Telling Lyndis the truth

[12:13] After a bit of hiking aided by supernatural abilities, Bruno brought his partner in crime all the way to a rather secluded area - a small pond leading to a waterfall and coming from one. An area between land and mountaintop.

"Some humans use their free time to relieve boredom by doing non-essential activities such as fish, swimming, admiring the landscape, or merely taking in 'nature' by allowing their bodies to... absorb an area's general atmosphre. In your terms it would be as if you turned your sensitivity to the external world to a higher level, forsaking any potential immediate danger."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[12:21] Lyndis would take in her surroundings as she followed Bruno to their destination. Staying silent throughout the entire trek as she simply...analyzed the scenery that surrounded her. The light hum of the insects whirring around her head. The blissful chirps and fluttering of the birds that flew overhead. The rushing water that filled her ears from the nearby waterfall. For a human, perhaps such things would be normal for them to witness. But for a Synthetic bathed in the blood of her enemies and who knew nothing but mostly combat, it was a breath of fresh air. A change of pace of the chaos of the city that preceded them.
"Fish. Swimming. Admiring the landscape. Yes. I have...heard of humans doing such things before. They believe doing recreational activities such as this allows them to feel a sense of joy or relaxation. An escape from...the stressful realities of the world. Or...this is what I was able to assume from perusing from my data, at least. Forsaking any potential of immediate danger, however? This might be...difficult for me to do."

A glance is given down to the water as Lyndis looked at her reflection. A curious and almost surprised glance being plastered on her face as soon as she looked downward. A hand being placed on her chest as she continued to look at such reflection.
"...Is this...me?"

Her words would seem to imply she had never seen her own figure or face before. That this was the first time she had ever taken a glance at what she looked like. Not even having looked in a mirror at all during her life. Why would she? She had no use for makeup or changing clothes like other girls. There was simply no reason for her to ever divulge in human activities.
"..I did not know that I...looked like this."

As she crouched down, a small tilt of her head would be present as she continued to look at the reflection. Her silver, blank hues reflecting off of the water as she simply drooped her hand into the stream. Waving it around and getting her hand wet and destroying her reflection in the process..
"Oh...i'm gone."
(Lyndis)
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[12:29] The naïve curiosity that graced Lyndis was not one Bruno had expected to witness on such a day, yet, it certainly was one he welcomed. His goal after all was for the Synthetic to undergo novel experiences and grow further in her path to perfection. The fact she never knew of her appearance made it all the more... charming?

Out of all the people in Achyon the Aertas may have been the only one who truly prefered machine to people. Those he drew interest in were all far too mechanical, simple, efficient. Straight to the point. Lyndis' recent bouts with humor paired with this cheated proximity had managed to shift fascination to adoration. It wasn't like he never praised her functionalities.

"Have you never seen your own appearance? This may explain your various reactions when such was involved either directly or indirectly." He explains, watching her 'destroy' her own reflection with a touch.

"The ripples created onto the water's surface distorts its ability to reflect light. Leaving it untouched with restore this 'you'." He added, instructing her as they went and even going as far as finally sharing his opinion.

"I personally find your appearance pleasant and calming. It conveys trust and beauty, despite your functionality being a more violent one."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[12:42] Pulling her hand out from out of the water, Lyndis would attempt to wave her hand as if too dry the water from off her glove. Her attention seemingly being only focused on just mainly doing this as she listened to Bruno. Such a naïve curiosity could perhaps be mentioned as a...pure way of looking at the world that not many people had. As if it was a whimsical child viewing the world and it's curios from the first time. Ironic that such a mindset came from a being who's entire purpose was too...well, be a war machine. But her creator's must have had some other purpose in giving her such a childlike curiousity. Besides just wanting her to grow and learning from her experiences..
"Hm?"

Turning her head to Bruno, it would seem she would finally compute his words as she nodded her head.
"No. I have not ever seen my own appearance. I...had never had a reason to gaze into the eyes of my own being. Nor did I think i'd ever need too. But alas, i'll...add the data of my own appearance in my own database."

She's listen to Bruno's words intently. Taking them in and trying to understand them to the best of her ability. To her, such words were mostly just data for her to process and come to a logical conclusion too in that head of hers. Any emotion or opinion was all but lost when it came too any social cues that she might be able to decipher from someone. Alas, it did seem she was getting better at such things, however. If she was unable to know what an emotion was, than how would she able to replicate them as she had done before with Eve?
"Pleasant? And...calming? Is that how you perceive me? Perhaps such things would be different if we were enemies. My enemies do not see me the same way. Nor do...even many of my allies, it seems."

Lyndis would sort of furrow her brow as she gazed at the water below her once again. As if she was trying to ponder the meaning behind the boy's words.
"I admit, it is anomaly that my creators that I was made in the appearance of a woman. Would it not be more sufficient if I was made more intimidating in appearance? To mold me as if I were something I was not and would never be is...quite cruel, if you ponder about it. For...even I have the appearance of a beautiful woman, I...do not believe I am one truly."

"Mm. Perhaps my appearance allows my allies to trust in me more, however. If I was more intimidating, perhaps it would be more difficult to garner such trust. In this instance, perhaps it is not too much of an anomaly.."
(Lyndis)
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[12:49] "I believe that you have a degree of beauty. From the data you have collected and arrange for yourself to the way you process humor, kinship, duty, and any external stimuli. It is rather obvious that you are not the same as your artificial siblings, yet similar enough that one can draw a connection. Much like real siblings." He explains, further digging through that mystery and those processed thoughts of hers.

"Were my theory that your varied personalities and appearances be used for humanity to better accept the future and the change that comes with it, it would be sensible to design you to be as physically beautiful as possible. Perfection would not dwell with less-than-optimal appearances."

His blue eyes fell upon the water's surface, looking at his own reflection and hoping to convey something that may help Lyndis understand him, or humans, better.

"Much like you strive to acquire more knowledge and hope to always measure to expectations, I hold the same desires. When I see my reflection in the water it reminds me of the family I've failed. It reminds me of the birthright I could not grasp. While its awakening fuels my will it seems to be naught but hope."

A glance is given her way.

"I am but without resources and without clues as to how I can become the man I wish to be. A blind belief that it is possible has sustained me thus far."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[13:09] The young Synthetic girl would listen to Bruno's words intently. Simply fiddling with her glove and staring at the water as she did so. Bruno's assumptions about her seemed to be correct, for the most part. That she was different from her artificial siblings, but similar enough to them that one can draw a conclusion that she was of the same part of the Synthetic 'family'. Alas, most of the hidden details of her creation still seemed to be that. Hidden. But, perhaps the Synthetic's own actions and mannerisms could shed some light on those mysteries one day. Even if it was only slight.
"I see. Yes. I...can agree with that sentiment. Perhaps the intent of my design is more deeply complex than I might have originally assumed. My creators evidently knew what they were doing when creating me and...bringing me to life. Perhaps your hypothesis can be correct in some ways. That my appearance is due to an intent to create the perfect being. A being that...can be used for humanity to better accept the future and the changes that are due to come.."

"It is unfortunate that there is no way to confirm such a theory, however. Not in the present moment, at least."

It seemed that the idea of pondering about her own existence was not something the Synthetic really thought about until hearing Bruno's words. His curiosity about her origin perhaps spreading to her in some ways. She had only had but one protocol and purpose as per the programming implemented into her. She never had any reason to question it. But...was there perhaps more to her than she originally realized?

Who's to say..
"..."

Staring at her reflection silently, she'd ponder Bruno's words in that head of hers. The ideas of failure and wanting to meet the expectations placed upon her were always things she had cared for deep down. A relation to Bruno that she would audibly present to him as she spokeup
"Humans are...complex beings. I have....been unable to fully decipher the meaning of the things that they do. But...I am able to hypothesize some theories. I must admit, I too have revealed and resembled some thought of human emotion at times. Much like yourself, the idea of failure and wanting to meet the expectations of my peers is but one exterior force that drives me to continue on the path that was presented to me. Without those goals in mind? I believe I am nothing more than just a failed prototype. A prototype that...can be replaced by another just as easily as I was created."

"Like yourself, I am presented with lackluster data and resources on how I am supposed to truly transcend to the perfection that is desired of me. But...the idea that I am able to contribute to the comrades that have treated me well is...beneficial. Knowing that such comrades are able to be there by my side. It...allows me to increase my capabilities both on and off the battlefield.."

Tapping her chin, Lyndis would evidently be pondering very hard about this particular subject. So much so that, perhaps it wouldn't be too much of surprise if she overheated..
"..Mm. Do you continue to carry on because of your family and that legacy, Bruno? Because...you care about them? If so...perhaps I can understand why I wanted to save Eve from the clutches of the enemy that day. As foolish as it may have been."

"Simply put, I believe I...held a care for her. As if she was my true sibling. Though...the passion that I had felt for my sister seems to be long gone at this point. No matter how much I think about her, I do not believe she is an important as she once was to me anymore. I...do not fully understand why, myself. Maybe she has just...been away for too long."
(Lyndis)
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[13:30] The curiosity that came from her was one he welcomed, one he triggered and perhaps had hoped to be spoken to about. There were few people whom he could confide in. He trusted his family, and not much more. Lyndis was different than the rest, all due to his own manipulation. The theft of a confidant, a friend, an ally. Were the Empire made aware of his manipulations they may find them unethical and inappropriate, yet, with a granted permission the amount of action they could take was minimal.

If anything, they would merely reset project 'Lyndis' to her factory settings. A hurtful thought, yet one that never quite harmed him. It was a calculated risk he had taken and thus far it had paid off.

"I carry my grandfather's vision in my hands and mind, while my heart has been stolen by my grandmother's origins. It is a rather complicated situation, and..."

A thought presented itself in a manner he had not seen before; sharing the truth about his own legacy was not something he'd done with anyone. Neither had his siblings, he believed. Lyndis was the perfect partner for such.

".. please use the highest degree of encryption possible for what I am about to speak of next. Furthermore, lock the access to such information to the Aertas family solely. I do expect there are some individuals who will be allowed to bypass such, but they are so few that I doubt they would bother. I also insist you never bring up this subject on your own and merely speak of it if you deem it a necessity or if there are only individuals who are allowed access to this information within earshot."

Restrictions after restrictions. Secrets had to be kept as secretive as possible, and after seventeen years of life Bruno thought it was best he share his heart's pain with another, one who would benefit from such and one who could help him benefit as well with her greater computation power.

"My father had eyes of red. And so did my grandmother, and her father before her. Such a color is not common across Eternia, I am certain you have data on such. When I fought against the Supreme she bore the same red eyes, though my siblings assured me it could not be related to the same source as the ones that have no affected us."

A pause, and a look around to make sure no one could hear before blue eyes laid upon her evercurious own.

"I believe my great-grandfather had some level of divine blood coursing through his veins. My grandmother was never clear on how it happened, nor did she give any detail beyond the initial questionning we led upon her over the color of her eyes, our father's eyes, and our lack of this distinct trait. By all means, this implies that neither me nor any of my siblings were able to inherit our proper noble— divine heritage. It makes us failures in that regards. When I spoke of an ascension of my own that is what I seek. I believe that a mixture of magical abilities and technology can help me isolate and multiply this unique variation in my DNA.

I keep the Empire's interests at heart, yet I hold goals of my own. This is the most important one of them all."

After such a confession the young Aertas couldn't help but breathe out. He seemed to finally let go of a lot of tension in the process, cracking a soft smile and finding himself craving a shoulder to lean upon. Lyndis' would do just fine. The weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulder in that very moment, leaving him with but a single sentence left to speak.

"Classify this information and offer me your thoughts on it."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[13:46] The cool breeze of the wind would gently brush pass the two in the moment of silence preceding Lyndis's words. The soft flutter of the birds chirping and soaring through the skies still being all but audible, of course. The rushing water of the fall providing a fitting backdrop for Lyndis to confide. Perhaps Bruno's alterations were due to her saying so much to him in such little time. A calculated risk that...if discovered, could prove to be harmful..

Alas, Bruno's alterations were the reason Lyndis had forgotten so much about her sister. And the reason she had developed a relationship with Bruno and his siblings so quickly. Were such alterations moral? Or does tempting with her protocols also a way of tempting fate?
"...You wish to discuss such classified information with me? Are you sure that...this is the correct course of action, Bruno? Of course, I am able to encrypt such data so that it is only accessible to myself if you so wish. But..."

Lyndis would simply halt her words. It was impossible for her to compute in the moment why Bruno had decided to give her such classified information. But...she'd keep to her promise of keeping it tightly sealed within her database. And that she'd not speak a word about it with anyone else
"Affirmative. I will use the highest degree of encryption available to me and deny access to the Aertas family if you so wish to continue providing me with such information. I will...be able to keep your secret."

Curious ears would continue to listen to Bruno's story as she stared at the water. Silent and ever so observant to the secretive origins of his own story. Also making sure to analyze her surroundings subtly so that no one would be able to eavesdrop.
"Divine...blood? Much like the Primordials that the Empire wishes to capture? Yes. I have heard such stories of those imbedded with such blood coursing through theirveins. Such as the long-gone Petrakis noble lineage. If your hypothesis is correct, this would mean you bear lineage of similar origin to them, correct? Blood that is related to those of the divine. You simply...wish to ascend by being able to isolate and spread this variation of your DNA. I...understand. What a big venture compared to my own duties. I must beg the question however.."

"Why would you entrust me with such information of all others? Especially considering...your sibling-"

Wide eyes would be present as Bruno leaned on her shoulder. Wondering just...what exactly the Hel he was doing. At first, she would attempt to simply shrug him off, having no need of such affection. Yet...the protocol imbedded into her didn't seem to allow her to do so. Given she was told to care as much about him as her siblings..
"..Mm....I have classified this information in my database. If you have need of me to help you in your venture, I am available for whatever you may need, Bruno."
(Lyndis)
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[13:59] The physical proximity was not one that was proper or perhaps even needed, but it felt right in that moment. Be it due to the way that her programming allowed it all to happen or because of the magnitude of what he had said. With her clarifications being asked, so did come answers from him.

"Not like the Petrakis, no. The stories of their own lineage claims they were blessed by an angel, not given life by one. Primordials are a tad more complicated in their divinity, yet similar in a way. My grandmother was never quite clear towards us, but I do believe her father or her grandfather may have been one of those angels. It would explain how even dilluted such a powerful heritage reached even my father."

Perhaps a bit more explanation would help her in this subtle research. The knowledge she gathered and memorized could be the key to his own success. His lips parted once more as he finally removed himself from this unrequited affection.

"I entrust you with all of this information because I know I can trust you with it. Your programming is rigid. I have seen your funcions. I have seen how some areas of your brain are inaccessible."

This was the logical side of thing, and the only one that mattered.

"Were companionship beyond mere friendship with you of any value, purpose, or efficiency I would pursue as much. It is however clear that such a relationship remains pointless, inappropriate, and inefficient. This may better explain how vast my fascination with you is, Lyndis. It likely also has affected by ability to trust you in a positive manner."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[14:06] With the clarifications to his words being mentioned, Lyndis would simply nod her head as she listened to them. Silently taking them in and adding such information to her database so that she'd be able to put everything together. Holding little to no emotion to Bruno resting on her shoulder. It...probably wasn't the most comfortable place to rest, all things considered. It was pretty hard...
"Angels..."

This word in itself would have an garnered a reaction from Lyndis. Tapping her chin as she thought about it, she would have almost been...surprised. Such a word struck her to her very core. But for what reason?
"That word is...so fam-..nevermind."

Lyndis would not comment on her fascination to why such a word garnered her interest. But for now, she'd simply nod alongside Bruno as he spoke to her about trust.
"I see. I understand. Given my capabilities, it is easier to trust me with such information and allow me to assist you in your own venture. I am sure that such a companionship between you and I will be....beneficial, in the long run. Though...what was this about parts of my database that are inaccessible? Were...you able to see such in my database when you examined me?"

A curious gaze would look over to Bruno as she spoke. Furrowing her brow somewhat as she did so
"Mm. I sure do hope you did not go poking around in areas that you did not need too. But...I trust you, Bruno. We are allies. Such trust is a given both on and off the battlefield if we are to operate at our fullest potential for the Empire."


(Lyndis)
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[14:10] Bruno confirmed such a suspicion without much fight.

"It were merely there, I made no attempt to poke and search further; if it was not meant for my eyes then I should not break the trust you have granted me." He said, adding just a tad more to it all.

"I presume the Empire would know of the tampering the moment you linked with the Coalescence again. It was illogical to take such an action."

A moment of silence filled the air, allowing for the birds chirping and the running waters to embrace the young Aertas as he finally seemed just a tad more happy. It would be momentary, yet, it was all worth it. He took in the moment and finally asked:

"Has this sated your desire to know how to fend off boredom?"
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[14:11] {Item} You drop Runic Scroll.
[14:11] {Item} You picked up Runic Scroll - Power (Exalted). Dropped by Bruno pyr Aertas..
[14:14] "Mm. Indeed. Perhaps you have a point, when it comes to that. It would seem my boredom has been satiated for the time being. I must thank you for allowing me to...fend off such a troublesome anamoly. Now then, I believe it is time we head back. We do not want to keep everyone else waiting, after all."

With that, Lyndis would sway her hair as she continued to trek back to Achyon. Waiting for Bruno to follow her, of course.
(Lyndis)
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[14:15] Bruno pyr Aertas says, "Of course."
[14:15] Bruno pyr Aertas says, "You've provided me with great relief as well, Lyndis."
[14:16] Lyndis says, "You are welcome. And you have provided me with much information to process."
[14:16] Lyndis says, "This is...good."