[He's right that her intentions are not malicious, but she's already holding out her arms again for the book, expectant and excited all at once... And by consequence, simply loathe to let it leave her touch in case it disappear in a shower of golden light much the same as the Servant himself had. Besides, she wanted to show him a particular page!]
He is here in this place- though not in the form of flesh as we are familiar, more as a spirit whose existence is supported by magic itself.
[Whether that magic is given apparently in the form of spells or... The innate magic of the giver sealed into their blood and... Other fluids...
Nevermind the dusting of pink on her cheeks, though it's an expression Sebastian is likely (unfortunately) all too familiar with.]
When he came to call I was left with this precious tome-
[ Once he's examined the page he's on quite throughly, he at least hands it back with no problem. If he has to learn it page by page if he has to, he will, but he doesn't imagine that will be the case... When he does hand it back, his attention turns to her face just in time to catch that expression on her face. He knows exactly what that face means, and he really has to do his best not to sigh in response. Sieglinde no, you're only allowed to have a crush on Ciel because it's funny!! ]
...I see.
[ Just kidding, he totally sighed anyways. His tone turns a bit more serious, since now this is something he's more genuinely concerned about. ]
[She takes the book back happily, her joy at simply holding the thing all too obvious as she laid it back on her desk reverently and began flipping through looking for the page she'd found earlier and considered of interest, only to begin looking slightly... Like someone who'd been with their hand in the cookie jar. The cookie jar of magical learning.]
- there was no expectation of continued interaction, no.
[Which was an awfully fancy way to try and say "yes"... But she couldn't escape feeling she had been foolish in the aftermath, that even though she'd taken many precautions, that others would still perhaps doubt her wisdom to agree to such a thing... Yet Sieglinde had discovered hypocrisy. The fact that while it was easy to tell others to beware of demons and contracts and spirits...
It was much harder to say "no" to one that dazzled you and offered things beyond imagining.]
That is a rather indirect answer, Master Sullivan.
[ Says one of the most indirect people potentially in existence. Though he's being a hypocrite, his intentions by pointing this out actually aren't bad ones. He brings his hand to his mouth very briefly as a thoughtful gesture, but then decides to break etiquette very slightly. He pulls up a chair, which is a signal that he's expecting a longer conversation here. ]
I am not asking because I wish to criticize you, mind you. Spirits are dangerous, tricky things, and I do not wish for you to be in danger.
[ A pause, and then he adds: ]
...You saw the young master's eye, so you know that I know a bit more about this subject than most. That is why I am asking.
Though Sieglinde was more than willing to be indirect about things, to cloak them in the mysterious realm of terms exclusive to those who studied magic, she was less comfortable doing it on purpose... And far less comfortable outright lying, particularly to those she trusted. And after all, who could she trust if not those two who had revealed to her the painful truth her life had been, risked their own lives to give her a chance to live hers outside of Wolfsschlucht?
(Hah.)]
I took several precautions...
[But she knows he's right and that she had done something potentially unwise, so he didn't even need to say much for her to already be looking slightly guilty. After the night she'd spent healing those injured in the prison break, there had been a small bandage on her own arm, hidden beneath her sleeve, after all.]
No binding contract was made, and I diluted the blood I gave him to reduce potency in case it was to be used for ill-
[Possessed of the bad habit of spilling too much when caught in a lie, Sieglinde would likely never make a particularly good liar.]
[ In truth, Sebastian is genuinely impressed for a moment, and it's something he lets show on his face rather openly. That actually is quite a clever solution, and he's surprised that she thought of it. It's likely not something he even he would notice if the blood had been offered to him instead. Though... His taste in sacrifice did tend to be a bit less subtle than that. For a brief moment, Sebastian thins it's almost a shame that she were born so late. Long, long ago, perhaps she may have been quite the witch indeed.
That guilty expression gets him to reach out and place a gentle hand on her shoulder. It's comforting, and it's a gesture to physically express that he's not mad or upset about her giving it up. ]
...Well. I do not know of this spirit in particular, but I must admit, that is quite clever.
[ He does feel like she deserves praise for that, since caution is something he wants to foster here. Her soul isn't something that he has any stake in or claim to, but he's treating it with just as much protectiveness as if that were the case. If she were to contract with a creature even similar to him... It would be a problem. He could imagine countless scenarios where that conflict would immediately have them at odds, and as such, he'll be her protector. It's in a strange way, but at least functionally, she couldn't ask for a better guard against any spirits that might take advantage of her naivete. ]
Do you know why he wanted it at all? [ Then, after a thoughtful noise, he adds: ] Perhaps I should teach you what I know of such things, I realize.
[It was too easy to read the relief on her face, that it seemed she wouldn't be getting a lecture in things she unfortunately already knew for herself- and perhaps those were the worst sort of lectures... When you knew you'd done wrong and had to have it told to you by someone else. Her shoulders relax immediately when he put a hand there, comforted just as he intended with the gesture, even perking back up again at the praise.
Quite clever, he said- and she'd thought so herself, really, so that just confirmed things. And made her more open to revealing what she herself had been told.]
It is something of a sensitive matter, but it seems that those of his nature must rely on magic to materialize in the world corporally... Whether that be by absorbing the spells of others, or a vital fluid.
["Sensitive", she said, because she wished Sebastian to keep it between them- it was only polite, as it was something she'd potentially been told in confidence. The phrasing there at the end was... A bit suspect, but. She was sure Sebastian wouldn't want to hear what she had about... Certain other bodily fluids beyond blood being perfectly acceptable, it was scandalous and brought a touch of titillated pink to her cheeks.]
After his time spent within the magic dampening barrier of the jail, he was in need of resuscitation. That small amount is all I offered, and in return, I was gifted this.
[She was driven to heal in any way she could... And it had made the choice an easier one, despite her misgivings. Her hands tighten possessively on the book, even as the spark in her eyes lit up at the mention of Sebastian's offer. She'd never had the chance to learn more than the basics on the practice, so if he was willing to teach... As always, she was ready to learn.]
[ His expression doesn't falter as she explains, since that actually does line up with what he expects. That's a small comfort at least, since if it's in line with what he knows, he can approach it better. Bodily fluids were commonly used as the basis in which to call to them. The Witches Sabbaths took it too far, of course, but those fluids were so often symbolic of life that it was like bait to help make sure that the demon would know where to go when they crossed the river. All in his experience, of course. Who knows about this spirit? If he requires absorbing such life regulary...
Interesting. Sieglinde is giving this in confidence, and Sebastian certainly won't betray that confidence. The information is something that would only leave his lips to be given to Ciel, but that doesn't mean that Sebastian wouldn't use it. Only if need be, of course, but everything is important when dealing with such matters.
His expression is deeply thoughtful as she explains the conditions, since he does pour over this exchange in his mind from every angle. He would still like to speak to this spirit himself to be certain, but from her explanation alone... It is a fair, non-binding trade. With matters of blood, he would worry, but if it is what he needs to sustain himself, then it is a bit different.
(Also, Sebastian thinks to himself that this spirit's method of maintaining itself is terribly inconvenient.) ]
It seems a fair trade, at least. I would not trust anything's intentions that ask for a part of you in any sense, though. I do assume you know this with your caution here, but it does warrant repeating.
[ Sebastian draws his hand back and sits with a bit more poise than the warm, understanding posture he had a moment ago. ]
If you would allow it, then I will tell you what I know of such things. These sorts of creatures cannot be trusted, after all. They may appear to be human, but they are something more, and something whose motivations can be very unclear to humans as well. They know this, and they use that ignorance to their advantage.
[She knew it did- Sieglinde didn't need to be told to be cautious, but just as Sebastian said, a reminder did serve. She had been lucky, perhaps, this time... but it wasn't something she should repeat, unless it was a life or death situation...
Though with the way ALASTAIR operated... it wasn't as if that was a rare possibility itself.]
- He made that clear to me.
[That spirits couldn't be trusted. He had warned her before he vanished from the very room they stood in now, that those Heroes of his world were nothing more than beasts who bared fangs when cornered. ... Though she had no intention of cornering any of them.]
That I ought to be wary of his kind.
[Though ironically, that had only opened her up to the possibility of trust in him- after all, he had openly admitted to his kind being dangerous, he hadn't tried to hide it or conceal the potential risks one undertook with interacting with him...
But now... she knew that those risks came with very, very tempting rewards. Reading about the temptations offered by demons was far different than actually being confronted with them.]
[ Sebastian's eyebrow does quirk curiously, since the fact that he admitted it surprises him, though not in the way that would seem obvious. After all, that's the very tactic that he's employing right now, though certainly not as overtly. By admitting your own danger, you foster an implicit trust, the idea that perhaps this creature is different from the rest, and that was a tactic that Sebastian employed when he needed to. It's the meaning he reads into that action regardless of the actual intent, since it suits him better to be prepared for the worst.
...It really is kind of funny, actually. Distantly, he realizes this, since playing at this dance with someone he's already considering something like himself is certainly something he wouldn't have expected. He doesn't actually dislike it terribly, since the challenge is interesting. ]
He is correct. I am surprised that he would say so, but wariness is always best with inhuman beings.
[ He reaches out to place a gentle hand on the book, though it's just an idle gesture that's meant to be read as warm and caring. He may not feel a thing, but Sebastian knows the motions to pretending like he possesses these feelings well. ]
I advise that you think of it like this: any such creature that offers you something does not do it completely freely. It is not to say that every transaction will come at a great cost, and indeed, there are those that are perfectly harmless... But it is not always easy to tell those that may cause you misfortune from those which are innocuous. I do not think this one was malicious, so you needn't worry. But be cautious.
[Even if a part of her chafed to be cautioned, having almost never been reprimanded or lectured on anything but her responsibilities before, she knew it was the truth that he spoke. She ought to be more careful in the future. She shouldn't let herself be so easily overwhelmed by things such as magic or... An intensely irresistibly charming charisma. In fact, she should probably be particularly wary of such, seeing as their inhuman natures might contribute to that very aspect...
So even though she didn't like it, now that she knew of the rewards it could reap... She had to acknowledge it. That was the wisest choice. To be careful- of course she could do that.]
I will.
[She could peomise that much, even as her gaze went logingly to the spell book, the contents within that promised her more. More than she'd ever had in her own world, real magic, more knowledge-]
Besides,
[As if she was trying to convince herself more than him,]
There's not even much likelihood I'll be able to utilize the magic in this book. It is from another world, after all...
[ He'll take her assurance for what it is, since it's really all he can ask of her. He can warn her of the danger, since he's perhaps the best person there is to give such a warning, but he can't make her follow those recommendations. If she's misled by what a creature like him could offer, then so be it. That would just have to be something he would deal with if it came, at this point.
As her attention turns to the spellbook, his attention follows, and it gets him to smile gently. He seems encouraging, though he's just as indifferent in truth. This is just a door into another matter he had been wanting to ask about too. ]
Ah, perhaps, or perhaps not. You did use some sort of magic to help Miss Liddell, did you not? I was—
[ He laughs, shaking his head. ]
Well, to say I was surprised would be an understatement!
[The change of topic was enough to bring a bit of energy back to her, a hint of a pleased smile tugging at the corners of her lips that she only barely kept down in an attempt to treat the matter with utmost seriousness. She could truly cast magic now... The sort that came from her and her alone, manifested by mere focus and will... Not the "science" that had been revealed to her but remained yet an unexplained factor, unable still to separate what she did with the magic based learning she'd had. A proper education in the matter would eventually fix things, but until then...]
ALASTAIR granted me that spell.
[She wasn't so proud of it that she wouldn't give credit where it was due, however, even though she subtly sat a bit straighter, held her head a bit higher.]
With it, I do not need potions or bandages to heal- it has limits, but it can save people.
[She could remain the Green Witch and still work towards fixing the horrible thing she'd done... And for better or for worse, the fact that she now had true magic, that she considered herself more a true witch, both kept her tethered to her past and indebted to their present employer.]
[ He looks surprised, but also gently curious by that phrasing. It's no surprise, since of course for such a thing to be able to be granted at all would seem impossible to anyone from their world, Sebastian included. For the moment, his thoughts about the implications and his own distaste for magic are put aside, since genuine fascination takes over. It's not unlike when he had seen the radar, but it's more muted. ]
That is quite fascinating, actually. How do they do such a thing?
[It was a mystery to her, unfortunately, she had to admit that. But this ALASTAIR was able to bring them from their worlds and transfer them to other dimensions... so she isn't about to disbelieve their power, or what they might be willing to do to enable them to succeed in their "missions".]
A scroll arrived for me that informed me of the gift, and then... I was able.
[But as curious as she was, she wasn't going to look the gift horse in the mouth.]
[ sieglinde what did we just talk about in terms of accepting gifts from powerful strangers!!! ]
[ Sebastian frowns lightly, but he doesn't dwell on it too much. It sounds like an impossibility, and if he hadn't seen it for himself, he certainly wouldn't have believed it. And yet, he has no reason to disbelieve her story. He only wonders about their recruiters, as it were, though he doesn't speak on that just yet. ]
Very well. If you happen to receive anymore, would you allow me to look at them as well?
[ Listen Sieglinde, you're getting the crash course in the life of Ciel Phantomhive, which means every letter without a seal gets reviewed by Sebastian first ok... But then again, that is because Ciel doesn't want to read anything unimportant, so Sebastian is a glorified mail filter, but. ]
Have they, now?
[ Sebastian's interest is quickly piqued again, and his curiosity is open in his expression. ]
[ UGH NO that's a yankee thing ok!!! he hasn't been to america in at least [redacted] years ]
Interesting. And they are given freely? There is no elaboration on what the circumstances behind such gifts may be?
[ At least considering their earlier conversation, it's not hard to guess why Sebastian is wondering in this case. He doesn't seem worried so much as intrigued, at least. ]
[She has to admit that its suspect... potentially even more so than the potential damage of contracting with demons and their like. After all, ALASTAIR took them from their own worlds... placed them in the position to affect the fates of worlds.
It was far worse than the battle over a single immortal soul.]
[ Sebastian makes a brief, noncommittal noise, and it's clear that he's thinking more on that subject. It's probably no surprise even to Sieglinde, since Sebastian is exceptionally cautious, and that's not something he tries to obscure when he's playing at being the butler. But eventually, whatever he's thinking of he seems to come to some conclusion on, since he nods, and he gives Sieglinde a small smile. ]
...Well, we will have to be cautious. The involvement of magic in so much here makes me wary, perhaps unfairly. But I will do all I can to make certain that you at least are quite safe, Master Sullivan.
It adds an element to everything that cannot be accounted for, I agree.
[She had thought she'd known magic, after all, all her world was capable of... but now, not only did she have to cope with the truth of her own magic, but all of this unfamiliar work as well.]
I trust you will do that.
[He'd gotten her out of the witch forest... and she'd trust him to keep her safe here.]
[ He responds warmly, since when its phrased that way, he takes it as a more direct order, in a sense. He bows his head lightly to accept it formally, though he actually doesn't respond too much otherwise. ]
I may not technically be your butler, but at the very least, I owe you enough that I will take it quite seriously. Your safety is my utmost priority.
[ Sebastian places a hand on her shoulder that's likely warm and comforting in its weight. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He is here in this place- though not in the form of flesh as we are familiar, more as a spirit whose existence is supported by magic itself.
[Whether that magic is given apparently in the form of spells or... The innate magic of the giver sealed into their blood and... Other fluids...
Nevermind the dusting of pink on her cheeks, though it's an expression Sebastian is likely (unfortunately) all too familiar with.]
When he came to call I was left with this precious tome-
[And a new, very ill advised crush...]
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...I see.
[ Just kidding, he totally sighed anyways. His tone turns a bit more serious, since now this is something he's more genuinely concerned about. ]
And he gave it to you freely?
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- there was no expectation of continued interaction, no.
[Which was an awfully fancy way to try and say "yes"... But she couldn't escape feeling she had been foolish in the aftermath, that even though she'd taken many precautions, that others would still perhaps doubt her wisdom to agree to such a thing... Yet Sieglinde had discovered hypocrisy. The fact that while it was easy to tell others to beware of demons and contracts and spirits...
It was much harder to say "no" to one that dazzled you and offered things beyond imagining.]
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[ Says one of the most indirect people potentially in existence. Though he's being a hypocrite, his intentions by pointing this out actually aren't bad ones. He brings his hand to his mouth very briefly as a thoughtful gesture, but then decides to break etiquette very slightly. He pulls up a chair, which is a signal that he's expecting a longer conversation here. ]
I am not asking because I wish to criticize you, mind you. Spirits are dangerous, tricky things, and I do not wish for you to be in danger.
[ A pause, and then he adds: ]
...You saw the young master's eye, so you know that I know a bit more about this subject than most. That is why I am asking.
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Though Sieglinde was more than willing to be indirect about things, to cloak them in the mysterious realm of terms exclusive to those who studied magic, she was less comfortable doing it on purpose... And far less comfortable outright lying, particularly to those she trusted. And after all, who could she trust if not those two who had revealed to her the painful truth her life had been, risked their own lives to give her a chance to live hers outside of Wolfsschlucht?
(Hah.)]
I took several precautions...
[But she knows he's right and that she had done something potentially unwise, so he didn't even need to say much for her to already be looking slightly guilty. After the night she'd spent healing those injured in the prison break, there had been a small bandage on her own arm, hidden beneath her sleeve, after all.]
No binding contract was made, and I diluted the blood I gave him to reduce potency in case it was to be used for ill-
[Possessed of the bad habit of spilling too much when caught in a lie, Sieglinde would likely never make a particularly good liar.]
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That guilty expression gets him to reach out and place a gentle hand on her shoulder. It's comforting, and it's a gesture to physically express that he's not mad or upset about her giving it up. ]
...Well. I do not know of this spirit in particular, but I must admit, that is quite clever.
[ He does feel like she deserves praise for that, since caution is something he wants to foster here. Her soul isn't something that he has any stake in or claim to, but he's treating it with just as much protectiveness as if that were the case. If she were to contract with a creature even similar to him... It would be a problem. He could imagine countless scenarios where that conflict would immediately have them at odds, and as such, he'll be her protector. It's in a strange way, but at least functionally, she couldn't ask for a better guard against any spirits that might take advantage of her naivete. ]
Do you know why he wanted it at all? [ Then, after a thoughtful noise, he adds: ] Perhaps I should teach you what I know of such things, I realize.
no subject
Quite clever, he said- and she'd thought so herself, really, so that just confirmed things. And made her more open to revealing what she herself had been told.]
It is something of a sensitive matter, but it seems that those of his nature must rely on magic to materialize in the world corporally... Whether that be by absorbing the spells of others, or a vital fluid.
["Sensitive", she said, because she wished Sebastian to keep it between them- it was only polite, as it was something she'd potentially been told in confidence. The phrasing there at the end was... A bit suspect, but. She was sure Sebastian wouldn't want to hear what she had about... Certain other bodily fluids beyond blood being perfectly acceptable, it was scandalous and brought a touch of titillated pink to her cheeks.]
After his time spent within the magic dampening barrier of the jail, he was in need of resuscitation. That small amount is all I offered, and in return, I was gifted this.
[She was driven to heal in any way she could... And it had made the choice an easier one, despite her misgivings. Her hands tighten possessively on the book, even as the spark in her eyes lit up at the mention of Sebastian's offer. She'd never had the chance to learn more than the basics on the practice, so if he was willing to teach... As always, she was ready to learn.]
no subject
Interesting. Sieglinde is giving this in confidence, and Sebastian certainly won't betray that confidence. The information is something that would only leave his lips to be given to Ciel, but that doesn't mean that Sebastian wouldn't use it. Only if need be, of course, but everything is important when dealing with such matters.
His expression is deeply thoughtful as she explains the conditions, since he does pour over this exchange in his mind from every angle. He would still like to speak to this spirit himself to be certain, but from her explanation alone... It is a fair, non-binding trade. With matters of blood, he would worry, but if it is what he needs to sustain himself, then it is a bit different.
(Also, Sebastian thinks to himself that this spirit's method of maintaining itself is terribly inconvenient.) ]
It seems a fair trade, at least. I would not trust anything's intentions that ask for a part of you in any sense, though. I do assume you know this with your caution here, but it does warrant repeating.
[ Sebastian draws his hand back and sits with a bit more poise than the warm, understanding posture he had a moment ago. ]
If you would allow it, then I will tell you what I know of such things. These sorts of creatures cannot be trusted, after all. They may appear to be human, but they are something more, and something whose motivations can be very unclear to humans as well. They know this, and they use that ignorance to their advantage.
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Though with the way ALASTAIR operated... it wasn't as if that was a rare possibility itself.]
- He made that clear to me.
[That spirits couldn't be trusted. He had warned her before he vanished from the very room they stood in now, that those Heroes of his world were nothing more than beasts who bared fangs when cornered. ... Though she had no intention of cornering any of them.]
That I ought to be wary of his kind.
[Though ironically, that had only opened her up to the possibility of trust in him- after all, he had openly admitted to his kind being dangerous, he hadn't tried to hide it or conceal the potential risks one undertook with interacting with him...
But now... she knew that those risks came with very, very tempting rewards. Reading about the temptations offered by demons was far different than actually being confronted with them.]
no subject
...It really is kind of funny, actually. Distantly, he realizes this, since playing at this dance with someone he's already considering something like himself is certainly something he wouldn't have expected. He doesn't actually dislike it terribly, since the challenge is interesting. ]
He is correct. I am surprised that he would say so, but wariness is always best with inhuman beings.
[ He reaches out to place a gentle hand on the book, though it's just an idle gesture that's meant to be read as warm and caring. He may not feel a thing, but Sebastian knows the motions to pretending like he possesses these feelings well. ]
I advise that you think of it like this: any such creature that offers you something does not do it completely freely. It is not to say that every transaction will come at a great cost, and indeed, there are those that are perfectly harmless... But it is not always easy to tell those that may cause you misfortune from those which are innocuous. I do not think this one was malicious, so you needn't worry. But be cautious.
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So even though she didn't like it, now that she knew of the rewards it could reap... She had to acknowledge it. That was the wisest choice. To be careful- of course she could do that.]
I will.
[She could peomise that much, even as her gaze went logingly to the spell book, the contents within that promised her more. More than she'd ever had in her own world, real magic, more knowledge-]
Besides,
[As if she was trying to convince herself more than him,]
There's not even much likelihood I'll be able to utilize the magic in this book. It is from another world, after all...
[Though she was most definitely going to try.]
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As her attention turns to the spellbook, his attention follows, and it gets him to smile gently. He seems encouraging, though he's just as indifferent in truth. This is just a door into another matter he had been wanting to ask about too. ]
Ah, perhaps, or perhaps not. You did use some sort of magic to help Miss Liddell, did you not? I was—
[ He laughs, shaking his head. ]
Well, to say I was surprised would be an understatement!
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ALASTAIR granted me that spell.
[She wasn't so proud of it that she wouldn't give credit where it was due, however, even though she subtly sat a bit straighter, held her head a bit higher.]
With it, I do not need potions or bandages to heal- it has limits, but it can save people.
[She could remain the Green Witch and still work towards fixing the horrible thing she'd done... And for better or for worse, the fact that she now had true magic, that she considered herself more a true witch, both kept her tethered to her past and indebted to their present employer.]
no subject
[ He looks surprised, but also gently curious by that phrasing. It's no surprise, since of course for such a thing to be able to be granted at all would seem impossible to anyone from their world, Sebastian included. For the moment, his thoughts about the implications and his own distaste for magic are put aside, since genuine fascination takes over. It's not unlike when he had seen the radar, but it's more muted. ]
That is quite fascinating, actually. How do they do such a thing?
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[It was a mystery to her, unfortunately, she had to admit that. But this ALASTAIR was able to bring them from their worlds and transfer them to other dimensions... so she isn't about to disbelieve their power, or what they might be willing to do to enable them to succeed in their "missions".]
A scroll arrived for me that informed me of the gift, and then... I was able.
[But as curious as she was, she wasn't going to look the gift horse in the mouth.]
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[ Sebastian frowns lightly, but he doesn't dwell on it too much. It sounds like an impossibility, and if he hadn't seen it for himself, he certainly wouldn't have believed it. And yet, he has no reason to disbelieve her story. He only wonders about their recruiters, as it were, though he doesn't speak on that just yet. ]
Very well. If you happen to receive anymore, would you allow me to look at them as well?
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Of course- I will notify you if another one comes.
[But at least she could agree to that, seeing no reason not to allow him to see such a thing, even if it was addressed to her.]
Other people have received things other than spells, as well.
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Have they, now?
[ Sebastian's interest is quickly piqued again, and his curiosity is open in his expression. ]
What sorts of things have you heard of?
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So I have seen and heard, yes.
[She thought back to just what she'd observed, gaze drifting upwards momentarily before she turned back to the butler.]
Weapons, for example, and mounts.
[Those things which made them a more well equipped force.]
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Interesting. And they are given freely? There is no elaboration on what the circumstances behind such gifts may be?
[ At least considering their earlier conversation, it's not hard to guess why Sebastian is wondering in this case. He doesn't seem worried so much as intrigued, at least. ]
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[She has to admit that its suspect... potentially even more so than the potential damage of contracting with demons and their like. After all, ALASTAIR took them from their own worlds... placed them in the position to affect the fates of worlds.
It was far worse than the battle over a single immortal soul.]
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...Well, we will have to be cautious. The involvement of magic in so much here makes me wary, perhaps unfairly. But I will do all I can to make certain that you at least are quite safe, Master Sullivan.
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[She had thought she'd known magic, after all, all her world was capable of... but now, not only did she have to cope with the truth of her own magic, but all of this unfamiliar work as well.]
I trust you will do that.
[He'd gotten her out of the witch forest... and she'd trust him to keep her safe here.]
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[ He responds warmly, since when its phrased that way, he takes it as a more direct order, in a sense. He bows his head lightly to accept it formally, though he actually doesn't respond too much otherwise. ]
I may not technically be your butler, but at the very least, I owe you enough that I will take it quite seriously. Your safety is my utmost priority.
[ Sebastian places a hand on her shoulder that's likely warm and comforting in its weight. ]
I will not fail you. I promise.