[There are even more formal versions that involve various recitations of Harrowhark's lineage and the whole host of her ceremonial titles. Ortus is a dutiful servant, but even he finds them tedious.]
I was her cavalier, in life. In truth, it was a title I was never suited for, nor one I sought to hold. [There's no trace of regret or disappointment in his voice about that; it rather more sounds like relief.] I am not certain what she will ask of me now. I have little aptitude for ought but poetry.
[Despite the way he phrases it, there is a minute tinge of pride when he speaks of his talents. He had proven their worth, to his own dazzled amazement - and when he thinks of it again, the pinnacle of that achievement, the dark and flashing eyes of the very heart of his work -
His face feels oddly warm beneath his paint. He nurses his beer to cool it. They are speaking of serious matters.]
Perhaps that is what I may seek to give her. Time, and a listening ear when she is ready to speak. Not unlike you have done for me. [He acknowledges Viktor's generosity with a nod.] I would be grateful to see the Warden's notes, if he is willing to share them with one such as I. His reputation precedes him. I understand he has an exceptional intellect.
Oh. [this news surprises him a little. his only understanding of necromancers and cavaliers comes from what palamedes has told him, and his bond with camilla always sounds like a very deep one. it puts a different perspective on what otrus' death might have been to this harrow, making him tap his fingers against his glass in idle contemplation of it.
poetry though, that's interesting.] You may find that aptitude enough here, even beyond the typical value of the arts. Corruption spreads in unwell minds, anything that can offer a reprieve can be useful in keeping it in check. [a pause.] Ah, I've never been creative myself either, outside of machinery. How people manage it is beyond me.
[at the very least maybe keeping it up will be helpful to ortus' state of mind, which is half the battle as far as he can tell. frankly he's curious to read what he'd write, the man seems to encompass the phrase about still waters running deep. he would not have expected poetry to be the skill he seems to have some pride in.
the nod gets a small smile.] That is what bad beer and a bar are for, I find. Besides, it was much more engaging than trying to choke this down alone. [honestly the whole trip feels less aimless and little more worthwhile, which is not a quality he was expecting.
but pal, that has viktor waving a hand.] Oh I am sure he will, I haven't known him to be stingy in his knowledge. And he is, despite not being an engineer himself a single conversation with him inspired an entirely new branch of research we are both looking into. I can tell you from experience it's rare to find someone both clever and enjoyable to collaborate with. Usually it's a nightmare.
[In truth, few necromancer and cavalier bonds are like that of Palamedes Sextus and Camilla Hect, although that is another thing Ortus only knows by reputation. Prior to his death, Ortus would have said that Harrowhark's feelings towards him were purely those of contempt, and his for her were a cold admixture of disdain and pity.
But that would have always been a lie, and not one he would tell now.
He purses his lips at the mention of corruption in unwell minds, the meaning of what Viktor says coinciding with what Ortus assumes he means closely enough that it does not occur to him to question it.]
Is there not creativity in the work of the artificer? I have never understood how one may see an assortment of materials, and fashion things of use from them. [He rotates his glass on the bar top.] And but one conversation with a practitioner of magic inspired you to innovation.
[Self-deprecation in order to build up others is Ortus' job, and he is loathe to delegate it to Viktor, whose kind indulgence of his morose state in combination with his cleverness is earning him a place high in Ortus' esteem.]
Brilliance and arrogance are often hand in glove. It is a relief to know he is not so afflicted. [Unlike certain other necromancers he can think of.] He fares well, then? In your estimation.
[viktor can't help a chuckle at all that, unable to find an argument. ortus' intent to make sure he doesn't get away with even that passing comment says a lot about him, viktor thinks. he's starting to just firmly put his understanding of the ninth as 'a good bunch.'] Oh, you're very good at that, I'm impressed. I can't think of a single way to defend my previous assertion, the battle is yours.
[he raises his glass in a faux toast to him, tone softening somewhat.] But you are right, of course, creativity takes many forms. I suppose it's natural to admire those that can craft in medium you cannot- words, in this case. Will you continue your poetry here?
He does, I believe. [there's the faintest pause that maybe tells he's not entirely sure. well might be a strong word for it, for anyone here, but he at least thinks pal is very much equipped to handle his particular burdens. maybe that's well enough. he turns to ortus, a touch conspiratorial when he says,] I also suspect he's the sort to keep his troubles close to his chest. It's something I plan to keep an eye on.
[Viktor's concession of the 'battle' elicits a further gentling of Ortus' demeanour. He does not quite look comfortable, but he looks much more at ease than he did, and when he raises his glass in reciprocation he might even look like a person who could belong in a place like this - if not for the skull.]
I will continue, yes. [The affirmation doubled, as close to emphatic as he gets.] I have found new inspiration for my work, and a greater appreciation of the value of overcoming procrastination while one has the time to do so.
[New inspiration is said reverentially, with a faint bloom of awe in his earth-dark eyes, but he collects himself to turn to the next subject at hand. It reminds him, to his surprise, of the first time he 'talked shop' with another cavalier, although Viktor is anything but.]
Reticence is a trait typical to necromancers, you will find. I believe it, in part, stems from their mastery of magic. It is difficult to accept that one has limits when one is accustomed to being able to push past them through will and application of skill. It is even more true of the particularly talented.
[to be fair to the skull the average trench fishermen who frequent here probably look gaunt and unsettling enough to pass for skulls. still, viktor feels some level of contentment that ortus looks a little less lost than when they started talking.]
May I ask after the inspiration? [he's never really read poetry, mostly because it wasn't something readily available for most of his life. unless you count dirty undercity limericks, which he does not and ortus has already had to deal with the sixth's horny poetry anyway.] Oh yes, especially here where you never know what odd occurrence may keep you from your work. It's always something with this place.
[viktor nods- that is a very valuable insight, actually, one he'll remember.] It must be alarming, to have their entire system of magic and the rules that govern it turned on its head. I had always assumed mages and the like would have an easier time adapting to blood magic, though perhaps there's something to be said for having to unlearn what you know first. [a pause.] I suppose in terms of reticence it is true that the vulnerability of asking for help isn't easy to learn when you are used to being powerful.
[Having ruled out Viktor being a necromancer already, Ortus now may rule out him being an adept of the 'blood magic' that seems inherent to this place. He evaluates him in a new light, this frail seeming man with a clearly brilliant mind at work behind his sharp features.]
That is precisely the challenge. Those accustomed to power in one sphere are rarely called to learn to accept powerlessness in another, or even to understand it. [He is nearly at the bottom of his glass - how strange.] Whereas as those accustomed to powerlessness are even more rarely called to learn how to wield power, if they ever come across it, or to recognize the power they already possess.
[Weighty thoughts, and he has cause to suspect ones which are less profound than they feel in his current state. Everything seems to have a heightened emotionality - such as the warmth that blooms in his thankfully concealed cheeks as he turns his thoughts back to his inspiration.]
Returning to your question...I was blessed to bear witness to the subject of my greatest work, in embodied spirit. [The circumstances are a touch more complex than that, but it suffices.] Matthias Nonius, a cavalier without peer, and one of the greatest heroes of our House. To see him in battle, in the fullness of his skill, was...
[Ortus closes his eyes, transported back to the flashing grace of a deftly wielded rapier, the efficient elegance of a warrior for whom battle was as much craft as art.]
[that strikes viktor, that assessment, even in terms outside of magic and necromancy. maybe he's been thinking too much about power and those who wield it, what it does to people, the typical, tired line of thinking.
he finishes his drink with a little 'bah' at downing the last of the now warmed beer. yuck, but the task is done.] Interesting you should put it that way. I've met a couple of people who came from a world without magic and the magic they have been developing draws on natural talents they did not regard highly. One man good at reading people able to occasionally read thoughts, for example.
[poetry seems to slip into ortus' words now and again, giving viktor an idea of the kind of poem this man might right. something epic rather than the flowery love poems he usually imagined when thinking of poetry. maybe more like the operas heimendinger was fond of, the rare times viktor saw one himself.
the way he speaks of this matthias though, it really does make the man seem like a the stuff of myths rather than stories.] Perhaps you can explain it better- when I spoke to Palamedes of cavaliers the understanding I got was it would be belittling to call them mere bodyguards. Would you say they are more like... hm, knights? Soldiers?
[Ortus has yet to hear the half of what the weight of power can do, but that lies well ahead of him. For now, he was only thinking of Harrowhark, whose power has always been contingent on a performance of strength that turned her into so much brittle, cracked plex.
He looks away at the mention of powerless people developing magic, a peculiar feeling of reluctance falling across him as he recalls the (deeply unpleasant) action on the ship. When he spoke, it had almost seemed as if -]
An interesting development indeed. Have you found yourself developing such...talents, in your time here? If the question is not overly familiar.
[Perhaps one cannot go around asking people about their magical abilities. Ortus has never met a necromancer who didn't make you aware of their status, one way or another, but it may be different for people who come into such things later in life.]
As for cavaliers, the Warden is correct. A cavalier's duty extends beyond the mere safeguarding of their necromancer's physical person. They are their necromancer's sword arm, their helpmeet, their companion in all of life and death's travails. They have more in common with a knight than a soldier, but in truth, the calling exceeds both.
A true cavalier ennobles their necromancer. They are an indivisible dyad, united in purpose and spirit to achieve heights neither could ascend to singly. It is the highest honor a warrior may aspire to.
[Ortus does not long to be a true cavalier. He merely speaks of them with a wistful, idealistic passion that brings life and lightness to his mournful features even under his mussed paint.]
Oh not at all. [viktor's the curious sort anyway, he'd be a hypocrite to judge people for questions. also he thinks that's a rather fair question to ask in the trench. maybe it's typically a magic faux pas.] I've only noticed one ability myself and have done minimal testing of it.
I accidentally bled over a machine I was working on and found I innately knew the issue was a clog in the tubing. It was... hm, not unlike reading the machine, I suppose. Another example of a skillset I already have emerging in the blood magic.
[his reaction to this was a bit of irritation when if first happened, which he now looks back at with some amusement at finding it a slight, as though he needed blood magic for such a thing. ah, pride. still, a useful enough trick that isn't terribly invasive.
well, and viktor thought pal was top notch at hyping up cavaliers. ortus just blew him out of the water and poetically, which is impressive because pal wasn't a slouch in that department.
(he also glances to his empty glass and feels the oddest spike of envy, at such a bond and from birth. not the knighthood really, not all the drama and protection and ennobling, but just the simplicity of a person there. hm, morose and only one beer in. definitely not having another.)
he pushes the glass to the bartender and shakes his head about another, turning to ortus to ask,] How are they chosen? I was under the impression it all starts quite young.
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deercountry2022-04-13 04:55 pm
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I was her cavalier, in life. In truth, it was a title I was never suited for, nor one I sought to hold. [There's no trace of regret or disappointment in his voice about that; it rather more sounds like relief.] I am not certain what she will ask of me now. I have little aptitude for ought but poetry.
[Despite the way he phrases it, there is a minute tinge of pride when he speaks of his talents. He had proven their worth, to his own dazzled amazement - and when he thinks of it again, the pinnacle of that achievement, the dark and flashing eyes of the very heart of his work -
His face feels oddly warm beneath his paint. He nurses his beer to cool it. They are speaking of serious matters.]
Perhaps that is what I may seek to give her. Time, and a listening ear when she is ready to speak. Not unlike you have done for me. [He acknowledges Viktor's generosity with a nod.] I would be grateful to see the Warden's notes, if he is willing to share them with one such as I. His reputation precedes him. I understand he has an exceptional intellect.
no subject
poetry though, that's interesting.] You may find that aptitude enough here, even beyond the typical value of the arts. Corruption spreads in unwell minds, anything that can offer a reprieve can be useful in keeping it in check. [a pause.] Ah, I've never been creative myself either, outside of machinery. How people manage it is beyond me.
[at the very least maybe keeping it up will be helpful to ortus' state of mind, which is half the battle as far as he can tell. frankly he's curious to read what he'd write, the man seems to encompass the phrase about still waters running deep. he would not have expected poetry to be the skill he seems to have some pride in.
the nod gets a small smile.] That is what bad beer and a bar are for, I find. Besides, it was much more engaging than trying to choke this down alone. [honestly the whole trip feels less aimless and little more worthwhile, which is not a quality he was expecting.
but pal, that has viktor waving a hand.] Oh I am sure he will, I haven't known him to be stingy in his knowledge. And he is, despite not being an engineer himself a single conversation with him inspired an entirely new branch of research we are both looking into. I can tell you from experience it's rare to find someone both clever and enjoyable to collaborate with. Usually it's a nightmare.
no subject
But that would have always been a lie, and not one he would tell now.
He purses his lips at the mention of corruption in unwell minds, the meaning of what Viktor says coinciding with what Ortus assumes he means closely enough that it does not occur to him to question it.]
Is there not creativity in the work of the artificer? I have never understood how one may see an assortment of materials, and fashion things of use from them. [He rotates his glass on the bar top.] And but one conversation with a practitioner of magic inspired you to innovation.
[Self-deprecation in order to build up others is Ortus' job, and he is loathe to delegate it to Viktor, whose kind indulgence of his morose state in combination with his cleverness is earning him a place high in Ortus' esteem.]
Brilliance and arrogance are often hand in glove. It is a relief to know he is not so afflicted. [Unlike certain other necromancers he can think of.] He fares well, then? In your estimation.
no subject
[he raises his glass in a faux toast to him, tone softening somewhat.] But you are right, of course, creativity takes many forms. I suppose it's natural to admire those that can craft in medium you cannot- words, in this case. Will you continue your poetry here?
He does, I believe. [there's the faintest pause that maybe tells he's not entirely sure. well might be a strong word for it, for anyone here, but he at least thinks pal is very much equipped to handle his particular burdens. maybe that's well enough. he turns to ortus, a touch conspiratorial when he says,] I also suspect he's the sort to keep his troubles close to his chest. It's something I plan to keep an eye on.
no subject
I will continue, yes. [The affirmation doubled, as close to emphatic as he gets.] I have found new inspiration for my work, and a greater appreciation of the value of overcoming procrastination while one has the time to do so.
[New inspiration is said reverentially, with a faint bloom of awe in his earth-dark eyes, but he collects himself to turn to the next subject at hand. It reminds him, to his surprise, of the first time he 'talked shop' with another cavalier, although Viktor is anything but.]
Reticence is a trait typical to necromancers, you will find. I believe it, in part, stems from their mastery of magic. It is difficult to accept that one has limits when one is accustomed to being able to push past them through will and application of skill. It is even more true of the particularly talented.
no subject
May I ask after the inspiration? [he's never really read poetry, mostly because it wasn't something readily available for most of his life. unless you count dirty undercity limericks, which he does not and ortus has already had to deal with the sixth's horny poetry anyway.] Oh yes, especially here where you never know what odd occurrence may keep you from your work. It's always something with this place.
[viktor nods- that is a very valuable insight, actually, one he'll remember.] It must be alarming, to have their entire system of magic and the rules that govern it turned on its head. I had always assumed mages and the like would have an easier time adapting to blood magic, though perhaps there's something to be said for having to unlearn what you know first. [a pause.] I suppose in terms of reticence it is true that the vulnerability of asking for help isn't easy to learn when you are used to being powerful.
no subject
That is precisely the challenge. Those accustomed to power in one sphere are rarely called to learn to accept powerlessness in another, or even to understand it. [He is nearly at the bottom of his glass - how strange.] Whereas as those accustomed to powerlessness are even more rarely called to learn how to wield power, if they ever come across it, or to recognize the power they already possess.
[Weighty thoughts, and he has cause to suspect ones which are less profound than they feel in his current state. Everything seems to have a heightened emotionality - such as the warmth that blooms in his thankfully concealed cheeks as he turns his thoughts back to his inspiration.]
Returning to your question...I was blessed to bear witness to the subject of my greatest work, in embodied spirit. [The circumstances are a touch more complex than that, but it suffices.] Matthias Nonius, a cavalier without peer, and one of the greatest heroes of our House. To see him in battle, in the fullness of his skill, was...
[Ortus closes his eyes, transported back to the flashing grace of a deftly wielded rapier, the efficient elegance of a warrior for whom battle was as much craft as art.]
Sublime.
no subject
he finishes his drink with a little 'bah' at downing the last of the now warmed beer. yuck, but the task is done.] Interesting you should put it that way. I've met a couple of people who came from a world without magic and the magic they have been developing draws on natural talents they did not regard highly. One man good at reading people able to occasionally read thoughts, for example.
[poetry seems to slip into ortus' words now and again, giving viktor an idea of the kind of poem this man might right. something epic rather than the flowery love poems he usually imagined when thinking of poetry. maybe more like the operas heimendinger was fond of, the rare times viktor saw one himself.
the way he speaks of this matthias though, it really does make the man seem like a the stuff of myths rather than stories.] Perhaps you can explain it better- when I spoke to Palamedes of cavaliers the understanding I got was it would be belittling to call them mere bodyguards. Would you say they are more like... hm, knights? Soldiers?
no subject
He looks away at the mention of powerless people developing magic, a peculiar feeling of reluctance falling across him as he recalls the (deeply unpleasant) action on the ship. When he spoke, it had almost seemed as if -]
An interesting development indeed. Have you found yourself developing such...talents, in your time here? If the question is not overly familiar.
[Perhaps one cannot go around asking people about their magical abilities. Ortus has never met a necromancer who didn't make you aware of their status, one way or another, but it may be different for people who come into such things later in life.]
As for cavaliers, the Warden is correct. A cavalier's duty extends beyond the mere safeguarding of their necromancer's physical person. They are their necromancer's sword arm, their helpmeet, their companion in all of life and death's travails. They have more in common with a knight than a soldier, but in truth, the calling exceeds both.
A true cavalier ennobles their necromancer. They are an indivisible dyad, united in purpose and spirit to achieve heights neither could ascend to singly. It is the highest honor a warrior may aspire to.
[Ortus does not long to be a true cavalier. He merely speaks of them with a wistful, idealistic passion that brings life and lightness to his mournful features even under his mussed paint.]
no subject
I accidentally bled over a machine I was working on and found I innately knew the issue was a clog in the tubing. It was... hm, not unlike reading the machine, I suppose. Another example of a skillset I already have emerging in the blood magic.
[his reaction to this was a bit of irritation when if first happened, which he now looks back at with some amusement at finding it a slight, as though he needed blood magic for such a thing. ah, pride. still, a useful enough trick that isn't terribly invasive.
well, and viktor thought pal was top notch at hyping up cavaliers. ortus just blew him out of the water and poetically, which is impressive because pal wasn't a slouch in that department.
(he also glances to his empty glass and feels the oddest spike of envy, at such a bond and from birth. not the knighthood really, not all the drama and protection and ennobling, but just the simplicity of a person there. hm, morose and only one beer in. definitely not having another.)
he pushes the glass to the bartender and shakes his head about another, turning to ortus to ask,] How are they chosen? I was under the impression it all starts quite young.