illithidnapped | INBOX II

[The scoff she emits might as well be heard across pen and paper.]

No. Enchantments are what money-obsessed mages and swindlers in this city offer, and none of them are worth much. I offer you improvement and innovation.

Daggers and a bow? [Hmm . . .] Come by tomorrow. Even without my laboratory, I can make you a set of daggers I once prototyped in my last world. They'll come back to their sheaths automatically— or your hands, if you'd like.

But, if you prefer elemental enchantments, I can manage that, I suppose. Electricity will give you a leg up— excuse me. Lightning, as they term it in this world. But mine will give you a far greater edge in battle than anyone else has, for no one has lightning as I do.

Well well, such shocking wonders you contain if true. Personally I can't admit to grasping how your own version of it would even begin to surpass this world's already charged interpretation.

Is it malleable? Controllable?

Biddable?

A fire in a hearth and a blazing inferno that eats a city alive have the same starting base, but you wouldn't compare one to the other in terms of power, would you?

Imagine that, and add to it the idea of harnessing it for yourself. Not as mages do, calling it briefly, but wielding it like you would a knife. Though I would not call it biddable, precisely: it's still dangerous, and it would be foolish to underestimate that. Nor is it a pet. It can, and will, kill you if you handle it wrong, and trust we will go over that tomorrow.

What of your world? If electricity isn't familiar to you, what is? Or is it similar to this place in terms of technological advancements? The magic is a wonder, I suppose, and the sociological implications of magic are interesting, but I find it rather primitive overall compared to what I'm used to.

Familiar in some ways, indescribably unfamiliar in others. I suspect you and I would be here all night if we set to picking apart all the minutiae between us. Because at first glance I really thought this was my world— just some odd, unexplored, backwater fragment of it that I, as an elevated member of high society, had never even heard of until now. An assumption very quickly pruned once it began begging the question of where are the airships? The self sustaining lifts and automated doorways powered by something other than oversized chains and a massive hand crank? The enchanted lights that won't threaten to burn down half the city if a vat of oil topples in its vicinity? And don't even get me started on the whole 'human supremacy' nonsense

no offense, of course

But it's utter tripe, and while the concept of mage jail certainly is funny at a glance, one questions if they're even doing it right when the church can't even keep its tenets straight from region to region as I hear. And I've been told there are comparable modernized luxuries in the north, yet the whole enslavement-beneath-the-rifter-hungry-elf-loathing-self-appointed-'god' puts a bit of a damper on making plans to see any of it.

In other words, darling, primitive is a downright apt assessment as far as I'm concerned.

[An opinion Astarion will never voice to the local herd beyond Fenris, however; it's too valuable to fit in with those he doesn't trust, too important to take their side and make himself seem as native as they come, so that if there ever comes a day when sides are taken or sacrifices made, he can at least slip in at their side and warrant not even a second, passing thought.

He's heard the way rifters are spoken of. The distrust at its thinnest and accusations of demonhood or magecraft at its worst— and he's no intention of ever being trapped again. Not by walls. Not by perceptions.

Not anything.]

[Her first, wholly classist thought is: thank god he's a member of the elite. She'd a fool to claim those are the only people worth anything, of course, and she damn well knows better, but still. When it comes to civility and mannerisms, she was raised a certain way, and some preferences still stick. Perhaps there's a reason she's oddly inclined towards him already.

But her second thought, which races past the first and eclipses it within a second, is: airships. Oh, she would dearly love to see those. How are they powered? Is it something similar to her own anti-gravity inventions, or is it more about aerodynamics? Or even magic? And how does magic work in his world, anyway— is it based on a power source, as it is here, where mages draw on lyrium like a battery, or is it more comparative to electricity, which can be generated if you're clever enough to know what you're doing. And that's to say nothing of lights that aren't lanterns, or self-sustained lifts . . . oh, his world must be so much more advanced than this one, even if said advancements went along a different path. It's fascinating, and her eyes gleam as she thinks of it. What she wouldn't give for just a single book on the subject . . .

Add it to the list of things she'll make Robert take her to see, as penance for inexplicably abandoning her here.]

Of course they aren't doing it right. Religion as a justification for any kind of ostracization has always and will always backfire sooner or later. Call it an inevitable constant spread across worlds. It holds right up until all falls apart— and from what I've read, it's already falling apart here. Not that it will stop the church from trying again and again, until they learn to pick on a marginalized group that can't conjure fireballs at will.

Still, I'll admit: it's pleasant to have someone understand. At least we have indoor plumbing now, I suppose that's something. Not much, but something.

Who knows? Steal me enough equipment and perhaps we can grow wealthy again over the invention of something so miraculous as, oh, I don't know. A working clock. A standardized calendar not based on the whims of whatever interesting thing happens that century.

A pen.

[Had he only the means to see betwixt those pretty ears.

Two centuries of ill treatment mark his posture and the fine lines of a gaunted face, but even there, he'd found glimmers of admiration amongst those who'd thought him as highborn as he'd once been. Little embers of import. Of adulation. Admiration. Attention.

He's not so starved these days, but still.

It's nice.]

You mean you can grow wealthy, my dear. I doubt the masses would look well on an elf with more fortune than humility, after all.

I stand corrected. I'll grow wealthy, and you'll become suitably well compensated, only to lose it all because you can't stand not flaunting it. Is that better?

Oh pish posh don't be so fussy, darling. It was pure hyperbole: naturally you'll wear your wealth upon your sleeve, while I, a charming-yet-fashionably favored elf who despite it knows his place, will stay very, very poor and yet want for nothing throughout all his long years. And also will not have a secret hideaway filled with more treasure than he can carry.

Wink. And also wink.

If you imagine that is me fussy, you're in for a dreadful surprise. That was me humorous at best.

Indulge my curiosity, then, so long as he's confessing his secrets to me: what would you do with said wealth, beyond accumulate and hoard it? Don't mistake that for a critique; you'd be among wealthy company if you did so.

[Color him every shade of pleasantly surprised.]

Gods above it is so achingly hard to tell these sorts of things over text. Doubly so when every last creature I've spoken to amongst our ranks is stiffer than a prick at sunrise.]

[But as for her earlier question....]

I'd love nothing more than to tell you I'd be spending it on caviar, courtesans, fine wine and lush trinkets, but I'm sad to say I'd only use it to safeguard myself against the sort of world-ending, slavery inducing threats that might just win this war if we're unlucky.

Don't mourn sensibility. It's a rare enough trait, in this or any world. Though let's hope it doesn't come to that, for I doubt either of us would fair well, Rifters that we both are.

Besides: truly good caviar is rare, and Kirkwall, of all places, won't have anything but cheap imitations. Save your money.

Is your eventual plan bribery, or to go on the defensive? If nothing else, this world has a great deal of weaponry against magic, so I suppose that's something, though I don't know how well it would fare against the likes of a so-called god.

Bribery, yes. Amongst other things such as bought favoritism and exceptional treatment, you'd be surprised what sort of merit a great deal of gold can afford.

Or maybe you wouldn't be surprised at all.

[He doesn't know her well enough to say.]

Either way, few things in any world can be counted on save for money and sex paving the way to absolute safety when all else would otherwise fail, and I don't intend to have my blood rotting in a phylactery or my body in a cell.

Not surprised, no. Though I would argue money guarantees more than sex ever can.

[But perhaps that's a personal observation. God knows there's been more than a few social climbers who have lived their entire lives in comfort thanks to their willingness to spread their legs; it's just that such things don't last when the mob comes to your door.

Then again, she'd been long dead by the time the Vox took over Columbia. Perhaps gold wouldn't have saved her, and her scalp would have numbers among all the other elites killed and put on display. Something to think about.]

So? What have they gotten you so far? I doubt you've been idle, and reputation takes time to cultivate.

So very very little, alas.

Perhaps it's my very nature as a creature from another world- or my ears, though I'd argue they're quite fetching- or my red eyes and jagged fangs, despite their exotic charms.

Either way, few seem inclined to let me hold their hand, let alone their heart.

But you've been here longer, haven't you? Know this lot better overall. What appeals to them.

What doesn't.

[It's a good question. She stares at the wall and smiles without a drop of amusement, quietly ruing the fact this conversation reminds her of another she'd had long ago.]

It depends on what you mean.

For you? I would suspect the tactic to take would be that of exotic appeal. An elf, but a charming one; a Rifter, but a relatable one. They will never accept you as anything more than that, but you must know that already. But if you can appeal to them while dancing that fine line . . .

[Hmm.]

Amuse them. Endear them to you. Thrill them, if you can, but do not scare them, and don't ever remind them that you're smarter, or braver, or more able to kill them. The wealthy elite are much like any wealthy elite: they crave amusement, and want to feel good about themselves. If you can swallow your dignity and become a pet, all the better, but even putting on a good show for a night or three might help.

Either that, or find a way to use your talents in such a way as to make yourself invulnerable. Vastly more difficult, I admit, but more satisfying to one's dignity. It's your choice.

As for this world in particular . . . I suppose the only thing I can tell you is to be elvish enough to intrigue, and human enough to safely relate. Strike any elvish from your speech, but offer to teach them exotic rituals or fun little party games.

But perhaps I'm telling you things you already know. I've been here longer, yes, but you seem keenly adept at survival. Are these lessons you haven't already learned? I would be shocked if the answer was yes.

What were you, before this?

[She is, as it so happens (and every word of it weighs something in him down, pitching heavy in his skin like stone), but it doesn't bother in the slightest; how could it, after all? She doesn't know the origin of nimble fingers.

The depths to which they've delved.]

Perceptive.

[Or resourceful....?]

But I'm not certain I should tell you: it's not the sort of thing spoken of in distinguished company, after all.

And I wouldn't want to offend the very creature I've already grown quite fond of.

You won't.

[Wait—]

You're fond of me?

[Hm.]

Don't take this the wrong way, but that seems ill-advised.

You? Ill-advised?

Oh sweetheart, I adore the sense of humor but you're penning nonsense. Besides, everything I do is already ill-advised anyway: whatever could you do to make things worse?

Edited 2025-04-24 03:26 (UTC)

Don't call me that.

And "ill-advised" in the sense that I am not a nice person. I'm selfish and uninterested in friendship, or bandying pleasantries, or anything that doesn't strike my interest and intrigue me. You will not find me a good confidant.

I could, and have, made things worse by being rather unpleasant company.

Don't mistake this for self-flagellation. I have no issue with being these things. I simply tire of people being shocked when I don't wish to hear about their week-ends, or what they had for dinner last night, or whatever other idiotic chatter they wish to fill their vapid lives with.

Force of habit. Cross my own unpleasant little heart.

But you know, I don't need a good confidant. Nor do I need a shoulder to cry on, or a friend ready to weep in commiseration over the first little slight thrown my way.

In fact, I'd argue that might just be why I find myself fond of you already.

So. With newfound revelations on the table.

I was a whore back home, if one were to be technical about it. Albeit an eternally enslaved one, so there might be a discussion to be had about those pesky little definitions regarding sex and money, but it's the closest thing to accuracy, so it'll have to do.

[. . . hm. She hadn't expected that, and Astarion earns the rare honor of taking her by surprise. There's a little pause, and then:]

You're a particularly well-spoken one, then.

[It's not an insult. It's even sort of a compliment, if you squint, but mostly it's an observation.]

What made the enslavement eternal?

[If only Ros' glowing assessment could've made its way into the right ears nearly two centuries ago. The pains it would've saved.]

Magic.

A curse, more specifically I suppose. Inescapable if not for the little mishap that brought me here.

But that's a thing of the past, isn't it? We're all here now, you and I and the rest of us unleashed oddities. All that's left is- like you said- to make the most of it.

Right?

[Idly, almost without her realizing it, her mind wanders. Magic is just another word for science, after all, and it's not that she would ever keep slaves, it's just . . . oh, she can't help but think of hypotheticals. How would one keep a slave eternally bound, as much a thought exercise as what do I substitute for ledeburite in this backward world or how would I more effectively redesign this organization. It occupies her thoughts for a few seconds, but oh: Astarion truly is much more interesting.]

For now, yes. I have no intention of lingering in this world any longer than I need to— but nor would I go back, were I you. And so long as we're stuck here . . .

There are worse things to be than a whore. Or a slave, if it comes to that. But the boon of a new world is that you're allowed to remake yourself, if that's what you wish. You can be who you always wanted to be, but couldn't, for one reason or another.

It may not end well, mind you. I have seen that, too: vainglorious men desperate to abandon their past and in doing so, lost their grip on reality and morality both. But I have seen it end well, too— or at least satisfying to the person in question.

So: who do you wish to become?

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