"In time," Pratik agreed, inclining his head. "My life has been a series of unfortunate events that have somehow all worked out for me in the end... so far."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Just keep looking ahead and you'll do fine," he assured him. "Keep yourself alive."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik nodded and offered a little smile. "Still got a bit fight in me yet, don't worry."
He was far less distraught about the thought of his demise than Rickard seemed to be. But. Well. No point in making dark jokes that would only upset his friend. Besides, he planned on living until the very moment he died -- none of this sitting around watching life happen around him. Oh no. He was going to be in the center of everything until the universe got around to taking him out of the equation entirely.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik smirked. "True enough... I've got more miles on me than I look. But. Well. There's entirely too much left to see to seize up now. Too much food left to be eaten; too many beautiful women to be consensually admired; too many jewels left to be left unseen. It's a tall task -- experiencing everything."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Do let me know if you manage it." He grinned. "I'd be honored to know the man who experienced everything."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik laughed, grinning. "I'll do my best... I solemnly swear to make up ridiculous tales to tell you along the way, so you never know exactly how full of shit I am."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"And I solemnly swear to pretend I left this Keep and went on all sorts of adventures that rival yours," he chuckled. "And you won't believe me."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I'll have to come up with some good stories for you." They reached the third floor, and Rickard headed for the library.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Can't wait," Pratik said, then asked playfully, "What genre do you suppose you'll go? Suspense? Mystery? Adventure? ... Romance?" He wiggled his eyebrows.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Rickard went as red as his scarf, which he then drew up to hide his smiling mouth. "Something that won't get me killed but will provide a sufficient amount of excitement," he mumbled, suppressing another laugh.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik grinned at him. This was adorable. He didn't realize how much he loved the idea of the two of them. He hoped they'd find their happily ever after. "A master craftsman that will tell a fine story, I'm sure."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I've got to craft it first," he pointed out. "A proper story could take decades."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Psh." Pratik waved his hand. "I'm not waiting decades. I need entertainment. We can figure it out as we go... save the larger narrative for our nursing home adventures."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
