Who: Aetós + Appointments What: A catch-all for threads with Aetós in April Where: Various When: April Notes: NPC Interactions can be requested via the this page!
[ Communion with Aetós is strange. At first, Silco might think he’s being ignored, because there’s no sense of connection or presence that he’s come to expect, even from the Shard-Bearers that are more muted in their expression. Yet, Aetós’s voice comes through clear and calm as ever. It’s just devoid of anything else. ]
Lab. [ A correction, though a small one. ] Some parts were intentional. Some were not. I expected that they would come fetch Vander in one way or another, but the timing I couldn’t guess. I wouldn’t stop work because of that.
[ Even in his fury, Silco saves a small moment to be petty and catty as hell. Don't mind him. ]
I suppose, though, I assumed that it was intentional because I couldn't imagine that you would be in operation for so long, if a little raid was enough to lose information.
Or was it that inconsequential to your grander work?
[ Or was it a message? That Jinx was on there is important. It holds significance, even if Silco has never told anyone. Yima knows, so... perhaps Aetós does as well. ]
[ wow… petty… is this Aetós judging or just me ooc, who knows because it does not come through Communion! ]
Hardly. It went better than I expected, in fact. I expected a small rescue party. Not a large group. The material there was due to be purged regardless, so having Shard-Bearers take care of it was excellent data. Even your demon was kind enough to provide valuable insights.
[ Though that’s not why Silco is “calling”, is it. There’s a sense in their tone that even Aetós knows that, but they’re similar in meandering to their point to not be the one to say what they mean. ]
But regardless, it’s no information lost. Small bits and pieces shared. Meanings they’ll have to piece together. But nothing I would not share, were they able to ask. So. What do you want to ask, Silco?
How magnanimous of you, to be so willing to share.
[ Dryly. Even in communion, that comes through. But he cannot dance around this for that long, he knows that Aetós will cut him off if he plays for too long, or tries to get them to come out and say it. Silco is not the one with the power here, and it's after a moment that he finally says: ]
There was a list of names. "Too Unstable To Survive", I believe.
[ And then: ]
Do you still have access to all of them? I know Amos and Voryn Dagoth are both here still, the other two, however...
[ He doesn't care about Barnaby, but it's an easy cover. Her name isn't Powder, he thinks to himself, but does not voice it, and does not name the names because of that. ]
[ There’s a laugh, though it’s short and soft as it’s always been. ]
I remember the note you’re referring to. But that wasn’t how they were labeled. They weren’t labeled at all. [ which just to be OOCly clear, may be an IC miscommunication! The full description of the journal can be found here, for reference. ] Amos Burton, Barnaby Brooks, Powder, Voryn Dagoth. Interesting individuals. Potentially. Leaving Kenos doesn’t always stick, as I’m sure you’re aware. However. How interesting that you decided to reach out over a list of names. Especially when one of them is a connection I discovered through Vander’s memories.
[ And let's be real, Silco has NO logic in his brain when Jinx is involved. He's reading a LOT into this. As is evidenced when there's another major spike of irritation from communion at the name "Powder". You can imagine Silco grinding his teeth to the tune of 'her name is jinx'. ]
Vander has been dead for nearly a decade, in my world, and his memories are that much out of date. [ A beat. ]
I'll ask again. Do you have access to the ones no longer here?
[ In real-time, Silco's fingers tighten on her shard, as if he's afraid it's going to disappear. ]
I can observe the Timestream. Pull out things and creatures whose beings do not crystallize into a Shard. Those that do are beyond me. It would make my research much less worthwhile if it were that easy, hm?
[ There’s a pause, longer this time, but finally, there’s an emotion. Thoughtful. Curious. ]
[ The emotion is gone again as quick as blowing out a candle. It therefore makes that “I see” very difficult to read. Whether Aetós takes Silco at his word (or even cares), who knows. It’s at least not something they press on more. ]
[ He said, and it's a bit of an odd admittance. Was he really bothering Aetós about someone who was clearly not here, and therefore not a concern.
He knows that Jinx isn't here, because he has her shard. It is precious, and it is currently in his fingers. Silco's grasp on communion is tenuous enough that what slips through is something that could actually be called relief if the man could be honest with his feelings for even a millisecond. ]
There is one more thing that I should ask about. The person you observed, that you...mislabeled. [ Clearly just an accident, Aetós. ]
Why? Do you do so with everyone? [ That part is just genuinely curious. ] And more importantly: why that name? There is...significance in choosing the wrong one, and you are not one for mistakes.
[ There’s a pause that’s clearly consideration with the muted feeling that comes through, but Aetós seems to decide that it’s fine to elaborate. ]
When a Shard comes into my care, I expose it to the Timestream directly to see what can be observed. It is a way to direct the Timestream. Consider a Shard a lens with which it is focused. I can witness pieces of the Shard’s past as well as the potential future it was taken from. Multiples of both. I can also see connections in those memories. If one of the souls has been touched by the Timestream before, it is visible. So, a constant in many of Vander’s memories was two girls with that connection. But one was stronger than the other. It is why I noted it. They called her Powder. It is as simple as that.
[ A thoughtful noise, and then they add: ]
It is worth noting that the names in that list share nothing in common for my interests in them. That list was truly just notes. I always carry such a journal with me.
[ That he keeps notes is... well. Truly an afterthought from Aetós and it is from Silco. Aetós reminds him of Singed, in far too many ways. Singed if he had been given more power and ability, perhaps, but Singed all the same. The man did not exactly hold many scruples when it came to his research, and Silco suspected that they would have gotten along swimmingly.
Though this answers a lot for Silco. He bites back the impulse, though Aetós is sure to see the shape of it, before Silco drowns it yet again -- Her name is -- he isn't going to give Aetós that much. He wondered, if it was the fact that he was here, that made the connection to Jinx stronger, or if it was the fact that he had so recently stolen those memories? There are infinite possibilities, but Silco doesn't share them.
As much as he is working with them, Silco doesn't trust Aetós, but he figures it goes both ways. ]
Fascinating. I do wish I could tell Vander just how -- she -- [ A slight halt in communion, amending from Jinx to she ] ended up in your notes.
Well, perhaps the wondering and fretting over it will be better. [ A beat. ] Just so we are clear, however. If she were to ever return.
I would consider her off-limits. Just a friendly suggestion.
[ It was not, in fact, friendly in the slightest. ]
[ There’s a short, laughed out hm, but the little twinkle of amusement is there, though also cut off almost sharply. ]
It’s good to know that she’s so important to you as well. Unexpected, but good to know. [ Is that a threat made in return? Who can say. ] But so long as you deliver on our agreement, then she will be. Despite what you may have guessed because of the journal, I don’t antagonize those I work with purposefully.
I did hope that would be the answer. I do think we work well together, as we understand each other rather well.
[ Other than the initial shock of seeing Jinx's other name, Silco had been hoping that was the case. Her shard was with him. That's the most important thing. That's -- More than anything -- the most important. Whatever Aetós had written down, he wouldn't let anyone take her away from him. As long as Aetós had no plans for Jinx, whatever thrum of fury and anger bubbled beneath the surface of cold water of Silco's communion, it's quick to settle.
Though he wonders... if he should send Vander and the rest of them on a wild goose chase looking for her.
Perhaps. He'll think about it. It would be worth it, to see them looking for nothing, while he held Jinx safe with him -- and Silco would burn a universe for that. (It was her shard, of course, but Silco thought of it as her, even now.) Well, he would consider it. ]
I will not take any more of your time. I'm sure you're just as busy as I am, and while time may be... easy to conjure for you, I suspect I'm going to be hearing from an old foe at some point over this. I'd like to prepare.
Indeed. Based on some things I have been hearing, I imagine you are correct. Besides this matter, Meridian is looking into Birdie’s disappearance, naturally.
[ And, with the smallest note of amusement: ]
I have heard that there are flyers, even. If you haven’t seen one, you should try and obtain a copy of Birdie’s. It might give you a laugh.
Indeed. I believe some are aware of her ultimate fate. But that also means it does not particularly matter if they come to chat with you. I'm sure you have a good story in place for how Drauamhol came into your possession.
[ Or even if it’s not… It doesn’t matter to Aetós. They don’t expect anyone to be able to pry the truth out of Silco in the first place, but even if someone did, they would simply discover that they were working together. It’s inconsequential information. ]
Regardless, I will be laying low for a while. Without the Zoo, I have other projects that need to be pursued for the time being. I will let you know when I am ready to try a dose of Shimmer.
I do, and some have come calling already. [ Kaeya did him quite the favor, coming out with the fact that Birdie was working with Aetós, and that they killed her. It added a layer to his story that just made it believable, that he wasn't involved.
And well, without witnesses? Who could say? ]
If we have any...breakthroughs on availability on our end, I will reach out, of course. Just to let you know.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Lab. [ A correction, though a small one. ] Some parts were intentional. Some were not. I expected that they would come fetch Vander in one way or another, but the timing I couldn’t guess. I wouldn’t stop work because of that.
[ A pause, and then: ]
What makes you think I left them on purpose?
no subject
[ Even in his fury, Silco saves a small moment to be petty and catty as hell. Don't mind him. ]
I suppose, though, I assumed that it was intentional because I couldn't imagine that you would be in operation for so long, if a little raid was enough to lose information.
Or was it that inconsequential to your grander work?
[ Or was it a message? That Jinx was on there is important. It holds significance, even if Silco has never told anyone. Yima knows, so... perhaps Aetós does as well. ]
no subject
Hardly. It went better than I expected, in fact. I expected a small rescue party. Not a large group. The material there was due to be purged regardless, so having Shard-Bearers take care of it was excellent data. Even your demon was kind enough to provide valuable insights.
[ Though that’s not why Silco is “calling”, is it. There’s a sense in their tone that even Aetós knows that, but they’re similar in meandering to their point to not be the one to say what they mean. ]
But regardless, it’s no information lost. Small bits and pieces shared. Meanings they’ll have to piece together. But nothing I would not share, were they able to ask. So. What do you want to ask, Silco?
no subject
[ Dryly. Even in communion, that comes through. But he cannot dance around this for that long, he knows that Aetós will cut him off if he plays for too long, or tries to get them to come out and say it. Silco is not the one with the power here, and it's after a moment that he finally says: ]
There was a list of names. "Too Unstable To Survive", I believe.
[ And then: ]
Do you still have access to all of them? I know Amos and Voryn Dagoth are both here still, the other two, however...
[ He doesn't care about Barnaby, but it's an easy cover. Her name isn't Powder, he thinks to himself, but does not voice it, and does not name the names because of that. ]
no subject
[ There’s a laugh, though it’s short and soft as it’s always been. ]
I remember the note you’re referring to. But that wasn’t how they were labeled. They weren’t labeled at all. [ which just to be OOCly clear, may be an IC miscommunication! The full description of the journal can be found here, for reference. ] Amos Burton, Barnaby Brooks, Powder, Voryn Dagoth. Interesting individuals. Potentially. Leaving Kenos doesn’t always stick, as I’m sure you’re aware. However. How interesting that you decided to reach out over a list of names. Especially when one of them is a connection I discovered through Vander’s memories.
no subject
Vander has been dead for nearly a decade, in my world, and his memories are that much out of date. [ A beat. ]
I'll ask again. Do you have access to the ones no longer here?
[ In real-time, Silco's fingers tighten on her shard, as if he's afraid it's going to disappear. ]
no subject
[ It’s an answer given simply and immediately. ]
I can observe the Timestream. Pull out things and creatures whose beings do not crystallize into a Shard. Those that do are beyond me. It would make my research much less worthwhile if it were that easy, hm?
[ There’s a pause, longer this time, but finally, there’s an emotion. Thoughtful. Curious. ]
I'll take a guess. You have her Shard?
no subject
[ He says, because her name isn't Powder. ]
Powder is dead, Aetós. She was dead long before the destruction of our world.
no subject
[ The emotion is gone again as quick as blowing out a candle. It therefore makes that “I see” very difficult to read. Whether Aetós takes Silco at his word (or even cares), who knows. It’s at least not something they press on more. ]
Is that all you wanted to know?
no subject
[ He said, and it's a bit of an odd admittance. Was he really bothering Aetós about someone who was clearly not here, and therefore not a concern.
He knows that Jinx isn't here, because he has her shard. It is precious, and it is currently in his fingers. Silco's grasp on communion is tenuous enough that what slips through is something that could actually be called relief if the man could be honest with his feelings for even a millisecond. ]
There is one more thing that I should ask about. The person you observed, that you...mislabeled. [ Clearly just an accident, Aetós. ]
Why? Do you do so with everyone? [ That part is just genuinely curious. ] And more importantly: why that name? There is...significance in choosing the wrong one, and you are not one for mistakes.
no subject
[ There’s a pause that’s clearly consideration with the muted feeling that comes through, but Aetós seems to decide that it’s fine to elaborate. ]
When a Shard comes into my care, I expose it to the Timestream directly to see what can be observed. It is a way to direct the Timestream. Consider a Shard a lens with which it is focused. I can witness pieces of the Shard’s past as well as the potential future it was taken from. Multiples of both. I can also see connections in those memories. If one of the souls has been touched by the Timestream before, it is visible. So, a constant in many of Vander’s memories was two girls with that connection. But one was stronger than the other. It is why I noted it. They called her Powder. It is as simple as that.
[ A thoughtful noise, and then they add: ]
It is worth noting that the names in that list share nothing in common for my interests in them. That list was truly just notes. I always carry such a journal with me.
no subject
Though this answers a lot for Silco. He bites back the impulse, though Aetós is sure to see the shape of it, before Silco drowns it yet again -- Her name is -- he isn't going to give Aetós that much. He wondered, if it was the fact that he was here, that made the connection to Jinx stronger, or if it was the fact that he had so recently stolen those memories? There are infinite possibilities, but Silco doesn't share them.
As much as he is working with them, Silco doesn't trust Aetós, but he figures it goes both ways. ]
Fascinating. I do wish I could tell Vander just how -- she -- [ A slight halt in communion, amending from Jinx to she ] ended up in your notes.
Well, perhaps the wondering and fretting over it will be better. [ A beat. ] Just so we are clear, however. If she were to ever return.
I would consider her off-limits. Just a friendly suggestion.
[ It was not, in fact, friendly in the slightest. ]
no subject
[ There’s a short, laughed out hm, but the little twinkle of amusement is there, though also cut off almost sharply. ]
It’s good to know that she’s so important to you as well. Unexpected, but good to know. [ Is that a threat made in return? Who can say. ] But so long as you deliver on our agreement, then she will be. Despite what you may have guessed because of the journal, I don’t antagonize those I work with purposefully.
no subject
I did hope that would be the answer. I do think we work well together, as we understand each other rather well.
[ Other than the initial shock of seeing Jinx's other name, Silco had been hoping that was the case. Her shard was with him. That's the most important thing. That's -- More than anything -- the most important. Whatever Aetós had written down, he wouldn't let anyone take her away from him. As long as Aetós had no plans for Jinx, whatever thrum of fury and anger bubbled beneath the surface of cold water of Silco's communion, it's quick to settle.
Though he wonders... if he should send Vander and the rest of them on a wild goose chase looking for her.
Perhaps. He'll think about it. It would be worth it, to see them looking for nothing, while he held Jinx safe with him -- and Silco would burn a universe for that. (It was her shard, of course, but Silco thought of it as her, even now.) Well, he would consider it. ]
I will not take any more of your time. I'm sure you're just as busy as I am, and while time may be... easy to conjure for you, I suspect I'm going to be hearing from an old foe at some point over this. I'd like to prepare.
no subject
[ And, with the smallest note of amusement: ]
I have heard that there are flyers, even. If you haven’t seen one, you should try and obtain a copy of Birdie’s. It might give you a laugh.
no subject
I'll keep my eye open for it.
[ get it? ]
Well, if they come by looking for Birdie, it's a shame they won't be able to find hide or hair of her.
no subject
[ Or even if it’s not… It doesn’t matter to Aetós. They don’t expect anyone to be able to pry the truth out of Silco in the first place, but even if someone did, they would simply discover that they were working together. It’s inconsequential information. ]
Regardless, I will be laying low for a while. Without the Zoo, I have other projects that need to be pursued for the time being. I will let you know when I am ready to try a dose of Shimmer.
no subject
And well, without witnesses? Who could say? ]
If we have any...breakthroughs on availability on our end, I will reach out, of course. Just to let you know.
[ A beat. He doesn't say thank you, but... ]
A pleasure, as always.