aionlogs | Offering of an Idea

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Offering of an Idea

WHO: Emet-Selch and the Regent
WHAT: Proposing some ideas
WHERE: Achamoth Citadel Dining Hall
WHEN: Beginning of May after TDM #2
WARNINGS: Risky Plays

An audience with the Regent has been granted, so it is time to bring his proposal to light and see what may come of it.

Emet-Selch makes his way through the doors at the end of the hall and up to the chair on the opposite end where the Regent resides. He pauses, puts an arm to his torso, and dips his head politely. Whatever he must do to accomplish his goal he would do it.

"I appreciate your alacrity in granting me an audience." He begins. "Despite what may have transpired, know that I share your aspirations and want nothing more than for them to succeed." As he has said to many Kenoma: though he disagrees with the method the belief in their goal has not wavered.

"That being said, it seems my words have stirred your discontent. For that, I do apologize."

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The Regent sits at their throne, and beyond that singular presence, the room is alarmingly empty. Where there dinner table were the center before, now there is nothing but the throne, which is not even particularly large or attention grabbing. It could be that this sense of emptiness is the point, given what the Kenoma represents.

"And despite everything, Emet-Selch, you have again mistaken the nature of my 'discontent'," they say. "Your words have nothing to do with it... only your decorum. As much as you may like to see yourself a champion of truth, had you simply spoken from your place at the table as requested, none of this would have befallen you."

"Is such a basic expectation really so beyond your comprehension?"

"No." He says firmly, definitively, and that is all that he supplies.

"Good," they say. "Then I hope, in the future, complying with such expectations will not be beyond your abilities. And that you'll stop portraying yourself as the noble heretic being persecuted for having the 'bravery' to question your orders."

They let that linger for a moment, but as Emet-Selch seems inclined to keep quiet this time, they will move on.

"What is it you wished to speak about?"

His determined gaze does not falter, but he keeps quiet until prompted to speak again.

"I came here to propose an idea." He proceeds to explain. "While retrieving our allies from the Shrines, I came across two Pleroma. They seemed receptive to opening communications between our two sides. To wit, I proposed an objective:"

Emet-Selch gestures with a hand as he explains. "I would like the chance to meet with them - and eventually other Pleroma - to discuss their personal reasons for choosing to ally themselves against us. Under the guise of communication, we may learn of the opposing sides' personal motivations and use that to influence them to join our ranks or make strategic decisions. It also presents a chance to learn of other information that could be advantageous to us ...if we ask the right questions to the right individuals." Easier said than done, of course.

"However, to ensure their interest in the idea, I offered to let them speak with my fellow Kenoma and learn their individual reasoning as well, for the Pleroma are under the impression that Kenoma can be 'saved'."

He folds his arms in thought. "I imagine it will take some time, and Kenoma participants need carefully chosen, but if we can win some Pleroma to our side then it will bolster our ranks. Additionally, if we earn some level of trust from them by way of peaceful communication, then we may use that for additional plans in the future."

There is one last option he offers. "If this is not a suitable plan, then we may use this opportunity of their willingness to meet with us and kill or capture them, depending on how it is deemed best to proceed."

"I have little interest in the personal motivations of the Pleroma," the Regent says. "I'm sure you understand, after so many years... the sense of having seen and heard it all?"

Despite their clashes so far, Emet-Selch does seem to be one of the few Aions here with a perspective at all close to what the Regent might find 'relatable'. It is implied in their words: did Emet-Selch not tired of watching mankind's foibles bring them to ruin, again and again?

"But if they are foolish enough to offer other strategic information... the current status of Greentruth, for instance... we would be remiss to deny them the opportunity. I suspect that any of the ones willing to participate in this venture are also the sort to throw themselves on your blade for the chance to 'save' you."

"Martyrs... Lovers... Innocents... they would be your most vulnerable targets."

There is a gentle shift in Emet-Selch's expression. The stern look disappears for a moment and leaves a softer one behind it. "You are not wrong. I have given beings like them an untold number of chances to show me that they are different. Countless times have I held fast to the hope that someone would rise to the challenge, and countless times I have proven that I am a fool to try." It raises the question of why he ever kept the same sliver of hope alive throughout the years. Always hoping that it would be different this time...

"Already, I have had conversations which demonstrate that they think in the same short-sighted terms as all the rest; So eager they are to paint us as misguided villains in need of saviors." Which is a premise that this 'exchange' hinges on. "Understanding their motivations is a tool to see our shared goal realized, as you have said. If the Legacies you have named be the best starting point for that endeavor, then let that be our starting point."

He pauses and gently adds, "It seems that you, too, may have seen such disappointments in the past?"

As ever, it is difficult to read the Regent's reaction by anything other than their voice. The somberness in it does sound genuine, however.

"Yes," they say. "In this world and untold others. There are a great many realms in the cosmos, even beyond the one you mourn. All of them are lacking, in some way or another." They make a soft sound, like a scoff. "One might insist that imperfection is simply an unavoidable facet of like... but that ignores the true depths of suffering that must be permitted in order for each world to turn."

"The Pleroma's ends will always be undone, whether it be by their own hand or by others. Their motivations, their hopes, their dreams... all of them could be predictably sorted into a narrative I've seen time and time again. Even if they are lucky enough to die thinking they've won, it makes no difference."

Strange... The world Emet-Selch loves had no such cruelty until such cruel circumstances were thrust upon it. The Regent knows of his world and knows about his feelings related to it. So Emet-Selch considers these words carefully. If no world is perfect, then what did they intend to create...?

This, he keeps to himself, locked behind his gaze.

"I am sure these Pleroma will offer us no shortage of heroes who will avowal the opportunity to die for their cause. So it always goes." He relinquishes a sigh. Surely, there would be more heroic speeches he would have to endure as a result.

After a deep exhale, he turns his gaze back to the Regent. "If I may, What is the name you and your people? Those who have lived long outside of what I know." The 'Ancients' from another world.

"I have no people," the Regent says. For a moment that seems like it may be their only explanation, but after a period of silence they continue.

"Since the dawn of time, there has only been I, separate from the rest... and I desire nothing more. I am of the Kenoma. I am emptiness."

"Of the Kenoma..." Emet-Selch repeats, considering this out loud. It is something to puzzle over at a later time, or perhaps others if they can elaborate on the story.

"One last question, if you would." The conversation is gently steered away from becoming interrogative. No. He needed to gracefully wrestle information away. "Is there anything else you would have me consider about this plan before I proceed?"

They seem to contemplate that, putting their hand to their mask in a pose that seems almost artificial.

"I will permit you at least one meeting with them... and depending on progress, maybe more. We will see how much information you can glean from their attempts at 'diplomacy,' and if it is worth our while, the experiment may continue."

"...If it fails to produce anything of use, however, it will have to be repurposed. After you've gained their trust from a few uneventful congregations... we could easily take advantage of their 'hope' to deliver upon them a demoralizing blow."

"Indeed." He agrees. "I will provide the results of our deliberations thereafter. At which time, you may make your assessment of how to proceed."

Emet-Selch presses his lips together in a thin line - A single meeting to produce results is no insignificant request for something that could take an unforeseen amount of time. Alas, this is more to work with than he had before. It is a start. "That is all I came to offer. If you would grant me your leave?"

The Regent tilts their head as if to ask 'is that it?' They are silent for a moment as if deliberating.

"Before you go," they says. "Would you like that brand of yours removed?" They pause, and then with a flicker of humor: "Or do you feel it makes your ruse more compelling?"

"They have seen it. Any seeds of a ruse it could provide have already been sewn." Its continued presence is not necessary. "With that said, if you would see fit to remove it and return to me that which has been taken, it certainly would make my tasks easier." Emet-Selch puts a hand to his chin in thought and adds his own touch of humor to match the Regent's: "Although, I will miss being able to wander the streets unhindered by crowds..."

"Hmm."

It has a continued hint of amusement to it, almost like an understated laugh. Without any physical action on the Regent's part, the brand on Emet's wrist will start to dissolve.

"Do know that I'll expect you to show me what happens at this meeting of yours," they say. "I have a means to review your memories... and given our rocky start I'll want to be sure that you're true to your word."

Emet-Selch lifts his wrist as the inky black mark slowly ebbs away. In the spirit of humor, he gives a melodramatic sigh as if to say 'however would he cope with being crowded in the streets'?

In any case, Back to the point in question.

"I have no intention of lying, as I hope that my being in front of you now will attest to." The hand is left to fall back at his side. "I will provide you my findings as soon as I am able to procure an audience following my return."

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Offering of an Idea

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