Floor 1, Room 6

[annihilator]

MALICE

code

Comments

[annihilator]

Nah, not really. I mean, I could understand someone gettin' angry at Mika for that, but I'm glad you aren't... I lost my point somewhere in there.

[rip, oh well.]

You just... seem like a pretty centered guy, like nothin' much ever really gets under your skin in general. Not that it's a bad thing - that kinda steadfastness seems pretty good in this situation, actually.

[1145pm]

[ Tatara laughs lightly at that. He peers curiously at Malice, the smile on his face like that of a child that doesn't quite understand the way the world works yet. ]

I don't think I've ever been called centered or steadfast before. People'd usually call me heartless for not caring enough.

[ He says what he means, though. He really sees no reason to get mad at Mika, and he doesn't really see how that makes him weird. ]

You're kind, Malice. Did you know that?

[annihilator]

You don't seem heartless at all.

[You are looking our for your little wizards, after all! And as far as Malice is aware, Tatara has always been eager to help them or answer their questions and help them get settled in, so that's simply that, as far as he's concerned.

The compliment throws him a bit, though. He loves praise, but kind? Him?]

I really don't think so. I mean, I'm workin' on bein' better to people, but I'm not sure I'll ever be kind. Thanks, though?

[1145pm]

I don't know where your starting point was, or where your end goal is, but you seem like good people to me.

[ Tatara nestles his chin in his palm and smiles. Malice was assigned North? He pretends he does not see it. ]

That you're worried about me and Mika and that you're seeing me as centered instead of soulless says a lot, I think.

[annihilator]

[it's fine, surely that was a mistake—]

Thanks, then. I ain't gonna argue with that kinda logic, an' it really does mean a lot to me.

[1145pm]

[ Tatara chuckles. ] Good. I'm glad.

[ The purpose of his visit mostly finished, and sensing the conversation is coming to its natural end, Tatara stands from his chair and takes a step towards Malice. There's one last thing he needs to do before going. ]

Can you lean down for a sec?

[ He motions for Malice to do that. Why is he so tall!! ]

[annihilator]

Sure?

[Without questioning it, Malice leans down curiously.]

[1145pm]

[ Malice has fallen into Tatara's trap!

...Which is just Tatara reaching out to gently pat Malice on the head. ]

Keep up the good work, Malice.

[annihilator]

[...!!]

Yeah, I will! I definitely will.

[This is the equivalent of managing to pet an angry feral kitten who has finally been taught to receive affection. Malice looks somewhere between genuinely pleased by the headpats and confused, but boy is he determined not to let Tatara down!!]

[1145pm]

[ Sage headpat dispensed! Even if Malice is confused, Tatara himself looks pleased with the outcome.

When he's finished, he steps back and gives a firm nod. ]

You know where to find me if you need anything!

[ And with that, he whirls on his heel to go! Thanks for the hospitality, Malice! ]

[annihilator]

'Course! See ya around, Tara!

[And with a wave, he sees Tatara off. What a good sage...!]