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CRESCENTVIEW: INBOX
Some sort of layout coming later when I'm not feeling lazy
[He closes his eyes a moment, trying to focus his attention on his memory of Klint and not the black mark that recent revelations had left on it.]
... He was ten years older than me, so he was already making a name for himself when I was still young. He made everything he did seem effortless. But even when he became a star prosecutor, he still made time for me and the rest of the family. There was an easy charisma about him, everyone liked him and wanted to be close to him. Anyone who called him a friend trusted him implicitly.
[Something about all this seems to pain van Zieks to say, even as a faint smile passes across his face, a clear reverence for his older brother.]
Though, he had a stubborn streak. When he was in a rare bad mood, he would sulk terribly, and only communicate with the person he was cross at by speaking to his dog, Balmung, instead of them.
... He was ten years older than me, so he was already making a name for himself when I was still young. He made everything he did seem effortless. But even when he became a star prosecutor, he still made time for me and the rest of the family. There was an easy charisma about him, everyone liked him and wanted to be close to him. Anyone who called him a friend trusted him implicitly.
[Something about all this seems to pain van Zieks to say, even as a faint smile passes across his face, a clear reverence for his older brother.]
Though, he had a stubborn streak. When he was in a rare bad mood, he would sulk terribly, and only communicate with the person he was cross at by speaking to his dog, Balmung, instead of them.
[ The visit is unexpected. Luckily, Trahearne is on the couch, reading, Kaspar nowhere to be found. He eyes the door curiously before striding over and flinging it open to greet his visitor. ]
--Lord van Zieks.
[ The surprise is obvious in his voice. ]
Come in. [ He steps out of the way, allowing the other man entry. ] To what do I owe this honour?
--Lord van Zieks.
[ The surprise is obvious in his voice. ]
Come in. [ He steps out of the way, allowing the other man entry. ] To what do I owe this honour?
He's not.
[ Kaspar could be anywhere, as flighty as he is. Trahearne doesn't keep tabs on him, and that seems to work out for them. There's an immense amount of unspoken trust between them, it seems.
Trahearne doesn't notice the lack of "Mr.".
He takes a seat at the little dining table and gestures to the other chair. ]
Please, take a seat.
[ If it's about his note, then this is probably going to be a professional conversation. ]</small.
[ Kaspar could be anywhere, as flighty as he is. Trahearne doesn't keep tabs on him, and that seems to work out for them. There's an immense amount of unspoken trust between them, it seems.
Trahearne doesn't notice the lack of "Mr.".
He takes a seat at the little dining table and gestures to the other chair. ]
Please, take a seat.
[ If it's about his note, then this is probably going to be a professional conversation. ]</small.
[ Kaspar listens again, relaxed comfortably on his side of the table imagining such a man that looks similar to van Zieks. The pain, he catches, though it is easy to attribute it more to the murder itself than the complications of which he is ignorant. Murder, there is no point in lingering on it.
He even laughs softly after the mention of a stubborn streak. And once the other is finished, his gaze drifts to the other man's wasitcoat. ]
... you have lovely memories. I'm glad.
[ His expression is calm, words warm even when they trail off like he is finding the words for another question in the silence that follows. ]
He even laughs softly after the mention of a stubborn streak. And once the other is finished, his gaze drifts to the other man's wasitcoat. ]
... you have lovely memories. I'm glad.
[ His expression is calm, words warm even when they trail off like he is finding the words for another question in the silence that follows. ]
[There's a tension about van Zieks, or a strain. He has it in himself to get far more emotional about this, but isn't allowing himself to.]
I was very lucky to have a brother like him.
[A soft sigh. Even now, he still really believes that.]
But what about you, Kaspar?
I was very lucky to have a brother like him.
[A soft sigh. Even now, he still really believes that.]
But what about you, Kaspar?
[ Kaspar can tell there is more still, in the tension and restraint, but he wouldn't begin to know how to ask without conflict. The urge is there, to press him out of curiosity and a want to understand him. Van Zieks presenting a question derails any contemplation of his own.
He does not tense at the thought of his brothers, older and younger. They all looked so much like their mother. Subtle listlessness instead of tension creates distance instead of comfort with his relaxed yet harder to read silence.
There were good memories too, of course, just enough that he could never truly dismiss ot hate them. No matter their criticisms or effective disownment. When was the last letter he'd sent? It'd been even longer since he'd gotten one in return from any of then. He makes no habit of dwelling on them, for he doubts they care much about his absence.
A pause, weakened by the talk of brothers with someone he trusts more than anyone back home.
He states it simply, a little too calm. ]
... they do not see the world as I do, I'm afraid.
He does not tense at the thought of his brothers, older and younger. They all looked so much like their mother. Subtle listlessness instead of tension creates distance instead of comfort with his relaxed yet harder to read silence.
There were good memories too, of course, just enough that he could never truly dismiss ot hate them. No matter their criticisms or effective disownment. When was the last letter he'd sent? It'd been even longer since he'd gotten one in return from any of then. He makes no habit of dwelling on them, for he doubts they care much about his absence.
A pause, weakened by the talk of brothers with someone he trusts more than anyone back home.
He states it simply, a little too calm. ]
... they do not see the world as I do, I'm afraid.
[van Zieks hesitates before sitting as well.]
I'd like to say first that while appreciated, your apology is unnecessary. I do not hold what happened against you.
[He shifts in his seat slightly, a little stiffer, more professional.]
However, I am interested in your proposal. I have been thinking about it, and I feel that, regardless of whether this island has its own legal system, we seem to exist as something separate. I feel that, while hopefully none such thing is necessary, we should establish some sort of system amongst ourselves. The major issue, as I see it, is that I do not envision many people willing to submit to such a thing.
I'd like to say first that while appreciated, your apology is unnecessary. I do not hold what happened against you.
[He shifts in his seat slightly, a little stiffer, more professional.]
However, I am interested in your proposal. I have been thinking about it, and I feel that, regardless of whether this island has its own legal system, we seem to exist as something separate. I feel that, while hopefully none such thing is necessary, we should establish some sort of system amongst ourselves. The major issue, as I see it, is that I do not envision many people willing to submit to such a thing.
[And this is exactly why he knows he was lucky to have Klint. Even if, in the end, Klint went down a path that Barok couldn't follow, their goals had been the same. To the end, Klint had supported him, understood him, loved him. Wanted the best for him. Even if what he thought was best wasn't quite right.
He sighs.]
I'm sorry to hear that.
[He pauses a moment, hesitant to pry, but ultimately too curious not to.]
How, exactly, would you say you see the world, Kaspar?
He sighs.]
I'm sorry to hear that.
[He pauses a moment, hesitant to pry, but ultimately too curious not to.]
How, exactly, would you say you see the world, Kaspar?
[ Kaspar's distance is short lived. The present has always taken precedence and what works even better is a question that he has an answer for. It is easy to leave the worst memories untouched, lest he remember the physical pain of fighting too. It is the whiplash maybe, or the company, or the lack of tea in his cup. He's not concerned with the impulse to speak freely.
As subtle as a flower leaning for the sun, his warmth returns-- ]
The world seems an imperfect place, just as its people. I believe, there is beauty in that.
[ There is never really an edge to his voice, but after he trails off there is a brief pause. His last sentence is far more resolute: ] Differences alone do not make anyone lesser. Whether intrinsic or otherwise.
[ It is the first time he has ever spoken about such things freely with someone. The joy he feels from it, right from his chest, drums subdued energy into his posture. ]
As subtle as a flower leaning for the sun, his warmth returns-- ]
The world seems an imperfect place, just as its people. I believe, there is beauty in that.
[ There is never really an edge to his voice, but after he trails off there is a brief pause. His last sentence is far more resolute: ] Differences alone do not make anyone lesser. Whether intrinsic or otherwise.
[ It is the first time he has ever spoken about such things freely with someone. The joy he feels from it, right from his chest, drums subdued energy into his posture. ]
[It's not what he expected, but in some ways, that makes it feel more genuine. Beauty in imperfection? He can't exactly understand that, but he doesn't hate it.
The latter he can understand more, has heard on rare occasions before. There are certainly plenty in London who would disagree. But Klint was not one of them and most of his impression of the world and how it should be came from him. Klint had been enthusiastic about the exchange program, excited about learning from these people from the other side of the world, so different must their perspectives be! And now that van Zieks knew the truth, knew his anger had been unfounded, he understood that value. A great flaw in the British court system had been undone, almost entirely by men from Japan.
And then, on a more personal level... he was different himself, wasn't he? An invert, as was the common parlance, a term he always found deeply unpleasant. Because, he muses, it certainly has the overtone of being lesser. Wrong.]
I can see how you might have quarrel with people over that, unfortunately. But it's a very nice way of looking at the world. It suits you.
[After all, Kaspar is very kind and understanding.]
The latter he can understand more, has heard on rare occasions before. There are certainly plenty in London who would disagree. But Klint was not one of them and most of his impression of the world and how it should be came from him. Klint had been enthusiastic about the exchange program, excited about learning from these people from the other side of the world, so different must their perspectives be! And now that van Zieks knew the truth, knew his anger had been unfounded, he understood that value. A great flaw in the British court system had been undone, almost entirely by men from Japan.
And then, on a more personal level... he was different himself, wasn't he? An invert, as was the common parlance, a term he always found deeply unpleasant. Because, he muses, it certainly has the overtone of being lesser. Wrong.]
I can see how you might have quarrel with people over that, unfortunately. But it's a very nice way of looking at the world. It suits you.
[After all, Kaspar is very kind and understanding.]
[ Van Zieks may understand better than many, why his brothers may find quarrel with him, though he did his very best to avoid it. The insults he could bear, if it spared him having to fight them. The eldest most of all. The two that followed were already doing his bidding by the time Kaspar came along. A gulf of years between them and him did Kaspar no favors. The younger ones too, emabraced their designated places in their world. Kaspar blames them least of all
But he thinks of none of that now, not with the conversation at hand. He can't quite tell if it a compliment, but it certainly feels nicer than being called an idiot. Having words come out correctly, to feel understood. It continues to be cathartic in ways that surprise him.
His nod is his agreement, before he adds-- ]
... and your convictions suit you.
But he thinks of none of that now, not with the conversation at hand. He can't quite tell if it a compliment, but it certainly feels nicer than being called an idiot. Having words come out correctly, to feel understood. It continues to be cathartic in ways that surprise him.
His nod is his agreement, before he adds-- ]
... and your convictions suit you.
Edited 2023-01-06 15:30 (UTC)
[ Trahearne dips his head in gratitude, but makes no other mention or reaction to it.
As van Zieks takes on a more professional posture, so does he. He thought so. His normally meek and wallflower-like demeanor seems to disappear. ]
No--it's rather clear from our general population's reaction to the goddess's methods that they are not content to be forced to do anything.
[ Neither is Trahearne, despite his willingness to go along with all of this. That's different, though. ]
But I like your idea. Perhaps not strictly a legal system, per se--but a system that protects all of us from potential harm. I believe the key, however, will be to create something that is clearly beneficial and in everyone's best interests. Those benefits should speak for themselves, which will then attract those who see and understand them. An intrinsic willingness is better than asking for submission.
[ Maybe he's lucky in that most of his soldiers were intrinsically willing to kill dragons, but. ]
As van Zieks takes on a more professional posture, so does he. He thought so. His normally meek and wallflower-like demeanor seems to disappear. ]
No--it's rather clear from our general population's reaction to the goddess's methods that they are not content to be forced to do anything.
[ Neither is Trahearne, despite his willingness to go along with all of this. That's different, though. ]
But I like your idea. Perhaps not strictly a legal system, per se--but a system that protects all of us from potential harm. I believe the key, however, will be to create something that is clearly beneficial and in everyone's best interests. Those benefits should speak for themselves, which will then attract those who see and understand them. An intrinsic willingness is better than asking for submission.
[ Maybe he's lucky in that most of his soldiers were intrinsically willing to kill dragons, but. ]
In... in theory, the benefit is the promise of safety, however...
[It's harder to sell in small groups like this.]
I cannot say to know much about protection. My work lies on the other side of things, enacting punishment after crimes have already been committed, though on theory, the threat of consequences is also a deterrent of crime. Right now, there's not clear consequences in place.
[It's harder to sell in small groups like this.]
I cannot say to know much about protection. My work lies on the other side of things, enacting punishment after crimes have already been committed, though on theory, the threat of consequences is also a deterrent of crime. Right now, there's not clear consequences in place.
[van Zieks typically errs on the side of pessimism when he speaks. Thus, anything positive he says is said with great consideration, and beyond that, out of a sense of forthrightness. He said what he said because he truly thinks that. He was not expecting a compliment in return, and he's caught off guard momentarily.]
I-I do not know what I have done to earn such an assessment from you, but... thank you.
I-I do not know what I have done to earn such an assessment from you, but... thank you.
Your words. The way, you carry yourself.
[ Is what van Zieks has provided for his assessment. Kaspar says it as simply as the weather that catches his eye from the window with a glance.
Followed by more comfortable silence. ]
[ Is what van Zieks has provided for his assessment. Kaspar says it as simply as the weather that catches his eye from the window with a glance.
Followed by more comfortable silence. ]
[ Kaspar shakes his head, but it devolves into a glance to the floor. A pause, voice casual when he finally asks-- ]
... what assessment, would you provide yourself?
... what assessment, would you provide yourself?
[ Kaspar's hum this time takes an odd note, not quite agreeable. His perpetual calm remains unbroken, though the pause that follows is more from rarer hesitation than a need to find words. ]
... What of, the way you spoke of justice? Of fairness and corruption?
[ Who knew this was the type of man that could loosen his tongue. ]
You care, about the people of London. I find you kind and honest, despite your roles and not due to them.
... What of, the way you spoke of justice? Of fairness and corruption?
[ Who knew this was the type of man that could loosen his tongue. ]
You care, about the people of London. I find you kind and honest, despite your roles and not due to them.
... are those things expected of you and your station? Even here?
[ With a looser tongue, comes his own brand of playfulness. He doesn't explain that if he had taken him at face value, then they'd hardly be friends now. Kaspar will only handle so many disagreements in a day, unless pressed. ]
[ With a looser tongue, comes his own brand of playfulness. He doesn't explain that if he had taken him at face value, then they'd hardly be friends now. Kaspar will only handle so many disagreements in a day, unless pressed. ]
You are loyal, too.
[ Kaspar surprises even himself with the speed and conviction that settles into that additional assessment. ]
What would your assessment have been, decades ago?
[ Kaspar surprises even himself with the speed and conviction that settles into that additional assessment. ]
What would your assessment have been, decades ago?
Edited (You saw nothing) 2023-01-11 06:31 (UTC)
[ A frown. Trahearne knows how the law works, yes, but rarely did he ever pay much attention to it. He respected it when needed. And he knows van Zieks is a lawman, but this just rubs him the wrong way. ]
Respectfully, we should not be thinking of punishment and consequences first. We should lay out our expectations of what a member of our community should do or how one should behave before thinking of ways to reprimand those who fail to meet those expectations.
[ He may be a military leader, but he is a sylvari first and foremost. And they're...definitely not at all rigid about their systems. ]
Respectfully, we should not be thinking of punishment and consequences first. We should lay out our expectations of what a member of our community should do or how one should behave before thinking of ways to reprimand those who fail to meet those expectations.
[ He may be a military leader, but he is a sylvari first and foremost. And they're...definitely not at all rigid about their systems. ]
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