conflictresolution

[Finding Richard inside had him redirecting his course to step inside. He paused at the doorway to remove his jacket given how warm it would become in the greenhouses. The weather was already sweltering most afternoons, but he sometimes insisted on wearing his jacket anyway for appearance sake.

It had been quite the exciting week - not so much for him - but he was keenly aware that Richard had been afflicted with the gnosia virus or body manipulation. He folded his hands behind his back, clasping one wrist with the other hand and walked down the rows of plants towards the younger man. He stopped, glancing at the plant in question.]

Bananas. They are a type of fruit. [Those were rare in Zaun, but when he had been Chem-Baron, such items were easier to find, if expensive.] You made it through the dramatics unscathed, yes? [It was difficult to tell given Richard's clothing choices. He was much the same.]

[Bananas. What a ridiculous name, Richard thinks to himself but hums quietly as a sign of satisfaction upon receiving the answer. He wasn't that interested in the herbilogy of this world.]

I am alive, aren't I? [Which alone seems to be quite a feat considering all the blood that had been spilled when the virus reached it's peak. But Richard hadn't escaped without injuries either, not after coming across a surprisingly talented swordsman. It appears that their humble duke of apothecary was more danger than he let himself to be seen. Well, it mattered not. Richard had received countless amounts of similar injuries during the war. And it just gave him more reason to keep his body wrapped in the tight dark cloth, hiding himself away.

He then turns to Silco, nudging his head towards the path.] Walk with me.

Hmm, being alive now is no guarantee it was the truth days ago. [He should know. He had died, and it had not been a pleasant experience that he was looking for a repeat performance of. Still, there was an odd pleasure knowing that Richard no extra-ordinary powers - aside from demonic proclamations - and had been quite successful.] You have a talent for survival, and that is nothing to scoff at.

[He eyed the younger man before nodding his head. With his hands behind his back, he made certain that he wouldn't touch without invitation. So he stepped into the gravel lined path between the rows of growing plants.]

Have you made use of my gift or do they require alterations?

[As much was true, yes. Richard had seen his victims come back to life like it was miracle only a day or so after the things had calmed down in the city. All but one, that is. The young king Saralegui, someone who Richard had felt a small connection with. It did bother him that the grave didn't spit him back like the others. But it was too soon for him to bring attention to the matter. Maybe the king was hiding, licking his wounds and treating his bruised ego?]

I will not die. Not yet. [He declares, a clear sense of conviction in his voice. Many people had come after him, seeking his death. Both humans and the demons that whispered deadly desires to his ears in the dark hours. But none of them had been successful. He would prevail, just like his suffering.

He walks silently alongside the narrow pavement between the plants, eyeing the different vegetation with only a mild interest. When Silco's question reaches him Richard feels a sharp pang in his chest, making his heart skip a beat and the tip of the ears burn. Needlessly to say, he was still very unused to hear someone make a comment on his secret so boldly and casually -- so accepting. Feeling his throat tighten a bit he brings his hand against his chest and looks down on the ground.]

..Do you wish to check?

[Those who had fallen during the previous weeks had mostly returned at this point. He expect that flower sales to increase and had already seen signs of that. For someone who had very little knowledge of how plants actually grew, he found the shop to be rather useful. Apparently flowers were a go-to. At least there weren't many large-scale declarations of forgiveness on the network to endure.]

No, it seems to me that your survival is paramount. Were you aware of this... affliction as it happened? [He had been able to tell lies and had premonitions of the future to avoid being killed, though... perhaps he had been a touch on the daring side with Richard. The risk had been... well...

He cleared his throat lightly as they walked side-by-side, and his interest in the plants was similar to Richard's. This was a place of business and the plants here had been tended earlier in the morning. They would do whatever plants did and this would leave the greenhouses relatively empty until evening checks. Water systems were mostly automatic.

Yet, he raised his eyebrow at the return question, and he couldn't help the corner of his lip tugging in a small smile. This sort of reply was something he was growing used to. And it was, perhaps the invitation that he was willing to accept. He dropped his hands to his sides before one moved forward to rest against the small of Richard's back.]

I can, if you wish. There are many in my home city that adorn themselves in such bindings. Is it more comfortable than your previous iteration?

[Richard ponders the question for a silent moment. He, like everyone else, had received the message on the tablet informing them about the infection and their status. Richard hadn't initially thought much of it. But then there had been overtaken by a familiar calmness. The same one he would always get as the weight of armor pressed against his body as he rode towards the battlefield. A moment of serenity before the rush of adrenaline and madness. Then there had been the violent demons of his past, coming back to life to remind him of his darkest moments when he had lost all of the hope - driving him further into fury.]

I suppose I knew that something was off since the very beginning. However, I will stand by my actions and take full responsibility, affliction or no affliction. [Which is why he was here in the first place.

The hand on his back was seemingly all it took to make Richard's heart flutter and heat raise to his face. He wasn't exactly sure what were his thoughts on the city of demon's that Silco hailed from. On one hand it did explain why the man refused to be appalled by his appearance, finding beauty where others saw nothing but disgust. But then again, would it make him to be just one of the many? Just another fly swarming around the pond. He did not like the idea, not when he had already suffered so much.

Richard stops as they arrive beneath a tall tree, partly hiding in the shade of it's humongous leaves, and turns to face Silco properly. His hand reaches to touch man's forearm as he carefully nods.]

.. Yes, you may look. I allow it. [ So far Richard had always been the one to remove his own clothing, feeling unsure to allowing the other to have access to that level of intimacy between them. Swallowing air, Richard drops his gaze back down to the ground, almost as if he felt overwhelmed by the admittance.,]

[Honestly, with the way that Aldrip and Rumpitur operated, he wasn't surprised that something similar had occurred. They seemed to go in waves where Chosen were fighting or dying, and it was always the heroic types or those who enjoyed combat that launched into it. He had seen and briefly interacted with Richard despite knowing it was dangerous, but there hadn't been a change of personality (okay maybe a touch more blood thirsty) that would indicate.]

I assume that you saw action that day. We all had the opportunity to protect ourselves one way or another, and this place does not see fit to punish aggression towards each other when it is wide-spread.

[He almost never asked for forgiveness for the actions that he took. Just like now with his hand where it was, initiating a physical contact that he would do with no one else in Aldrip or beyond. He walked with Richard until they slipped under the shadow of the tree, his gaze briefly moving around to search for others that may observe this potential little dalliance. Both of them appeared to be private people when it came to touching, and he was not interested in putting Richard in an awkward position or reveal too much to prying eyes.

He stepped in front and, upon permission, he gently and casually slipped his hands up the front of Richard's shirt, fingers stroking over limited skin before it found the binding. His fingers walked over the clasps up and up until he had reached the top to hook at the top most edge then dragged his hands down the sides.]

It feels like a good fit. [His forearms kept the linen of Richard's shirt up, and again, he looked around to check for others before he leaned in to rest their foreheads together. He was keenly aware of the trust it took to allow him to feel under the protective clothing. He also did not stop his fingers working under the binding edge to stroke warm skin either.] If you would like more, the designs are with the tailor.

Everyone saw action that day. [It truly had been eventful day. Richard doubts that there was a single soul that had been spared from being influenced by the infection. The death, violence and madness had overtaken the city. Between this infection and the events at the Tower Richard really started to form an idea of just what the true nature of their captors was. Testing the strength of their souls, seeing if they could truly overcome their weaknesses.

Seems like most of them had failed the most recent test. But that worked for him just fine. He would prevail, no matter what came his way. No council was going to judge him.

Richard took a deep breath, closed his eyes and exhaled through his nostrils when Silco's hands dipped underneath his shirt, feeling him with his fingers through constricting fabric of the strapless binder. He wasn't one for public intimacy, fearing even now too much of the possible repercussions that would surely come his way. Of course, this world was different to his own but still his doubts kept following him, like shadows. But there was something about in the presence of Silco that made him feel more brave than normally and allow this kind of closeness.]

Did you tell your tailor about me?

So it would seem. I observed much of the action where it occurred near me.

[He had taken precautions, of course. It had turned into quite the mess, and he had escaped unscathed but with renewed appreciation for the trails that this place saw fit to test them with. He expected that it was a show of their power, to cow them into complacency or perhaps to instill the kind of regrets that might have an altering effect on future behaviour. He doubted it would change much of anything for those here.

He was slowly working Richard up to gaining some confidence, but decades of trauma and self-hatred were not undone in a few weeks. This binder would at least be superior to the aged manner in which Richard had previously been binding his breasts. His fingers continued to stroke warm skin, as he shifted them just a touch so he could press Richard against the bark of the tree, obscuring the other with his own body. He had never been a large man like some in his city, average in height and slim in musculature. Compared to Richard, he was bigger and used that size to his advantage perhaps for the first time in his life. It was a strange little unexpected thrill.]

No. I gave the tailor measurements and drawings of items found in my world and told them to make it. Hence my asking if it required alterations. However, your secrets are yours to provide to who you wish; it is not my place to do more than guard the trust you've put in me.

[He didn't think that Silco would be the one to rat him out. At least, Richard didn't see why he would. They had been enjoying from each others' company without any real ire, aside from occasional disagreements here and there. But overall? They didn't have any reason to bring out the knives.

Richard allows himself to be pushed against the tree, his own hands sliding up to Silco's front. Palms pressed flat against the collar of his vest. There's a faint rosy hue on his cheekbones as he could feel the warmth return to his body under Silco's hands.]

It's much easier to move. [He admits, satisfied with the answer. It's definitely easier to move and much more than that. Despite the pressure on his chest he feels like he can finally breathe properly, without having to deal with feeling of his ribs being crushed and the pain on his back. He felt free.] Thank you.

[Silco was someone who valued loyalty and gave it in return. In general, he was a distrustful man, but Richard was not just any man. Somehow, this particular Chosen had slipped passed many of his carefully laid armour without as much effort as it should have taken. This place was testing him, but for once, he wasn't exactly angry about it. For once, he was enjoying the consequences.

Of course, should he be spurned or his trust broken, he would make every effort to grind Richard into the dirt. It would be interesting as he had gained the sense Richard would reply in kind, and that was exciting. Vander had never come after him and mostly hoped he would die or stay hidden. Richard would come for him, and he Richard.

He brought their foreheads back together after the most and his hands remained under Richard's shirt, stroking lightly and not yet pushing for anything further. For him, sex was not his go-to. He was still working on his personal habit of offering physical affection, and it was touch and go. Today was a good day.]

Good. Training should be easier, as should beheading those that cross you. [He personally was used to such violence, and it didn't bother him.] Is this what you originally wanted to meet with me about? [Did you just want to see me?]

Hm. [Richard hummed as he was enjoying from the quiet attention given to him. The touch was nice, it was soft and familiar and managed to avoid being invasive despite the intimate nature of it. Something that he was grateful for as the wounds he received during the hours of blind rage and violence were still sore under the bandages, neatly tucked underneath the chest binder and in the sleeves of his shirt.

He leans his back against the tree, carefully pulling Silco from his vest closer]

You watched me, then. [It's not an accusation but a statement. Richard had finished few of his targets by decapitation and placing the heads on the spike. A humiliation after defeat, reserved to those who he had hated or envied the most. The king Saralegui and knight Argenti. Others? He had been more straightforward with, sinking his steel in the body.. And then there had been the poor, poor Charles.

Having audience didn't necessarily bother him, even though he wasn't particularly proud of some of his actions. Like chopping of locks of hair off his targets and so on. But he was a king, wasn't he? And public executions had always been part of king's duty.]

No, it wasn't. [Richard opens his eyes and looks up at Silco. There was matters that he wished to talk with the man, yes. Like the manifest for Zaun posted on the network by the masked individual. Among many other things but that wasn't completely it. Like with Buckingham and Catesby, Richard simply preferred company of those who shared his secret. And so far, Silco stayed as his only confidant and the one he could truly be himself. ] It would have been rude to visit your business without seeking you out.

I did. It was quite the public showing; I appreciate your skill with a sword far more now that I've seen how you wield it. [Silco was not that kind of fighter, and he preferred short blades given the narrow confines of where he lived. Swords and other bladed weapons were very common in the Undercity and used to great effect, but his skills in those activities were not as profound as Richard's clearly.

He stepped in at the pull, and he lightly pressed their fronts together. He moved his hands to slide around to Richard's sides in order to continue caressing skin, and it was a simple accommodation. Anyone looking in might think he look strange standing so close to a tree, but he would leave them to their questions.

He nodded his head, accepting the answer without personal offense.] Considering how many businesses I own, there is always a chance I'm not at a particular one when you drop in. It is pleasant to see you. [Of course, Richard had called to give him a heads up of the location so they could meet, which was more than he should expect. It was just sex after all.] And have you come for another gift of a white rose then? Or some other necessity today?

Then keep your eyes open. You have seen nothing yet. [Yet another statement. Though this time there is hint of bold defiance in his tone, as if he had spoken a dare out loud. It was both a promise and threat. Richard had only given this world a small taste of the storm he could ultimately bring with him.

Richard bend his knee forward to press it against Silco's leg. Despite his rather compromising position, being caged between a tree and the bigger body, with hands still rummaging around his torso and chest - Richard wanted to remind the other man that he still was in charge of this dance.] And yet. Even with your busy schedule you made your way here. ['you wanted to see me,' the true meaning behind his statement.] Nay, this time I shall leave with red rose with me.

Mmmm, of that I have no doubt. We call ourselves monsters, but we have yet to reveal our cards for the most part. [And that was a thrill in and of itself. He had seen a little of what Richard was capable of, and he was looking forward to seeing more. Now how that would shape he didn't know, but he could guess that eventually the younger man would turn towards gathering power or dispelling it.

Silco was amused by the knee pressed to his leg, and he wondered how much of a temptress Richard had to be back home. He was no so easily swayed from his position of power, but neither was he interested in asserting it here at the moment. It wasn't deference so much of a lack of interest of playing that game currently. He dug his nails into Richard's sides.] You called. I saw fit to see you because I enjoy your company, and there are very few that fit into that box. [He did want to see Richard; he would not deny it. In fact, it was better to dispel the implication with truth.] I see. I assume a red rose has particular meaning for your purpose?

[As much was true, yes. So far they both had only politely danced around the obvious, smiled while holding back their sharp teeth and claws back. Physical savagery that Richard, alongside the other infected people, was one thing. Anyone could bite back if pushed too hard, after all. But what mattered more was the manner the violence had been executed and how did the person behind the act dealt with the aftermath. What went between the eyes of the person was what separated them from men and monsters.

Richard holds back a sound when the nails press against him, forcing himself to stay relaxed and fighting his body's learned reaction.] Such a honor to fit such tight criteria and make it to your favor. [He hums a laughter, corners of his lips curling up into a small, sneering smile. Richard moves his hand up from Silco's chest, gloved fingers pressing lightly on the small spot where his neck is visible, feeling the pulse point.] When you unintentionally offend someone it is beneficial to mend the bond before it is cut off completely. The person I have in mind is fond of the red flowers.

[He was going to allow himself time to enjoy this while it lasted, aware that his track record - and he could assume Richard's as well - was terrible. He had not yet found the time or place to inquire to Richard's previous lovers and the return was true. That seemed a tad too private when they were still cultivating enough trust to find each other beyond that first night.]

You should consider it such, yes. I don't make it a habit to let people close, and you don't seem the sort to do so either. [His hands slid around to the small of Richard's back in a gesture of a hug while still adding with the stroke of his fingers. Yet, his neck tightened and his chin drew up fractionally before he caught the reaction and smoothed it out again.] I've been told that a verbal apology also works for those you offend without a gift. We usually use money or a resource they need in our apologies, though... these days I can't say I've been particularly apologetic for anything.

[Trust was a curious thing. Building it was no easy task, requiring hours upon hours of work and forthcoming from both sides, but yet dismantling and destroying it didn't take more than one nudge from right direction. Richard in general didn't trust others. Because it would mean having hope in them, and Richard had learned a long time ago not to place his hope on anyone but himself.

And yet. He did trust Silco. More than anyone else in this forsaken world. Otherwise he would have cut off those hands the moment they made a gesture towards him let alone take him to bed and lay with him. But he also trusted in Silco's darkness, knowing better than to let him too deep into his heart and secrets.

The air in the greenhouse was hot and humid, thick with moisture. Yet none of that stopped him from leaning forward, pressing his body against Silco's when the arm slips to support his back.] That is true, yes. I also happen to prefer your company.

[As should be obvious from their previous dealings. Richard slides his long, narrow fingers up along Silco's neck, stopping to touch his jawline.] Verbal apology alone can go far, yes. But when you wish to reach out to someone's heart you ought to speak their language and make it personal. Show them that you care. [Even when you don't. Yet, Richard knows it's far too early for him to make enemies in this place, especially considering that he didn't exactly have a big number of followers here.]

Not for anything at all? That is fortunate position to be in.

[His arms curled more around Richard as the younger man stepped in against him, pulling Richard a little away from the tree. The humidity was starting to have his clothing cling to his skin, but he had lived near water for a long time, yet he didn't find the stickiness to be all that pleasant. Yet, he didn't deny that it was all worthwhile to feel Richard's body against his own even for a moment.] A pleasant thought; I would question your motivations if you didn't.

[He had thought that curiosity that they had started with would leave after falling into bed together. Yet, he found himself guessing about so much of Richard, and he enjoyed being engaged in such a way. Perhaps they would show a little more of their monstrous natures and he wondered if they would enjoy it or despise it.

He allowed Richard's fingers along his neck and at his jaw, aware the younger man could hurt him if it was desired.] The fact is that I very rarely care. Caring can be lethal, and I've experienced that personally. Loyalty doesn't require care, especially if our goals are the same. Give and take loyalty equally.

[He kept his business dealings his primarily objective, seeking to control this place and potentially the Chosen through the economy. It was a long game.

His fingers dipped down to the top of Richard's trousers, stroking beneath the waistband without hinting that he was looking to get those clothes off. He was simply exploring and enjoying their closeness.]

Why would I apologize for being who I am? My actions are for purpose.

Ah. So you're not worried of the knife digging on your back. [He teases the other man, flashing him a knowing grin. While such scenario is always possibility between them, it's very unlikely to happen at the moment. Though the constant, underlying sense of danger did add more thrill to their dynamic. This small, subtle game of power that kept them on their toes was such stark contrast to the those moments of the vulnerability from before.

His finger tips slid along Silco's jawline, feeling the hotness of the skin. He stops at his chin, grabbing it lightly between his fingers and pulls. Richard then cranes his own neck up, bringing his lips to ghost over Silco's. Teasing a kiss.]

It's all about keeping appearances. [An act of deceit. While Richard believed in the power of fear, he did find love and trust to be more lasting motivators for support. Then, not wanting to get too drunk on the heat of moment Richard pulls away, stepping out of their small embrace.]

Let us continue the walk.

[The corner of his lip twitched in a tiny smirk at the comment.] Perhaps a knife digging into me is a kink of mine. [He said it with an air of mystery with an undercurrent of teasing. He didn't deny that he and Richard were as dangerous as they seemed currently compatible, and aside from the occasional difference in opinion, they seemed to be heading in the same direction.

His blue eye half closed at the tease of lips, and his arms tightened momentarily. He could see how many who earned this side of Richard would be confused and tempted at the same time. And why not? That body was such a delicate mix of both, and it was alluring. Now that he knew what was held under those clothes, he found the younger man rather physically attractive.

He released his grip when Richard eased away from him, and he plucked at the collar of his shirt as the heat caused the beginnings of a light sheen of sweat.]

Ah but you see it doesn't matter here. There were two and now three people from my world who are very outspoken about how monstrous I am, and who will interfere with my dealings or take things from me if they knew of them. Keeping up appearances for me is simply creating a distortion of their loud cries. Killing them isn't an option for me, so I give jobs to anyone and everyone to twist that image sold to the public so freely. I'm fine being seen as a monster. I do what I must, and no I'm not apologetic about it. I won't ask permission to assure my own future.

[One hand dropped to settle on the small of Richard's back again as they walked. It was, perhaps, one of the few times that he admitted to anyone the slanderous rhetoric used against him by those of his world. He had been physically assaulted by those same people too, but he used the paltry system against them when and where he could. He did not, as a rule, defend his own image. He wasn't anyone's favourite person.]

I shall keep that in mind, then.

[With his eyes narrowing and lips curling a hint of a smugness, the look Richard gives Silco as the words slip past his tongue is almost sultry. Threat or a promise? Maybe both or neither. The sense of danger brings it's very own kind to sex, raising the intimacy high along with the rush of adrenaline. It is no wonder that Edward used to say that there's nothing quite like a woman in the sheets after escaping death in the heat of battle. But for Richard it had never really been about riding on the waves of leftover adrenaline, but to seek out new thrills of power.

The hand resting against the small of his back pleased Richard and he did make sure to walk in a steady pace, right next to Silco. It was a small and subtle gesture of affection, something that could probably be argued to be brotherly even if it wasn't for the rest of the tension. But Richard could sense a hint of possessiveness behind it, which send small tingling shivers down his spine.

It reminded him of the ways his Kingmaker would walk with him along the empty hallways of the royal palace. A secure and owning hand on his hip, long fingers casually reaching down to brush on his legs as the man would whisper honeyed atrocities to his ear, all while praising him on the same breath.

It wasn't quite the same but still nice. Something almost familiar.]

You gather lot of enemies. [Which, of course, was to be expected. Especially for men like them. Richard, however, wasn't entirely certain if he agreed on Silco's tactic. Keeping up appearances and playing around such accusations were essential, unless one wanted to invite troubles to their way.

.. Which is entirely why he feels like he needs like he should bring up the oddity on the network.]

Is that the reason for masked manifest on the network not too long time ago]

Edited 2024-08-02 01:04 (UTC)

Knife, not sword.

[He decided to clarify that, in case Richard had decided that any bladed weapon would due for this apparent foyer into a dangerous sexual addition. After all, he wanted to keep things personal, and a sword was just so unwieldy in very close quarters. Perhaps it was just a tease, but he wasn't prepared to drop that act at the moment when it seemed that the younger man might also be engaged in such activities in his sex life beyond here. It wasn't as if they had talked about previous partners or anything.

The greenhouse heat and humidity was beginning to feel oppressive, and so he directed them to an area where fresh air was allowed to enter in a controlled fashion. It was a touch cooler there, and it was also close to an exit in case they wanted to step out of the privacy of this place. For now, he was perfectly willing to stay.]

Under normal circumstances, my enemies wouldn't survive. However, here is a little tricky, which is why it is important to create dissonance with the yelling about me. After all, I could care less what most think of me. [It was safer that way; he wasn't looking for love and adoration from everyone. He was confident in what he could do, how he could do it, and that no one was in an actual position to stop him either. He was being careful, of course, but for those he had loyalty, he responded similarly for now.

He immediately knew what Richard was talking about regarding the network, and he shrugged his shoulders.]

An unsanctioned and unfortunate post from someone trying out tactics beyond their comfort zone. It is a shame it is such a public lesson to be learned, but we all make mistakes when we're young. I saw your rebuttal; I assume you had no idea that was my daughter.

Knife is assassin's weapon. Sword king's. Is that what you would prefer?

[Richard counters, teasing right back. Although, he did understand the implication behind Silco's words. Despite his rather limited sexual encounters it wasn't like he was completely unfamiliar with such foreplay. There had been times when the blood had been drawn out during his times with Buckingham -- both from their own actions and from others'.

He allows Silco to guide them around the narrow paths of greenhouse, silently following his lead while observing some of the plants and vegetation from the corner of his eye. Majority of it all remains unknown to him, looking like something described in children's tale. A witch's forest. Yet strangely enough, he could not feel Joan's presence the same way he usually could. It's strangely calming, somehow. He was content with staying in Silco's presence.

He looks quickly up at Silco with questioning eyes before bringing them back to focus on the pavement ahead of them. Richard had assumed that the masked person was linked to Silco in one way or another. After all, the man had mentioned the name Zaun to him before, even if it was just an off-hand comment. And he didn't miss the way he had been absent on the post. But his daughter? Nay, he didn't see that coming. Well, Richard had made his feelings on the matter clear there, so no need to revisit his words.]

She is going to need guidance. [He says, keeping his tone neutral.] She might have fumbled, here, and her following actions will have more weight now.

Knives are intimate, swords are distance. If you desperately want to bring a sword to bed, I don't think I would stop you.

[Despite his tone remaining normal, he was teasing in his own subtle way. They had to learn a give and take with one another, and he was willing to compromise if Richard thought a sword was a more relevant kink. They were only just endeavoring to learn one another's likes and dislikes for as long as this lasted for; whatever they had survived the infection at least which was interesting.

In this particular greenhouse, it was fruit bearing plants and some vegetables where the needs were compatible. He was only just learned more about fruit-bearing trees and growing them, so they were small and budding with small fruits this year. Berries were common of course, easy to grow in hedges or on ground cover. There was a large strawberry patch they had yet to come upon.

Silco had been at the political game of Zaun for a very long time, and he was not willing to associate openly with that post. For one, he wouldn't detract from Jinx's attempt to rally for her cause. For two, he didn't agree with her tactic choice, but he remained supportive of her taking the initiative. He would pull strings behind the scenes and use that as a teachable moment. He didn't doubt that Richard's words had stung, and he didn't for one second hold it against the younger man. Lessons came with harshness sometimes.]

She will have it, yes. This is her first attempt at rallying an entire city; there is still much to learn for her. [Leadership didn't come naturally to Jinx; her demons made it difficult to focus for a long time, and she was too erractic to hold a strong political position for long.] I agree with you. She has made a loud presence which likely won't suit her goals long term. Everyone makes mistakes, but I won't let anything happen to her either. She needs the room to grow.

[He and Richard were likely close to the same page on the matter. However, he did not voice any doubt on Jinx's abilities to learn. They hadn't reached that level of trust where he thought it would be wise.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

when i said richard was easy i wasn't lying.......

omg richard noooooo....

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject