Not particularly. I just thought of seeing how you were, since it has been a while since we saw each other.
[He can't help but try to steal a glance in the kitchen to look at the golem brewing tea, but it's difficult to get a good view, so he eventually turns back to Avicebron and Atsushi.]
[Sanson doesn't complain about comfort; at least there were places to sit.]
I'm sorry. [Even though he wasn't the one who brought it up in the first place.] Anyway, I hope you've been well, Caster. Despite...ah, how this world operates.
It's not an obligation to discuss some of the best poetry I've read in my life or afterlife, Caster.
[Comfort? What's that? He's too focused on being a huge nerd to care about anything else.]
It's rare to see a writer who works so masterfully in both short and long form, who can draw beauty out of any object he describes and capture the essence of human emotion in the same poem. Praising your work is nothing less than a joy for me.
[Sometimes... you just get a really big writer crush... and want to tell everyone...]
[ He was just returning to his main workbench, planning on resuming fiddling with a little bird golem he's been improving, but pauses at that. ]
I've been well enough. I'm proud of my work, certainly. And it's good to hear it's appreciated. But it was not 'the best' in any way.
[ The golem brings over tea for the two of them. It's ... fine. It's adequate.
Avicebron takes a seat, picking up a half-complete wing made of leaves and sticks. ]
Of course, all Heroic Spirits have left their mark on history. But we're also quite aware of our standing -- the true magnitude of our fame and influence. Mine is exceedingly modest. You understand what I mean, don't you ... Assassin.
[ Looking for some low-rarity solidarity here. That pause was only because, on second thought, he's not sure if Sanson declared his true name to Atsushi. He has a good reason to want to keep his under wraps, after all. ]
[That IS a huge writer crush, but Sanson says nothing about that. Not only is he going to cut Avicebron some slack, he really has no business commenting when he hasn't even read the Caster's poetry in the first place.
The fact that Avicebron takes a certain degree of pride in it should be enough. At least he could be proud of what he does...because Sanson certainly is never proud of what he had done to earn his place in the Throne of Heroes. Calling himself a Heroic Spirit seems so ironic. Not only was his role in history obscure enough that not all accounts of the French Revolution remember him by name, but he was no hero in the first place. Just a man who had one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world and who could not escape his destiny.
It's as if a cloud has descended upon Sanson as he ponders this, his expression suddenly more...thoughtful at best, and brooding at worst.]
I understand what you mean, Caster. There's no point in self aggrandizement when history, or myth, or legend have already judged us for the roles we've played.
[Sorry, Charles. Atsushi would like to turn this back to something Charles can comment on, but first he needs to insist that Avicebron Is Great Actually.]
That's certainly true for many heroes... It's hard to argue the relative importance of a king, or a general, or a myth.
[A king can't make himself out to be a better king if he's only a footnote in the history books.]
But as an artist, the quality of your work is more subjective, even if there may be some consensus about your lasting influence. And I personally love your work very much.
[And that's something Avicebron can't disprove or argue against.]
[ At least Avicebron is quick to realize his mistake. His hair shifts when he looks up sharply upon noticing that change in Sanson's demeanor.
Aah, of course. Perhaps bringing up one's qualifications as a Heroic Spirits was a bad idea with Sanson present. Understandable, but tricky to deal with. Especially while also addressing Atsushi's comments, and without accidentally revealing Sanson's identity.
He's starting to remember how much of a pain other people are, but Avicebron silently reminds himself to be patient. He'd resolved to better himself, after all. ]
Mm. But I don't particularly believe in dwelling on one's past achievements, either. Idleness and stagnation are the enemies of any creator. Continual progress ... what one does in the present is of far more importance.
[He catches that Glance, all right, and he slowly loosens up. Avicebron had a point, and even though his mood had tanked a little during their conversation, Sanson remembers that he had resolved to do better with his second life - to be more than what he was fated to be when he was born into his family as the fourth generation in a line of executioners.
Wasn't that why he had sought a job as a doctor here, and strove to practice medicine more often?
Folding his arms over the table, he nods vigorously.]
...Of course. Thank you for reminding me.
[Even if his past achievements...weren't what he would call achievements.]
After all, you and I have been granted second lives.
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[He can't help but try to steal a glance in the kitchen to look at the golem brewing tea, but it's difficult to get a good view, so he eventually turns back to Avicebron and Atsushi.]
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It's the same for me. I'm always happy to see you even without particular business.
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I see. Well ... make yourselves comfortable.
[ He says, like that's possible when the only furniture other than his workbenches and tables is a few regular chairs. ]
Though you've no obligation to discuss my work any further.
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I'm sorry. [Even though he wasn't the one who brought it up in the first place.] Anyway, I hope you've been well, Caster. Despite...ah, how this world operates.
[Moon cycles can be a butt.]
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[Comfort? What's that? He's too focused on being a huge nerd to care about anything else.]
It's rare to see a writer who works so masterfully in both short and long form, who can draw beauty out of any object he describes and capture the essence of human emotion in the same poem. Praising your work is nothing less than a joy for me.
[Sometimes... you just get a really big writer crush... and want to tell everyone...]
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I've been well enough. I'm proud of my work, certainly. And it's good to hear it's appreciated. But it was not 'the best' in any way.
[ The golem brings over tea for the two of them. It's ... fine. It's adequate.
Avicebron takes a seat, picking up a half-complete wing made of leaves and sticks. ]
Of course, all Heroic Spirits have left their mark on history. But we're also quite aware of our standing -- the true magnitude of our fame and influence. Mine is exceedingly modest. You understand what I mean, don't you ... Assassin.
[ Looking for some low-rarity solidarity here. That pause was only because, on second thought, he's not sure if Sanson declared his true name to Atsushi. He has a good reason to want to keep his under wraps, after all. ]
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The fact that Avicebron takes a certain degree of pride in it should be enough. At least he could be proud of what he does...because Sanson certainly is never proud of what he had done to earn his place in the Throne of Heroes. Calling himself a Heroic Spirit seems so ironic. Not only was his role in history obscure enough that not all accounts of the French Revolution remember him by name, but he was no hero in the first place. Just a man who had one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world and who could not escape his destiny.
It's as if a cloud has descended upon Sanson as he ponders this, his expression suddenly more...thoughtful at best, and brooding at worst.]
I understand what you mean, Caster. There's no point in self aggrandizement when history, or myth, or legend have already judged us for the roles we've played.
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That's certainly true for many heroes... It's hard to argue the relative importance of a king, or a general, or a myth.
[A king can't make himself out to be a better king if he's only a footnote in the history books.]
But as an artist, the quality of your work is more subjective, even if there may be some consensus about your lasting influence. And I personally love your work very much.
[And that's something Avicebron can't disprove or argue against.]
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Aah, of course. Perhaps bringing up one's qualifications as a Heroic Spirits was a bad idea with Sanson present. Understandable, but tricky to deal with. Especially while also addressing Atsushi's comments, and without accidentally revealing Sanson's identity.
He's starting to remember how much of a pain other people are, but Avicebron silently reminds himself to be patient. He'd resolved to better himself, after all. ]
Mm. But I don't particularly believe in dwelling on one's past achievements, either. Idleness and stagnation are the enemies of any creator. Continual progress ... what one does in the present is of far more importance.
[ Shooting Sanson a Glance as he says that. ]
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Wasn't that why he had sought a job as a doctor here, and strove to practice medicine more often?
Folding his arms over the table, he nods vigorously.]
...Of course. Thank you for reminding me.
[Even if his past achievements...weren't what he would call achievements.]
After all, you and I have been granted second lives.
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[Even if Atsushi's existence isn't the identical to theirs, that remains the same. They were granted a second life when most people only get one.
Atsushi lifts his teacup as if it was a wine glass to toast with.]
To moving forward?