middaeg | {catch-all}

[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.

[He is a little skeptical of how genuine her words may act as an apology towards the gods, but he trusts in her intention in wanting to avoid insulting him. It's enough to soothe enough of the tension that Sokie might likewise relax.]

Modern humans of my world make similar mistakes as you. Many believe the gods that once walked among us to be nothing more than myths and legends. I am sure there was no ill-intent meant behind your words any more than theirs.

[Yeah, she does want to make friends. And she really didn't mean to insult him. She must be getting rusty.]

I would not say such a thing, but I've heard it said. Which is rather foolish, considering what can be found in my world and how little people know.

And...I should remember I'm still learning too, and not to say things so carelessly or arrogantly as I just did.

[He tips his head to one side ever so slightly, considering her a moment. While Ozymandias does not say anything quite so directly to the effect of approval, there's a look in his eye that says as much.]

[She can consider this bullet dodged successfully.]

All the more reason room should be granted to you for mistakes. It would be harsh and unfair not to forgive you for at least a few of them.

[Oh, oh good. No smiting! That means she gets to enjoy her drink. That's a good thing. One win for the necromancer!]

Then I can only hope the mistakes I make are few and far between.

[She'll lift her glass as a salute, whether he taps hers or not, before taking a slow sip. A swallow would mean she'd been nervous. Nope. She's cooler then cucumbers here.]

[Ozymandias is willing to oblige her and taps his glass to hers before also taking a sip. He cannot say what her feelings were in that moment, but she was observant enough to notice where she had potentially landed herself and corrected herself with humility. That is enough for Ozymandias to know she comports herself well and, by extension, she no doubt stands a better chance of effecting more positive change in this situation than some of the other mirrorbound.]

How long has it been since you found yourself in this world?

[It'd be difficult to say what her feelings usually were; she had long since hidden them behind a veil of a cool interest. Ozymanadias...a man of pride, but he didn't lose his temper, merely gave warning and was quick to offer a way out rather then become more and more confrontational.

That was far better then some of the other mirrorbound, who were blinded by their wrath.]

Little more then a month now; I arrived just in time for the fashion shows and the Black City nightmare.

[Not that Ozymandias felt this world necessarily ever made solid good first impressions on anyone (there's only one person that comes to mind as far as that's concerned), but there were certainly better times for one to arrive that might have better impressions than that one.]

And now you find yourself in the middle of this diplomatic mess. [Because that's what it is. A mess.] Quite bold of you to come to this city after such a short stay in this world.

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