Duplicity IC Inbox

[fingeronthebutton]

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Comments

[lightlessflame]

Why should I be trying to accomplish anything other than building rapport?

[She stares, her expression unchanged.]

[fingeronthebutton]

Building rapport with me will certainly make it easier for Jon to help you free yourself from your contract. At least, that would be his logic. Though, I imagine he actually volunteered himself for the distraction.

[lightlessflame]

Jon seems keen to land himself in a great deal of trouble.

[She's much less impulsive, as a rule. When you're a literal fire starter, caution becomes necessary.]

I don't think that you're going to let me go. Why would you? I don't like wasting my time. I also don't like sitting around playing hostage.

[fingeronthebutton]

Hence how he was so easily marked.

[And why he was the perfect fit for his needs.]

You are correct though. I have no need to let you go. However, I hardly consider you a hostage.

[lightlessflame]

What do you consider me, then? I would prefer an upfront answer, if you'd oblige me.

[She's not certain he will, but figures it's worth saying.]

[fingeronthebutton]

An ally of convenience.

[She wants an upfront answer? Well, there it is.]

[lightlessflame]

[Agnes frowns, at first, at the answer, but then her expression evens, and she gives a nod.]

For you, it would be convenient, yes. One would simply argue that it's unwise to guarantee oneself allies in such an adversarial manner.

[fingeronthebutton]

[He takes a sip of his coffee.]

You must not have been told about Peter.

[lightlessflame]

I was told that he took over your Institute for a time and apparently did a dreadful job. Have you been close with the Lukas family for very long? I admit that the Lonely was never particularly one of my concerns, before.

[It is interesting, though.]

[fingeronthebutton]

A shame. The Lonely is quite the fascinating one.

[He sets his cup down and folds his hands in his lap again.]

I have known Peter for awhile. Long enough for he and I to be gambling partners as it were.

[lightlessflame]

Gambling? Strange. I wouldn't take you as the sort to take risks.

[Well, she can imagine him making choices that would seem risky, but only when he has the information to back up the choice. That, in her opinion, mitigates the risk entirely.]

Wouldn't you, by nature, have an advantage in such dealings?

[fingeronthebutton]

You wouldn't? I think you might not pay attention to what I do with my life then. I take a great many risks.

[Not that he elaborates on what those are. Still, he does love a good gamble.]

There is one thing that I can say though, Agnes. Being able to understand people does not necessarily mean they will do exactly what you predict or want. And that is why I may have some advantage but it doesn't guarantee I will be the victor. Thus, gambling is worthwhile.

[lightlessflame]

[Agnes is quiet for a long several moments as she considers Elias' words, committing them to memory. She watches him with his coffee, and finally inclines her head.]

You have my attention now.

[fingeronthebutton]

[That makes him chuckle and he settle his hands in his lap. Folded. Calm.]

Do I? Are you hoping to make a bet with me, Agnes?

[lightlessflame]

I don't know what I'd wager.

[She knows what she'd ask of him if she won a wager; he wouldn't have to read her mind to know. But what to bet on? What even is there?]

[fingeronthebutton]

Then that would put you at even more a disadvantage.

[He chuckles as he rises to his feet.]

If that is all then I will take my leave. I'm afraid I am rather busy with work, Agnes.