middaeg | {catch-all}

[The pleasant points of Dorchacht... Well, it may be a little unfair to say that they don't exist at all. It's perhaps better to say that they are extremely difficult to find, hidden and guarded nearly as deeply and fiercely as the secrets the city doesn't want any outsiders to know. It may be additionally fair to say that they are likely not even worth looking for on the whole, but given the length of their intended stay? Something has to be identified.]

[Ozymandias isn't really sure that this tavern could or should be considered something to be enjoyed. While the drink is arguably of better and more consistent craft than what most of Aefenglom's taverns might offer, the mood within the tavern itself is far less desirable. Much like the rest of the city, conversations seem muted even when the place appears to fill. Snippets of conversation don't carry the same way and the joviality simply doesn't exist. But, as Ozymandias has discovered, these quieter gatherings appear to be more norm than exception for all the taverns. So, in the end, this one is as good as any.]

[His attention is pulled from a group he hasn't quite determined the allegiance of at a nearby table when he catches movement ending in front of his table. He turns his head just enough to look and see that ah someone from Aefenglom. Not someone he knows particularly well, but a familiar face is a familiar face. He sits back in his chair, but beyond his usual way of comporting himself, there's nothing in his posture that would likely communicate his regality.]

Come to pass the time here as well?

[It was an unpleasant place, with unpleasant people. That's how she could pin it: Dorchacht with all of their Dorry-ness...were just a touch unpleasant. And this was whether she was nice or she was working, or even when she was in the classroom.

Really, it was a small miracle she hadn't been driven to taking to the taverns before this point. Maybe it was because she thought that the sour company would sour the outing.But she risked it tonight-or maybe she just walked and found herself here.

Her fingers had barely brushed against the table when he spoke up, and she glanced over with a blink. Ah, he was...thankfully not a local.

Sokie nodded, before speaking.]

I thought I'd take a few hours to take a walk, get the night air. But when I heard the locals speak of the drink....

[She shrugged once.]

I was curious enough to walk in.

[And feel a few moments of regret.]

[Curious or desperate enough for a drink? Ozymandias' lips quirk into a light smile. In the case of Dorchacht, it seems that these two things are more than a little interchangeable.]

Feel free to join me then, [he says, gesturing to the other side of his table.] Or explore on your own, if that is your desire.

[He can certainly empathize with the desire to be on one's own as equally as he can the the desire to be around another mirrorbound right now.]

[Yes and yes. She smiled back, considering. She could sit on her own but yet...the idea of possibly being gawked at by locals lacked appeal.]

I think I'll take you up on your invitation.

[She nodded, before glancing at the bar.]

If you don't mind? I'll come back once I've gotten my drink.

[Because this robots aren't going to come and serve at the table, she thinks.]

I would never enforce sobriety on any who did not desire it. Especially not in this place.

[He motions for her to go ahead and fetch her drink.]

[She can't help it; she snickers, even as she wanders off to the bar. A few minutes later, she's back and she's got a full glass of...

Well, it's something, and it doesn't look like wine or beer. Smells nice though.]

Thanks for waiting. I'm Sokie by the way. It's a pleasure.

[As she leaves to get her drink, Ozymandias resumes people watching. Or, well, as much people watching as he's able to do in a bar this...quiet. There is a little bit of laughter at one point from one of the tables, but it sounds so subdued and it seems more at someone's expense than anything else. With her returning footsteps, Ozymandias looks back to her and nods slightly at her introducion.]

I am the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the King of Kings, and God-King of the Sun, Pharaoh Ozymandias.

[So, yeah it's a pleasure. It's a delight!!]

[She starts to sit down, and she pauses in mid-sit, blinking as all of the title of everything that he just said just...sinks in.

He's what? He's what? Nah. Naaaaaah.

She slowly sits down the rest of the way and clears her throat.]

Truly? That's almost difficult to believe. Most kings and emperors that I've seen have not been even half as attractive as you.

But being the Kings of Kings, you're not to be underestimated in any capability.

[Ozymandias laughs, equal parts amused and pleased with her words. It can never be said that he doesn't enjoy praise of any kind or in any situation.]

You demonstrate wisdom.

[Common sense, really. But that can be difficult to find. Increasingly so among the mirrorbound, it would seem, if their direct support of the Resistance were any indication.]

You flatter me.

[She grins, and salutes him with her glass. But she doesn't take a drink. Not yet. This is something meant to be savored. Slowly over conversation.]

Though I hope you didn't mind my surprise. I suppose I'm still learning how...remarkable it is to meet people from different worlds and different times.

[Her smile suddenly widens.]

Though I suppose it makes sense for the God-King to be one of the dignitaries.

[He waves a slight hand in dismissal of her surprise. It's not particularly uncommon among those who recognize his name and titles even if those who are capable of such recognition appear to be far and few between in this world.]

I am remembered for both my diplomacy as well as my many successful campaigns.

[Granted, he would much rather be putting the latter skills to use when it comes to Dorchacht. But with no army and without his Noble Phantasms, it would be unwise to attempt anything other than ameliorating the situation with a held tongue and silent observation. There may yet come a day...]

I understand my role here is largely one of observation and being observed, however. As much as I would prefer the security of Aefenglom to continue as it has, I am willing to leave it in the hands of those it truly belongs to.

[For now, in any case.]

[It helps that Sokie is well educated. Also, it helps that her default to just about flirt with anything when she's surprised. ]

That's true. That would make you a valuable asset to any diplomacy team.

[Saying that he'd have military value-yes, she's sure he's got something on that too. Whether he's used to using magic-she's hopeful that he'd have the mental flexibility to create new and interesting spells.

Though her eyes dim as he points out the obvious, she keeps her tone calm and amused. Again, a default, but not a terrible one.]

We're more like glorified celebrity guests, true enough. I do have to commend you though. Not everyone I've met on the ship would agree with you, or with myself.

[Her sigh is pained.]

But perhaps it's to be expected.

[He hums in quiet agreement.]

I hold no expectations that others will be capable of arriving at a perspective similar to my own. Most have never held such responsibilities as those that fall to me as Pharaoh.

[Their actions, therefore, can only ever truly be ruled by their personal feelings as the bigger picture is lost. As much as they may intellectually understand the stakes, they are likely unfamiliar with their weight.]

I can only hope that the gods will prevent their actions from jeopardizing the point of this visit.

Or responsibilities that can destabilize more then their own situation. What we do here...there will be ripples in the future.

[That's why she's been so cool, so emotionally detached. Or she's been trying to think more with a cool head then a hot one.]

However, I would see see about bringing offerings to your gods. I've been having to play the role of babysitter every so often.

Some children just don't know how to play nice when they're upset.

[Ozymandias nods in at her remark about the future, finding it both an agreeable statement and one that explains how it is she herself is able to remain as collected she is carrying herself.]

I have not involved myself much in curbing the behaviors of all the mirrorbound. [There are not enough hours in the day for all that.] I do not even particularly try to change the actions of those I know. But they know and understand my position, and I hope that my words are enough to temper their actions to some degree.

I only get involved when it looks as if they're being a nuisance.

[She's not being paid for it, and they're supposed to be adults. Supposed being used in big, big letters.]

I'm afraid I don't have the respect nor the reputation that you have. So you can say I'm in the midst of creating one with the mirrorbound.

Though I suppose...the repute will be that of an annoying busybody.

There are worse reputations to have, [he says with a chuckle as he has another drink from his glass.]

[...And truthfully, she is overestimating his own influence over the mirrorbound. Not everyone knows of who he is and there are plenty who think nothing of his titles or legacy. But he's not going to be one to correct her.] Besides, if you're clever, you'll find a way to use it to your advantage.

Mm, yes. I suppose that is true.

[She thought that he had some friends or people who'd listen to him at least. He had more time to build a reputation, especially those who knew who he was.

She smiled, and sipped her drink.]

Maybe I am. Maybe not. I suppose we'll have to see if my actions have worked-at least as a smoke screen.

Is that the best case scenario or the most you're willing to hope for?

Mm, well...

I'd answer that, but this isn't really the place for a truly candid conversation of that sort.

[He laughs.]

Or conversation at all, one might argue.

Oh, too true.

[She grins.]

This place is more for forgetting and drinking isn't it? Maybe making bad decisions?

Do I look the sort who would ever make a bad decision?

Is there a polite way of saying anything without getting your feathers all ruffled?

[Ozymandias laughs, shaking his head a little.]

If you have to ask, I believe you already know the answer.

for sokie

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