( Mika doesn't seem entirely satisfied with that answer - he's not signing a blank check. Or... he wouldn't, if he had more choice. If he has to get willing donors, he can't exactly be a chooser, here... because he highly doubts the random humans in town are going to be anywhere near as forthcoming with their blood if they don't even trust wizards to begin with.
Solomon's following remarks, though, give him pause. It reminds him of what Tatara said earlier in the night. )
... What? You guys don't think you can trust my word anymore?
( God, this is a lot to take in... How many people don't know? He's being generous and assuming Ginger doesn't. Ugh... )
This is the sort of thing you call a group meeting for when you realize it's a problem, not a thing you mention when you see people, and only if you feel like it.
( But he can't really be the one to tell off Wanderer when Wanderer fairly came down on him for futzing up, so... Ugh. He'll try to mention it to people (he cares about) when he sees them.
He exhales. )
... Well, I'll do a favor equivalent to the favor done. No promises. But the price better be fair, or I'll refuse to pay up.
( He's got enough of an earful over it - a little bit from the people helping heal, a lotta bit from Wanderer, a stern word from Tatara, and puppy eyes from Ginger. His hands are tied.
The mention of Tatara, however, makes him hesitate. He still feels guilty. )
... Maybe one of us can make a PSA while he's recovering. He really shouldn't be doing much right now.
Good. You have plenty of people who don't want to see this happen to you again. Doing better for the next time is the best we can strive for.
[Some good ol' pragmatism to help drag this poor child out of the pit he's fallen into. Even if he doesn't climb towards the surface, at least they can face him the right direction.]
He shouldn't, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tatara's an unruly patient.
I can tell some of the others as I'm able, but I don't know how many of them will believe it unless it comes from one of our mentors. Either way, if promises have been made, there's nothing that can take those back now. We just have to ensure they aren't broken.
( "Plenty of people"... a frustrated expression crosses his face - he can't articulate why, other than... he doesn't deserve it. But he bites it back this time; he's already said it plenty earlier in the night, and none of his insisting has been successful. )
... I'll mention it where I can.
( If he feels like being helpful toward a person. Not guaranteed. Mika really shouldn't be a messenger.
He exhales... casting his gaze out toward the dark horizon. )
... This is all so complicated.
( Not the first time he's said that since his arrival, and it probably won't be the last. He's just... exhausted - from tonight; from the people; from the new rules; from... being dragged from his grave again. )
Would you like to stay out here for a little longer?
[It's a quiet, casual response. There's been enough lecturing, and the night has been long.]
We don't need to speak. And we can go back, if you would rather remain in your room. But I think, regardless, you should let yourself rest. Even if it's just for a little while.
He glances at Solomon from the corner of his eye, before his gaze returns to the horizon. He's quiet, briefly. )
... Still offering sympathy to a monster?
( But... the way he seems to shift and settle on his broom suggests that - he might take Solomon up on that offer, and just... stay. If only for a little while. )
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Solomon's following remarks, though, give him pause. It reminds him of what Tatara said earlier in the night. )
... What? You guys don't think you can trust my word anymore?
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His expression thins slightly, eyes sharp.]
No, Mika. That's not it.
To make a promise in this world is to put your power on the line. If you break a promise - any promise - your magic is forfeit.
"A man who can't keep his word isn't a man worth upholding", is what I was told.
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pause, )
—Is that not something we should've been told on the first day?
( GINGER )
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[He genuinely looks apologetic... sorry you had to find out from him and not like... someone trustworthy and nice and respectable, buddy.]
I told our little sparrow to correct that mistake before we ended up with thinner numbers, but it looks like he wasn't as successful as I'd hoped.
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This is the sort of thing you call a group meeting for when you realize it's a problem, not a thing you mention when you see people, and only if you feel like it.
( But he can't really be the one to tell off Wanderer when Wanderer fairly came down on him for futzing up, so... Ugh. He'll try to mention it to people (he cares about) when he sees them.
He exhales. )
... Well, I'll do a favor equivalent to the favor done. No promises. But the price better be fair, or I'll refuse to pay up.
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Don't let yourself go too long and I'm sure it will be a very simple request.
[AKA if you try to kill him because you ran away into the woods, then he is going to have to get creative!]
I'll be sure to have a talk with Tatara once he's regained his strength.
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... I'm going to take care of it. I have to.
( He's got enough of an earful over it - a little bit from the people helping heal, a lotta bit from Wanderer, a stern word from Tatara, and puppy eyes from Ginger. His hands are tied.
The mention of Tatara, however, makes him hesitate. He still feels guilty. )
... Maybe one of us can make a PSA while he's recovering. He really shouldn't be doing much right now.
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[Some good ol' pragmatism to help drag this poor child out of the pit he's fallen into. Even if he doesn't climb towards the surface, at least they can face him the right direction.]
He shouldn't, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tatara's an unruly patient.
I can tell some of the others as I'm able, but I don't know how many of them will believe it unless it comes from one of our mentors. Either way, if promises have been made, there's nothing that can take those back now. We just have to ensure they aren't broken.
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... I'll mention it where I can.
( If he feels like being helpful toward a person. Not guaranteed. Mika really shouldn't be a messenger.
He exhales... casting his gaze out toward the dark horizon. )
... This is all so complicated.
( Not the first time he's said that since his arrival, and it probably won't be the last. He's just... exhausted - from tonight; from the people; from the new rules; from... being dragged from his grave again. )
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Would you like to stay out here for a little longer?
[It's a quiet, casual response. There's been enough lecturing, and the night has been long.]
We don't need to speak. And we can go back, if you would rather remain in your room. But I think, regardless, you should let yourself rest. Even if it's just for a little while.
You've been through quite a lot today.
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He glances at Solomon from the corner of his eye, before his gaze returns to the horizon. He's quiet, briefly. )
... Still offering sympathy to a monster?
( But... the way he seems to shift and settle on his broom suggests that - he might take Solomon up on that offer, and just... stay. If only for a little while. )
no subject
No. Not to a monster.
Just to Mika.
[From one warping husk of humanity to another. A moment of solitude, of careful quietness, before facing the world and its cruelties again.]