Maybe one of these days. The Sixth can't be cagey forever. [And Viktor, unlike nosy interlopers, is the type of person Palamedes would be inclined to tell about all of the Library's studies - someone interested in the study, and not the ability to say they know. It's very nuanced. And ah, it sounds halfway like he has designs on freely zipping back to the Sixth, so by way of explanation:] I never forget anything I've read — so one day, sure.
[He nods along to Viktor's survey suggestions, adding to the notes - and making a preemptively exasperated face about "too much jargon." Someone else will have to edit their survey for them, he can already feel it — someone with a taste for terseness. Just keeping it realistic.]
We'll have to keep careful records - maybe a follow-up survey? The time spent in this place would have to factor in to the magical saturation of the individual's blood, have you dealt with corruption?
[He's going to need a bigger notebook. It occurs to him that this step, the surveying, should happen after the initial bloodstone tests, and so they are truly getting ahead of themselves, but he makes himself a note to bring the stones next time and circles it a hasty few times. There - perfect.
Then, chalkboards-] On wheels? I was just lamenting not having one the other day. Those are a little too big for me to walk off with unnoticed, or I'd start a life of crime. You could pretend not to know me in public.
[Ha ha. How much does a chalkboard cost. He will find out. For now he nods at Viktor's open notebook, holding out a hand.]
May I? Why don't we trade, you can start us on a list of supplies we'll need to experiment with the stones. You're the crystal expert.
You really are signing up for an endless string of questions. [viktor points out, even if he's not going to pretend that pal's memory on the matter isn't exciting.] Are they 'cagey' because they feared their ideas and research stolen?
[or maybe dangerous, forbidden research is the angle. given hextech started with breaking the ethos and two separate breaking and enterings he can't say those are always bad. if anything heimendinger often bemoans him for leaning on the side of taking risks.
but they have plans to make, including the unfortunate work of having to deal with the public.] At least the surveys made over the omni will have that backup recording for our notes. That and given the gossip you find on the network people might just be bored enough to indulge us.
Personally? No, I have not dealt with corruption. That is an excellent point, corruption levels will no doubt effect the blood and gem in question. If not the gem then the magic it produces, which could be dangerous. With any luck it would be possible to purify a bloodgem if that were the case, which... hm, that would also be a boon to my research into purification.
[ah the best research, when you can cross pollinate one with the other. he looks quite pleased about it, always satisfied when the natural flow of the world begins to piece together to make a cohesive whole like this.
a nod and he points to one of the large walls.] I've only ever found small tablets, I've been trying to see if I could find some of that paint that will make a wall a similar texture and able to be wiped down. At this rate the Arcane Scholars might deserve a little heist.
[stealing a chalkboard isn't that much worse than breaking into the dean's office, right?
he pushes himself up to take the notebook, offering his own and tapping at the open page as he does.] This reminds me, I have a great deal I've observed personally and secondhand on paleblood here if you would like. Hardly comprehensive, I'm afraid. [and he's happy to go back to his seat by rio, the girl making a little curious sound as she noses at the new notebook, viktor letting her as he fishes out a pen of his own, far more boring sadly. simply cannot keep up with that aesthetic flair.]
Luckily there's plenty I can just build us, parts are much easier than machines around here.
You've caught me: I like the questions. But — call it overprotective. Sometimes, we're just busy — if I have to finish a project, I don't want to stop and parade it around for attention, you know?
[His projects are very good? But his integrity values quality over attention, and so it goes.]
We can add corruption to the survey. One of them, who knows yet. Still, good point. [Corruption, and reversing it in crystals. A crystal doesn't have... a mental state, like a corrupted Sleeper, but Palamedes has learned to lean into the occasional storybook logic of this place when it suits him, more or less. Imaginary blood: silly; crystals that can be soothed out of corruption, like a friend with a cup of tea: why not!
As he hands his notebook over, he says, faintly incredulous:] There's a paint for that? [That's the dream? And then,] Is this because I confessed to my pen theft? I'll pencil in having a heist for after I've fetched the bloodstones from back in Gaze.
[This is not a joke. Now then, time to read about palebloods... He respects the sanctity of someone else's notebook, so instead of writing in Viktor's he merely takes up clicking his pen over and over every time he reads something intriguing (so, nonstop). Ah, but that said-]
You can write in that. [Palamedes' notes are carefully delineated lines of tidy handwriting then bombarded with hastier scrawlings, crammed into wherever he found room to get down Any Idea. On some of the pages, if Viktor flips through the rest, there are doodles of Sleeper squids labeled with such descriptors as "wet" and "why a squid???" and "gross."
It's eclectic. He's still thinking about a chalkboard heist.] I've been tacking sheets of paper onto my walls.
Oh, very much so. [viktor has to snort at that, couldn't have put it better himself.] Hence why Jayce took care of the parties and I stayed happily in the lab. Imagine how much work would be done if we had some peace.
Given corruption is largely seen as mental or tied to the soul it may open up some interesting facts about the more physical aspects. [a pause] Another thing we'll need to word carefully, I've found people are eh... what is the term? 'Hush hush,' on these matters.
[which makes research a pain in the ass, but he supposes that's just the nature of people at work. he can't help flipping through the notebook a bit, trying not to get too deeply engrossed in anything he sees but chuckling at 'why a squid?' why indeed. given the whole deer aesthetic he's seen he's wondered why it wasn't that.]
Oh yes, I wonder if we could at least find the ingredients on this omni. [he derails entirely for a moment to consider the logistics of just making chalkboard paint, eying the wall he's been considering as he does. he's still regarding it when he replies,] I'm afraid it showed me the truth about your character. If it makes you feel any better I've broken into a few Academy rooms myself in the day. If you share your spoils I'd even consider distracting the guards.
[this is also not a joke. frankly they have more than enough chalkboards, in his opinion. eat the chalkboard rich, etc.
viktor's journal has very cramped handwriting, as though he expects paper to be scarce and he's loathe to waste any of it. a few schematics, largely common lab items only using lunar energy and how that would function, a kind of odd one for what looks like either a three taloned metal claw or a laser. tons on corruption and beasthood, the odd but concerning droplets of blood on the page.
funnily enough there's an excerpt on psychometry, detailing it as a possible power gained from paleblood or bloodmagic in general. some is written in whatever other language he speaks (arcane's version of czech,) and there's some scathing comments on a margin about the moss king.
he blinks when told he can write in it, feeling a little sheepish because he... probably would have without permission. in his defense this has reminded enough of working with jayce he's back to the habits he uses there, just expecting he's allowed to add to notes because why would he not? whoops.
supplies: gets written at the top of a clean page and he starts filling out some basic materials they might need, humming as he does so.] I was considering just writing on mine. If I didn't occasionally have company I would have. [he glances up] You don't think chalk is as hard to obtain as the boards, do you?
[Palamedes scoffs, nodding in understanding; yes, not having to rub elbows is fantastic. He avoids rubbing elbows as often as possible.]
Anonymity for the more uncomfortably personal questions is an option, but I admit I don't trust it very much.
[People go on the omninet and tell lies all the time? No, that's a last resort kind of option if he's ever encountered one. Something else to be ironed out later, in the actual action stages of this endeavor. He's easily sucked into thumbing through Viktor's notebook once he's read that first paleblood page, voraciously consuming all the diagrams he honestly doesn't fully understand and, mm, carefully not so much as brushing a fingertip over the errant drops of blood.
Not because it's blood, no; because sometimes he can't turn the psychometry off, when the association is strong enough, and blood coughed up onto this notebook is the exact kind of thing that will leap into the forefront of his thanergetic awareness at a touch. Mmph.]
Give me ten minutes in a classroom and I can have a month's supply of chalk for you, guaranteed. If I'm already there to make a run for it with the chalkboards, I might as well. [Still not a joke, however,] It is cheaper, though.
[They can probably do some legal purchasing, just to save time. Hell, in this part of town there's likely someone selling chalk not a few blocks away. He pauses in his notebook devouring to fix Viktor with a look of serious consideration that is, of course, entirely put-upon; he's already completely on board to steal a chalkboard, but doing the bit is the done thing.]
You're good at distracting guards? [hmmmmm!] Sure. Let's rob a lecture hall.
Agreed, it would be too easy to skew the data, and even if they didn't we would need to treat the information as suspect in case it was. [his tone is distracted, mostly because he's making mental lists in his head of what they need and what he can easily get himself and keep off the list.
some less important than others.] Do you have a preference when it comes to tea? I'd stock the place with coffee but I've found that hard to find. [and if pal is going to work here he gets a say in the beverage choices. viktor nukes it with so much sugar it doesn't really matter anyway.
plenty of coughing fits tied to those drops of blood, if he can read as much, which is maybe less worrying than other ways he could be bleeding on his notes.
finally viktor looks up to squint at pal, making sure that they really are on the same page about not really joking about this. hm, this is more chaotic than jayce was usually on board for, isn't that fun? besides-] They have plenty attached to the walls themselves, they'll hardly miss one chalkboard.
Oh yes, incredibly so. They take one look at the crutch, decide I'm not a threat and then it's a simple matter of pattering on like an absent-minded academic in dire need of an escort if only to shut me up. Works every time. [he nods, a crooked grin as he agrees.] Let's spread the wealth, I would put it.
[Oh - beverages, who'd have thunk. Genuinely, this is not a supply Palamedes would have considered, which speaks volumes to his uncanny ability to focus on work and nothing else, hunger included. Camilla usually reminds him to eat more than a few bites...]
Tea - no, anything will do. And powdered milk, if you can find any. [Don't judge him for this, or for how much of it he will dump in any kind of tea, indiscriminately. He turns another page, hums distractedly, yes yes a chalkboard-] Two, if I can manage it. Wheeled only, wall space is valuable.
[One must be practical about a heist, all things considered. He gives Viktor a look that is exasperated on his behalf — successful or not, he can't imagine it's ideal, playing the fool like that. But it's a solid plan, which leaves only Palamedes' part: actually getting two chalkboards out of there unimpeded.
He has an idea. It's a stupid one, which means it will probably work.]
My chalkboards are yours. I've read — and I will practice, rest assured — that an interesting facet of the darkblood, hmm, skillset is actual telekinesis.
[or: local man pushes chalkboards out window and prays]
Between the both of us, it should be one and done. If we're caught, the phrase to abort mission is... [chalkboard - no. he glances at the perfectly normal wall-] 'wet paint.'
[it's easier to remember these things when doing it for someone else, that's for sure. viktor nods along, a little note on the powdered milk.] I hadn't even thought of powdered milk as an option, that is... far more efficient. [his favorite drink is a milk with certain spices in his world, pal is enabling him.
viktor perks up at that, not only is it useful for their plan but it's an interesting facet of darkblood.] Would you mind terribly if I observed some of that practice? I will even be glad to offer general encouragement.
[a touch dry, yeah he just wants to see some cool blood magic and take about a million notes on it. he's trying not to spiral into all the uses a darkblood gem that could mimic telekinesis in a machine could do. he needs to stop getting so ahead of himself.
he nods along, this is a little ridiculous but also not all that odd for the academic world he's been a part of. graduate students especially have done worse and often.] Very well. I'll go to some more lectures and scope out the place, I think I already know the perfect auditorium for it. There's usually at least two rolling chalkboards there, wasting away.
['Efficient' is such an on-brand word for something like food, a thing one needs to live, it makes Palamedes chuckle. Near-saturating cups of tea with powdered milk is probably his only food-related indulgence, which obviously should be done efficiently, of course.]
I'm going to have to bleed all over some things, so I was going to do it at my place in Gaze. [Where he's had an easier time making a blood magic mess, first, and also not outdoors, where the monsters are.] You're welcome to join me, but don't wear anything you don't want to get errant darkblood on.
[And so — this is a plan, then? They have an entire plan to tool around with darkblood magic and then break into a lecture hall? God, but it has been ages since he's done something stupid and fun; nothing personally against these scholars, either, besides that they have boards and he does not.
He sits up straighter from being hunched over the notebook, running through it mentally again — yes, it's surely a good plan. Hmm!]
This is the part where Camilla would tell me, 'Warden, don't get cocky,' so remember that: we'll save it until our glorious victory. I fully intend to brag.
[In memory of Cam, who would know better and still let him do this.]
As opposed to the errant paleblood I regularly get on my clothes. [just a little dark humor, as a treat.] Would you like me to bring incense? I try to keep a steady supply.
[since the smell of blood attracting beasts and all. honestly he's pleased at a chance to see pal's house, mostly for the chance to see more notes and the telekinesis bit, but also because... well, he's not really the sort used to being invited over to people's houses. sad putting it that way, maybe, but as it turns out making work your life and generally being ignored before that does not give a person a rousing social life.
it suited him fine, but it also means this rather easy back and forth is a little novel. the fact it's fun even more so. it makes him unfortunately realize how much jayce's growing distance in their own world actually did affect him, who knew people thrived on companionship one way or another? the spirit of collaboration and all that.
he immediately brushes those sort of thoughts aside, they do have a heist to pull off. the notebook gets offered back with a list written out, 'chalkboards' added to the bottom mostly because it amused him. it really is mostly scrap parts he can use to make bigger machines, simple things too like petri dishes, vials, lenses. a pretty short list mostly, he's been collecting or will collect a lot of what they need soon enough.]
This is the part Jayce would beg me to just let him go buy it for us. [his lips quirk at the thought, like the futility of it is funny.] Very well, celebrating is saved for a success.
[he is curious though.] Would this Camilla have tried to stop you?
Fair point, [he concedes, although darkblood is closer to spilling ink all over something in actual practice. Fair point, anyway; blood sometimes happens.] Incense would be helpful, thanks — what snacks are you partial to? We'll make it an evening.
[An evening in the way that this impromptu tea-and-being-nerds session has become an evening, except intentional this time. Palamedes has no intentions to play formal host, or anything - he wouldn't really know what to do - but snacks are a fair exchange for the use of incense. Blood, snacks, incense: the ideal hangout.
And, well — the Sixth bunker (maybe also bring a lamp, he'll think about this) is emptier without Camilla, and while most people Palamedes considers friends here also reside nearby in Gaze, having someone over hits different than lurking on other people's couches. Not including right now; this isn't lurking. Snacks are the point, and he'll endeavor to not show off so much magic that he knocks out on the floor.
Maybe. Probably. Who can say.]
Next time, assure him this is the spirit of innovation. [theft,] And no, she wouldn't have. She'd roll her eyes and give me grief about it for the rest of our lives if I messed it up — I once got lost when I was five and she has yet to let it go — but no. She'd want to come too.
[And she has swords, which would help in the distraction arena at the very least.]
[viktor waves a hand at the thanks, consider the snack question.] Hm, I am not picky, really. I suppose if there's anything you're used to from your world I would enjoy getting a chance to try it. If we are to be thrown into a hellish beastscape we should at least attempt a little cultural exchange.
[dry but sincere enough, he does think it would be interesting to see something palamedes may consider more familiar. piltover was always so boring with it's food but zaun? growing up in the undercity gave him an iron stomach for most food. if it isn't slimy, moving, or maybe just a little toxic it isn't proper undercity cuisine.
'spirit of innovation' makes him snort softly.] Ah, that is my favorite excuse to use with him in these matters. That and 'no progress happens without a little risk.'
She sounds like she would have been the one getting us out of a mess, which will not happen because our plan is quite solid. [uh huh. a shame though, the more he hears the more he'd like to meet this woman. he wonders how often people who vanish end up returning, if that is ultimately a good or bad thing for the person.
I'll — see what I can do. [The Sixth is terminally rote and Palamedes' aptitude for good food is shaky at best, but he'll try to go grocery shopping. The Fifth's cooking is good, perhaps that...
Well, that's for future Palamedes to worry over, in the exact way he doesn't worry at all about bleeding all over the house for magic's sake. He blinks out of the odd little conundrum there - stumped! by snacks! - and gives a short little laugh at 'a little risk.']
That must do wonders for his blood pressure. I can't say I wouldn't do the exact same, in your shoes. [Which, on that note,] Cam would, and she would like you, but it'd be hell to get her to admit it.
[He says it with as much fondness as he can muster; stubborn, stern Camilla is obviously the best cavalier-best-friend-teammate-etc. one can have, do not listen to anyone else from the Nine Houses, and if he already likes Viktor, she would too. QED. One day she might even wash up on shore again to prove him right — call that a teamwork thing.
Mm, yes. Well then.]
How does a few days from now sound, for blood practice? Two, three? Or — since that sun isn't turning back on anytime soon, I'd wager — whenever, once I've rounded up some snacks.
Eh, is this one of those matters where I should bring something as well? [he just decides to plainly ask that. the minutia of social script, especially upper class, often eludes him. he sort of doubts pal cares all that much even from a short time of knowing him but might as well ask.
it's probably polite to ask? or a faux pas. once again he thanks the annoying patrons of this world the society here is more interested in survival than this.]
It's good for him, he is too much of a... a 'people pleaser.' [it takes him a moment to think of the phrase before remembering with a snap of his fingers.] Well, as much as I don't wish this place on anyone I do hope I get the chance to meet her. I'd like to hear all the no doubt embarrassing stories she has about you.
[said innocently, offering pal a smile. that's just the price one pays for having a childhood friend meeting a new friend, unfortunately.]
Yes, please send me a message when you're prepared. I'll likely have the key made by then. [honestly another thing he misses about jayce, free access to a forge. not that he'd just have one here but boy, back at home it was wonderful to be able to ask any metalwork he might need on a whim.] And do be careful, will you? I've noticed a bit of an uptick in odd monsters since those meteors and portals started. That and everyone quite bent out of shape about the lack of sunlight.
Hm? No, you're fine. You're already providing the incense — but still no. [He does not have strong feelings about this reciprocal social delivery thing, good call. The incense counts if they're going to go at it like that, which he isn't.
Anyway, hm, hey?? He has just enough time to think of Jayce the wealthy people-pleaser and pin him down as very Third, but the way that the nice princess of the Third House is very Third, and not the violent way the other one is — before Viktor says this bit about embarrassing stories and he is forced to make a face and click his pen a whole bunch more times. Mmph, that is a fair hit—
Ultimately he can't help but grin about it, though, even if he makes the paltry effort to look away at another table instead of straight at Viktor when he does, like he is Not Grinning at All. Alright, yes, he would probably allow this.]
Well, if you must. [Hear about his dumb childhood antics, that is. One day he'll tell Viktor about the locked room puzzle of Dr. Sex, which is not funny or embarrassing, except for, well.] Her delivery is phenomenal.
[He'd be too busy enjoying the meeting-of-friends to fuss about it, anyway — absolutely saccharine of him, possibly even more embarrassing than the stories.]
I'm fine in the dark. If you don't hear from me it's because I forgot how to make snacks and spiraled, not because I've been eaten, or something. [haha. jokes. ahem.] Well — in a few days, then.
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[He nods along to Viktor's survey suggestions, adding to the notes - and making a preemptively exasperated face about "too much jargon." Someone else will have to edit their survey for them, he can already feel it — someone with a taste for terseness. Just keeping it realistic.]
We'll have to keep careful records - maybe a follow-up survey? The time spent in this place would have to factor in to the magical saturation of the individual's blood, have you dealt with corruption?
[He's going to need a bigger notebook. It occurs to him that this step, the surveying, should happen after the initial bloodstone tests, and so they are truly getting ahead of themselves, but he makes himself a note to bring the stones next time and circles it a hasty few times. There - perfect.
Then, chalkboards-] On wheels? I was just lamenting not having one the other day. Those are a little too big for me to walk off with unnoticed, or I'd start a life of crime. You could pretend not to know me in public.
[Ha ha. How much does a chalkboard cost. He will find out. For now he nods at Viktor's open notebook, holding out a hand.]
May I? Why don't we trade, you can start us on a list of supplies we'll need to experiment with the stones. You're the crystal expert.
no subject
[or maybe dangerous, forbidden research is the angle. given hextech started with breaking the ethos and two separate breaking and enterings he can't say those are always bad. if anything heimendinger often bemoans him for leaning on the side of taking risks.
but they have plans to make, including the unfortunate work of having to deal with the public.] At least the surveys made over the omni will have that backup recording for our notes. That and given the gossip you find on the network people might just be bored enough to indulge us.
Personally? No, I have not dealt with corruption. That is an excellent point, corruption levels will no doubt effect the blood and gem in question. If not the gem then the magic it produces, which could be dangerous. With any luck it would be possible to purify a bloodgem if that were the case, which... hm, that would also be a boon to my research into purification.
[ah the best research, when you can cross pollinate one with the other. he looks quite pleased about it, always satisfied when the natural flow of the world begins to piece together to make a cohesive whole like this.
a nod and he points to one of the large walls.] I've only ever found small tablets, I've been trying to see if I could find some of that paint that will make a wall a similar texture and able to be wiped down. At this rate the Arcane Scholars might deserve a little heist.
[stealing a chalkboard isn't that much worse than breaking into the dean's office, right?
he pushes himself up to take the notebook, offering his own and tapping at the open page as he does.] This reminds me, I have a great deal I've observed personally and secondhand on paleblood here if you would like. Hardly comprehensive, I'm afraid. [and he's happy to go back to his seat by rio, the girl making a little curious sound as she noses at the new notebook, viktor letting her as he fishes out a pen of his own, far more boring sadly. simply cannot keep up with that aesthetic flair.]
Luckily there's plenty I can just build us, parts are much easier than machines around here.
no subject
[His projects are very good? But his integrity values quality over attention, and so it goes.]
We can add corruption to the survey. One of them, who knows yet. Still, good point. [Corruption, and reversing it in crystals. A crystal doesn't have... a mental state, like a corrupted Sleeper, but Palamedes has learned to lean into the occasional storybook logic of this place when it suits him, more or less. Imaginary blood: silly; crystals that can be soothed out of corruption, like a friend with a cup of tea: why not!
As he hands his notebook over, he says, faintly incredulous:] There's a paint for that? [That's the dream? And then,] Is this because I confessed to my pen theft? I'll pencil in having a heist for after I've fetched the bloodstones from back in Gaze.
[This is not a joke. Now then, time to read about palebloods... He respects the sanctity of someone else's notebook, so instead of writing in Viktor's he merely takes up clicking his pen over and over every time he reads something intriguing (so, nonstop). Ah, but that said-]
You can write in that. [Palamedes' notes are carefully delineated lines of tidy handwriting then bombarded with hastier scrawlings, crammed into wherever he found room to get down Any Idea. On some of the pages, if Viktor flips through the rest, there are doodles of Sleeper squids labeled with such descriptors as "wet" and "why a squid???" and "gross."
It's eclectic. He's still thinking about a chalkboard heist.] I've been tacking sheets of paper onto my walls.
no subject
Given corruption is largely seen as mental or tied to the soul it may open up some interesting facts about the more physical aspects. [a pause] Another thing we'll need to word carefully, I've found people are eh... what is the term? 'Hush hush,' on these matters.
[which makes research a pain in the ass, but he supposes that's just the nature of people at work. he can't help flipping through the notebook a bit, trying not to get too deeply engrossed in anything he sees but chuckling at 'why a squid?' why indeed. given the whole deer aesthetic he's seen he's wondered why it wasn't that.]
Oh yes, I wonder if we could at least find the ingredients on this omni. [he derails entirely for a moment to consider the logistics of just making chalkboard paint, eying the wall he's been considering as he does. he's still regarding it when he replies,] I'm afraid it showed me the truth about your character. If it makes you feel any better I've broken into a few Academy rooms myself in the day. If you share your spoils I'd even consider distracting the guards.
[this is also not a joke. frankly they have more than enough chalkboards, in his opinion. eat the chalkboard rich, etc.
viktor's journal has very cramped handwriting, as though he expects paper to be scarce and he's loathe to waste any of it. a few schematics, largely common lab items only using lunar energy and how that would function, a kind of odd one for what looks like either a three taloned metal claw or a laser. tons on corruption and beasthood, the odd but concerning droplets of blood on the page.
funnily enough there's an excerpt on psychometry, detailing it as a possible power gained from paleblood or bloodmagic in general. some is written in whatever other language he speaks (arcane's version of czech,) and there's some scathing comments on a margin about the moss king.
he blinks when told he can write in it, feeling a little sheepish because he... probably would have without permission. in his defense this has reminded enough of working with jayce he's back to the habits he uses there, just expecting he's allowed to add to notes because why would he not? whoops.
supplies: gets written at the top of a clean page and he starts filling out some basic materials they might need, humming as he does so.] I was considering just writing on mine. If I didn't occasionally have company I would have. [he glances up] You don't think chalk is as hard to obtain as the boards, do you?
no subject
Anonymity for the more uncomfortably personal questions is an option, but I admit I don't trust it very much.
[People go on the omninet and tell lies all the time? No, that's a last resort kind of option if he's ever encountered one. Something else to be ironed out later, in the actual action stages of this endeavor. He's easily sucked into thumbing through Viktor's notebook once he's read that first paleblood page, voraciously consuming all the diagrams he honestly doesn't fully understand and, mm, carefully not so much as brushing a fingertip over the errant drops of blood.
Not because it's blood, no; because sometimes he can't turn the psychometry off, when the association is strong enough, and blood coughed up onto this notebook is the exact kind of thing that will leap into the forefront of his thanergetic awareness at a touch. Mmph.]
Give me ten minutes in a classroom and I can have a month's supply of chalk for you, guaranteed. If I'm already there to make a run for it with the chalkboards, I might as well. [Still not a joke, however,] It is cheaper, though.
[They can probably do some legal purchasing, just to save time. Hell, in this part of town there's likely someone selling chalk not a few blocks away. He pauses in his notebook devouring to fix Viktor with a look of serious consideration that is, of course, entirely put-upon; he's already completely on board to steal a chalkboard, but doing the bit is the done thing.]
You're good at distracting guards? [hmmmmm!] Sure. Let's rob a lecture hall.
no subject
some less important than others.] Do you have a preference when it comes to tea? I'd stock the place with coffee but I've found that hard to find. [and if pal is going to work here he gets a say in the beverage choices. viktor nukes it with so much sugar it doesn't really matter anyway.
plenty of coughing fits tied to those drops of blood, if he can read as much, which is maybe less worrying than other ways he could be bleeding on his notes.
finally viktor looks up to squint at pal, making sure that they really are on the same page about not really joking about this. hm, this is more chaotic than jayce was usually on board for, isn't that fun? besides-] They have plenty attached to the walls themselves, they'll hardly miss one chalkboard.
Oh yes, incredibly so. They take one look at the crutch, decide I'm not a threat and then it's a simple matter of pattering on like an absent-minded academic in dire need of an escort if only to shut me up. Works every time. [he nods, a crooked grin as he agrees.] Let's spread the wealth, I would put it.
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Tea - no, anything will do. And powdered milk, if you can find any. [Don't judge him for this, or for how much of it he will dump in any kind of tea, indiscriminately. He turns another page, hums distractedly, yes yes a chalkboard-] Two, if I can manage it. Wheeled only, wall space is valuable.
[One must be practical about a heist, all things considered. He gives Viktor a look that is exasperated on his behalf — successful or not, he can't imagine it's ideal, playing the fool like that. But it's a solid plan, which leaves only Palamedes' part: actually getting two chalkboards out of there unimpeded.
He has an idea. It's a stupid one, which means it will probably work.]
My chalkboards are yours. I've read — and I will practice, rest assured — that an interesting facet of the darkblood, hmm, skillset is actual telekinesis.
[or: local man pushes chalkboards out window and prays]
Between the both of us, it should be one and done. If we're caught, the phrase to abort mission is... [chalkboard - no. he glances at the perfectly normal wall-] 'wet paint.'
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viktor perks up at that, not only is it useful for their plan but it's an interesting facet of darkblood.] Would you mind terribly if I observed some of that practice? I will even be glad to offer general encouragement.
[a touch dry, yeah he just wants to see some cool blood magic and take about a million notes on it. he's trying not to spiral into all the uses a darkblood gem that could mimic telekinesis in a machine could do. he needs to stop getting so ahead of himself.
he nods along, this is a little ridiculous but also not all that odd for the academic world he's been a part of. graduate students especially have done worse and often.] Very well. I'll go to some more lectures and scope out the place, I think I already know the perfect auditorium for it. There's usually at least two rolling chalkboards there, wasting away.
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I'm going to have to bleed all over some things, so I was going to do it at my place in Gaze. [Where he's had an easier time making a blood magic mess, first, and also not outdoors, where the monsters are.] You're welcome to join me, but don't wear anything you don't want to get errant darkblood on.
[And so — this is a plan, then? They have an entire plan to tool around with darkblood magic and then break into a lecture hall? God, but it has been ages since he's done something stupid and fun; nothing personally against these scholars, either, besides that they have boards and he does not.
He sits up straighter from being hunched over the notebook, running through it mentally again — yes, it's surely a good plan. Hmm!]
This is the part where Camilla would tell me, 'Warden, don't get cocky,' so remember that: we'll save it until our glorious victory. I fully intend to brag.
[In memory of Cam, who would know better and still let him do this.]
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[since the smell of blood attracting beasts and all. honestly he's pleased at a chance to see pal's house, mostly for the chance to see more notes and the telekinesis bit, but also because... well, he's not really the sort used to being invited over to people's houses. sad putting it that way, maybe, but as it turns out making work your life and generally being ignored before that does not give a person a rousing social life.
it suited him fine, but it also means this rather easy back and forth is a little novel. the fact it's fun even more so. it makes him unfortunately realize how much jayce's growing distance in their own world actually did affect him, who knew people thrived on companionship one way or another? the spirit of collaboration and all that.
he immediately brushes those sort of thoughts aside, they do have a heist to pull off. the notebook gets offered back with a list written out, 'chalkboards' added to the bottom mostly because it amused him. it really is mostly scrap parts he can use to make bigger machines, simple things too like petri dishes, vials, lenses. a pretty short list mostly, he's been collecting or will collect a lot of what they need soon enough.]
This is the part Jayce would beg me to just let him go buy it for us. [his lips quirk at the thought, like the futility of it is funny.] Very well, celebrating is saved for a success.
[he is curious though.] Would this Camilla have tried to stop you?
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[An evening in the way that this impromptu tea-and-being-nerds session has become an evening, except intentional this time. Palamedes has no intentions to play formal host, or anything - he wouldn't really know what to do - but snacks are a fair exchange for the use of incense. Blood, snacks, incense: the ideal hangout.
And, well — the Sixth bunker (maybe also bring a lamp, he'll think about this) is emptier without Camilla, and while most people Palamedes considers friends here also reside nearby in Gaze, having someone over hits different than lurking on other people's couches. Not including right now; this isn't lurking. Snacks are the point, and he'll endeavor to not show off so much magic that he knocks out on the floor.
Maybe. Probably. Who can say.]
Next time, assure him this is the spirit of innovation. [theft,] And no, she wouldn't have. She'd roll her eyes and give me grief about it for the rest of our lives if I messed it up — I once got lost when I was five and she has yet to let it go — but no. She'd want to come too.
[And she has swords, which would help in the distraction arena at the very least.]
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[dry but sincere enough, he does think it would be interesting to see something palamedes may consider more familiar. piltover was always so boring with it's food but zaun? growing up in the undercity gave him an iron stomach for most food. if it isn't slimy, moving, or maybe just a little toxic it isn't proper undercity cuisine.
'spirit of innovation' makes him snort softly.] Ah, that is my favorite excuse to use with him in these matters. That and 'no progress happens without a little risk.'
She sounds like she would have been the one getting us out of a mess, which will not happen because our plan is quite solid. [uh huh. a shame though, the more he hears the more he'd like to meet this woman. he wonders how often people who vanish end up returning, if that is ultimately a good or bad thing for the person.
ah well.]
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Well, that's for future Palamedes to worry over, in the exact way he doesn't worry at all about bleeding all over the house for magic's sake. He blinks out of the odd little conundrum there - stumped! by snacks! - and gives a short little laugh at 'a little risk.']
That must do wonders for his blood pressure. I can't say I wouldn't do the exact same, in your shoes. [Which, on that note,] Cam would, and she would like you, but it'd be hell to get her to admit it.
[He says it with as much fondness as he can muster; stubborn, stern Camilla is obviously the best cavalier-best-friend-teammate-etc. one can have, do not listen to anyone else from the Nine Houses, and if he already likes Viktor, she would too. QED. One day she might even wash up on shore again to prove him right — call that a teamwork thing.
Mm, yes. Well then.]
How does a few days from now sound, for blood practice? Two, three? Or — since that sun isn't turning back on anytime soon, I'd wager — whenever, once I've rounded up some snacks.
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it's probably polite to ask? or a faux pas. once again he thanks the annoying patrons of this world the society here is more interested in survival than this.]
It's good for him, he is too much of a... a 'people pleaser.' [it takes him a moment to think of the phrase before remembering with a snap of his fingers.] Well, as much as I don't wish this place on anyone I do hope I get the chance to meet her. I'd like to hear all the no doubt embarrassing stories she has about you.
[said innocently, offering pal a smile. that's just the price one pays for having a childhood friend meeting a new friend, unfortunately.]
Yes, please send me a message when you're prepared. I'll likely have the key made by then. [honestly another thing he misses about jayce, free access to a forge. not that he'd just have one here but boy, back at home it was wonderful to be able to ask any metalwork he might need on a whim.] And do be careful, will you? I've noticed a bit of an uptick in odd monsters since those meteors and portals started. That and everyone quite bent out of shape about the lack of sunlight.
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Anyway, hm, hey?? He has just enough time to think of Jayce the wealthy people-pleaser and pin him down as very Third, but the way that the nice princess of the Third House is very Third, and not the violent way the other one is — before Viktor says this bit about embarrassing stories and he is forced to make a face and click his pen a whole bunch more times. Mmph, that is a fair hit—
Ultimately he can't help but grin about it, though, even if he makes the paltry effort to look away at another table instead of straight at Viktor when he does, like he is Not Grinning at All. Alright, yes, he would probably allow this.]
Well, if you must. [Hear about his dumb childhood antics, that is. One day he'll tell Viktor about the locked room puzzle of Dr. Sex, which is not funny or embarrassing, except for, well.] Her delivery is phenomenal.
[He'd be too busy enjoying the meeting-of-friends to fuss about it, anyway — absolutely saccharine of him, possibly even more embarrassing than the stories.]
I'm fine in the dark. If you don't hear from me it's because I forgot how to make snacks and spiraled, not because I've been eaten, or something. [haha. jokes. ahem.] Well — in a few days, then.