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bakerstreet2013-05-23 07:34 pm
fishbox) wrote in bakerstreet2013-05-23 07:34 pm
A Master/Slave Meme
Congratulations! You are now a slave/master.
Master:
What kind of master are you?
What brought you into possession of a slave?
What will you have your slave do for you?
Slave:
Why are you a slave?
How easily will you adjust to this new situation in life? ie, what kind of slave are you?
Run wild and have fun! RNG is not needed~
Master:
What kind of master are you?
What brought you into possession of a slave?
What will you have your slave do for you?
Slave:
Why are you a slave?
How easily will you adjust to this new situation in life? ie, what kind of slave are you?
Run wild and have fun! RNG is not needed~
no subject
He doesn't reply to the question right away. He seems to be thinking it over. While a part of him is tempted to kill his master, it's not the most wise action. In addition to the fact that he'd like to spite the ones who sent him here, killing El would put him in a difficult position, considering where he is. He doesn't have a clear plan of escape. He also doesn't know enough yet about the politics involved, which puts him at a disadvantage. No, he doesn't want to kill him. Not yet. He'll see how things play out.]
I don't.
[He doesn't have much sympathy for El's troubles, seeing how he's the one enslaved. He looks distinctly unimpressed.]
But to treat another sentient being like property is something I can't abide.
[While he's being honest, he might as well be completely forthcoming. He may be a killer, but he doesn't keep slaves, and he kills only when he deems it right.]
[[ooc: Excellent! I'm glad!]]
no subject
I can't say I don't sympathize with that line of thinking, but for my own selfish reasons I will have to do exactly that. [When El speaks, he looks directly into Kiritsugu's eyes. His expression doesn't show remorse or shame, only unwavering resolve.] And should you decide I would be better dead, I wouldn't blame you either. [And here he shrugs. If they're going to be completely honest with each other, then he might as well get it all out there now. Better to make it clear where they stand and avoid complications later, even if that means he has to sleep with an eye open.]
I will afford you what respect I can but you are not someone I would sacrifice that which is dear to me to protect. Beyond that, I will make it clear now that I have no intention of utilizing your talents. Murder is a tactic that will only gain you failure in the world of politics. To that end, while you live under this roof you are forbidden from doing so save for in the case of self-defense and only when absolutely necessary.
no subject
It's easy to say you sympathize. [To act on such principles is another matter, and a more difficult one. He'll respect action, not words, and the man does keep slaves, for admittedly selfish reasons. At least he can respect El's candor, if only somewhat.] We'll see.
[At these orders, Kiritsugu's expression remains a blank. He holds El's gaze, calm and steady. He looks about as far from being the obedient slave as one could imagine. He doesn't expect El to go out of his way to protect him, so that comes as no surprise.]
I don't kill innocents. I kill murderers and oppressors. I find it can be a very useful tool when dealing with those who would slaughter or enslave my people.
[He's not a murderer. He's a protector. In his way, he's agreeing. He doesn't intend to kill without reason. Not that he won't act because of something El's said, if an ideal opportunity arises. In that case, it will be necessary, by his standards. He'll take that risk, and he'll follow his own counsel, as usual, even if he's temporarily hampered by his enslavement. In spite of his directness and lack of subservience, he will play the slave if he has to. His position is a precarious one. He's lucky they allowed him to live. Politics, El said, and he's sure this is a matter of politics. He has to do what he can to assure his continued survival, for the good of his people.]
[[ooc: sorry for being a bit slow!]]
no subject
Even now he wonders what she would say if she could see her children now, warring with other nations and subjecting them to such inhumane treatment. Treating lives like property and trading or ending them at will... But to say as much would brand him a rebel and endanger the lives of his family. Is it cowardice to sacrifice his ideals for the ones he loves? Perhaps, but it is truth that he can live without his beliefs and not his family, so this is the way it stays. And if people like Kiritsugu suffer in the process? Well he's sorry... but there's nothing he can do to change that right now.
Holding the man's gaze now, El searches Kiritsugu's gaze for a moment longer before nodding. There is nothing there he did not expect, anger, caution, rebellion... all things he is entitled to as someone who has been forced into this predicament. Without a doubt, he will be the source of many headaches in the future... but then, El's well used to that by now. He always seems to be saddled with headstrong individuals.
And so, against his will, he gives a dry and rather humorless laugh with his reply. And as I fall into the category of the latter? How will you use it to handle me? [It's a rhetorical question, he's assumed for now that they both know El is more useful to Kiritsugu alive. Still, it's something to consider. Deciding they've both made their stances for now, he unfolds his arms and steps forward, very calmly offering the other his hand with the palm facing up, fingers slightly apart. It's the traditional Magus greeting, a showing of the vein on the dominant arm as a show of trust. The usual response is to do the same, so as to imply the other need not fear attack from them, but he doesn't expect that from Kiritsugu. He is, however, hoping that as an infamous Magus-Killer, the other will know exactly what El means.
That for now, while he does not trust him, El will live in the gaze of a predator peacefully.]
[ooc: no it's totally cool! Take your time~]
no subject
He himself would give up his family if it were for the greater good, no matter how much it pained him. He doesn't have patience with the weak morals of men who sacrifice their principles for a measure of safety. He's always put himself in danger for what he believes. He'll do the same with everything he holds dear, for what's right.
This tends to lead to him causing headaches for most people. Even in his homeland, he's not the most popular of men. Principles have a way of alienating people, and he'll stand against his own countrymen without hesitation if they give him cause.
Kiritsugu watches El's gesture carefully. He knows what the gesture means, but, as El expects, he doesn't return it. He has no intention of stating, in words or otherwise, that El has nothing to fear from him. In any case, any gesture might be an empty one. If El means to win him over, even in a small way, he'll have to do more than that. He nods, to show his understanding, although he doesn't hide his skepticism. Still, he'll remember that. El at least makes a show of wanting to cooperate. Kiritsugu might survive this after all.]
You'll know when I've made up my mind. Don't oppress me, and I won't have to handle you. I won't call you master, and I won't do your chores.
no subject
How is it possible that two races which have been fighting for thousands of years can suddenly work together so well, as if there was never any hatred between them to begin with? Ah, but the answer to that, he feels, is walking right beside him. Unwittingly his gaze flickers to Kiritsugu and he can't help but feel a little irritated. It's easy to put aside past prejudices when you have something bigger to hate, apparently. In all seriousness, El is really concerned about Kiritsugu and Kiryna, his only other slave. If the two of them manage to come to an agreement, they could very well ruin him. He already knows full well what a Sorceress and a Weapon can do when working in tandem with one another...]
Don't call me that, ever. [The words are past his lips before he can even think to hide the grimace that accompanies them. He can barely handle the title of lord, nevermind master. There is nothing more pitiful than to be reminded of the fact that he's allowing this horrific practice for his own selfish desires. It is one rule he has never enforced, not even on his servants.] My name is Elasdeir Divineson. In the presence of others you should call me Lord Elasdeir or even just Elasdeir to keep up appearances. In private or in the presence of the house staff, however, you may call me as you like. I'm not so insecure as to be insulted.
[Whether or not Kiritsugu knew this before arriving today isn't his concern. If he knows the meaning behind his surname, so be it. If not? Well, no point in giving him another reason to place a knife to his neck. Tarnished or not by the blood of Sorcerers, the name of Divine is still respected throughout all of Seidland, to the point many still consider them to be representatives of Pavao herself, even though none have seen her since the beginning of the war. To lose the head of the household would surely have a dampening effect on morale.]
And I sincerely doubt you would be able to do those chores to begin with. No matter, there are two others who reside here besides myself. Jolan is the butler who manages the house and Kiryna, a Sorceress slave like yourself. Both are currently out of the city with my younger sister, Meridia, who visits frequently. [As they walk, it's not hard to see the mansion is luxuriously decorated. If there would be a perfect way to describe the walls in which they are traversing, it would be "a disgusting display of wealth."] You'll be staying in the ground floor rooms with them. Pick whichever quarters you like and inform Jolan when he returns tomorrow, he'll make the arrangements to get you properly settled. Until then...
[Here he paused. What... exactly should he have Kiritsugu actually do?] ... you'll have to entertain yourself, I suppose. I really have no inkling of what Weapons do for fun. I only request you stay off the third floor as that is where I conduct my research. [And then he shrugged.] If you wish to escape, try to plan ahead. If the patrols catch you without a permit to be away from your... [He closed his eyes, he couldn't even say it.] -from me, they'll either kill you or call for me and expect me to do it instead. As I'm very busy with my work, I would rather not have to deal with the distraction. Any questions?
[ooc: So that whole thing about keeping the setting out? AHA. AHAHAHAHAHAHA. ;;]
no subject
Elasdeir Divineson. I see.
[Interesting. So, this is quite an important Magus, from a prestigious bloodline. He'll have to figure out how to utilize this situation to his advantage. This bad luck might have brought some good luck with it. If he can only figure out where he stands and what the different political forces at work are here.
As they move deeper into the mansion, he is extremely unimpressed with the display of material wealth. It doesn't raise El any higher in his estimation. A typical Magus, in some ways. Kiritsugu is a man of simple, spartan tastes. He owns almost nothing. Almost all his energy not devoted to his family is devoted to refining his will and training with his weapon.
Freelancer that he is, Kiritsugu isn't part of the Alliance, technically, but he does support their work. He would assist them, and he has done so in the past. He considers El's words about a Sorceress thoughtfully. Interesting.]
So you have a collection.
[Both a Sorceress and a Weapon. The idea that the Sorceress might be a useful ally does cross his mind. He'll have to speak with her privately. He can use all the allies he can get in this situation. For all his bravado, he knows he's at a great disadvantage, his location and identity known in the middle of enemy territory. He listens to El carefully, taking in every word he says.]
We're not as alien as you might think. Different Weapons have different interests, if you can believe it. I don't find this an entertaining situation. I'll train.
[He says this as if he expects to be allowed to train, in spite of the fact that he's a Weapon living in the house of a Magus.]
I'm aware of how things work. Don't worry, you won't find yourself in a position to kill me. [It is quite possible that the Magus could decide to have him killed, even without the justification of an attempted escape, but in light of their understanding, he isn't going to admit it. Based on his initial read of the man, he doesn't think he would do something like that. This is someone who tells himself he has good intentions, even if his principles don't, in Kiritsugu's opinion, match up.] I wouldn't want to distract you.
[ooc: It's all right, I welcome the setting! Just let me know if I make any errors or need to change anything.]
no subject
The wording bothers him but he doesn't bother to justify himself. Whether forced upon him by Argyle or not, the fact remains that he does indeed keep slaves. Words now would be pointless in the face of the fact that Kiritsugu is forced to bear a collar under his name. So, El says nothing.
In response to his introduction, however, he has an entirely different kind of internal reaction. Those words alone are enough to convince El that Kiritsugu does indeed know who he's now working under. Is this what Argyle intended? To remove him as both a competitor and the voice of Pavao? While it's true he's been adamant about his position on the war- regulating all his talents to defensive strategies only- he was sure that even that idiot would understand he's more useful alive than dead. Or is it that he is now a true fool, blinded by ambition and greed to any kind of sense?
How... troubling. This course of obsessive self-destruction cannot be permitted from someone as powerful as the Magelord. If Argyle continues this way, it will endanger the Magus as a whole and not just him. If this is indeed the case, it would really just be easier to order Kiritsugu's death right now. Kill him and obliterate that risk of having the Academy fall completely under his control, thus giving Argyle far more political backing, but...
He side-eyes Kiritsugu with a thoughtful frown.
... no, it cannot be done. This man has a life of his own to live. Realistically he shouldn't even be here. Slavery goes against everything Pavao held dear. With a soft, ill-concealed sigh, he returns his gaze to the front and evicts those thoughts. He'll just have to find another way.]
Can you? Believe in the diversity of a nation, I mean. [The question is rhetorical in nature because so far he feels the other man thinks of him exactly the same way he thinks of all Magus. To be fair, El knows he has given Kiritsugu nothing to think otherwise, but still. It is a little bit irritating to know he thinks of him and Argyle on the same level.]
... Nevermind. I will take your word on that and trust you can fend for yourself until dinner time. Until then, lest life or death is at stake, I will be in the library reading. [And he moves to separate from the other man before a thought occurs to him. Pausing, he glances back at the Weapon and tilts his head.]
You never introduced yourself.
[ooc: No, no, you're fantastic! Also I don't know if you want to timeskip or end or w/e. To. Shenanigans.]
no subject
If Argyle had meant for Kiritsugu to kill El, he'd miscalculated. Kiritsugu considers himself no one's attack dog. If he does kill El, it will be for his own reasons, on his own time, once he has a clear idea of the situation and all parties involved. He'd be more likely to kill Argyle at this point, if such an action were within his power. To eliminate the head of the Academy--that would be an accomplishment.]
I believe in many things. I'm sure there are good people in every nation. I find they're not usually the most powerful.
[It's an insult, but it's delivered without much feeling. Kiritsugu is a man with emotions, but he doesn't display them often, especially not in a situation like this. He can turn off his feelings when need be. To miss his family or his home would only make him weaker and less able to return to them.
Left to his own devices--he'll have to scout out the building. He has a great deal to learn, a great deal to plan. He intends to gather as much information as possible. His hands want to move up to pull at the collar at his throat, but he restrains himself.]
I'll do that.
[He's already turning away from the man when he's asked for his name. He turns back.]
Kiritsugu Emiya. [There's no sense hiding his real name, if it's already known to the ones who brought him here. And after all, they have an unspoken agreement to be honest with each other. To an extent.]
[ooc: Sure, I'm fine with timeskipping. To whenever/wherever you think might be interesting. You know the world better, obviously! And I do enjoy shenanigans.]
no subject
The fact that he doesn't react to the name is a pretty good giveaway that he already knew in the first place. Argyle, after all, made no secret of the fact that he was being gifted with an assassin. Far from it, actually, the man practically goaded El with the fact. Still, introducing yourself is one of the few basic rights that El would never think to take away from another person. Besides, it's just being polite.
So, he gives the Weapon a courteous, if brief, nod before continuing on his way.] Mind what I said about the third floor. [And he truly expects it to end there, at least for now.]
[The next day, the return of the rest of the household is cause for a bit of fuss when they discover another has joined their ranks. Jolan, reserved and mannerly, Kiryna, headstrong but intelligent and Meridia, excitable and kind, all greet him in their own way. While Jolan is content to arrange things as needed to accommodate Kiritsugu, Meridia gleefully goes out of her way to arrange a welcome dinner. The fact that her hair is a dark auburn when those of the Magus race all have pale blond is probably something worth noting, but nobody says anything about it. The topic of her half-heritage is considered taboo in this household. Not because Meridia seems to mind, but because El won't have anyone making her feel uncomfortable.
Unabashedly dragged from his research under the accusation that he spent the entire time they were gone working (true), El is ordered by his sister to take Kiritsugu out of the house and show him the capital city of Evande. Shopping for supplies, as it were.
"It's snowing, so dress warm." She says, voice a pleased chirp as she tugs a scarf over El's head before offering one to Kiritsugu and in no uncertain terms shoving them out and slamming the door shut before locking it.
Which is how they probably find themselves standing on the street with a shopping list in hand and a basket in the other. El, rather than fight his sister, sighs loudly creating a white puff from his lips and starts walking.]
Don't stray too far from me.
[ooc: I opted with attempted fluff. :|;;]
no subject
You can be good without being nice.
[As far as he's concerned, he's an illustration of this fact.
If he's surprised by El's lack of surprise, he doesn't show it.]
I'll keep it under advisement.
[Not that that necessarily means he'll avoid the third floor...
...but he does, for now. He has time. He has no intention of rushing things. He's a careful planner. He waits his way through the night and the next day, behaving himself. When introduced to the rest of the household, he's polite to all the others without dropping his reserve, though it's clear enough that of them all, he favors Kiryna. He studies them all, seeking strengths and weaknesses, noting how they interact. There's no detail he considers too insignificant.
The last thing he wants to do is to go on an errand, with El of all people, but he can't deny that it will be useful to get a better look at the city, so he doesn't object to Meridia's plans for them, even if he thinks her idea is a foolish one. A welcome dinner. What kind of idiot would think to welcome someone to slavery? Maybe her mixed blood had addled her mind.
In response to El's words, Kiritsugu gives him his usual flat look.]
I don't follow orders.
[Yes, he's going to keep being that difficult. Also, he has enough sense to know not to go far from his "master" in enemy territory. He doesn't need the advice. Nonetheless, he follows. He'd accepted the scarf, but the cold doesn't bother him. Wrapping the cloth around his neck, he covers the collar. Watching his visible breath rise from his mouth, he wishes he had something decent to smoke.]
[ooc: I'm sorry for being so slow, I'm really busy this week! I've really been enjoying our thread. As always, feel free to correct any errors about the world I make.]
no subject
[
As long as he doesn't go for it within 24 hours, he beats Belle.The reactions to Kiritsugu's presence are varied on all fronts. Kiryna regards him with politely masked interest. It's easy to see that she's considering the same things Kiritsugu and El were- unification in order to escape. The enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that. Were it not for Meridia butting in at that moment, the tension would have become palpable. As it is, she cheerfully introduces herself as a Divine, younger half-sister of El and a student of the academy. If she notices Kiritsugu's reserve, she doesn't seem put off by it and instead endeavors to act like there is no difference in station between them at all. Jolan, on the other hand, acts just as reserved as the Weapon. Taciturn and responding only in nods of acknowledgement, he's in his late thirties but carries himself in such a way that says he can hold his own in a fight. His hair, in typical Magus fashion, is pale-blond and swept away from his face. Beyond a simple greeting, he seems content to watch from a distance, his thoughts hidden behind an impeccable poker face.
It's because El starts to sense the growing connection between Kiryna and Kiritsugu that he put up so little fuss when sent shopping. The less time these two spend together, he feels, the longer this tentative peace will last. While it may inevitable that this is going to come crashing down around his ears, he will prolong that for as long as he can. It may be foolish optimism on his part, but just as they have no reason to trust him, he in turn has no reason to put his faith in them to keep his family safe. And why would they when they're of Magus blood? What would motivate them to try and practice the unity Pavao so desires?
... he's just giving himself a headache. Last night's research went late into the night and he did not sleep well, thus making him extremely cranky today. So much so that when Kiritsugu replies with what can only be called attitude, El's response is less than graceful.] Then should I have said "run headfirst into a horse-carriage" instead?
[His exasperation is ill-concealed at this point, even as he immediately sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose after that rather sharp remark. He knows better than to take his bad moods out on others, but he's so used to Jolan's taciturn nods or Meridia's thick skin that he's become spoiled on this matter. Doubtless, it means nothing to Kiritsugu, but it certainly doesn't help to endear him to the other.] ... please, don't stray too far from me.
[It's as close to an apology as he's likely to get.]
no subject
He doesn't appreciate the term "stray", as if he's a child or a dog who'd stray from its master, but he lets it slide, as that please is conciliatory, in part, and he can recognize that fact.]
I intend to accompany you.
[Leaving El's presence at this point would serve no purpose, so he walks quietly at his side. When not studying his surroundings, he studies the man out of the corner of his eye, noting today's ill temper and sharp tongue. Something is clearly wearing at him, something other than Kiritsugu. A number of things, perhaps. He's a man with much on his mind.
A fact that may be to Kiritsugu's advantage.
He believes he has a good sense of the household now, even though he's been a part of it for such a short time. He knows the kinds of things he needs to know. Kiritsugu thinks it's likely that, considering his training and abilities, he could have successfully killed everyone in the house by now, if he'd chosen to do so. It may be true, but what would that benefit him? He'd still be alone, in the midst of enemy territory. He would have no way of retaliating against those who'd given him to El. More importantly, he has no desire to kill innocents such as Jolan and Meridia seem to be, even if they are of Magus blood. They don't deserve to die. As for whether El should die, he hasn't yet made up his mind.
No, for now, it's best to both focus on the larger picture and build his relationship with Kiryna. As taciturn and unyielding as he is with El, Kiritsugu has it in him to be approachable, even personable. It's a trait that reveals itself for a flicker of an instant as he breaks silence and speaks:]
What's first on the list?
[This is an errand they've been sent on, so he'll carry it out, as scornful as he may be of the "welcome dinner" idea. If he's going to live here, for a time, he doesn't need to be purely antagonistic. As long as El remembers his place, he can relax his manner slightly. Being amenable has its benefits, but he'll only go so far. He won't feign affability, and of course, he won't agree to act as a slave; he addresses the other man as an equal.]
no subject
[It wouldn't be completely inaccurate to say El has no idea what to expect of Kiritsugu beyond resentment and some cleverness. The man is clearly capable and cunning. Underestimating him would be a severe error on his part. More than that, however, he just... doesn't know. That the man isn't fond of talking is obvious. That he doesn't like being "owned" even more so.
At this point in time, El has very little hopes for the their future amiability or- hell- even cooperation. In that same vein of thought, he also has no delusions about getting to know the man now or ever, especially given Kiritsugu's attitude towards those of Magus blood. It's with that in mind that he fully expects the assassin to treat him like an enemy. To try and plot his escape while bringing everything around him crashing down in the process. How he goes about it or how he intends to carry it out isn't something El can deduce. (Not about someone he's known for less than 24 hours.) And it's for these reasons that he's chosen to err on the side of caution and "advise" the other as such, in case Kiritsugu turns out to be headstrong.
To be fair, Kiryna certainly did.
It's with this pessimistic view in mind that El is proceeding. So when Kiritsugu breaks the mold of silence and actually chooses to initiate a conversation, he gives a slow, uncertain blink. Is he being uncharacteristically social? Or... no, he's impatient. Yes, that must be it.]
A selection of delicacies from the bakery, though I imagine that is best left for last. [El mutters, mostly in thought to himself as he quickly scans the list and frowns at the bottom. There, a small little note is scribbled in ungainly cursive lettering and he can't help the smile that quirks the corners of his lips. Clumsy as she is, her intentions are kind. He highly doubts Kiristugu will enjoy them but for her sake, El hopes he does.] Do you have a type of food you prefer? ["Ask what he likes" indeed.] ... meat or wine, perhaps. [The suggestion comes out a touch awkwardly but is otherwise unremarked upon. It's El's way of trying to encourage this (hopefully not imagined) socializing and to support Meridia's attempts at making him feel a bit better about his situation. If such a thing is possible, anyway.]