[ It gives him a much stronger sense of the answer to the question he was quietly wondering, and the answer is fascinating. He’s old, impossibly so by what he has to call Earth standards by now, and that comes with a degree of routine. He’s watched humanity flourish, fall, and repeat it all over again many times, and they’re predictable in that. It’s a system he thrives in and profits off, because he can predict how humans will react with an alarming degree of accuracy.
However, COST does offer something new. There are people like Cheris (and Jedao) who seem to have existed separately from it. There are hints and commonalities, but it would be hard to ever imagine a human saying they don’t understand him. Granted, they never do, because demons are far more than stories and scripture could ever describe, but there’s a framework. They know that demons are vicious tricksters, and that’s enough. When that’s not so ingrained, it’s nothing short of fascinating because it’s new. ]
Ah, well. I cannot say whether you should mind or not, since I am biased in the matter, but understanding— [ He gestures gracefully, idly but wide as if welcoming ] You are always welcome to ask me whatever you wish. There are some things I cannot answer, as they come with prices I am not free to charge at the moment, but anything “free”? Certainly. I enjoy speaking with you.
[ With a wry smile, he nods to the shadow ] Both of you, as it were.
[ He settles back again for the rest of the reading, though the wry smile doesn’t slip away into politeness this time. It’s a perfectly true “prediction”, because this game of words may not be as loaded as one with an Aranean, but it’s still a game of information. He’s curious about them both, because there’s a familiarity in the situation he wouldn’t have expected. Sebastian reaches forward and picks up the Eye, and his appreciation of the artwork is genuine, but it’s also the quiet gesture of which side he favors of the pair.
And of course, his interest is piqued. Like dangling a steak in front of a wolf, someone asking for his help is a tantalizing prospect. He can’t “charge” for it, certainly, but it may just be a part of what he is. Sebastian shifts and crosses a leg as his posture shifts to be more casual. It’s disarming and amenable, and it’s something he’s acutely aware of. If he’s striking a deal, he wants it to be favorable. ]
My, then I am all ears. What did you have in mind?
no subject
However, COST does offer something new. There are people like Cheris (and Jedao) who seem to have existed separately from it. There are hints and commonalities, but it would be hard to ever imagine a human saying they don’t understand him. Granted, they never do, because demons are far more than stories and scripture could ever describe, but there’s a framework. They know that demons are vicious tricksters, and that’s enough. When that’s not so ingrained, it’s nothing short of fascinating because it’s new. ]
Ah, well. I cannot say whether you should mind or not, since I am biased in the matter, but understanding— [ He gestures gracefully, idly but wide as if welcoming ] You are always welcome to ask me whatever you wish. There are some things I cannot answer, as they come with prices I am not free to charge at the moment, but anything “free”? Certainly. I enjoy speaking with you.
[ With a wry smile, he nods to the shadow ] Both of you, as it were.
[ He settles back again for the rest of the reading, though the wry smile doesn’t slip away into politeness this time. It’s a perfectly true “prediction”, because this game of words may not be as loaded as one with an Aranean, but it’s still a game of information. He’s curious about them both, because there’s a familiarity in the situation he wouldn’t have expected. Sebastian reaches forward and picks up the Eye, and his appreciation of the artwork is genuine, but it’s also the quiet gesture of which side he favors of the pair.
And of course, his interest is piqued. Like dangling a steak in front of a wolf, someone asking for his help is a tantalizing prospect. He can’t “charge” for it, certainly, but it may just be a part of what he is. Sebastian shifts and crosses a leg as his posture shifts to be more casual. It’s disarming and amenable, and it’s something he’s acutely aware of. If he’s striking a deal, he wants it to be favorable. ]
My, then I am all ears. What did you have in mind?