middaeg | {catch-all}

[He may not exactly be out there on the frontlines with the resistance, but that does not mean that Ozymandias' time in this city has not proven exhausting in its own way. Being part of the dignitary team means masking every natural reaction to what's been carefully curated as part of their tour of the city. It's of little surprise that their secrets and their greater cruelties are either merely out of the way for now or entirely inaccessible. Then there is the matter of tracking aforementioned resistance efforts while trying but not always successfully managing to avoid getting swept up in one of their flashier attempts at liberation.]

[And then, finally, there is the matter of his Bonded. Ozymandias tries not to think of it much, but he has been looking increasingly unwell since their arrival. Ozymandias doesn't what exactly is the source of his being so unwell, but he doesn't trust the Coven of Dorchacht to make any sort of appropriate diagnosis or treatment. So, as much as he might dread the impending argument to get Arthur back to Aefenglom when the other half of the dignitaries arrive, it's one he's still willing to mentally prepare himself to take on sooner rather than later.]

[This is going to be a long month...]

[But at least these baths are here. If there is to be anything about this city that is welcomed, it is lowering himself into the warm water with a deep sigh. Although they certainly don't hurt, he's not even certain the magical enhancements to the water are strictly necessary for alleviating his tension. After a moment or two, he opts to close his eyes and with an almost thoughtful hum, sinks just low enough that his hair just barely dips into the water. He rests the back of his head against the wall of the bath and goes still and quiet.]

[Sheva, however, has been on or near the front lines for the better part of her time in Dorchacht. Time has lost substantial meaning, her patience has been tested on more occasions than she can count, and she's taken precious little time for herself. Aside from basic necessities such as food, water, and enough sleep to function well enough, she's dedicated most of her time to fueling and helping the efforts of the resistance, which includes acting as a liaison with her dignitary contacts.

In order to do that, the foul smell of poorer streets and the belly of the resistance's territory beneath the city must be cleansed thoroughly from her skin and hair. Needless to say, she's been looking forward to this hot and magical bath to cleanse and recharge her low batteries.

Truth be told, she was in worse shape when she first arrived from Kijuju than this particular day, but even so, her exhaustion causes her to overlook Ozymandias' presence in the bath as she strolls past him towards the bath with nothing but a clean towel in her hand and her knife strapped to her thigh. The towel's set well enough aside before she wastes no time stepping into the hot water with a groan that may sound suspiciously like a purr.

It's only as she's lowering herself to the point of decency that she notices that she's not alone.]

[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.]

[As one might expect, sound carries fairly well within the bathhouse. So, at the sound of approaching footsteps, Ozymandias cracks one eye open, turning his head just enough to see who is approaching. Though it's a little difficult to feel any further tension while soaking in this bath, he is a little relieved that it's someone he's met. Ozymandias is a little tired of strangers in this strange city by now.]

[Opening his other eye, he almost says something to her in greeting, but when she continues on swiftly a little further down the bath, it becomes apparent that she's not exactly present. Ozymandias' lips quirk into a smile as no doubt she is experiencing the same singular thought he had just moments before settling in. He decides to wait then, not risking startling her. Or embarrassing her. (Soldier though she may be, Ozymandias is aware of modern sensibilities around nakedness.) So, he gives her a little privacy by not pointedly looking elsewhere, but certainly finding something else to look at that's not her.]

[He looks her way again after he hears the sound of water coupled with that low purr, and feels eyes move in his direction.]

It's considered rude to stare, you know.

[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.]

[Good choice. Startling an already paranoid and exhausted soldier is never a fantastic idea, especially when her main goal is to clean up and steal herself some relaxation.

She's just as relieved to see a familiar face, even if she's impolite and doesn't bother to pull her gaze from his, merely lifting an eyebrow with a challenging glint and a curl of her lip into a ghost of a smirk.]

There are far ruder places I could settle my stare.

[She counters with an amused flick of water his direction.]

You look well.

[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.]

[Ozymandias holds up a hand to block what amount of water manages to make it over to him with a smile, sitting back upright once more. He hums in mild agreement of her assessment. Despite whatever might occupy his mind and the general ugliness of Dorchacht, he is physically no worse for wear than he's ever been.]

And you look like you've been busy. [He cants his head to one side.] I assume doing things that our most "gracious" hosts would find unacceptable.

[He doesn't sound so much sarcastic as he does skeptical of the chosen adjective. Considering all the literal and figurative doors that have been kept restricted and locked from them, all the secrets that are no doubt being buried, gracious doesn't exactly begin to describe Morgana and her ilk.]

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!!]

[A soft 'tsk' of disapproval slips past her lip as he blocks her splash, but it's not out of any genuine irritation. Whatever amusement and fledgling flirtation evaporates at the proverbial mirror he puts in front of her. He's right, or so she assumes. She's not taken a gander in the mirror recently, but by the way she feels Sheva can interpolate the degree of wear she's displaying.

She exhales and sinks a bit lower into the water, contemplating how she wants to answer as well as the entire situation.]

I've been busy. [She finally agrees.] And this is my element. I feel as though I'm back in Africa.

[And it's clear that--in addition to all the weight of self-appointed responsibility on the matter--the woman feels guilt. She shouldn't be in this magic bath when people have been enslaved on the basis of genetics and nothing else.]

They put on a clean coat of paint for appearances, but scratch enough at the surface and it reveals the true nature of the city and those in charge.

[That simple act of concealment means they know what they're doing is wrong, and that just adds fuel to her fire on the matter.]

[The appearance of some guilt is not all that surprising. In fact, Ozymandias feels quite familiar with it by now. Those who have felt compelled enough to do something about the situation in this city despite the risks that it carries do so with a noble heart. Noble hearts just also happen to be quite prone to guilt if they are not submitting themselves beyond their limits to their causes.]

[He shakes his head a little.]

I would be inclined to agree with you, but you're approaching it from a moral perspective. That's not one Morgana or anyone else in charge of this city likely shares with you. [Wrong or right, Ozymandias suspects, doesn't even begin to factor into their equations. Within this city's walls, it's cold cost-benefit.] To them, everything is a flaunting of power they've cultivated. They use that power to create fear and thus, create obedience.

A city that intimidates so much of its population would not hesitate to do the same to foreign powers, particularly after it has felt violated in some capacity.

[It's really the only sense that Ozymandias can make of the very invitation for anyone to travel from Aefenglom to Dorchacht. It's difficult to seem so powerful if one is so far away and unable to place demands. But Morgana has done just that by allowing the mirrorbound to come along and permit them carefully curated roam of the city. She wants them to be horrified and afraid. Horrified and afraid leads to stupid decisions that she might exploit.]

There are some things they likely want no one to see, but things like the opposition put forth by the Resistance must be empowering to Morgana in some way. One cannot have power to create fear if it is not wielded occasionally. What is an easier target than something within your own city?

[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.

I'm aware that people without moral standards not only exist, but thrive on keeping people underfoot. [She just tries to be the balance of that as best she can while sometimes weaving through more lawfully grey areas herself for the greater good. Not all laws, as Dorchacht exemplifies, are rooted in strong morals.]

Besides, they can only flaunt their power so long as they maintain it, and... I believe that's shifting as we speak, much like in the dream.

[There's definitely a pleasure that weaves in with that statement, a proud, knowing glint in her eyes. Sheva clearly will delight should the leaders culpable in such moral debauchery meet terrible ends, all of which better include losing said powers.

She means to ask him about his opinions from a cwyld centered perspective, but something clicks and her expression dilutes at what she suspects is a rhetorical question.] Perhaps a distracted city that's lost some of its newly gained fodder... I mean populace.

[A beat.]

Do you think Morgana might have sent a covert team to Aefenglom?

[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.]

[Ozymandias genuinely considers it for a moment, gaze dropping to the water between them for a moment. There is enough secrecy within the walls of this city to keep a covert team busy for months that it doesn't seem exactly out of character for Morgana to implement a more subtle hand when necessary. But would it be necessary to investigate Aefenglom without detection? Or would protecting her secrets weigh more to her?]

[Then there is also the matter of this woman's ego and pride. Her very image that is now inextricably linked with Dorchacht and its history.]

[He slowly shakes his head, bringing his gaze back up to Sheva.]

If she perceived Aefenglom to be a threat, I believe she would strike with obvious force. It would send a clear message to Aefenglom and her people. Anything less than that would seem unconfident and cowardly. Despite how she seems a viper, she does not truly comport herself as an assassin. Her people would likely still rally behind her even if she were to use such methods, but that would be far more fragile than acting as the city has come to know her.

[She would not be seen as inherently strong and righteous as she does in all the public opinions and literature on the history of this city if she was so underhanded. Whatever she might do in aggression would require brutality.]

[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.

[Every organization or country worth their salt found a way to deal in secrets, so while she's not arguing with Oz's earlier statements, Sheva thinks that there's much more going on beneath the surface. Then again, the BSAA agent trusts exactly zero percent of either of the cities' ruling witches and monsters.

She's quiet for a moment, listening as she steps closer so that they might speak in less carrying voices.]

You think like a man. [It's not spoken as an insult or with heavy bias. He's a man, and therefore he thinks like one. Just as the opposite can be said of herself.] A pointedly visible display of power could easily serve more purpose than putting fear into the hearts of literally anyone else. Especially when she may be making a larger power grab beneath everyone's noses.

[She seems like the sort of smart, calculate survivalist to play the long game even while brutally leading. Biting the hand that protects them all would be ill advised, even if she thinks herself better than Aefenglom.]

Whoever holds the ability to either keep the cwyld at bay--or if possible, control it--holds the true power in this world.

[It is exactly due to that lack of insult that Ozymandias raises a slight eyebrow, curious as to where exactly her logic may lead. Ozymandias' lips quirk into a smile as he remembers an earlier, similar conversation with Iskandar, back when the possibility of war and conquest in this world were merely distant hypotheticals. If such a person could exist, would they share it or would they use that power to decimate and seize all the power in the world? Ozymandias and Iskandar both concluded that both situation and the person wielding the power would more definitively answer that question, and in this case, he doesn't see Morgana acting all that charitable to her neighbors.]

That is, of course, assuming that a more permanent solution may yet exist or there is a willingness to use it. [Not all cures are without pain after all.] So far, it seems this world only possesses stop-gap measures.

We're not from this world.

[She points out, counter his eyebrow lift with one of her own. ]

I don't know how exactly they're pulling us here through mirrors. [It's obviously something she thinks is rather ridiculous still.] Maybe it started as an accident, but it wouldn't surprise me if they believe the permanent solution that they're searching for exists in another world, maybe in one of us.

[Given how integral the bioengineering of diseases and the negative consequences that stem from them are in her world, her perspective is a bit biased.]

[He cants his head a little. It's certainly not unheard of to him that one might call upon someone else beyond their time and place to fight where the stakes are certainly quite high, but this is different. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of control associated with the way the mirrorbound are brought to this world, and that alone opens this world up to even greater dangers potentially.]

Do you believe the situation has already grown that desperate?

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