IC CONTACT

[monolike]

...this is the neatest thing I've ever seen. I want one for home so bad.

-Right! This is Sorey, please leave me a message so I can get back to you!


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[arcanepower]

[He believes Sorey, even if it's not a loud declaration. Belthazar's never had a real friendship with something older than him, something like an elemental. He's never been that special.]

... Thank you.

[He wraps his hands around his own teacup. They're small and shaky, but they seem to gain strength the longer they're still.]

I don't think I can tell them. I hate to put the burden on you, but I think I might fly into hysterics if I had to face Mikleo.

[monolike]

It's okay. If you want me to tell them, just so they're aware, I don't mind.

[Sorey sighs and takes a sip. The tea's gone a little tepid but it's still good.]

I appreciate you telling me. I can definitely see now why it would worry you so much.

[arcanepower]

They might want to know why you ask them to imbue the same crystal over and over.

[His expression softens, making him look nearly fifteen again.] Thank you. Thank you. For not running out or-- screaming at me, I suppose.

[He doesn't realize the tea's gone lukewarm until he's taken a sip, too, and he makes a face.] Oh... goodness, it's all cold now. I can warm it back up if you'd like.

[monolike]

Sure, [Sorey hands over his teacup, because it's good but it's not like, amazing. Lukewarm tea can only do so much.] And, I mean...do you want my honest opinion? On your condition?

[arcanepower]

[Your condition, he says, like it's something manageable. Like it isn't a curse. Like they're talking about a rash instead of something that will destroy Belthazar if he lets up for just one instant.

He heats up the tea with a little bit of fire magic, hands it over.]

You can be honest. [Sorey's probably the only person who can be honest and not make it feel like an execution.

He moves onto his own teacup, and then finally the teapot, until everything is pleasantly warm again.]

[monolike]

I don't think you should define yourself with it. [Sorey accepts his teacup back.] It sounds like it's something difficult to live with, but to call yourself a monster because of it...no matter what's happened in your past, the present you is trying to find alternative methods of dealing with it, right? Ones that don't hurt anybody.

You seem more like a pioneer than a monster to me. Or like a doctor.

[arcanepower]

[He's never heard words like that before. It's true that Belthazar defines himself with it. But that's also how all blood elves are... it's in the name. Doing otherwise isn't something he's considered; he's a creature of his culture, through and through, and he still struggles with the outsiders are bad mentality sometimes.

Still, Sorey's words hit home.]

I... yes, but -- I could never be a doctor, or a healer. I only know how to destroy. I can make potions and salves, but it's not quite the same thing, and --

[He's fighting but only because he's embarrassed, and it's clear by looking at his face. Those are such huge compliments. He covers his mouth with his hand as if that might hide how much he's blushing.]

-- y-you speak so highly of me. I fear it is misplaced.

[monolike]

[Buddy your entire face is tomato red.] Maybe. I don't know anything about your world or your culture besides what I've been told, but it's still what I think. [tea sip] For me, people back home who make potions and salves are doctors and healers, so that's what you seem like to me.

[arcanepower]

[He stares down at his tea as if it might save him.]

I could never compare to my sister. She-- she had such healing hands. She taught me that I needed to take care of myself, to not always depend on magic. She was right.

[He closes his eyes.]

I want to be... an archmage. A master at magic and alchemy. Someone people listen to. If I am strong like that, I can make sure what happened to me never happens to anyone else.

[monolike]

I believe you can do it. [Sorey smiles a little, setting his teacup down and folding his hands in his lap, leaning forward.] You've got the motivation, you've got the know-how...all that's left is for other people to see it, right?

[arcanepower]

[His ears straighten in surprise.]

Y-you do? [boy Sorey has been complimenting him this whole time and yet Belthazar still doesn't get it through his thick head. He's not used to praise.]

I mean-- I... I still have a lot to learn, but I'm capable enough to handle myself! It's just a matter of study.

[monolike]

[Sorey nods along, though he knows fuck all about becoming an archmage.] Then you're definitely well on your way. I don't think it's unreasonable to state your goal proudly like that.