“We’ve got a pretty broad selection of topics, though not as much depth as what I’ve heard you have,” Derik said. “Fiction, biographies, science and mathematics, strategy and politics. Our collection has grown exponentially the past few years in particular.”
"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]
"That's good to hear. May I ask where you primarily collect from?"
"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
“Professor Orsetov writes a lot of them,” Jerica offered eagerly.
Derik glanced at her. He could tell she was trying hard to keep her mouth shut. But Jerica was… Jerica. Hopefully she’d stay harmless at the very least.
“…we’ve been blessed with a very productive scientist in our palace,” Derik confirmed, glancing back at Ash. “As well as other scholars. But the majority of our collection has come from neighboring countries. It’s easiest to get them in unscathed.”
"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]
"Perhaps you'd like some from other Realms as well?" he asked. "We may be able to make some copies for you in return for some of those volumes."
"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
Rek glanced at Derik hopefully, the first indication of an opinion he’d shown since they arrived.
Derik glanced at his son then back at Ash. “I think we’d like that very much. What sorts of topics would you be interested in? And what genres would you be willing to offer in return?”
"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]
"Anything, everything. And I'll allow you to choose from my collection--provided they're not journals or anything that might offer Realm or territorial secrets."
"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
“Of course.” Derik nodded. “Completely reasonable.” He glanced over at Rek, who had managed not to smile, but only barely so. Derik glanced back at Ash. “Do you have any sort of music books or theory?”
"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]
"Without a doubt." Gaius turned his attention toward Rek. "I take it you're interested in that subject?"
"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
“Yes sir.” Rek nodded. “It’s just a hobby, but one I enjoy.”
"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
“I prefer playing, sir. I’ve only recently gotten into the theory behind it all; my instructor said it would help me improve to study up on it.”
"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 what do you play?" He glanced between Derik and Rek; they were terribly familiar for some reason. Something about their faces reminded him of Ky, or maybe Zander. Perhaps he'd ask later.
"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
“Um, I’m the best with lutes, violins, and pianos. I’m learning with flutes and harps as well but… those need some work.” He smiled a little.
In reality, he was above average with all the instruments he’d named. But he wasn’t one to brag. Especially not with something he could be asked to demonstrate. Didn’t want that.
"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'm sure I and my family would be interested to hear you play, even so," Gaius replied with a nod. "Feel free to explore that section of my library, if you wish; we have an extensive collection of music-based books on the third level."
"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
Ah, shit. He supposed it wasn’t an unexpected request. Nor was it unreasonable. And yet it was still uncomfortable. He knew how to represent Levin as an Ainsley and was getting increasingly comfortable doing so as a Lieutenant but there was something more intimidating about doing it as a musician. It felt more personal. More likely to hurt if someone had something unkind to say about it.
“Thank you, sir.” Rek nodded to him with a little smile. “I’ll be sure to take a look. Any you’d recommend in particular?”
"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]
