[He let her talk, reeling her in slowly as he always did when topics turned to this manner of seriousness. She could play it off however she liked, but with each word, she revealed more and more of her state of mind and that was something he could work towards correcting by providing something for her to focus on. This mission had the opportunity, but it also wasn't something that he had provided to her and set the stakes.
He issued a low hum of amusement to her declarations.] Perhaps for those that have something to return to, they are more inclined to allow the trials of this place to wear them down. This place is no better and no worse than the Undercity.
[It was perhaps a misconception for him on that, of course. As someone who had no fantastical powers, no overt and obvious show of rebellion, he maneuvered this place far easier than he ever had in the Undercity. When was the last time he had to send body parts back to another Chem-Baron or hostilely storm into a business for collections or any number of other intimidation tactics that served him in keeping his stranglehold on Zaun. After all, what more could he lose here that he hadn't already before?]
It seems to me that you've had an unfortunate dating history. If you think about it, your sister and I both remain through all the trials. You are close to us. There's the brute as well, though I expect he is either too stupid or too stubborn to die. [He didn't enjoy mentioning the sister, but it was valuable to remind her that there were people that stood in her corner regardless.]
Your existence is a blessing to me. I would find it upsetting if you disappeared from my life.
[His arm curled around the small of her back to support her now that she was in his lap. His other moved to curl over her knees and pull them up higher on his thigh where he was confident she couldn't and wouldn't simply slip off of her current perch.]
I... suppose there was a few moments, fleeting though they were. What would be my purpose or my path if I wasn't building this place to give to you, my only daughter?
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branchandroot
Action; cw: discussions of suicide, mention of dismemberment
Date: 2024-11-15 05:48 pm (UTC)He issued a low hum of amusement to her declarations.] Perhaps for those that have something to return to, they are more inclined to allow the trials of this place to wear them down. This place is no better and no worse than the Undercity.
[It was perhaps a misconception for him on that, of course. As someone who had no fantastical powers, no overt and obvious show of rebellion, he maneuvered this place far easier than he ever had in the Undercity. When was the last time he had to send body parts back to another Chem-Baron or hostilely storm into a business for collections or any number of other intimidation tactics that served him in keeping his stranglehold on Zaun. After all, what more could he lose here that he hadn't already before?]
It seems to me that you've had an unfortunate dating history. If you think about it, your sister and I both remain through all the trials. You are close to us. There's the brute as well, though I expect he is either too stupid or too stubborn to die. [He didn't enjoy mentioning the sister, but it was valuable to remind her that there were people that stood in her corner regardless.]
Your existence is a blessing to me. I would find it upsetting if you disappeared from my life.
[His arm curled around the small of her back to support her now that she was in his lap. His other moved to curl over her knees and pull them up higher on his thigh where he was confident she couldn't and wouldn't simply slip off of her current perch.]
I... suppose there was a few moments, fleeting though they were. What would be my purpose or my path if I wasn't building this place to give to you, my only daughter?