( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

[transmit]

WHO: Elysium & friends(?)
WHAT: This is now just a catch-all for everything
WHERE: Everywhere
WHEN: 2024
WARNINGS: Blanket warning for possible explorations of dark themes in general, please tread at your own risk. I will, however, endeavour to include specifics in headers if applicable.

Comments

[bemist]

[ But what if she doesn't want him to get to know her--

No, she does still find it a little baffling and she doesn't exactly trust the intentions, but she also doesn't quite view him as someone she'd have trouble with cutting down if he really had to. Sorry, buddy. ]

I want to map out the area better. The more troublesome spots, the places that might provide the most information, decent sources.

[ Not quite "the best places to dine"; it's a pragmatic approach. She's not looking to relax and enjoy herself, not when she's not sure she trusts much (if anything) about this organization. ]

[transmit]

[ … Interesting! His eyes will flash with amusement. Did she bring it up because she remembers one of their earlier conversations, or was it something she's simply interested in innately? There's no denying that it's an important item on the checklist for any seasoned person plucked and dropped into foreign territory, but for it to be her first item has his eyes shining. ]

As in a literal map, or just getting to know the lay of the land better? [ He stops in his tracks and she might note that although he generally does carry himself with confidence, he's absolutely brimming with it now. ] Really! You didn't need to look any further than the man in front of you. I told you, didn't I? That I was a fields and communications expert. Scouting out such locations so happens to be what I'm adept at. Got that all done my first week.

[ He holds out a hand, as if metaphorically offering her a deal to grasp. Evidently, there may be a price to pay. ]

Tell you what. I can draw out a map for you detailing all of that and more. If you want to verify my knowledge before that… I can take you to what I'd consider the second best vantage spot. How about it?

[ important to note: Elysium's maps are often so convoluted no one but him can make sense of it. but that's not a current problem, is it!! ]

[bemist]

[ The answer is more the latter than the former, though she hasn't forgotten what he specializes in.

... All the same, it's a bit of a surprise to see him light up so happily within a few seconds of her explanation and her gaze lowers to his hand for a few seconds. She does nothing with said hand, because why would she? It's probably just another dramatic gesture of his.

It's helpful information he offers and the confidence doesn't appear to be insincere for the sake of a deal, but first-- ]

And what do you want for that? [ That's materials, time, and effort. None of that is free, no matter where you go. ]

[transmit]

[ Elysium would very well offer bits and pieces of information freely, but it's true that an entire map is on a different scale. So, even he's not above bartering. Beyond that, even Elysium would believe that it's necessary to have some contingency when dealing with new faces, regardless of his personal opinions and interest. ]

The fairest trade would be expertise for expertise. You said you were something of a mercenary, weren't you? So when I'm in need of your services, I would hope that you wouldn't turn down my request. Though, you'd be free to if you deem it unreasonable.

[bemist]

[ It at least proves he's not an idiot, though the fact that he's still alive likely proves as much--that or he's incredibly lucky. The ones who did something for nothing were few and far between and Gebura could do it only because she'd had faith in her own strength after enough time to make anyone who tried to mess with her regret it shortly before they died.

That's not the case here and she hears out Elysium's terms quietly before she closes her eyes briefly, then nods. ]

Fine with me. If you've got a need, I'll hear you out when that time comes. Like you said, no obligation I'll agree to it, but even you should know better than to abuse that sort of thing.

[ No calling her out for stupid things, but she can protect him or fight her way through a problem in exchange for information, sure. ]