more mind.
[ Knoll doesn't even defend his statement against what he perceives to sound irrational; he just sighs a little. He's voiced that he wouldn't want Percival to be an executioner as well, though he also understood he was someone who would likely vastly handle it better than he ever could. ]
Pay it no more mind.
[L'Arachel hums, considering, but this obviously hasn't convinced her.]
There is uncertainty and darkness in every part of this place, Knoll. We have discussed this before: that we are disadvantaged in this situation, that this darkness permeates every last part of this place. Every choice made here will come with that same sort of foreboding, and as it should in this vile hive.
[She stands up straight, a certain fierceness in her face.]
I have dedicated my life to purging such villains as our host. To deny their power or influence will offer you no advantage in taking them down, but to offer caution enough that it becomes hesitation allows that influence a grip on your heart. I will not permit that.
[so basically l'arachel's strategy is "oh you wanna fucking GO"]
There is uncertainty and darkness in every part of this place, Knoll. We have discussed this before: that we are disadvantaged in this situation, that this darkness permeates every last part of this place. Every choice made here will come with that same sort of foreboding, and as it should in this vile hive.
[She stands up straight, a certain fierceness in her face.]
I have dedicated my life to purging such villains as our host. To deny their power or influence will offer you no advantage in taking them down, but to offer caution enough that it becomes hesitation allows that influence a grip on your heart. I will not permit that.
[so basically l'arachel's strategy is "oh you wanna fucking GO"]
I have seen the lot of them, unless more additions have been made since yesterday evening. [the tiniest harrumph!! she seems more annoyed than uneasy at them...] How tactless, to publicly air this sort of gossip! I swear it, Knoll, that if anything brings me to my end here, it will be the utter lack of decorum anyone here holds. I cannot stand it.
[HAHA YES SHE GOT A SMILE OUT OF THIS SHITHEAD and she is ever so pleased with herself, apparently.]
Of course I do! A woman of my natural superiority will quickly learn to assuage the hearts and minds of those around her. No less would do for a divine ruler, after all.
[l'arachel we almost had a moment why do you have to fucking ruin everything like this]
Is that all, then? Any last concerns left to be put to rest?
Of course I do! A woman of my natural superiority will quickly learn to assuage the hearts and minds of those around her. No less would do for a divine ruler, after all.
[l'arachel we almost had a moment why do you have to fucking ruin everything like this]
Is that all, then? Any last concerns left to be put to rest?
[ Knoll doesn't wear an expression of fierceness. In contrast, its of worry and a bit of desperation mixed with resignation -- like he knows he can't win but he'll try anyway. ]
I... alright. I will admit it is not the only reason I hesitate.
But what of others' anger towards anyone who would have made that choice? What if it spurs someone to act and try to kill someone else because of it, claiming that they endangered everyone's lives?
I'm not saying to not try to take him down, but perhaps to try to think of a strategy where we can find a way to defeat him without being in the dark of what could happen. There are just...so many forces at play here that it's just difficult to just simply shoot in the dark at one possibility without knowing the consequences.
I would be honored to try to assist you there at least, with coming up with finding the answers and a plan regarding that...
I... alright. I will admit it is not the only reason I hesitate.
But what of others' anger towards anyone who would have made that choice? What if it spurs someone to act and try to kill someone else because of it, claiming that they endangered everyone's lives?
I'm not saying to not try to take him down, but perhaps to try to think of a strategy where we can find a way to defeat him without being in the dark of what could happen. There are just...so many forces at play here that it's just difficult to just simply shoot in the dark at one possibility without knowing the consequences.
I would be honored to try to assist you there at least, with coming up with finding the answers and a plan regarding that...
Er...right.
[ Knoll is a bit relieved that L'arachel will always remain herself, but at the same time...
He might as well drop it for now. ]
Well, seeing as we got that matter over with, I suppose the next subject to discuss would be what we've learned in this [trash motel] place. We haven't had the chance to have an informative session of sorts, haven't we?
[ Knoll is a bit relieved that L'arachel will always remain herself, but at the same time...
He might as well drop it for now. ]
Well, seeing as we got that matter over with, I suppose the next subject to discuss would be what we've learned in this [trash motel] place. We haven't had the chance to have an informative session of sorts, haven't we?
[She stirs her tea with the little spoon she's demanded from the faceless servants, not looking away from Knoll as she does.]
What have I told you, Knoll? It is my duty as your commander to keep you safe. I said today that I would not volunteer you on your behalf. Do not feel any obligation towards stepping up to perform so gruesome a task, and certainly not for my sake.
What have I told you, Knoll? It is my duty as your commander to keep you safe. I said today that I would not volunteer you on your behalf. Do not feel any obligation towards stepping up to perform so gruesome a task, and certainly not for my sake.
...Yes, of course.
[ L'arachel...
Knoll could feel as if there were a bead of sweat going down the side of his forehead at her words, because really. Really. ]
I believe these are all the concerns to be discussed for now, except for the last one we will do so in a bit in more confidence...unless there is something else you would like to say?
[ L'arachel...
Knoll could feel as if there were a bead of sweat going down the side of his forehead at her words, because really. Really. ]
I believe these are all the concerns to be discussed for now, except for the last one we will do so in a bit in more confidence...unless there is something else you would like to say?
Hmmm...
[ Knoll just made an embarrassed mumble and rose his cup of tea to his lips to avoid answering in a way that would be just as equally as embarrassing. Honestly, Knoll wasn't ever the picture of social grace, really. ]
[ Knoll just made an embarrassed mumble and rose his cup of tea to his lips to avoid answering in a way that would be just as equally as embarrassing. Honestly, Knoll wasn't ever the picture of social grace, really. ]
Edited 2017-06-16 17:31 (UTC)
Of course. [She huffs again as she strides along down the hall, but it sounds more like a sigh.] It is shameful. All this time wasted in this place, and yet so much remains obfuscated in the darkness.
[More than anything, it's directed at herself; after all this time, she doesn't feel like she knows anything more than she did when she first arrived, except for maybe what a refrigerator is.]
[More than anything, it's directed at herself; after all this time, she doesn't feel like she knows anything more than she did when she first arrived, except for maybe what a refrigerator is.]
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