middaeg | open catch-all + closed prompts for August

[Caren shrugged.]

It is what it is. Linden was kind enough to offer and try to make specialized earplugs.

But this helps in a way. I'm still getting used to crowds.

Sometimes I still think something someone does will either bruise me or cause me to bleed.

[Sip.]

[She's correct in that the earplugs are at least something and don't lead her to either endless, potentially painful stimulation or self-enforced isolation. Ozymandias thinks little to nothing of that. But he does pause, about to bring his drink back to his lips for another sip when she continues. He lowers it without having taken a sip.]

That seems a fearful and unfulfilling way to live.

It's the only way I could live for awhile.

[She shrugs, and glances over his way briefly, even as she sets her cup down, cupped in her hands.]

Though it wasn't really fearful. It's more annoying and distracting.

...I suppose I can see how you might interpret it as a more mild inconvenience, [Ozymandias says slowly in subtle disbelief. Granted, she has obviously had her fair share of hardship, but even so.]

[She waved a hand at him, even as she brought the cup up for another sip.]

It is when you don't have bandages on hand.

[She could tell him how her body uniquely reacts to pain but...nah, it's more fun this way.]

[He blinks. Hesitates. Then decides,]

Well, I am glad to hear you are taking all of this in such stride.

Edited 2019-09-16 03:02 (UTC)

Some things are easier to deal with then others.

[She watches him for a few moments. Her amusement grows as she lightly strokes her thumb against her cup.]

Would it be easier to understand if I explained my body processes pain somewhat differently then regular humans?

[He huffs slightly.]

It would be a start...

[Ozymandias dislikes not knowing what he feels to be important information, of which this certainly seems.]

[She smiled up at him. He was usually so self assured that it was fun to catch him like this.]

The short version is, due to my bloodline, my body is repeatedly injured when exposed to certain conditions. So when I experience pain...my body compensates by ensuring it's not without pleasure.

Else I might have died from the pain long before now.

[It's more than a little rude for her to be enjoying herself at his expense, but Ozymandias doesn't catch on as that being the source of her smile.]

That can't possibly still be true for you now.

[He can't smack her down if he doesn't know the source of her smile!

Well he could if he was a petty king, and he's not petty, right.]

The mimicking no. Thank goodness for that, or I would likely be taken away from some sort of study by now, as well as exploitation.

It's not as strong as it was previously but...it's still there. I suppose it's a byproduct of conditioning.

[You're looking for the other golden king if you're here for petty kings.]

[Ozymandias supposes what she says makes some sense as he takes another sip of his coffee. A built-up association would be natural even without her body creating such a response. There is, however, something she says that he can't quite put together on his own.]

Mimicking what exactly?

[Yeah she knows that petty king...]

Daemons possessing humans. While true daemons could conceal themselves to normal human detection, and even imitations could only be discovered by their behavioral change...

They couldn't hide from me.

[He's a bro. ~~To Nitocris' chagrin.~~]

And that is an ability passed down through your family?

[A good bro that can handle Caren. That's something.]

Through my mother. I've been told my sire was a mage, a blessing and a miracle, as his magic did not come from any predating bloodlines.

[That's an interesting way to speak of her father, lacking all affection and denying any real familial connection. Ozymandias doesn't pry into the matter, however, and lets it be.]

Your mother's circumstances were the same as you?

From what I understand, she was even more deeply effected, and far more frail then I.

[Her shoulders lift in a shrug, and fall, even as she drains her cup. She's glad Ozy didn't press; someone closer to her age...they would have fussed and gotten emotional.]

Though I'm unsure if she reacted to pain similarly to myself. It might have been too delicate and private to share.

[Considering that the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of Caren is certainly not frail, he doesn't imagine that it would take much for her mother to be in a more delicate state than her daughter. But at the same time, he imagines her choice of the word was intentional and whatever her mother's state, there's little room to exaggerate.]

A parent should protect their child from some things. I'm sure she did not wish to concern you more than was necessary. Whatever she experienced, she probably thought it best you not know.

Likely so. It was possible that I wouldn't have inherited her blessings.

[She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, before setting her cup on the table.]

But we never had a chance to compare notes. However, from all accounts, she was a kind woman. I can only assume she'd wish to protect me.

[And now the way she speaks of her mother, it seems as though Caren was distant from even her mother as well. It makes sense, he supposes. If she were truly so frail, it may have been for the best that there were limitations to how frequently they were with one another. But what a sad thing to grow up so alone. Or perhaps not so much grow up alone as it is to be alone. From her condition to what she shared with him the last time they were together, it seems there's been a great deal of time and circumstances that have left her on her own.]

Did she pass recently?

[She shook her head.It seemed she was not beloved or cherished like some children were; instead...]

When I was a small child-a toddler when she died. Far too young for such discussions or even to be certain that I inherited her gift.

That is unfortunate.

[Even if Caren does not necessarily see it as being so. (She does appear to quite frequently accept whatever it is that might befall her; whatever frustrations she may hold being kept quiet and private.) Ozymandias was fortunate enough in his life that his parents lived long enough to see him reach adulthood, his mother not parting from the world of the living until nearly his first Sed festival. He could not imagine his life having been any other way.]

Is it the Church that raised you then?

Ah, you remembered.

[Her mention of the Church that is. She was turning the coffee cup in her hands, idly, instead of helping herself. She didn't know all of Ozymandias' history but...she was certain that he was loved and beloved, by not only his family, but by his world. She couldn't blame them either. He was a little like the sun, in how he brought people in with his sheer brightness.]

You are correct. They did raise me.

I should apologize. I feel...this must be depressing to hear, and quite honestly, that was not my intent.

[Ozymandias considers his next words for a moment. He has no desire to lie to her and tell her that it isn't something that inspires a bit of sadness, but he also does not particularly want her to feel guilty for having said any of it.]

It is an unfortunate thing, but I do not anticipate that my questions will be met with happy answers. I would rather the truth no matter how unfortunate it might be than a pretty lie.

[She stops fussing with her cup, and she watches him briefly. It's difficult to say what she's thinking. Even more perhaps when she bows her head and smiles.]

A true sign of a king, isn't it? Or just a man who lives in the real world? Maybe it's both.

Thank you Ozymandias. There are few people who I could speak the truth and meet it unflinching.

[And just because:]

And no, this was not some twisted way to ensure you'd make the first move out of pity.

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