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.
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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.