[ Avicebron waited patiently while Ardyn hemmed and hawed over the matter, pen-tip hovering over the sheet of paper. ]
Testing the effects of allowing it to absorb other matter. [ Avicebron did automatically note that tip down, but as that information sank in, he gave a thoughtful cant of the head, tapping pen on paper. ] ... I see. It certainly seems worth experimenting with. Though in exceedingly small doses to start with. I wouldn't wish to risk sparking a dangerous reaction.
[ A small nod to himself before he set the pen down and looked back up to Ardyn. ]
I'll proceed with caution. But I'm grateful for the information regardless. If there are any other avenues you'd like me to pursue, you need only let me know. I do owe you for gifting me the sample.
[ He had to imagine that Ardyn had some sort of goal in mind, after all. True, selfless generosity didn't come easily to most people. And Ardyn didn't seem the type to be so saintly without reason. ]
I don't need much. A moonlacing partner to call on in times of need perhaps? [ He gave a faint smirk, wondering if that would happen. Perhaps if Grimm, Emet-Selch and Midna went the same way that Junpei, Dorian, and Hal had done. A distant fourth wasn't a foolish idea to have around. ]
In truth, I'm curious myself. I've no real desire to spread miasma anywhere, but it's always interesting to know how it reacts to things.
[ He reached out and clapped a hand on Caster's shoulder. ] Keep me in the loop with what you find, will you? If your golemancy works with it, I'd very much like to know.
[ That flippant answer earned a raised eyebrow behind the mask, and Avicebron glanced at the hand that laid on his shoulder. And after a moment, he nodded. ]
Of course. I cannot promise my progress will be swift, but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I discover anything.
[ That aside, he gave a cant of the head, briefly considering his words. ]
... I'm not the sort of person most would look to for moonlacing. But assuming you did not intend it as a joke, I suppose I've no reason to refuse you, either. You're free to look to me if you're ever in need.
[ There was about a 50/50 chance of it having been meant as a joke, he'd guess. ]
[ Ardyn kept his hand there, though he did lightly increase the pressure moments after Caster had spoken, as if affirming the gesture in light of this new information. He let his expression flicker to one of mild surprise, and then settle into something a little more intimate and friendly. ]
Ha, if I meant it as a joke, it was only because I assumed you would turn it down.
[ He squeezed his shoulder lightly, and then let go. ]
Of course I will keep you mind for such. And - presuming you have no others you would prefer - you are welcome to come to me, should you find yourself running low.
[ He notes that small squeeze to the shoulder somewhere at the very back of his mind, even as he automatically shakes his head. ]
I've no particular need -- ...
[ Though his words trail off thoughtfully after a moment.
It's not like him to look to people for help. Especially for such intimate matters. But given what he knows of Ardyn's nature, and what they hold in common ... It's a somewhat grim line of thought, but with Ardyn, there's no worry of tarnishing him. Morally speaking. Avicebron clears his throat after that awkward pause. ]
No, I'll accept your offer. Thank you. I'll keep it in mind.
[ He says it plainly enough, but reflexively touches his mask as he speaks, just a touch embarrassed. Talking about these matters to bluntly still feels a little strange. ]
[ Ardyn's tawny eyes marked that reflexive touch. Caster was so collected and put together that it was interesting to see cracks in the metaphorical mask. ]
Well, until then.
[ Just before he turned away, he reached up and brushed his thumb over that self-same spot. The touch lingered for a beat longer than it ought to until his thumb slid off of the mask and Ardyn half turned.
He raised his other hand in a jaunty farewell, as if he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. ]
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no subject
Testing the effects of allowing it to absorb other matter. [ Avicebron did automatically note that tip down, but as that information sank in, he gave a thoughtful cant of the head, tapping pen on paper. ] ... I see. It certainly seems worth experimenting with. Though in exceedingly small doses to start with. I wouldn't wish to risk sparking a dangerous reaction.
[ A small nod to himself before he set the pen down and looked back up to Ardyn. ]
I'll proceed with caution. But I'm grateful for the information regardless. If there are any other avenues you'd like me to pursue, you need only let me know. I do owe you for gifting me the sample.
[ He had to imagine that Ardyn had some sort of goal in mind, after all. True, selfless generosity didn't come easily to most people. And Ardyn didn't seem the type to be so saintly without reason. ]
no subject
I don't need much. A moonlacing partner to call on in times of need perhaps? [ He gave a faint smirk, wondering if that would happen. Perhaps if Grimm, Emet-Selch and Midna went the same way that Junpei, Dorian, and Hal had done. A distant fourth wasn't a foolish idea to have around. ]
In truth, I'm curious myself. I've no real desire to spread miasma anywhere, but it's always interesting to know how it reacts to things.
[ He reached out and clapped a hand on Caster's shoulder. ] Keep me in the loop with what you find, will you? If your golemancy works with it, I'd very much like to know.
no subject
Of course. I cannot promise my progress will be swift, but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I discover anything.
[ That aside, he gave a cant of the head, briefly considering his words. ]
... I'm not the sort of person most would look to for moonlacing. But assuming you did not intend it as a joke, I suppose I've no reason to refuse you, either. You're free to look to me if you're ever in need.
[ There was about a 50/50 chance of it having been meant as a joke, he'd guess. ]
no subject
Ha, if I meant it as a joke, it was only because I assumed you would turn it down.
[ He squeezed his shoulder lightly, and then let go. ]
Of course I will keep you mind for such. And - presuming you have no others you would prefer - you are welcome to come to me, should you find yourself running low.
no subject
I've no particular need -- ...
[ Though his words trail off thoughtfully after a moment.
It's not like him to look to people for help. Especially for such intimate matters. But given what he knows of Ardyn's nature, and what they hold in common ... It's a somewhat grim line of thought, but with Ardyn, there's no worry of tarnishing him. Morally speaking. Avicebron clears his throat after that awkward pause. ]
No, I'll accept your offer. Thank you. I'll keep it in mind.
[ He says it plainly enough, but reflexively touches his mask as he speaks, just a touch embarrassed. Talking about these matters to bluntly still feels a little strange. ]
no subject
Well, until then.
[ Just before he turned away, he reached up and brushed his thumb over that self-same spot. The touch lingered for a beat longer than it ought to until his thumb slid off of the mask and Ardyn half turned.
He raised his other hand in a jaunty farewell, as if he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. ]