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[outofoffice]

[ Rather than a voicemail, there's just a brief melody on a lyre ]

Comments

[cryovision]

...It's hard to say.

[And that's what he's upset about! He can't tell how much was manipulation and how much was just his own inner darkness and now he trusts himself even less than usual and wants to crawl into a hole.]

I thought that everyone else was playing seriously. And that, if I didn't, my teammates would die. But I can't claim I wouldn't have enjoyed the fighting regardless.

[outofoffice]

Are you wondering at the moral implications of playing to win in a game like that? It's only human nature to want to survive.

As for enjoyment, well . . .

[ a pause ]

Some of you just get off on that kind of thing, you know? It's not that unusual.

[ CHILDE. ]

[cryovision]

It's not that kind of enjoyment, you crude bard.

[Really. Who do you think he is!!]

[outofoffice]

That's what they all say! ☆

[cryovision]

[lightly kicks venti in the knee! He's too lazy to get up and too tired to be cool.]

Nice to know you're thinking about me getting off.

[outofoffice]

[ COMPLETELY SHAMELESS: ]

That's the hazard in a place like this, isn't it?

[cryovision]

I suppose I should just be flattered, hm?

[gently attempting to push venti over now. with his foot.]

[outofoffice]

[ He flops over with a little oof, like the literal lightweight he is. ]

Obviously!

[cryovision]

Aha! Behold, I have toppled a god.

[ :) ]

[outofoffice]

You have sullied divinity with your foot.

[cryovision]

You were already being awfully filthy, my dear. I doubt I could sully you further.

[outofoffice]

[ Throwing an arm over his eyes in a mock swoon ]

How dare you! I'm merely an innocent witness to the myriad crimes of this world.

[cryovision]

Oh, sure.

[Pavo finishes his mug of wine and, after making a sad face at it, flops over in the grass next to Zephyr with a sigh.]

I am, admittedly, a terrible perpetrator of crimes.

[outofoffice]

Is that why this sinner comes looking for absolution?

[ Letting his arm flop back into the grass ]

Unfortunately, this god sees no crimes deserving of it!

I could lie and tell you that the wine has been sanctified, though.

[cryovision]

[ahahaahahahahahHAHAHAH "sinner" is a great word and Pavo definitely doesn't flinch when he hears it]

Hmmm... Perhaps it's my future crimes that might need absolution. Is that something I can get in advance?

[outofoffice]

[ hey you said it buddy not him ]

The bad news is that absolution can only be applied retroactively!

The good news is that I'm not particularly concerned about it in this case.

[cryovision]

[CRIMES AND SINS ARE DIFFERENT OK]

How reassuring.

[but he can't actually feel reassured for SOME REASON]

...I'd ask you how you're so confident but I'm afraid that would open us to topics neither of us would enjoy.

[outofoffice]

[ He just laughs ]

Maybe it's just a bard's intuition!

[cryovision]

Perhaps.

[Pavo's... distant, a bit. He doesn't know how to voice his real fears, or how to accept venti's (or anyone's) faith in him. It feels awkward. So he's quiet now, overthinking it without saying so.]

[outofoffice]

[ Sitting up to peer down at him for a long moment

Hmmmmmmmmmmm ]

[cryovision]

...Yes?

[Why are you looking at him like thaaaat]

[outofoffice]

I know what you need.

[ Reaches down

Bops his nose ]

More wine!

[cryovision]

[??????

well that makes him blush, because it's embarrassing.]

...Ahaha... Well, I would never turn down more wine.

[outofoffice]

[ Step one of his plan: success ]

One moment and I'll be right back~

[ He disappears from the room again, but this time when he returns, it's with the bucket he'd brought to the party.

Just.

Full of wine. ]

[cryovision]

[that is so much wine... and so necessary]

Ah, now you're on the right page.