[ Though it's hardly an uncommon sentiment, his smile grows broader at the words, I hate losing. ]
Better to hate it than to love it, I suppose. If one enjoys defeat too much, it removes that drive to better oneself.
[ Some masochistic pleasure in it is fine, but nevertheless. Not that he would know anything about it, seeing asβ ]
Oh, they certainly did. Unfortunately for them, their ambitions surpassed their talents by by far. [ His smile turns vicious on his lips. ] Even in my youth, my superiority in the art of single combat was uncontested. Even some of the Lord Commanders looked jealously upon my ascendant star. [ Okay, mostly Eidolon, but he's bragging here. ] I suppose they must have felt threatened by the attention I commanded.
[ Anyway, ten-thousand years later, Lucius absolutely does not count that time Loken punched him as a loss. They agreed to a duel of swords, not fisticuffs. ]
In any case, the Emperor's Children were a disciplined bunch at the time, and those within Squad Nasicae fell in line in deference to my skill. Not a single one of them could say a word against my ability to lead from the front.
[ A leadership philosophy highly valued within the III Legion, when it still valued rank and organization at all. ]
Besides. After a point isn't it a little sad? Or.... I guess it could lean kinky and I don't want to go there.
[ Annie pulls a face. While she has started noticing boys again Annie isn't one easily swayed by "needs of the flesh" to put it delicately. ]
I really want to watch you fight someone. I saw my father in a few friendly matches but that was pretty rare. So few people loved swords the way he did. I think.... while he wouldn't be as good as you he would still enjoy himself.
[ Annie smiled as brightly as she was capable of. She is an expressive girl so really it is a truly bright look. ]
Well yeah. I can see that. When you... Whenever you've taken to instructing me you have a very personal touch. I can't see you benching yourself.
[ Lucius laughs, because that's true. All one would need to do is find those torrid missives he and Eridanus had exchanged to see how "kinky" the pleasure in defeat could be. ]
And I would love to show you just how good I really am. Unfortunately, even with a whole wide galaxy's worth of opponents, finding those good enough to provide entertaining sport is something of a challenge. Few of the fighters here are worth my time, and those that might truly be called swordsmen have proven... elusive.
[ By which he means the few that have openly identified themselves as such have been reluctant to agree to a contest of blades. Well, nevertheless, ]
The only man here who has actually taken me up on a duel is Eridanus, and... [ And it's good that Annie hadn't been there. But he refuses to allow any darkness to tinge his thoughts on the matter, and he turns the truth into another implication entirely as a grin spreads across his lips, vicious and toothy. ] Well, let's just say it's good that you weren't there to see the end result. The two of us can get rather heated.
[ It's not an entirely deceptive implication, anyway. ]
I can't show off my.... skills like this. I almost wonder if it's worth saving up to bribe Mana. Of course. First I want something delightful I've been plotting I told Eridanus about.
[ Her eyes spark with the kind of devilsh glee one might see if they saw a young murderer standing over a fresh kill. ]
Oh.
[ The smile fades and Annie actually blushes. ]
I once playfully teased him about you two being like a pair of unhinged demons. I had no idea a fight could do uh, that.
[ That's really gay Lucius. But also sweet like writing each other murderous love letters.
Annie is rooting for you two. ]
I'm going to be in so much trouble some day. One of you will give me so much shit when some guy has me acting uh.... I honestly have no idea. I was only ever entangled with the asshole I had to kill. I suppose I was very sweet. I don't like, swoon. That's embarrassing.
Oh, Annie. [ The smile stays broad across his lips, something wry prickling at its edges. ] I'd say more, but I'd hate to ruin that sweet innocence of yours.
[ There are things more interesting to discuss, anywayβor, at the least, things he only has the opportunity to discuss now. Against the booth, his three-pronged tail lifts and swings downward again, stingers thumping against the seat like the end of a comfortable cat's tail. ]
You have no need to worry about that from me, dear one. Eridanus... Well, if he ever gives you too much trouble, you can tell me, you know. At least one of us understands that a bird doesn't learn to fly without stretching its wings a bit.
[ What he is saying is that he'll make like a jock and shove that nerd into a locker if she needs some space. And then he cocks his head at her, an eyebrow arcing as his own eyes glint with mischief. ]
But I must admit, seeing that look on your face as me curious. I can only begin to imagine what diabolical plan lurks behind such eyes. Surely if you've let Eridanus in on your plan, you can do the same for me?
Oh my God. [ Her face goes red but Annie is also laughing so it's hard to tell if she is actually embarrassed.]
I'm not really that bad. I can talk about sex. I'm just not about to fall into bed with the first cute guy who makes me feel ready. I just also don't need to worry about Eridanus getting annoyed and eating my possible dates.
Maybe keep him tied up.
[ Take that how you will. Annie's face splits into a delighted grin. ]
Imagine this.
Either summoning a swarm of scorpions equal to my weight or transforming into that many. Imagine how horrified someone would be.
You are cruel, Annie. [ It won't embarrass her to say what he isn't into, will it? Eh, it's probably fine. Glittering with mirth, his eyes crinkle at their edges. ] Such things aren't my usual preference. You've handed me such a perfect opening, and I can't even say that I am already on it!
[ But when she describes the plot she has in mind, his own eyes light with something aside from humor. ]
It seems that your machinations are devious indeed. [ And that she has taken quite well to her current shape. And why shouldn't she? As inferior as it is to his true flesh, it must be quite the improvement for a mortal girl. Lucius leans back in his seat, inclining his head to regard her with some pride. ] For a great many mortals, that would be an incredible torture, yes. And something a bit outside the norm, too.
[ That many scorpions is not part of the average torturer's toolkit, after all. ]
There's like, a couple ways you could take that. [ Annie is trying not to think on it too much. There is only so far she can go without it being a bit gross given her relationship with Eridanus. ]
I know. I'm amazing.
[ Annie preens happily. She can picture just how truly terrified someone would be.
She wants to laugh. The look of joy is right there plain on her face. ]
I love both ideas. I just can't decide which would be better to lean into. It's funny but I never realized how much fun I could have with this. It used to be just about surviving whatever this place was throwing at me.
I believe that is the point, my dear. So much as I have my own complaints about Her methods, I cannot fault the ends the Fog God turns Her powers toward. People like you and Eridanus β you both simply needed a little nudge to embrace the freedom that has rested at your fingertips this whole time.
[ Hence while Lucius can't wholly resent Her. It's not so different from Slaanesh leading his Legion toward their epiphany. ]
Oh, but if you ask me, transforming into them yourself will be far more terrifying. It leaves your poor victims with nothing to strike back against.
I knew I was always... a bit different. I don't think it makes me bad. I still choose my victims and targets carefully. If someone ends up in my webs or at my feet it's a deliberate choice.
This spell was never supposed to be more than another way to deal with problems.
[ Annie picks up her mug with a frown. ]
I know we could end up with people like the poachers again. I don't know how to fight. I do understand how fear works though. Setting the stage is important. If they want to terrorize me I can always teach them a thing or two I've learned about being scared.
And just think, Annie β so many little scorpions will be harder to catch than one scorpion-shaped girl. [ It makes him wonder what might happen if a few pieces of her get crunched in the process, but... It's probably fine, no worse than a few bangs in a struggle. ] If you're worried that you cannot protect yourself, that sounds like quite the bonus, wouldn't you say?
[ She considers the spell and gives a girlish smile. ]
I just thought of it in terms of how to quickly instill fear. People make mistakes when they're scared or angry. They don't think past striking in like, one direction or just running away.
Very true! That is why my kin and I have been reprogrammed not to feel such cumbersome emotions.
[ He drops this piece of information as casually as anything else he has said throughout their conversation. As if it is worth no comment at all, his thoughts remain clearly on Annie and no other, the angle of his cheek shifting where it is still propped against his knuckles. ]
But just in case you find yourself the target of one who is not so easily intimidated, those other tactical advantages are worth your consideration as well.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Better to hate it than to love it, I suppose. If one enjoys defeat too much, it removes that drive to better oneself.
[ Some masochistic pleasure in it is fine, but nevertheless. Not that he would know anything about it, seeing asβ ]
Oh, they certainly did. Unfortunately for them, their ambitions surpassed their talents by by far. [ His smile turns vicious on his lips. ] Even in my youth, my superiority in the art of single combat was uncontested. Even some of the Lord Commanders looked jealously upon my ascendant star. [ Okay, mostly Eidolon, but he's bragging here. ] I suppose they must have felt threatened by the attention I commanded.
[ Anyway, ten-thousand years later, Lucius absolutely does not count that time Loken punched him as a loss. They agreed to a duel of swords, not fisticuffs. ]
In any case, the Emperor's Children were a disciplined bunch at the time, and those within Squad Nasicae fell in line in deference to my skill. Not a single one of them could say a word against my ability to lead from the front.
[ A leadership philosophy highly valued within the III Legion, when it still valued rank and organization at all. ]
no subject
[ Annie pulls a face. While she has started noticing boys again Annie isn't one easily swayed by "needs of the flesh" to put it delicately. ]
I really want to watch you fight someone. I saw my father in a few friendly matches but that was pretty rare. So few people loved swords the way he did. I think.... while he wouldn't be as good as you he would still enjoy himself.
[ Annie smiled as brightly as she was capable of. She is an expressive girl so really it is a truly bright look. ]
Well yeah. I can see that. When you... Whenever you've taken to instructing me you have a very personal touch. I can't see you benching yourself.
no subject
And I would love to show you just how good I really am. Unfortunately, even with a whole wide galaxy's worth of opponents, finding those good enough to provide entertaining sport is something of a challenge. Few of the fighters here are worth my time, and those that might truly be called swordsmen have proven... elusive.
[ By which he means the few that have openly identified themselves as such have been reluctant to agree to a contest of blades. Well, nevertheless, ]
The only man here who has actually taken me up on a duel is Eridanus, and... [ And it's good that Annie hadn't been there. But he refuses to allow any darkness to tinge his thoughts on the matter, and he turns the truth into another implication entirely as a grin spreads across his lips, vicious and toothy. ] Well, let's just say it's good that you weren't there to see the end result. The two of us can get rather heated.
[ It's not an entirely deceptive implication, anyway. ]
no subject
[ Her eyes spark with the kind of devilsh glee one might see if they saw a young murderer standing over a fresh kill. ]
Oh.
[ The smile fades and Annie actually blushes. ]
I once playfully teased him about you two being like a pair of unhinged demons. I had no idea a fight could do uh, that.
[ That's really gay Lucius. But also sweet like writing each other murderous love letters.
Annie is rooting for you two. ]
I'm going to be in so much trouble some day. One of you will give me so much shit when some guy has me acting uh.... I honestly have no idea. I was only ever entangled with the asshole I had to kill. I suppose I was very sweet. I don't like, swoon. That's embarrassing.
no subject
[ There are things more interesting to discuss, anywayβor, at the least, things he only has the opportunity to discuss now. Against the booth, his three-pronged tail lifts and swings downward again, stingers thumping against the seat like the end of a comfortable cat's tail. ]
You have no need to worry about that from me, dear one. Eridanus... Well, if he ever gives you too much trouble, you can tell me, you know. At least one of us understands that a bird doesn't learn to fly without stretching its wings a bit.
[ What he is saying is that he'll make like a jock and shove that nerd into a locker if she needs some space. And then he cocks his head at her, an eyebrow arcing as his own eyes glint with mischief. ]
But I must admit, seeing that look on your face as me curious. I can only begin to imagine what diabolical plan lurks behind such eyes. Surely if you've let Eridanus in on your plan, you can do the same for me?
cw: many bugs
I'm not really that bad. I can talk about sex. I'm just not about to fall into bed with the first cute guy who makes me feel ready. I just also don't need to worry about Eridanus getting annoyed and eating my possible dates.
Maybe keep him tied up.
[ Take that how you will. Annie's face splits into a delighted grin. ]
Imagine this.
Either summoning a swarm of scorpions equal to my weight or transforming into that many. Imagine how horrified someone would be.
no subject
[ But when she describes the plot she has in mind, his own eyes light with something aside from humor. ]
It seems that your machinations are devious indeed. [ And that she has taken quite well to her current shape. And why shouldn't she? As inferior as it is to his true flesh, it must be quite the improvement for a mortal girl. Lucius leans back in his seat, inclining his head to regard her with some pride. ] For a great many mortals, that would be an incredible torture, yes. And something a bit outside the norm, too.
[ That many scorpions is not part of the average torturer's toolkit, after all. ]
no subject
I know. I'm amazing.
[ Annie preens happily. She can picture just how truly terrified someone would be.
She wants to laugh. The look of joy is right there plain on her face. ]
I love both ideas. I just can't decide which would be better to lean into. It's funny but I never realized how much fun I could have with this. It used to be just about surviving whatever this place was throwing at me.
no subject
[ Hence while Lucius can't wholly resent Her. It's not so different from Slaanesh leading his Legion toward their epiphany. ]
Oh, but if you ask me, transforming into them yourself will be far more terrifying. It leaves your poor victims with nothing to strike back against.
no subject
This spell was never supposed to be more than another way to deal with problems.
[ Annie picks up her mug with a frown. ]
I know we could end up with people like the poachers again. I don't know how to fight. I do understand how fear works though. Setting the stage is important. If they want to terrorize me I can always teach them a thing or two I've learned about being scared.
no subject
And just think, Annie β so many little scorpions will be harder to catch than one scorpion-shaped girl. [ It makes him wonder what might happen if a few pieces of her get crunched in the process, but... It's probably fine, no worse than a few bangs in a struggle. ] If you're worried that you cannot protect yourself, that sounds like quite the bonus, wouldn't you say?
no subject
[ She considers the spell and gives a girlish smile. ]
I just thought of it in terms of how to quickly instill fear. People make mistakes when they're scared or angry. They don't think past striking in like, one direction or just running away.
no subject
[ He drops this piece of information as casually as anything else he has said throughout their conversation. As if it is worth no comment at all, his thoughts remain clearly on Annie and no other, the angle of his cheek shifting where it is still propped against his knuckles. ]
But just in case you find yourself the target of one who is not so easily intimidated, those other tactical advantages are worth your consideration as well.