[as he explains, she nods along, staring thoughtfully at the feather. powerful stuff, for a little gift. but even though she's not quite smiling anymore, the atmosphere around her is generally warm.]
[ ...this must be why viola told him to be mindful of who he told. now that byleth knows what the item does, there is no way she would accept it over him keeping it for himself.
he sighs, knowing that they are both too stubborn to yield on this. ]
In any case, I believe they would. I could also simply tell them the effect it carries is something else. [ which is lying, which he is abjectly terrible at, but this place is so weird that maybe they'll believe anything. ]
It seems we are at an impasse. [ ... ] How is this—for now, we have Claude hold onto it, as a neutral arbiter. [ since he's the third one in their party, so to speak. ] And if either of us can convince the other, or that we feel anyone is in particular danger, they take it instead.
[that's a stupid solution, because it's not dimitri giving in and taking it for himself. but if it's claude, maybe she can arm him against dimitri, too. arms still crossed, she nods once.]
[ he makes a face at that, looking like a young man for once and not actually a war-weary hobo. it's stupid to tell claude, but he thinks he'll accept it anyway. ]
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divineimpulse) wrote2021-06-05 06:42 pm
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Let us hope so.
[ anyway, he pulls something out something that might look familiar: an owl feather. ]
The way it works is that someone who carries this will not be targeted for death on Thursday. It will 'save' them, and break the item.
Naturally... it should be kept secret as much as possible. But should I die, at least someone will know what it does.
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What did it cost?
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[ he spins the little spine of the feather between his fingers, thoughtful. ]
It is yours if you like. Otherwise, I was going to ask who you think I ought to give it to.
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[it's immediate.]
I want you to have it.
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[ be serious. ]
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[there's a subtle firming to her features.]
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[ he rubs his temple for a moment, shutting his eye. ]
The guilt of allowing someone to die is more than I want to live with.
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[her tone is gentle, but insistent.]
If I had won, I would have given it to you.
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he sighs, knowing that they are both too stubborn to yield on this. ]
Should we... select someone else, then?
[ is that fair? ]
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a complete standstill, and neither budging.
what if she delayed the choice?]
Did you have someone in mind?
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[ he realizes he fits in that category okay ]
If someone were to replace Rupert as a killer, they may have different priorities. But by that logic, I was thinking perhaps Caleb or Claude.
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[SHE'S JUST GOING TO SAY IT...]
If Caleb or Claude would accept it.
[and she has a sneaky feeling about that.]
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[ STUBBORN..... ]
In any case, I believe they would. I could also simply tell them the effect it carries is something else. [ which is lying, which he is abjectly terrible at, but this place is so weird that maybe they'll believe anything. ]
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[so the obvious solution is...........
she raises her eyebrows at Dimitri.]
You could hold on to it just for this week.
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You could also hold onto it for this week.
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[she doesn't look like she'll take it next week.]
Viola gave it to you at a song because she wants you protectedā€”as do I.
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...You are so bullheaded sometimes.
[ said the pot to the kettle. ]
It seems we are at an impasse. [ ... ] How is this—for now, we have Claude hold onto it, as a neutral arbiter. [ since he's the third one in their party, so to speak. ] And if either of us can convince the other, or that we feel anyone is in particular danger, they take it instead.
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And we'll tell him the truth.
[this is her caveat, and it's not a question.]
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...Fine. We have an agreement then.
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[except that she gives him a distinct "this-isn't-over" look. but she's letting the issue lie for now, at least.]