Log: Hearts & Minds (Agnes)

[aloof_savant]

[ With the door to his room wide open, Caesar can be seen sitting at his desk, but completely neglecting his work. It would appear his mind has drifted away temporarily, no doubt thinking about the rumours Nash heard of Albert fleeing to Zelant. ]

Comments

[quicksmart]

[ His last few words provoke her again, and her face is an expression of scorn. ]

Self-proclaimed genius?

[aloof_savant]

It wasn't in those words, per se. He believes that it if he was an idiot then this never would have happened in the first place.

It... disturbed me, but I brushed it off as him being awkward at expressing himself, rather than tooting his own horn. I'd hope so, anyway.

[quicksmart]

He bragged to me. About his power and wealth. His smarts.

[ She clenches her own hand over his fist for a moment. ]

A person can have everything, but their weak heart and mind will fail them. Lazlo was not a self-proclaimed anything, but he was the victor.

[aloof_savant]

I know that.

[ He remains unphased as she squeezes his hand, allowing her to express her own anger. ]

But also remember, your own heart is strong, too. ...And, you have mine as well. I would never ask you to save that man's life, or to take pity on him, but at the very least share your burden with me. Tell me, when something like this happens, Agnes.

[quicksmart]

I... would have told you if he had indeed not been seen again.

[aloof_savant]

[ While he's glad to hear that, the whole autopilot thing still has him worried for her mental state. But... there isn't much more to be said on this subject. More importantly, Cray still needs to be found before this discussion can delve any deeper. ]

...You should get some rest.

[quicksmart]

... Yes.

[ She nods stiffly, picks up the shirt on the bed - the one that had started this whole affair - and balls it tightly it in her hands. ]

... Can you... take care of the rest of the laundry?

[aloof_savant]

[ His priorities lie more with finding Cray first, which he plans on doing once she leaves, but he's not going to make her stay back and finish the task either. ]

Of course, Agnes.

[quicksmart]

[ She smiles gratefully at him, as if his ability to take care of the laundry suddenly means the world to her. It's an odd response. ]

... Thank you, Caesar. ... F-for everything.

[aloof_savant]

[ Seeing her smile again, even if briefly, means even more to him. It gives him relief that she will be alright, whether or not she'll be the same after this incident. He doesn't want her to do any of this alone. ]

Come on, now, that's my line...

[quicksmart]

[ She shakes her head at that, and then goes to the door. ]

Please don't worry about me. ... I will be fine.

[ And she quietly slips out before he can interject, because she wants to be fine and if she leaves now she will be. And asking him about this feeling of emptiness is something that is better saved for another day. ]