Knave, it's Charles Xavier. A fellow fluxdrift is working on creating a tent school for teaching the fundamentals, and I agreed to help her. Naturally, I thought of you.
Ah, hello, Charles. You speak of Miss Nadine, yes? I did happen to see her notice. I was unsurprised to see that you were first in line to offer your services.
[ Perhaps noticeably, The Knave did not make an appearance of her own. ]
To be frank, I suspect my particular set of skills and methods would be ill-suited to academic instruction. I directed an orphanage, but I was not a true teacher.
Is there some area in which the school still requires staffing?
I think we would be willing to take what we can get, it's far from an easy thing that Nadine put together here. You could ask her, but perhaps we could use your organization skills in getting an idea of supplies we'll need.
I'll let her know that you are available. I think it's safe to say we genuinely could use every possible hand. They don't have anything like this here.
Indeed. It is both a modest and ambitious endeavor. One might be swayed to contribute to the survival of a child that isn't biologically theirs, but to invest in the child's education is a step beyond. That would require a thought for their futures, when many here lack the vision to sufficiently consider even their own.
Yes, it's a bit of an uphill battle. It seems that most are simply homeschooled and only on the bare basics. But I think once it gets going people will see the value in their kids being more thorough in their knowledge. We're not going to open up a college here.
I let her know you may be interested. I think your wisdom would come in handy.
Ha. Soul already spoken for? You must be popular with the ladies. Or the gentlemen.
[ Far be it from her to assume. She also knows that he surely doesn't mean it that way, but while she's here she might as well have fun (at his expense). ]
I'm planning on helping her get up the base school first done, but yes, I was thinking eventually of reaching out to general supernatural people and seeing if anyone has an interest in learning how to train or train others.
[ Estinien, thinking about his quest for vengeance and where that led him; thinking about his armour which he named Iceheart; thinking about Nidhogg's eyes and the legacy he, Estinien, helped them leave behind; thinking about the new power he was left with in the aftermath. ]
Good or bad may be impossible to predict. I'm sure you know that once fledglings leave the nest, they will go wherever they want and do as they please. The more relevant question is whether or not teaching them how to harness their abilities, even if it may bear them to danger, is something that will bring you fulfillment.
Given the harsh nature of the city, it's very likely that their powers will even be used to harm other people. Is that something that would trouble you?
That is not a new question mark for me. My friend is a mutant who I helped develop his powers and realize his full potential. He then used his abilities to cause harm and violence to others. He already had before that, so I knew it was a possibility going in, but you could say I hoped for a different path for him, and for us.
They also can harm people without realizing how to use their abilities, more recklessly and out of control. Sometimes you have to believe in people and hope that once they have the tools, they'll use it the best way they can.
Besides, I wouldn't tell anyone not to defend themselves here. Not everyone can merely force people to go away like I can.
In that case, it sounds like there would be very little downside to tutoring such people. Teaching is clearly something you enjoy, so you may as well do it. Perhaps some grateful pupils would even be willing to make contributions back to the school.
[ In any organization, everything comes back to funding, funding, funding. But also... ]
That is a possibility. I was thinking perhaps we could frame it as a community club where people can train each other and connect.
Yes, I don't believe I told you. I'm a telepath. I don't frequently use my powers that way, but if someone chooses to approach me with a gun, I can tell them nicely to leave me alone and they'll do it.
I suppose you could say that. We had been warring with them for centuries.
[ There's an almost meditative quality to his voice, as though he's reciting from some tome. Telling a story. ]
A war that spanned generations, written into the very fabric of our country. Many of our own were lost to dragonfire. And many of them were put to the blade in return. Until—
[ His voice returns to normal here. He has shaken free of the spell. ]
—we discovered that our war was built upon lies, that we had long lived peacefully with the dragons and that we were the ones to shatter that peace. So we sought an end to the war. [ A pause. ] Like I said, they can be quite reasonable.
What of you? What is your experience with dragons?
I apologize for not telling you sooner. I am used to secrecy, and I know that my abilities can be uncomfortable for people. I assure you I consider it my moral obligation to use them wisely and not against anyone unless it is necessary, such as surviving an attack.
[ Very dramatic. But interesting. It does explain much of Estinien's look and demeanor. ]
Next to yours? Limited.
Dragons were once prevalent in my world, but they've since become... obscure, to an extent. A number yet remain to guard their domains as mighty entities. Others have changed with the times, adopting smaller, more varied forms. In one nation, humans and dragons even live alongside each other as bonded partners.
[ She's had tea multiple times with a dragon. Does she know that?? Unclear. ]
[ And he truly means it. His thoughts immediately go to Vrtra and Varshahn, but that was done with the aid of alchemy and in the end Varshahn is a simulacrum, not a true form of Vrtra. It sounds like this may be the result of pure aetherial manipulation. ]
This ability to adopt different, smaller, forms... What do you know of it?
[ Perhaps Vrtra isn't the only dragon with the wish to walk among humans. ]
No apology necessary. Think of it as an expression of my admiration, if anything. One could easily go through life abusing such power with none the wiser. Your restraint is commendable.
I couldn't live with myself if I didn't have a strict code on the matter. Unfortunately when I first got here, I didn't have a good grasp on my powers again. I've never lived in a city, it was overwhelming.
As I understand it, they're simply capable of evolving at a rapid pace. Dragons were the original inhabitants and rulers of my world. Once humans overtook their sovereignty, they changed to survive however they could, taking on vastly different forms even amongst themselves and reverting to primacy.
The smallest dragons are the ones who have learned to co-exist with humans. Charming creatures, I hear.
I can only imagine. Perhaps I keep a pessimistic view due to my profession, but city living isn't for the faint of heart, even without telepathy. More people cast more shadows, the better for those of ill repute to lurk in.
Yes, some people were foolish enough to think me quite easy pickings, considering the wheelchair. Unfortunately not everyone can protect themselves the way I can. I don't think I'll ever fully enjoy city life. I'm more under control now but when people project it's still very loud.
If you're ever in need of respite, you may find Acreage an agreeable retreat. The air is clearer there, and the people simpler. Though the pathways are rough, if that is a consideration.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
I'm just going to pretend they exchanged numbers!
good with me!
[ Perhaps noticeably, The Knave did not make an appearance of her own. ]
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Are you not interested? It's okay if so, I just thought perhaps with your background it would intrigue you.
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Is there some area in which the school still requires staffing?
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But only if you're interested.
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Ah, logistics. I suppose I do have requisite experience in that regard.
Very well. If Miss Nadine is open to it, then it would be a simple matter to offer my suggestions. I'll be in touch with her.
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I let her know you may be interested. I think your wisdom would come in handy.
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Will you be mentoring students with supernatural abilities for the school as well? There's no shortage of people with unusual powers in the Diadem.
ringringring
🍌 📱
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[ Well. He hasn't run out of fuel again which is close enough. ]
As you can tell, I have procured a communications device. For the debt to be repaid, you may call upon me on this.
[ He is, however, still abominably bad at small talk. ]
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Most here do just call it a phone.
But I will commend you on staying true to your word. Why, your behavior is positively knightly.
[ Her tone of voice doesn't necessarily mark that as a positive thing. Quaint, more like. ]
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Don't worry. I'm not the type of debtor to lend a hand, only to demand your soul in return.
[ trust her because she says so ]
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[ It is not at all clear here as to whether this is a bit or if he's being deadly serious. ]
You'll just have to make do with the rest of me.
[ ESTINIEN........... ]
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[ Far be it from her to assume. She also knows that he surely doesn't mean it that way, but while she's here she might as well have fun (at his expense). ]
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No. There exists no man or woman powerful enough to take my soul.
[ Well, Aria possibly could, but it is not something she is wont to do.
Probably. ]
'Twas a dragon.
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Is this to mean I'm currently speaking with a soulless husk of a man?
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There are plenty of those who might say yes.
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thanks for your patience, back from vacation!
Do you think it's a good idea?
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Not particularly.
no worries!
Given the harsh nature of the city, it's very likely that their powers will even be used to harm other people. Is that something that would trouble you?
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They also can harm people without realizing how to use their abilities, more recklessly and out of control. Sometimes you have to believe in people and hope that once they have the tools, they'll use it the best way they can.
Besides, I wouldn't tell anyone not to defend themselves here. Not everyone can merely force people to go away like I can.
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Shall I strike dragon-slaying off the list of tasks that could serve to fulfill your debt to me?
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[ In any organization, everything comes back to funding, funding, funding. But also... ]
Force people, you say?
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[ Sometimes they're cute little dino babies... ]
Have you attempted to negotiate with one?
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Yes, I don't believe I told you. I'm a telepath. I don't frequently use my powers that way, but if someone chooses to approach me with a gun, I can tell them nicely to leave me alone and they'll do it.
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this is his monthly word quota congrats
[ There's an almost meditative quality to his voice, as though he's reciting from some tome. Telling a story. ]
A war that spanned generations, written into the very fabric of our country. Many of our own were lost to dragonfire. And many of them were put to the blade in return. Until—
[ His voice returns to normal here. He has shaken free of the spell. ]
—we discovered that our war was built upon lies, that we had long lived peacefully with the dragons and that we were the ones to shatter that peace. So we sought an end to the war. [ A pause. ] Like I said, they can be quite reasonable.
What of you? What is your experience with dragons?
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it was a yes or no question estinien
Next to yours? Limited.
Dragons were once prevalent in my world, but they've since become... obscure, to an extent. A number yet remain to guard their domains as mighty entities. Others have changed with the times, adopting smaller, more varied forms. In one nation, humans and dragons even live alongside each other as bonded partners.
[ She's had tea multiple times with a dragon. Does she know that?? Unclear. ]
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[ And he truly means it. His thoughts immediately go to Vrtra and Varshahn, but that was done with the aid of alchemy and in the end Varshahn is a simulacrum, not a true form of Vrtra. It sounds like this may be the result of pure aetherial manipulation. ]
This ability to adopt different, smaller, forms... What do you know of it?
[ Perhaps Vrtra isn't the only dragon with the wish to walk among humans. ]
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The smallest dragons are the ones who have learned to co-exist with humans. Charming creatures, I hear.
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[ Like her, for instance. ]
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[ Maybe he'll adopt it so that she won't have to. ]
At any rate, this has been a bracing conversation, but I must be on my way now. Is there anything else you need from me, Monsieur Estinien?
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Not at all. Until next time, Lady Knave.