daemonized | RECOLLE IC CONTACT.

Sunday afternoon it is! I shall look forward to it. I have many a story -- in the form of memories -- to tell you.

As do I. I will await, my friend.

[ Work and August had kept them apart for far too long; so he would arrive earlier than usual on Sunday to order their tea and make sure that the table would be conducive for conversation. He has a book open while waiting, though he only skims its pages; the better part of his attention is spent watching the door. ]

[He arrives at the planned time, sauntering in with his usual flair, easily noticed by how he's dressed. The door is opened and he glances around, only to spot Lucian not that far from where he is.

Walking over, he offers a grin.]

It's good to see you again. As I said, it's been far too long.

It has.

[ Lucian looks up, his features subtly changed from the last time they had met in person. More symmetrical, more... orderly, grey eyes clear and lucid in the afternoon sunlight. How does Ardyn look? Perhaps, there are some clues that can be gleaned from his face. ]

The cafe promoted this as a relaxing blend. I thought it'd be appropriate.

Very much so-

[He sits across from Lucian, taking in the scent. But immediately does his gaze move to his friend, who seems a bit different than when they met last. It's difficult to say what exactly, something he cannot quite put his finger on -- something a bit... surreal, almost.

Ardyn looks more tired than before, but he has no changed features. Red hair and amber eyes still the same. A familiar lopsided grin that he greets his friends with, airy and light. The scarf around his neck would be a brilliant green normally, but it only appears grey today.]

-especially after the month we had. Did you participate in any manner of riddle-solving or monster-hunting?

Edited 2017-09-12 20:25 (UTC)

[ The fire that lent itself to Ardyn's livelihood is still in his eyes - a good thing to see. Too many have been unsettled by recent things.

To the question, he inclines his head: ]

I did. I was part of one of the 'teams' that were sent out of Recolle entirely. An interesting experience; though I do hold that I am much past the age for gallivanting.

[He chuckles lightly, taking it upon himself to pour himself tea as he considers this.]

Interesting is one word for it. Tiring is another. I was fortunate to come out unscathed.

[Some were... not so lucky. But that is not what he wishes to linger on for today.]

I was on Team Absinthe, so very aptly named. And yourself?

Peter Pan. I did wonder why, though we were eventually taken to a pirate ship. Thus the name.

[ It's a favourite story of some children. ]

More importantly, the mystery of it all has been somewhat answered. I worry for those who are still grappling with it... if it is even true.

Yes. "Reconstruction".

[Brows knit in consideration, but also uncertainty.]

What are your thoughts on it, Lucian? I must admit that it settles unwell with me.

[ Ardyn's worry is mirrored on his own expression, fingers steepled in a familiar gesture.

(If Ardyn is observant, he would notice that Lucian does not breathe unless he speaks.) ]

Without much evidence to the contrary, we will have to consider the possibility that what they claim is indeed true. Even if it is, they have many things to answer for.

[ The secrecy, the lack of contact, the panic that ensued. ]

I would not be so naive as to believe it on the spot. Yet, working with them may be the route that gives us the most answers.

[(He is observant, and he may get an inkling of this, but at first he'll chalk it up to his mind playing tricks on him. Until then, the conversation might move on for just a moment or two more before he decides it's worth saying anything about.)]

Yes. And to be fair, many people think that this theory completely dismantles the life they used to lead, and that their own will be overridden by who Retrospec is trying to make them be. A valid concern, and one that I'm trying to parse out myself, in my own time.

I do not think we will regress if we make an effort to be our own person.

[ But it differs from person to person, he's aware. And that his own circumstance is very much exceptional. ]

What did you receive?

That is the hope that I cling to, as well.

[He tilts his head slightly.] From Retrospec during the month of August? Or do you mean what memories have graced me since then?

Whichever you're willing to discuss.

[ Given that he knows quite a few people who now have doubts about their past self, he's naturally concerned. ]

I'll share mine as well, of course.

I have quite a handful, since they last we've had a chance to speak like this.

[He offers her a skewed grin, slightly apologetic.]

I've remembered men and monsters. Degraded throne rooms and piers stretching into clear water. Pick your poison, Lucian.

[ Lucian takes a sip of his tea before setting it back down. ]

I would hope those monsters were not yours.

[ It's a sentence that can be interpreted multiple ways. Monsters of his, monsters for him. Either way would be unfavourable. ]

Nothing so dark. Not that time.

[That time.

He continues.]

They were called cactuars. Little cactus monsters, with faces, jumping and running about -- shooting needles.

[ That time. ]

They must be awash in chlorophyll. [ A sagely observation. ] But I would suppose they are the least of your worries.

[ What's on your mind? ]

[He seems amused at the chlorophyll comment, despite the transition into something a bit more serious.]

It's one of the more innocent memories, that's for certain. [Give him a moment to sip at his tea, while he considers how to go about it.]

Another one of my recollections was a throne room -- dark and defiled. Abandoned.

[ He can think of ten different ways that could imply murder. ]

Whose was it?

I don't know.

[And that's the truth.]

I only recall the setting. That it was night, and it had appeared that no one had been there in years, much less actually sat upon the throne and ruled. But someone must've been present at some point, because there were... corpses. Dead bodies, Lucian, strung up and hanging overhead. Purposefully, I'm sure of it.

A tyrant.

[ But all might not be as it seems, because royal slander is a thing everywhere apparently. ]

Deposed, perhaps?

You guess is as good as mine. I cannot remember.

[And that's frustrating.]

I do recall that this sight, at the time of my remembering, did not bother me nearly as much as it should. Is that not a worrying thought?

Perhaps you were familiar with it, somehow. Or had already known.

[ He has to try and not make his words incriminating, it was puzzling. ]

Done the deed of deposition yourself, in some way.

It's possible. Everything is still conjecture; I've been presented with no real answers, no concrete details that allow me to thread the narrative together. It's frustrating, how painfully slow the process is.

[And yet...]

I'm worried that I wasn't a good person. As simple as that.

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also holy shit your inbox is so huge now

laugh/cry, it sure is

YOURE GOIN SO FAST

CAN'T STOP

GOTTA GO FAST

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