AUDIENCE: EMET-SELCH

[retellers]

Comments

[arkitect]

-of course you can't, or this place would be making it far too easy on us.

[a huff of a sigh, at that.]

Then, with the understanding that you cannot tell me if you will suffer that loss: just what does it entail?

[retellers]

[ they're quiet, trying to figure out how to answer this. it's clear it's not something they really want to talk about. ]

Okay, so, technically there is absolutely nothing stopping you guys from trying to kill us. There's no rule or anything against it. The difference is that we all have powers, and you don't, so the chances of you actually succeeding aren't high. Even Rabbit would be able to get away, despite their everything.

But if we lose enough team members, then we lose our powers, and thus become as much of a target as the rest of you.

[arkitect]

-and given that we remain unconscious, I assume there is no way to defend any of you from it, even should you stay with us. I would also hesitate to assume it is as simple as remaining within the castle.

[pinching the bridge of his nose and exhaling a slow sigh. cool cool cool.]

-I do not believe I have asked yet what your powers even are, if you have them beyond the ability to summon.

[retellers]

Water manipulation. I can make my own barriers, too.

[ a pause. ]

So like, if someone attacked me, I could just make a barrier and sit in it all night until everyone wakes up. So, normally I'd be fine.

[arkitect]

Normally. I will hope that continues to be the case, if you cannot confirm.

[thanks, he hates it!]

But as we are tied to you-- what happens, if one of you should die? Do you have any idea at all, or will we have to learn that should it come to pass?

[retellers]

... we don't know.

But it's probably safer to assume it wouldn't be something fun.

[arkitect]

Is there any way to work around the lack of consciousness? I cannot say I particularly like the thought of simply letting you be targeted alone, should that come to pass.

[what a pain, honestly. he's already running through other possibilities in his head, but it would be much more convenient if he could actually do anything.]

[retellers]

No.

[ they sound annoyed. ]

I mean, maybe we'll find something, but there's nothing in our own power that'll let it happen.

[arkitect]

Well, I will see what I can do regardless. I have some idea, but it would require arrangement beforehand...

If I ask you to stay somewhere this Thursday, will you?

[retellers]

[ oh. they nod. ]

If it's a request, yeah.

[arkitect]

Then I may make that request, later.

[a nod from him, in turn.]

I do have another-- with one of us found, I don't suppose you can provide further direction now? If we need to ensure we lose as few as possible, I would continue seeking them.

[retellers]

[ hm... ah. ]

More eye stuff, but different from an eyepatch.

[arkitect]

I am beginning to sense a trend.

[retellers]

It's the easiest thing that stands out for the most part.

[arkitect]

I suppose so. I take it if I ask just what 'eye stuff' is meant to encompass, that is the most you could give me?

[retellers]

My advice is... to not think too hard about it.

[arkitect]

Zuko first, then.

[he's a lot more obvious than mulling over whether 'stuff' includes glasses...]

Your direction is appreciated. I will likely be passing what you have shared on to Hansa, excluding the hint, of course... though I expect he will be visiting you as well. He is quite curious about you, it seems.

[retellers]

Is he?

[ they sound amused. ]

I think he just has fun trying to trip me up.

[arkitect]

He does seem the type, yes.

[exasperated, but not as much as usual.]

Last we spoke, he was asking after whether I had seen your face.

[retellers]

Oh, was he?

Yeah, he's been pretty curious about it.

[arkitect]

Which now extends to trying to get it out of me, I suppose-- as if I would simply tell him even if I had.

[that's tiger's business.]

[retellers]

Well, at least he's determined. That's a good character trait somewhere.

[arkitect]

When it is not an annoyance, yes.

[a slight roll of his eyes.

after a pause, though-]

'Tis more familiar to me, that all of you wear them.

[retellers]

[ oh. they glance at him. ]

People wore masks a lot what you're from?

[arkitect]

All of us did, yes. The same robes, the same white masks-- save for the Convocation, who wore red masks of unique design to set them apart.