Faerzen & Nick talk about their relationship

[14:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh, you are awake now, it seems. That is good to hear....... Yes. Yes, we do have quite a bit that we need to discuss..... do you want to talk in the den? It is a bit..... crowded in here.
[14:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You open your eyes and you see Faerzen sitting cross-legged on his bed next to his dreamself who is currently passed out on her back on the pile of pillows. Two..... Faerzens? Well, that's certainly exactly what there seems to be here. Upon mentioning the room is crowded, he gestures to you and himself, but also to a crown on his head and the large
[14:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov>  book on his desk. Faerzen is wearing the Dress of ICE Shields again, and seems to have some sort of black headband around his forehead and a large number of holographic message projections of conversations with many different people hanging in front of and on both sides of his head.
[14:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I dareseay I have been.... keeping myself busy while you were asleep.
[14:03] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...oh... alright then
[14:03] <Nick_Varnegs_> we should.... just go downstairs then
[14:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ......
[14:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> .....Indeed.
[14:04]  * Nick_Varnegs_ awkwardly looks around
[14:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Let me..... finish these conversations up so we do not have any distractions.
[14:05] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...ok....
[14:05]  * Nick_Varnegs_ slowly closes the door
[14:05]  * Faerzen_Norstov gestures in the air, typing in several of the message windows, glancing down at his sleeping dream self from time to time
[14:06]  * Nick_Varnegs_ sits on the ground against the hallway.
[14:06] <@Faerzen_Norstov> *Reggie, I would prefer to have some privacy in my conversation with Nick. Would you mind if I set you down up here? You did say you wanted a break earlier, after all.*
[14:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> *Abyss, you can continue working on your present, but I really need to have a talk with Nick about some major issues I screwed up and I would like some privacy. I will just set you here on the bedside and you can continue working. I will be back shortly.*
[14:09]  * Faerzen_Norstov gestures to close the messaging windows which he was just typing gibberish in before, pauses to check that his dream self is situated comfortably, takes off Abyss and sets him on the desk, takes of Reggie and sets him on the workbench, and slowly makes his way to the door
[14:09]  * Nick_Varnegs_ continues just waiting there
[14:10]  * Faerzen_Norstov slowly opens the door
[14:10]  * Nick_Varnegs_ stands up in a hurry
[14:11] <Nick_Varnegs_> .....uhhhh.... we.... should.... go?
[14:11] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Sure.
[14:11]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks down the stairs.
[14:11]  * Nick_Varnegs_ follows faerzen downstairs
[14:11] <@Faerzen_Norstov> So....... how was your nap?
[14:12] <Nick_Varnegs_> not... quite nice...
[14:12] <Nick_Varnegs_> the queen was getting attacked... i got knocked out before i could do anything
[14:12] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh! That certainly does not sound good.
[14:12] <Nick_Varnegs_> how... about the case?
[14:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> There is.... quite a lot to tell you on that front.
[14:13] <Nick_Varnegs_> ....we'll get to it later i guess?
[14:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Long story short, I believe I quite solidly won? Some of the consequences of the case are....... fuzzy, so we are far from totally cleared of this situation.
[14:14] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh.
[14:14] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... that's... something
[14:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Speaking of the trial, I had to use the restroom for quite some time but I rather pushed it to the back of my mind so I could concentrate.
[14:14]  * Faerzen_Norstov pauses halfway down the stairs on the second floor landing
[14:15]  * Nick_Varnegs_ coughs a few times awkwardly
[14:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Do you mind? I would rather not have to leave in the middle of our talk.
[14:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> uhhhhh.... i-uh..... yeah
[14:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> go... ahead
[14:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Thank you. Sorry, but I have been holding it for a solid 24 hours.
[14:15]  * Faerzen_Norstov quickly runs off to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her
[14:16]  * Nick_Varnegs_ keeps looking around
[14:16] <Nick_Varnegs_> *sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh*
[14:16]  * Faerzen_Norstov freezes inside upon seeing the metal gloves on the counter, remembering exactly why it is there in the first place and blushing furiously
[14:16]  * Nick_Varnegs_ blushes thinking that faerzen may or may not know about....
[14:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> *You can't just...... not use the bathroom. Then Nick will know something is the matter! But.... eurgh, this is just strange using the toilet after......*
[14:17]  * Faerzen_Norstov sighs and uses the toilet anyways
[14:17]  * Faerzen_Norstov eyes the pair of gloves curiously
[14:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> *Where did these even come from anyways?*
[14:18]  * Faerzen_Norstov finishes at the toilet, sanitizes his hands, and picks up the pair of gloves to examine them
[14:18]  * Nick_Varnegs_ fixes the neck of his doublet and checks looks at the multiple tears on the cloth
[14:19] <Nick_Varnegs_> -you see a pair of highly ornate metallic gloves ending in small-ish blades. they seem to have a bird motif and decorations. they are engraved-
[14:20] <Nick_Varnegs_> -they are somewhat heavy. and really soft and fuzzy on the inside-
[14:21]  * Nick_Varnegs_ crosses his arms and leans against the wall to wait more comfortably
[14:21]  * Faerzen_Norstov decaptchalogues the Flashiscope (Fe - IRON) and captchalogues the Clawed Gloves (Fe - IRON), afterwards recaptchaloguing the Flashiscope (Cd - CADMIUM)
[14:21]  * Faerzen_Norstov records the captcha code for the gloves
[14:23]  * Faerzen_Norstov exits the bathroom holding the Clawed Gloved (Fe - IRON)
[14:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I presume these are yours, Nick? How did you obtain them? The craftsmanship on them seems quite excellent.
[14:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I found them on the sink counter.
[14:23] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh?
[14:23] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...oh.
[14:23] <Nick_Varnegs_> i... uhhhh
[14:24] <Nick_Varnegs_> i combined an old design franchesco made with a rusty metallic glove... and... a dead bird's foot
[14:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh?
[14:24]  * Faerzen_Norstov raises an eyebrow
[14:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That.... is an interesting alchemy combination.
[14:24] <Nick_Varnegs_> ....the bird was already dead
[14:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I suppose one never knows what will pop out of that strange contraption.
[14:25] <Nick_Varnegs_> i... uhhh.... you like them? you can keep one
[14:25] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Would you mind if I borrowed them for a brief moment? I would be very interested in studying them, presuming I will ever find a single minute of free time to do so.
[14:26] <Nick_Varnegs_> yeah. you can
[14:27] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Thank you! I will be sure to get them back to you as soon as I am finished.
[14:27]  * Faerzen_Norstov captchalogues the gloves (Fe - IRON) and heads downstairs to the first floor to the den
[14:27]  * Nick_Varnegs_ follows faerzen
[14:28] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... where should we sit?....
[14:28]  * Faerzen_Norstov gestures to the two reclining/folding armchairs
[14:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> How about where we sat last time you visited?
[14:28] <Nick_Varnegs_> that seems like a good idea
[14:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I do like this chair quit-- Oh.
[14:29]  * Faerzen_Norstov notices the coffee table
[14:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Were you having some.... fun with the table?
[14:29] <Nick_Varnegs_> i have no idea if i did something important. everything is written in something i cant understand
[14:29]  * Faerzen_Norstov smirks
[14:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That would be Norwegian, Nick.
[14:30] <Nick_Varnegs_> well then. "mr. n-ou-rstov" im not used to that language
[14:31]  * Nick_Varnegs_ sits down on one of the armchairs
[14:32]  * Faerzen_Norstov sits down in the other
[14:32] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Would you like some ambient scenery?
[14:32] <Nick_Varnegs_> perhaps a fireplace again
[14:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Eva, please make us a fire.
[14:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <a fireplace jumps to life on the wall>
[14:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Eva, show us Gulfoss in the background.
[14:33] <Nick_Varnegs_> so....
[14:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <http://www.gullfoss.is/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/gullfoss-waterfall.jpg appears in the background behind the fireplace, water flowing and cascading down the falls>
[14:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Have...... I shown you the 3D capabilities of Eva yet?
[14:35]  * Nick_Varnegs_ feeebly smiles
[14:35] <Nick_Varnegs_> no, i believe you haven't
[14:35]  * Faerzen_Norstov smirks
[14:35] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Eva, 3D mode please!
[14:36] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <there is another rippling transition, and the wall turns into 3D mode. It looks exactly as though the wall were an entire glass window looking out over the waterfall>
[14:36]  * Nick_Varnegs_ raises his eyebrows
[14:36] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... that's....
[14:37]  * Nick_Varnegs_ stands up and aproaches the wall
[14:37] <Nick_Varnegs_> beautiful
[14:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <everything in the scene moves according to parallax as if it were really there on the other side of the pane>
[14:38] <Nick_Varnegs_> wooooaaaaah....
[14:38]  * Faerzen_Norstov smirks, chuckling a little bit
[14:38] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Fascinating, huh?
[14:39] <Nick_Varnegs_> it.... indeed is
[14:40] <Nick_Varnegs_> woah. just.... woah.
[14:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That waterfall is.... or *was* in Iceland. My parents took me there once when I was young. It was so windy I got blown over. :|
[14:41]  * Nick_Varnegs_ remembers that he is supposed to do something important
[14:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Thankfully my father was able to record this here.
[14:42] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh. i... i see.
[14:42] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[14:42] <Nick_Varnegs_> faerzen?
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes?
[14:43] <Nick_Varnegs_> do you even.... want to talk?
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> We..... should probably get down to business.
[14:43] <Nick_Varnegs_> yes
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I do.
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I don't.
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I can't not talk.
[14:43] <Nick_Varnegs_> same here....
[14:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But I know this talk is going to be hard and painful, and I cannot say I am looking forward to it.
[14:44] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I apologize for putting it off so long.....
[14:44]  * Nick_Varnegs_ nods in undersanding and sits down again
[14:44]  * Faerzen_Norstov wraps his wings around himself
[14:44]  * Nick_Varnegs_ does the same.
[14:45] <Nick_Varnegs_> so.... where... should we even start?
[14:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I know we have more.... personal matters to discuss, but I suppose I can start things off by telling you about everything that has happened recently?
[14:45] <Nick_Varnegs_> i would like that, yes
[14:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have been making an effort to be more forthright about sharing information, but I am afraid I have purposefully been cagey about this whole business.
[14:46] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have avoided letting anyone else know details of what was occurring lest they become ensnared in the unpleasant developments as well.
[14:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Simply because of how I think and because of the knowledge I had about the situation, I was teleported off of Propsit as you saw.
[14:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> There is no saying who else would have been grabbed or who would have decided to show up of their own accord if I shared with everyone what was happening.
[14:48] <Nick_Varnegs_> i.... i see
[14:48] <@Faerzen_Norstov> So.... I am sorry.
[14:49]  * Nick_Varnegs_ stands up and sits on the armrest of the couch faerzen is sitting at
[14:49] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Hiding it all from everyone, particularly you, was difficult, and while I am still not certain it was the morally correct thing to do I stand by my belief that it was the best thing to do.
[14:49]  * Faerzen_Norstov avoids eye contact with Nick, still looking at the fireplace and continuing to talk
[14:50] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It all goes back to that mask of yours.
[14:50] <Nick_Varnegs_> its always about the mask isn't it?....
[14:51] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You know how I suggested several times that it was sentient somehow and was able to talk to you or influence you? You weren't convinced and my book told me it wasn't sentient or possessed or anything, so I didn't pursue the idea much.
[14:51] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It turns out it in fact is.
[14:51] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh.
[14:51] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... that's... something
[14:51] <@Faerzen_Norstov> A powerful entity known as Abyss inhabits the mask and him sharing his power with those who wear it is how the mask manifests its properties.
[14:52] <Nick_Varnegs_> so i guess... these. are a manifestation of abyss?
[14:52]  * Nick_Varnegs_ moves his wings around
[14:52] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss?
[14:52] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What do you mean by that name?
[14:52] <Nick_Varnegs_> you just said it
[14:53] <Nick_Varnegs_> abyss inhabits the mask
[14:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh, it sounded as though you had recognized the name.
[14:53] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[14:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Never mind. I suppose I am simply a bit on edge. Forget I said anything.
[14:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> When Lyra borrowed the mask from you briefly, she talked with Abyss.
[14:54]  * Nick_Varnegs_ moves one of his wings aroound and somewhat wraps it around faerzen
[14:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She made a deal with it.
[14:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> An incredibly rash and foolish deal.
[14:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She agreed that Abyss would provide her powers to break out of her imprisonment on Derse in exchange for some yet-to-be-determined and vague "debt".
[14:55]  * Nick_Varnegs_ stares at the fireplace in silence
[14:55] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Later, as I am sure you are now aware, Lyra stole your mask.
[14:55] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I still know not how she was able to do that when it was in your sylladex, but sometimes when it comes to Lyra, it is best simply to not ask questions.
[14:56] <@Faerzen_Norstov> After that, Lyra was furious at the mask that the deal had not panned out how she was hoping.
[14:56] <Nick_Varnegs_> to be fair.... my sylladex is not that safe
[14:56]  * Nick_Varnegs_ takes out a small-ish leatherbound sketchbook
[14:57] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh?
[14:57]  * Nick_Varnegs_ hands faerzen the sketchbook
[14:57] <Nick_Varnegs_> that's my sylladex
[14:57]  * Faerzen_Norstov carefully takes it, looking at it inquisitively and flipping some of the pages
[14:58] <Nick_Varnegs_> (( http://pastebin.com/ev0Fb8du you see drawings of the items inside))
[14:58] <`DICE> Title: INVENTORY | By: roodrimus123[NORMAL User!] | On: Apr 15th, 2015 | Syntax: None | Size: 0.86 KB | Views: 57 | Expires: Never
[14:58] <@Faerzen_Norstov> How does it function?
[14:58] <Nick_Varnegs_> rip the page out. item is now in your hands, page appears again in the book.
[14:58] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Ah, I can see how that lacks security.
[14:59] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I suppose that solves that mystery.
[14:59] <Nick_Varnegs_> draw something. item is now in the card, the codes are written in the corner as a title for the drawing
[14:59] <Nick_Varnegs_> that's about it.
[14:59] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Thankfully my sylladex is much more abstract, so I am quite certain only I can access it mentally.
[15:00]  * Faerzen_Norstov hands Nick back the book
[15:00] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I quite like these drawings, Nick.
[15:00]  * Nick_Varnegs_ takes the book and puts it on the inside of his doublet
[15:00] <Nick_Varnegs_> thanks
[15:00]  * Nick_Varnegs_ weakly smiles and unconsiously wraps faerzen closer with his wing
[15:01] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... then the case happened?
[15:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Not quite.
[15:01] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh.
[15:01]  * Faerzen_Norstov cautiously eyes Nick's wing around him, but continues talking normally
[15:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss had a contract.
[15:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> A contract that Lyra had signed.
[15:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It appeared as though Abyss had decided on the aforementioned debt.
[15:03] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... that's just plainly stupid coming from lyra
[15:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> In exchange for the power Abyss was to lend Lyra, he was to in exchange consume her soul when we complete this game (or earlier, if she dies), consume the souls of everyone Lyra kills, and be able to completely control Lyra's body for half an hour every day.
[15:03] <Nick_Varnegs_> who in the hell agrees on something without knowing the whole terms.... apart from lyra?
[15:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Please.....
[15:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Just don't get me started on Lyra.
[15:04] <Nick_Varnegs_> lyra is just lyra.
[15:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She is quite far from my favorite person at the present.
[15:04] <Nick_Varnegs_> just.... continue
[15:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, I agree that this agreement she made was *incredibly* foolish, but she rashly made it anyways.
[15:05] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And now there were consequences.
[15:06] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra, of course, was furious and blamed Abyss and SABATH for everything, because obviously there was no way this was her fault.
[15:06] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She went on an angry tirade and threatened all sorts of nonsensical legal action against Abyss.
[15:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Eventually, Abyss conceded to let some impartial judge hear her absurd "case", and my book was summoned to be the judge.
[15:08] <Nick_Varnegs_> and then you got teleported there as a defendant?
[15:08] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra proceeded to spout a long list of shakily-founded arguments of dubious quality, ranging from being a sociopath to being really grumpy to semantic arguments about the contract.
[15:08] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She would have easily gotten thrown out of court entirely if I had not been forcibly summoned there to serve as her legal representative.
[15:09] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Because of my experience with logic and because I had knowledge about this whole scenario, I was summoned because I was "the most qualified candidate available"
[15:09] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I had no desire to be entangled in this mess, but it was clear that if I were to leave, Lyra would be completely powerless as all she was doing was digger herself into a deeper and deeper hole.
[15:10] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I reluctantly agreed, but only after setting down ground rules that ensured there was no way I could be drawn into any sort of contractual agreement with Abyss as a result.
[15:11] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The last thing I wanted was to be similarly trapped because of some technicality or semantics.
[15:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I established order for how the trial was to proceed and arranged a recess to be able to have time to construct an actually reasonable case rather than whatever bullshit Lyra had "planned".
[15:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And so I collected evidence.
[15:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I thought.
[15:13]  * Nick_Varnegs_ keeps looking at the fireplace in silence
[15:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I worked.
[15:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I dare say I got quite distracted with a number of urgent matters along the way, so I had much less time to prepare than I would have hoped, but I had enough arranged to begin the trial.
[15:15]  * Nick_Varnegs_ coughs and moves around a bit
[15:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You okay?
[15:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> its nothing, just....
[15:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> continue please.
[15:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Are you sure?
[15:16] <@Faerzen_Norstov> .....Okay then.
[15:16] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra was infuriatingly uncooperative at the beginning of the trial. She continually tried to derail my arguments in favor of what she wanted to say.
[15:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Which, honestly, was mostly simply more yelling.
[15:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I finally got her to be quiet and only answer the questions I was asking her in the proceedings.
[15:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss was quite actively objecting throughout my arguments, but thankfully I was able to get most of his objections overruled.
[15:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have the entire proceedings recorded if you wish to watch them.
[15:18] <Nick_Varnegs_> i'd rather not.
[15:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I caution you though, much of the trial isn't pretty.
[15:19] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... congratulations faerzen. you succesfully defended lyra against a supernatural entity
[15:19] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Not without cost though!
[15:19] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh?
[15:19] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I forewent Lyra's semantics arguments which I believed very difficult to succeed in, and instead argued for her legal insanity.
[15:20] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I was quite effective and successful.
[15:20] <Nick_Varnegs_> lets face it. we are all insane in this game.
[15:20] <@Faerzen_Norstov> For the entire trial, over and over again, I tore Lyra apart. I showed the court every one of her disgusting features, her idiosyncrasies, her insanities, her violence.
[15:20] <@Faerzen_Norstov> By the end, there was nothing left.
[15:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I was so wrapped up in the proceedings.....
[15:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I enjoyed it!
[15:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Like every single argument and every sentence was a jab at Lyra.
[15:21] <Nick_Varnegs_> know what? we could do that
[15:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I used the whole trial as a way to vent my frustrations towards her and as an excuse to say all sorts of things that I had been wanting to say.
[15:22] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Alex was there to watch.
[15:22] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I used evidence and arguments so painful and gruesome, he passed out.
[15:22] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I didn't care! I simply kept on rolling because I was on a mission.
[15:22] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh
[15:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have no idea what he even thinks of Lyra now after all of that. I essentially painted the most gruesome picture of Lyra I possibly could right in front of him and had it legally acknowledged as an accurate portrait.
[15:24] <Nick_Varnegs_> but it isn't
[15:24] <Nick_Varnegs_> everyone looks bad if you just mention bad qualities
[15:25] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But that is the point! It wasn't just that I mentioned all her bad qualities, I convinced the court that there were so few good qualities to counteract them that those bad qualities qualified her as legally insane.
[15:26] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I admire how smart she is and how she has such ambition and drive, but those all get applied in the worst of ways!
[15:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> On top of that........
[15:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Your alternate self decided to pay us a visit.
[15:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I tried, I really did.
[15:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Or, at least I want to think I did.
[15:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But I completely lost it.
[15:31] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I almost got myself thrown out of court for what I did.
[15:31] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Fortunately, I instead was able to get him banished from the premises.
[15:32] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But then, do you know what I did?
[15:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I just used him as another piece of evidence!
[15:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I took everything he had ever done, and twisted it around to prove a point. Everything in that folder, everything he did to everyone in his timeline, everything he did to Lyra in this timeline, all just to illuminate more dark corners of Lyra's dark psyche.
[15:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Shining light on just how dark of a person Lyra actually is.
[15:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And I *enjoyed* it.
[15:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I had eviscerated Lyra, and in the same time proven myself victorious.
[15:36] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[15:37] <Nick_Varnegs_> i... see
[15:38] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... let me see if i understand this correctly... you painted lyra in a really bad spotlight to protect everyone including her?
[15:39] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes. However, "painted in a bad spotlight" made it sound like I twisted facts to seem different or that I emphasized things to misrepresent her. I sincerely do not believe I did! To me, that is the real Lyra.
[15:39] <Nick_Varnegs_> but.... that painting is just a rather.... not that adequate term for what you did?
[15:40] <Nick_Varnegs_> yes. i see
[15:40] <Nick_Varnegs_> so..... you twisted truth around for her and everyone
[15:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I less "twisted" the truth and more took advantage of every piece of truth I could get my hands on to prove my point.
[15:41]  * Nick_Varnegs_ nods in understanding
[15:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Now Lyra is legally insane.
[15:42] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She is incapable of forming any legally binding agreements and any such existing agreements are nullified.
[15:42] <Nick_Varnegs_> or you rather proved that she was
[15:42] <Nick_Varnegs_> ....
[15:42] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She fit the ticket for being legally insane, but was not actually considered legally insane until the judge declared her to be so at the conclusion of the trial.
[15:44] <Nick_Varnegs_> does that make a difference in any way? she was insane before and after the trial, but now lyra has the official word of it
[15:44] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, her being declared legally insane does make a difference.
[15:44] <Nick_Varnegs_> i guess that's about it with the case stuff...
[15:44] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh?
[15:44] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Now she is entirely unable to enter into any legally binding agreements with Abyss.
[15:45] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... apart from that?
[15:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And that contract that bound her soul to Abyss? That is now void and she is free of it.
[15:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> In essence, I saved her by destroying her.
[15:46] <Nick_Varnegs_> *sigh*
[15:46] <Nick_Varnegs_> i see
[15:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Unfortunately, that isn't all when it comes to the case.
[15:47]  * Nick_Varnegs_ stands up and dewraps the wing after realizing he was wrapping it in first place
[15:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> There is one more significant repercussion.
[15:47] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh.
[15:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss.
[15:48] <@Faerzen_Norstov> At the conclusion of the trial, Abyss had a story to tell.
[15:48] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[15:49] <@Faerzen_Norstov> According to Abyss, and I still have yet to ascertain the veracity of this account, this particular Abyss was the one from alternate Nick's timeline, and the one that you found in the dungeon was stolen by your alternate self while you were sleeping.
[15:49] <@Faerzen_Norstov> According to Abyss, your alternate self swapped the masks.
[15:50] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The contract Abyss had was supposedly from that timeline and was made with the Lyra from that timeline.
[15:50]  * Nick_Varnegs_ does a weird sound that sounds like a growl mixed with a sigh
[15:51] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss claimed that this whole debacle was simply a misunderstanding because Abyss did not know that he had been transported to an alternate timeline.
[15:52] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If his account is correct, then his reaction to the recent events were reasonable, and he can hardly be faulted for what he has done since Lyra stole him from you.
[15:52] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If he is lying, then this is simply another part of his manipulative scheme to escape repercussions from me defeating him in court.
[15:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra was furious, and would stand for absolutely nothing less than indefinitely exiling Abyss into space locked in a box.
[15:53] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... where is abyss now?
[15:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ......
[15:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Please let me finish with my explanation to provide context to my response but Abyss......
[15:54]  * Faerzen_Norstov takes a deep breath, closing his eyes
[15:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> He is upstairs in my bedroom.
[15:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have been wearing him ever since the trial ended.
[15:55] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[15:55] <Nick_Varnegs_> ........................
[15:55] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...you can keep the mask.... of anyone... you are the only one i actually trust to have it
[15:56] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I...... I do not know if I want to keep it.
[15:56] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But I do know that I need to retain possession of it for the time being.
[15:56] <@Faerzen_Norstov> In fact, I am quite sure I do not want to keep it.
[15:56] <Nick_Varnegs_> its up to you
[15:57] <Nick_Varnegs_> as far as im concerned, i would place it back onto its original pedestal
[15:57] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I specifically told him I wanted none of his power.
[15:57] <@Faerzen_Norstov> He has respected that thus far.
[15:57] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... i created my wings from his power?
[15:57] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes.
[15:58] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...when you get the chance, tell him that im sorry for using his power without permission
[15:58] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You didn't.
[15:58] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[15:58] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You were only able to use his power because he gave it to you.
[15:59] <Nick_Varnegs_> oh.
[15:59] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Herein lies my dilemma.
[15:59] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Abyss is able to lend his power to those wearing him.
[15:59] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It seems that Abyss is not always, however, able to control how they use this power.
[16:00] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If this is the case, then much of the destruction cause in the alternate timeline was not Abyss's fault, but rather the fact that alternate Nick was using him as a weapon of mass destruction.
[16:01]  * Nick_Varnegs_ sighs again.and sits down on the armrest... again
[16:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Even in this timeline, if it is true that the contract Abyss summoned was from an alternate timeline, then everything bad that has happened here from the mask has been from Lyra using it.
[16:01] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That contract was legitimately agreed upon by alternate Lyra who was in *quite* a bit if different circumstances and would be quite ready to sell her soul given that the session seemed irreversibly doomed.
[16:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If this is true, then Abyss never made you do anything here either. you chose to use the mask as an outlet to your anger and you wanted your own wings to match mine.
[16:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If all of that is true, then Abyss is more of a bystander in all of this.
[16:02]  * Nick_Varnegs_ weakly smiles
[16:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> A powerful entity who let others use his power for destruction.
[16:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> *However*
[16:03]  * Nick_Varnegs_ 's smile fades
[16:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It is also entirely possible all of this is false.
[16:03] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That Abyss is simply trying to paint himself as the victim, and that he does actually have malicious intentions.
[16:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Because of that, the risk of letting him walk free among our session is far to great.
[16:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But at the same time, exiling him to eternal solitary confinement as Lyra wished is also entirely unfair if Abyss is telling the truth.
[16:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Since I know not whether he tells the truth, I can do neither.
[16:05] <@Faerzen_Norstov> So, instead, I have kept Abyss with me under guard. I have the crown to protect me from Abyss's potential mental influences, and I intend to use this time to better ascertain the truth behind this whole situation.
[16:06] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Keeping him with me while I am mentally shielded and have refused to use any of his power seems to me the place to keep him that has minimal risk to the session should he be malicious.
[16:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> This is why he is upstairs.
[16:07] <Nick_Varnegs_> well... that's.... something
[16:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What.... do you think of all of that?
[16:08] <Nick_Varnegs_> it seems like you taking care of potentially dangerous things and people is quite.... common
[16:09] <@Faerzen_Norstov> .....
[16:09]  * Faerzen_Norstov sighs
[16:09] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I suppose so.
[16:09] <Nick_Varnegs_> what you did was one of the best things you could have done
[16:09] <Nick_Varnegs_> can we move on from that topic?
[16:10] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, I think we can. However, I still have one question for you about all of this.
[16:10] <Nick_Varnegs_> ...
[16:10] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You have had the mask for much longer than I have. You are the one who has used its power, not I.
[16:11] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What do you think about Abyss's account and about simply being a bystander that others used?
[16:11] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Did you ever get any sort of sense from wearing the mask? What do you think might be true?
[16:12] <Nick_Varnegs_> it has a consiousness... using it as a tool or weapon was wrong... i never knew there was any sort of entity other than... me
[16:13] <Nick_Varnegs_> i would like to talk when its a good moment for both of us
[16:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> So you didn't feel like the mask influenced your actions or made you do things you wouldn't have otherwise?
[16:13] <Nick_Varnegs_> no. it was just... me
[16:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Okay.
[16:13] <Nick_Varnegs_> everything i had done with the mask on, i could have done without it
[16:14] <Nick_Varnegs_> so... i guess its time?
[16:14]  * Faerzen_Norstov sighs
[16:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, I think it is.
[16:14]  * Faerzen_Norstov stares into the fireplace
[16:14]  * Nick_Varnegs_ sits down crosslegged on the floor...
[16:14] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Before you say anything, I have one thing I think it is important to say
[16:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I didn't particularly think of it at the time, but I have thought about it since then.
[16:15] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Back when I first told you about everything I had done with us at the beginning, I asked for a second chance.
[16:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> faerzen.
[16:15] <Nick_Varnegs_> care to sit in front of me?
[16:16]  * Nick_Varnegs_ taps the carpet in front of him
[16:16]  * Faerzen_Norstov scoots off of his chair and sits on the carpet opposite Nick
[16:16] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Even in asking for forgiveness about manipulating you, I was manipulating you again.
[16:16] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Think about it.
[16:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> When did I ask you for a second chance? Immediately after you had just spilled to what you thought was a dead Faerzen's account how much you missed and needed me and how you didn't know what you would do if I were gone.
[16:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What else were you going to say?
[16:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Of course you gave me a second chance.
[16:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I want you to know that that should not be binding. I essentially cornered you into saying that, even if I didn't do it consciously at the time.
[16:18] <Nick_Varnegs_> no
[16:18] <Nick_Varnegs_> you didn't
[16:18] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If, after whatever it is we end up discussing here, you decide otherwise, that is perfectly fine.
[16:18]  * Nick_Varnegs_ falls back and lays on the floor
[16:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I am an egomaniacal, sadistic, and manipulative control freak, Nick. I don't want a relationship to be between me and someone else I fabricated or bullied into giving me what I want. And nobody else deserves that either. That is all there is to say on that matter.
[16:21] <Nick_Varnegs> look. in a way I manipulated myself into it
[16:22] <Nick_Varnegs> that's all you have to say?
[16:22] <Nick_Varnegs> well... where do i start then...
[16:23] <Nick_Varnegs> look... when i gave you a second chance, i didn't feel cornered. our relationship was but a fabrication.. that hurt...
[16:23] <Nick_Varnegs> b-but....
[16:24] <Nick_Varnegs> ...but
[16:24] <Nick_Varnegs> its stopped being so at one point
[16:24] <Nick_Varnegs> when was it for you?
[16:25] <@Faerzen_Norstov> When did it stop becoming a fabrication?
[16:25] <Nick_Varnegs> yes
[16:25] <Nick_Varnegs> when did it?
[16:26] <@Faerzen_Norstov> For me, there was no clear point where I felt like I had feelings for you enough to counteract that everything else between us was something I had artificially constructed. I do not know if it was ever possible for me to have feelings strong enough to fully counteract what I had built since what I had done was so screwed up. First the fact that I a
[16:26] <@Faerzen_Norstov> rtificially constructed it to begin with made the relationship superficial, then after I started developing feelings for you it made me so guilty that I could never actually look at you properly.
[16:27] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The only time I can confidently say that what I felt towards you was only my feelings and not what I had manipulated us into was after I told you about what I had done.
[16:27] <@Faerzen_Norstov> With such a load on my chest, I could never have a healthy relationship with you, and I think that is in part why I told you.
[16:28]  * Nick_Varnegs returns to sitting position
[16:28] <Nick_Varnegs> well then... can you say it now?
[16:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Even if the new growth and construction on the monument of our relationship was together and in good heart, if the foundation it is built upon is false, it can never truly be a beautiful work.
[16:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That is why I knocked everything down to start afresh.
[16:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Can I say what now?
[16:29] <Nick_Varnegs> what do you think?
[16:30] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What do I think of what? Of you and what is between us?
[16:31] <Nick_Varnegs> yes?
[16:32] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I really want our relationship to be a beautiful monument. I want to begin construction again with a sound and genuine foundation. However, given everything I have done and keep doing when it comes to being a sadistic, egomanaical, manipulative control freak, I don't know if constructing a solid monument is possible, no matter how badly I want it.
[16:32] <Nick_Varnegs> ....
[16:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Even if I might trick myself into thinking I have good intentions, I have had such a poisonous effect on everyone around me I have grown close to.
[16:33]  * Faerzen_Norstov gestures on his glasses to bring up a message log
[16:33] <Nick_Varnegs> faerzen.
[16:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> < http://pastebin.com/sskh0Hgc appears in the air>
[16:33] <`DICE> Title: Faerzen trashes Byron | By: mellowhi[NORMAL User!] | On: Aug 11th, 2015 | Syntax: None | Size: 18.52 KB | Views: 237 | Expires: Never
[16:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Look at that!
[16:33] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Byron and I used to be close friends, and look at what I did.
[16:33] <Nick_Varnegs> as if i didn't know how cold and manipulative you can be.
[16:34]  * Nick_Varnegs skims through some lines of text
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> [18:21] <@visceralVanguard> You're totally free to "mope or whatever" to me if you would like
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> [18:22] <@visceralVanguard> However, I would very much appreciate that happening after I am done trying to "save us all or something like that"
[16:34] <Nick_Varnegs> as if i didn't know how much you feel like you are poisonous
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> [18:26] <@visceralVanguard> If there's a way that you see that you can help, then by all means, let me know
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> [18:27] <@visceralVanguard> Otherwise I will continue to leave you in my blind spot of surveillance because, let's be honest, it probably doesn't matter.
[16:34] <Nick_Varnegs> and you are in a way.
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, I am!
[16:34] <Nick_Varnegs> but once again. you are focusing only on the bad things
[16:34] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I talked with Tarane earlier in my room.
[16:35] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She is with Byron right now, and ever since I talked with him, he has been stuck in this self-deprecating cycle of feeling useless and pointless.
[16:35] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I quite literally told him to piss off and stop bothering me because he's so useless there's no point in me keeping an eye on him because even if he screws up he's so useless whatever he screws up won't matter anyways.
[16:36] <Nick_Varnegs> ....
[16:36] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I spent much of the trial proving how Lyra enjoys being in pain and suffering.
[16:36] <@Faerzen_Norstov> She really is quite masochistic.
[16:36] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But on the flip side, deep down, I think I really do enjoy inflicting pain on others, particularly if I think it is just or deserved.
[16:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Having that conversation with Byron and tearing him down off of what I saw as a completely bogus pedestal of self pride.....
[16:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Spending the entire trial showing how terrible and twisted of a person Lyra is.....
[16:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I get this strange sort of satisfaction out of it..........
[16:38] <@Faerzen_Norstov> And if deep down I really enjoy screwing other people over, how is it possible for me to grow close to someone without that causing huge amounts of damage?
[16:38] <Nick_Varnegs> trying?
[16:39] <Nick_Varnegs> look at me. look at how unstable i was when i got the mask
[16:39] <Nick_Varnegs> if there was any kind of change its because i wanted to change too
[16:40] <Nick_Varnegs> i still like the taste of blood, i still like violence, im still easily stressed and other things
[16:40] <Nick_Varnegs> but....
[16:40] <Nick_Varnegs> but i have tried so far. i have tried to change.
[16:40] <Nick_Varnegs> if you dont believe yourself able to do so....
[16:40] <Nick_Varnegs> then why are we even having this conversation?
[16:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I never said I don't believe it is ever possible for me to eventually work past this.....
[16:41] <Nick_Varnegs> it sounds like it faerzen
[16:41] <Nick_Varnegs> you keep talking about yourself in this way
[16:42] <Nick_Varnegs> you just keep doing it.
[16:42] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What I mean is that I think it highly unlikely that I will be able to work past this without making many more mistakes along the way, and I don't want to put anyone in the position where they have to suffer because of that.
[16:42] <Nick_Varnegs> you keep blaming yourself for just being you
[16:42] <Nick_Varnegs> mistakes makes us who we are.
[16:42] <Nick_Varnegs> mistakes and pain makes us stronger
[16:42]  * Nick_Varnegs taps one of the scars on his arm
[16:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Yes, they do.
[16:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> However, if making mistakes hurts everyone around you, then making those mistakes in the middle of a crowd hardly seems wise.
[16:43] <Nick_Varnegs> sigh....
[16:44]  * Nick_Varnegs scoots somewhat closer to faerzen
[16:44] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I guess what I am trying to say is this.
[16:44] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I do not doubt that it will eventually be possible for me to overcome this and grow past it. However, I do not want to have manipulated you into a spot where you are stuck next to me the whole way, taking the brunt of the suffering that I cause along the way to trying to become better.
[16:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You don't deserve that.
[16:45] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Nobody does.
[16:47] <Nick_Varnegs> ...but...
[16:47]  * Nick_Varnegs leans in a bit
[16:47] <Nick_Varnegs> what if i WANT to?
[16:47] <Nick_Varnegs> what if i want to be with you through this?
[16:47] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What if you only want to because I built our interactions so that you basically had no choice in the matter?
[16:48] <Nick_Varnegs> what if it is just for the fact that i think you need as much help as i did back then?
[16:48] <Nick_Varnegs> this is not for you
[16:48] <Nick_Varnegs> this is for us
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> i do have a choice
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> i could easily stand up and leave right now
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> but i am sitting right here.
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> with you
[16:49] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Nearly everything that has led us to where we are right this moment is because of something I did to manipulate you or someone around you. What if I basically built my own personal companion that wouldn't want to leave me?
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> just because.... i want to
[16:49] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What if everything that you want right now is only because I made you want it?
[16:49] <Nick_Varnegs> what if its not?
[16:50] <@Faerzen_Norstov> How can either of us ever know for sure which? It seems most likely to me that it is some complicated mixture of the two.
[16:51] <Nick_Varnegs> sigh...
[16:51] <Nick_Varnegs> look
[16:51] <Nick_Varnegs> faerzen
[16:51]  * Nick_Varnegs leans in and gives faerzen a quick kiss
[16:51] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What?
[16:51]  * Faerzen_Norstov shakily and slowly looks up at Nick
[16:52]  * Nick_Varnegs is looking at faerzen with a mostly expressionless face
[16:53] <Nick_Varnegs> look. at one point i fucking knew what i as getting myself into by being with you
[16:53] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Can you actually say that you really knew?
[16:53] <Nick_Varnegs> yet. im still here, im free to leave, if i wanted i would have done so. your manipulation just made me want to be a better me for everyone.
[16:54] <Nick_Varnegs> ...because you told me so
[16:54] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ........
[16:54] <Nick_Varnegs> back when i found out about the book?
[16:54] <Nick_Varnegs> something something "i want to be with the real faerzen"
[16:55] <@Faerzen_Norstov> something something "this is the real Faerzen right here."
[16:55] <Nick_Varnegs> ...we already started over. this is me being with the real faerzen
[16:55] <Nick_Varnegs> and this is me going through this with the real faerzen
[16:56] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ...........
[16:57] <Nick_Varnegs> and this is fucking me trying to convince the control freak that i actually love him instead of just a sick mixture of feelings that he made me feel
[16:57]  * Faerzen_Norstov begins shaking slightly
[16:57]  * Nick_Varnegs puts his hands on faerzen's shoulders
[16:57]  * Faerzen_Norstov looks at Nick
[16:58] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I......
[16:58]  * Nick_Varnegs has a look of intense determination
[16:58]  * Faerzen_Norstov shakily tries to form words
[16:59]  * Nick_Varnegs stays there. holding faerzen
[17:00] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I-I...... I know that I am g-going..... to hurt you again in the future........ I'm f-far from.... p-perf-fect.
[17:00] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Are you...... s-sure about this.....?
[17:01] <Nick_Varnegs> faerzen. look at me. im a murderous maniac, nobody is perfect, nobody will be. so fuck that
[17:01]  * Nick_Varnegs leans in and gives faerzen another quick kiss
[17:02] <Nick_Varnegs> but... i want you to know. you are no longer on a pedestal.... far from it.
[17:02]  * Faerzen_Norstov looks down in his lap
[17:02] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Good.
[17:03] <Nick_Varnegs> we both are horrible people. we both indeed are, we both have good qualities, but focusing on the bad ones isn't going to get us anywhere
[17:03] <Nick_Varnegs> right now.
[17:03] <Nick_Varnegs> RIGHT NOW. there's nowhere else i would be than here.
[17:04] <@Faerzen_Norstov> My dad....... he always had this thing he would tell me when I was stressed with school or mistakes.
[17:04] <Nick_Varnegs> and right now. you are stressed.... how do you feel right now?
[17:04]  * Faerzen_Norstov closes his eyes, remembering
[17:05]  * Nick_Varnegs weakly smiles
[17:05] <@Faerzen_Norstov> "Faerzen, we know not what the future holds in store, only the past. All we can do here in the present is let that past refine us, not define us."
[17:06] <Nick_Varnegs> dont let your past define your future... keem moving forward
[17:06] <Nick_Varnegs> im sure your dad was a wise man
[17:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Let your past refine you, not define you. He always said that whenever one of my laboratory or school projects failed.
[17:07] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I never realized how true that was about so many other things as well......
[17:08]  * Faerzen_Norstov tears his eyes away from the tumultuous waterfall and looks at Nick
[17:08] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ........thank you.
[17:08] <Nick_Varnegs> well then... as franchesco said to me once... "you dont get anywhere by being perfect. most of the important things of life are in the mistakes we make, for they will make us greater"
[17:08] <Nick_Varnegs> anytime faerzen
[17:09]  * Nick_Varnegs smiles at faerzen
[17:11]  * Faerzen_Norstov begins shaking again, and slowly leans forward to capture Nick in an embrace, gently resting his chin on Nick's shoulder
[17:11]  * Nick_Varnegs falls back in surprise.
[17:12]  * Nick_Varnegs embraces faerzen looking at the ceiling
[17:12]  * Faerzen_Norstov falls too, faceplanting into the carpet
[17:12] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ((muffled)) Oof.
[17:12] <Nick_Varnegs> ....you ok?
[17:13] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ((muffled)) Yufpf.
[17:13]  * Nick_Varnegs shuffles around so faerzen is more comfortable
[17:14]  * Faerzen_Norstov lays there, eyes shut, holding Nick gently
[17:14]  * Faerzen_Norstov smiles into the fuzzy carpet, slowly wrapping his wings around the pair of them
[17:15]  * Nick_Varnegs wraps his wings in response
[17:16]  * Faerzen_Norstov slowly exhales in a relaxed sigh
[17:17] <@Faerzen_Norstov> T-thank you.
[17:17]  * Faerzen_Norstov squeezes his eyes shut as a single tear falls onto the carpet in front of his face
[17:17]  * Nick_Varnegs kisses faerzen's hair
[17:19]  * Nick_Varnegs embraces faerzen even closer, as if it was possible somehow
[17:20] <Nick_Varnegs> faerzen
[17:20] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I........ I don't even know what to say right now........
[17:21] <Nick_Varnegs> then dont say anything. lets just stay like this for a while... this is nice
[17:21] <Nick_Varnegs> just.... the two of us
[17:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> This...... this *is* nice.
[17:21]  * Faerzen_Norstov smiles contentedly
[17:21] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Thank you for this.
[17:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The...... only thing I can think to say......
[17:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> is precisely what I said before.
[17:23] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Except this time I think I actually believe myself.
[17:23]  * Nick_Varnegs faintly laughts
[17:24] <Nick_Varnegs> i love you
[17:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I'm never letting you go. And I'm not going to let myself tell me otherwise anymore.
[17:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> There.
[17:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I said it again.
[17:24] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I love you too.
[17:24] <Nick_Varnegs> then. as i said before...
[17:24] <Nick_Varnegs> im not letting you go either
[17:24]  * Faerzen_Norstov briefly tightens embrace
[17:26]  * Faerzen_Norstov remains on the soft carpet hugging Nick and wrapped in their wings for quite some time
[17:27] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <some time later......>
[17:28]  * Nick_Varnegs continues hugging
[17:28] <Nick_Varnegs> so.....
[17:28] <Nick_Varnegs> are you hungry?
[17:28] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Now that I think about it, yes I am.
[17:29] <Nick_Varnegs> well then... i should get started on the fire...
[17:29]  * Nick_Varnegs helps faerzen up as he stands up.
[17:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The fire?
[17:29] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Do you not want to use the cookalizer?
[17:30] <Nick_Varnegs> i want to make this meal in the old way
[17:30] <Nick_Varnegs> it just tastes better... it feels more alive
[17:30] <Nick_Varnegs> also...
[17:30] <Nick_Varnegs> one last thing.
[17:31]  * Nick_Varnegs leans in and softly kisses faerzen
[17:31]  * Faerzen_Norstov closes his eyes and kisses Nick back
[17:33]  * Nick_Varnegs runs one of his hand trough faerzen's hair as he pulls him into a really tight embrace
[17:33]  * Faerzen_Norstov pulls Nick into a tight embrace, cradling the back of his head and smiling
[17:34]  * Nick_Varnegs picks faerzen up and spins him around
[17:35]  * Nick_Varnegs kisses faerzen's neck
[17:36] <Nick_Varnegs> so.... do you think that tarane is watching? she wanted us to talk this as soon as possible
[17:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I doubt she was watching. She doesn't seem like the sort of person that would do that.
[17:37] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I talked with her at great lengths just before this.
[17:38] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I assured her that I would talk to you as soon as you woke up. Between all of the information I just dumped on her and the fact that she is with Byron, I am sure she has plenty to deal with at the moment rather than just watching two people sit on the floor and talk.
[17:39] <@Faerzen_Norstov> The game connections do not even have audio, so it would be particularly pointless for her to have watched.
[17:39] <Nick_Varnegs> oh well
[17:40] <Nick_Varnegs> heh.
[17:40] <Nick_Varnegs> ill go start on the fire, if you need anything, just call me :)
[17:40]  * Nick_Varnegs kisses faerzen again for good measure
[17:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have some equipment in the garage that might prove useful if you want it.
[17:41] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Do you have fuel?
[17:41] <Nick_Varnegs> dont worry. i have my tools
[17:42] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I hope you do not intend on cutting down the tree in the backyard. I quite like that tree. :/
[17:42] <Nick_Varnegs> oh god!
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> no. i have brought coal from the medieval age
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> i hope it burns nicely
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Excellent. Here, let me only obtain one thing from the garage. I have a feeling you will like it. :)
* Nick_Varnegs smiles
* Faerzen_Norstov heads through door from the kitchen to the garage, tucking his wings in behind him as he goes
* Nick_Varnegs patiently sits down on the recliner
* Nick_Varnegs cracks his knuckles and stretches
* Faerzen_Norstov returns holding a metal rod about 3 feet long, and at the end of the rod, the rod bends around to form a coil that points at the ground. The coil is about a 6 inches in diameter and 6 inches tall, and the handle of the rod has some buttons on it
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> [to himself] ....well.... spicy meat would be nice....
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Are you ready for some fire?
* Nick_Varnegs looks at the contraption in confusion and surprise
* Faerzen_Norstov smirks
* Nick_Varnegs smirks as well
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> well then... surprise me
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I presume you haven't the foggiest idea what this is?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> something that easily makes fire?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It can if you want it to. :) It is a portable induction furnace.
* Nick_Varnegs has a somewhat macabre looking grin
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> that sounds ceirtainly interesting
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It is commonly used in metalworking and materials processing, but it is also certainly an excellent way to ignite objects.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> metalworking you say?
* Nick_Varnegs opens his eyes somewhat wider
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Essentially energy is run back and forth through this coil at the end here, and it creates a rapidly oscillating field inside the coil.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ...
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> This heats up whatever materials are inside, and it is particularly effective on conductive materials such as metal.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> that gives me an idea
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> While you tell me your idea, let me illustrate how it works.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> can i use your alchemizing machines?
* Faerzen_Norstov walks into the workshop and digs out a couple loose wires from one of the drawers and places them on the stone floor
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You see these wires? They are metallic with a polymer insulative coating.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ...i know some of those words
* Faerzen_Norstov places induction furnace coil around the wires on the floor and holds the green button on the handle
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> <you hear a gentle humming noise and see a faint orange glow coming from inside the coil somewhere>
* Nick_Varnegs puts his hand to his chin
* Faerzen_Norstov releases button and lifts up the furnace, revealing a bright orange pile of molten metal and plastic
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> interesting....
* Nick_Varnegs decaptchalogues his glaive
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> what do you think that would happen if i combine it with this?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Hmmm, I do not know. Predicting the outcomes of that machine are quite difficult.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It could do very little as induction furnaces require something to be held inside the coil for a longer period of time.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If I instead bumped these wires with the side of this, if would have done nothing to them.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> well... not many of the characteristics of the item are directly inherited from their components
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> If you wanted to use one of these to harm someone, you would need one big enough to fit around them and then trap them inside.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have no idea how it would interact with your glaive.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> how was your crossbow made in first place?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I combined a crossbow with a periodic table of all the chemical elements
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> interesting...
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so.... would you do me a favor now that we are on that?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> could you turn this? *points to glaive* into a harder metal?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What is it made out of now?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> silver cant hold an edge for long
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> perhaps iron
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> or something better
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Ah, silver. That makes sense.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> yup.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> pretty and shiny. not quite useful
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have some titanium samples in my lab that I use for catalysis.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That is a very durable metal, by the way.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> sounds interesting
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Can you detach just the metal blade from your glaive?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ...its entirely made from metal
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> somehow
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh, the handle and everything?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Even easier.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> wait
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> waitwaitwait
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> on a scale from 1 to 10....
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> how hard is that metal you are telling me about?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I have seemed to find that objects made with the "and" logical bitwise operation tend to create items that share both original items characteristics simultaneously. Often a mixture of both items' shapes and characteristics.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> because smithing is a tricky business... finding the right thing is hard....
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> On the other hand, objects made using the "or" logical bitwise operation tend to create items that share the characteristics and function of one of the items in the shape of the other.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> if the metal its too soft, it will bend and not hold an edge
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> So if we could do your glaive "or" my titanium sample....
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> if its too hard, it wont hold it either
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> hmmmm
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> We could end up with titanium in the shape of your glaive!
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> perhaps that would be a nice idea
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Titanium is very commonly used for tools and industrial blades in my time
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It resists corrosion very well and is a very strong metal without being brittle
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It is usually quite expensive though.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright then. sounds good enough :)
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> oh
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That is why I do not have very much of it, but hopefully the alchemiter can take care of that!
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> i hope so
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Do you have a fire location set up outside?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> not quite. i was thinking of using some hard stone floor
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> just something that wont catch fire.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> You could set it up on the driveway out front. That is made of composite ceramic. It will most certainly not combust.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> great :)
* Nick_Varnegs hands faerzen the glaive as he stands up
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> could you hold this for a moment?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Indeed.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> thanks!
* Faerzen_Norstov takes glaive, examining it while Nick does whatever it is that he does
* Nick_Varnegs stretches. reaching for the floor without bending his knees
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Stretching is quite a good idea. I am afraid I have not done that in several days.....
* Nick_Varnegs puts his palms down on the ground and moves his neck around to stretch
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> y-yuuup...
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> franchesco just.... loved... doing this
* Nick_Varnegs takes a tiny step forward making his position even.... stretchier
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> theeere we go
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Do not forget about your wings!
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov>You did not used to need to worry about stretching those. :)
* Nick_Varnegs stretches his wings to his sides and holds them in air for a few seconds
* Nick_Varnegs returns to standing position
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so....
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> do you like somewhat spicy food?
* Nick_Varnegs starts bending backwards and bending his knees just a bit
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I cannot say that spicy food is terribly common in Norway, so I do not have much of an opinion on the matter?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> aaaaaalright theeeeeen
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I enjoy burritos.
* Nick_Varnegs keeps slowly bending backwards
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> buuuurritos?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> That probably is not terribly helpful though.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ((http://redefiningstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/glute-bridge-.jpg))
* Nick_Varnegs reaches the ground with his shoulders
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so.... what are burritos?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> They are originally from Mexico and Spain. They are essentially a sort of thin pancake wrapped around a great deal of toppings like spicy chicken and vegetables and rice.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> that sounds tasty
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> They are!
* Nick_Varnegs extends his legs and slowly stands up
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> theeeere we go
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> i have a surprise for you later today, you better stretch fae fae ;p
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> What?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Oh dear.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> what?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Well, I am flexible.....
* Faerzen_Norstov reaches and touches the ground
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> But I am nowhere near *that* flexible
* Faerzen_Norstov gestures at Nick
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ill leave it for after we are done with food
* Nick_Varnegs smirks
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> :|
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> well... give me just a second
* Nick_Varnegs takes a deep breath
* Nick_Varnegs kneels and takes another deep breath
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright... lets hope wings dont make this too complicated
* Faerzen_Norstov looks at Nick, very perplexed
* Nick_Varnegs grins
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright faerzen....
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> look at this
* Nick_Varnegs does http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/most-flexible-yoga-poses3-1296884734.jp...
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> ........
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> :|
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Well then.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I reeeeeally hope that having me do that is not your surprise because that is quite impressive and there is no way in hell I will ever be able to do that.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> not really. its just something that occured to me a while ago
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> something i brought from home
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so...
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright...
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> just... a moment
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ...
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> can you help me stand up?
* Faerzen_Norstov captchalogues glaive (Ag - SILVER) and extends a hand to help Nick up
* Faerzen_Norstov rolled a 7-1=6 for strength
* Nick_Varnegs is unmoved
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright... coud you try just... grabbing my torso and lifting it just a bit? so i can like... place my hands on the ground?
* Faerzen_Norstov reaches around behind Nick's back and braces his hands against the center of Nick's back and lifts
* Faerzen_Norstov rolled a 9-1=8 for strength
* Nick_Varnegs blushes and lets out a weird sound
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> careful with those hands!
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> How else am I supposed to lift your torso?
* Nick_Varnegs slowly bends forward
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ...good point
* Nick_Varnegs falls to his side and slowly uncurls
* Nick_Varnegs stands up
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> remind me to not do that again
* Faerzen_Norstov chuckles
* Nick_Varnegs chuckles too
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so....
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Fire time?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ill go make us some food
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> yup
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> fire time
* Nick_Varnegs gives faerzen a quick kiss
* Faerzen_Norstov decaptchalogues the glaive (Ag - SILVER) and makes his way to the front door after giving Nick a quick kiss in return
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> so... can you give me the flamey stuff, the glaive and the titanium sample?
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> thanks fae fae.
* Nick_Varnegs captchalogues the glaive
* Faerzen_Norstov hands Nick the portable induction furnace
* Nick_Varnegs slowly puts the p.i.f on the ground and does a few quick lines to draw it... after a few seconds it dissapears into what's supposed to be the card
* Faerzen_Norstov returns to the workshop to find a titanium sample the size of a 2-3 inch diameter disk
* Nick_Varnegs draws the disk as well
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> Here you are, with the metal. Try the double-punching operation to alchemize Glaive || Titanium
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> alright. will do so :)
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> ill be out here if you need anything
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> see you in a while faerzen
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I need to..... apologize to some people.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I will come find you when I am done.
* Nick_Varnegs puts one hand on faerzen's shoulder
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> dont take it too hard on yourself ok?
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I won't.
* Nick_Varnegs hugs faerzen
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> While I have realized I am a lot worse than I thought since the last time this happen on the first day of this game, I have also come to accept all of this about myself much more.
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> It is who I am, and it's time to deal with that.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> exactly
[17:43] <@Faerzen_Norstov> I do not think any of the conversations I am going to have will be terribly huge so it shouldn't be a problem.
[17:43] <Nick_Varnegs> just... take it easy ;)
* Nick_Varnegs turns around and sits on the ceramic floor of the driveway