middaeg | {catch-all}

[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.

Aaa, you caught me.

[She laughed quietly, shaking her head.]

Then let me say then: I believe no one, no god to the smallest creature is incapable of making mistakes.

Some are just...a little more difficult to miss.

[He permits her to speak it, but that does not mean he will accept what she has to say. Rather than frowning or glowering at her words, Ozymandias' expression stills. The look in his eyes demonstrates the disconnect between the smile on his lips and his true thoughts. The presence of his smile, however, is not an attempt to mask his displeasure. (If that were his aim, he would simply do just that.) Instead, it is Ozymandias' attempt to be...fair. Even when it is difficult to hear the words of another, he feels it is only right as Pharaoh to listen with patience rather than venom.]

You are welcome to your belief, but I could never share it. To be Pharaoh is to be absolute, but even a pharaoh cannot question the gods. It is through their will that Pharaoh possesses the right to rule his people. If he is made unworthy of being Pharaoh, it is through his actions, not their mistake.

I would never ask for you to share any of my outrageous believes.

[Ah, she really is playing with fire, isn't he? He might try to destroy her out of pride and faith. So after a few moments, she offers him a careful bow of her head, and her tone turns apologetic.]

I'd not ask to you do to anything Pharaoh, but perhaps I have been too long in the hallways of academia. Everything, including faith, is a subject of great debate.

But some things I should clearly be more careful in speaking of. After all, I may call displeasure of the gods with my careless speech. Humans have been cursed for less.

{catch-all}

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