Duplicity IC Inbox

[fingeronthebutton]

(Will make this look nicer later!)

Comments

[fingeronthebutton]

[Mmm... Well, he'll go all the same.]

Very well. Meet me at this location. I look forward to our meeting.

[Insert address to the shop.]

action

[lightlessflame]

[She doesn't waste time replying; he'll likely get their first since she has to come from the Down, and I can't imagine he sent her to any shop in that area, so when she walks in, she makes her way to his table and sits down with a nod. She seems much more even tempered, now.

There isn't heat radiating off her in a particularly egregious or aggressive manner, at least. That's something.]

Hello, Elias. Have you been settling in?

[fingeronthebutton]

[He is already there and seems to be working on something. He closes the file and folds his hands on top of it as he looks across from here.

And smiles.]

Quite well. Now, what thoughts has Jon been putting into your head?

when you can have perfectly matching icons despite medium divide

[lightlessflame]

[Agnes raises an eyebrow, but otherwise remains even-faced. Unlike Jon, she's at least better at keeping herself visibly restrained.]

What a question to ask when you can simply look and see for yourself.

beautiful

[fingeronthebutton]

I could. However, I do like to hold a conversation now and then.

[For the sake of not revealing the full extent of his abilities all the time.]

[lightlessflame]

That’s decent of you.

[She smiles, just slightly.]

Jon did have quite a lot to say about you, yes. Would you say that he has a flare for the dramatic?

[fingeronthebutton]

Wouldn't you?

[He has another sip of his drink, not bothering to further elaborate. After all, it's true. And she hasn't even seen the half of it yet.]

[lightlessflame]

I suppose so. He's very determined to stop you from whatever-it-is you're supposed to be doing. I told him to stay out of it, but he's not much for listening to the suggestions of others, I'm finding.

[She just stares at the coffee. But that's fine, because that's what Agnes always does.]

[fingeronthebutton]

And what is it that I'm supposed to be doing? I believe that I'm busy with work save for when he tries to interrupt me.

[The cup is set down and he rests his hands in his lap with a smile.]

[lightlessflame]

[Agnes shrugs.]

That's not something I've gotten much of a straight answer about. And seeing as you haven't done anything to abuse your control over me thus far, I've decided to reserve my judgment.

[fingeronthebutton]

I have no reason to do so. It is far more beneficial to us if I don't have to take such measures.

[Which is essentially him saying that he can and will use that if she ever forces his hand. Or someone else does. But right now? Far better she have her freedom.]

[lightlessflame]

...I agree.

[Not that she likes the implications behind it.]

I tire of having needlessly negative relationships with other avatars when we could much more easily cooperate with one another.

[fingeronthebutton]

Then there is no reason for us to have one.

[He lifts a brow at her then smiles.]

So why are you really here, Agnes? What are you trying to accomplish with this meeting?

[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.