psychoshenanigans | GRATIA // PSL

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GRATIA // PSL

The first thing he feels is the cold.

It permeates everything down here on the lower levels. What little warmth humans have made for themselves is greedily gobbled up by the stone walls that surround them on all sides. Despite the stirring of people in the streets, in their homes, and around corners, this place feels like a grave. A similar sense seems to loom over the heads of most who make their way through this deep, dark part of the world, hovering around them like a cloud of inevitability. No one has been outright sentenced to death, but they may as well be.

Upon waking, Tek will have found himself in a dark, wet alleyway. Attempts to orient himself reveal that he has been brought, somehow, to an impressively large network of tunnels that all lead, more or less, to three or four larger chambers. There is far more vibrant life above him somewhere, far, far above the layer of caves he's in now, and there is also a very deep, sluggish form of life somewhere far below his feet.

No one is coming to get him. No one follows him in his immediate vicinity--the few stragglers hanging around doorsteps and windows don't give him a second glance, or even a first one. The place is crowded, but not busy. Everyone keeps their heads down. The people are all dressed poorly, in rags and robes and bundles that suggest a certain level of consistent poverty all throughout the level. The buildings in these tunnels look man-made, either built from scrap or carved straight out of the rock of the cave, but the majority of the actual roads and cave walls seem to have been formed with very little help from human hands.

The place is lit with lanterns and dirty-looking florescents suspended high above in the cave ceiling. The air is thick and stuffy, the smell of mold and mud prevalent over even the smell of human stagnation. It would not be hard to drag someone off, and he gets the immediate feeling that if he did, it's unlikely that anyone would come looking for them.

What does he do?

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Hm... [Tonic did say he would finish whatever Tek doesn't want, so he thoughtfully leaves a better-tasting drink on the table in front of his new friend and takes the (secretly) much stronger drink in exchange, giving it a fair sip while Tek keeps explaining.

he looks a little bothered by the taste, but again... not as much as a normal person probably should be.]

Well, I'm flattered to hear that. I can't imagine why he wouldn't want you talking to someone like me.

[he grins entirely with one side of his face, which is either horrifying or charming, depending on your disposition.]

And I meant what I said earlier. It would be a shame to continue to think of you only as Robin's friend. For example, ah...

[maybe he's getting playful again; he leans forward on the table, finding a place for his elbow so that he can prop his chin on his hand.] What brings you all the way to Skeleton City?

[charming, absolutely. Tek is free to show just how much he enjoys watching his companion's face, because it is anything but a ploy.

though, his fond smile is a little interrupted by the specific question that Tonic asks. he makes a face before he even has a chance to try the new drink that has been passed to him.]

Unfortunately... the answer to that question is our least favorite topic. I'd likely still be wrapped up in my own little world over there if Robin hadn't barged in and told me so many stories of his home city. It was only a matter of time before I found the time and the means to sneak away and follow him back for an extended vacation.

[Tonic is also genuinely interested in hearing about Tek, so Tonic remains a captive audience while continuing to sip on the drink that he was given.]

That's funny... He must have really sold it, I can't imagine many people coming to visit here willingly.

[he laughs, cheery--] Though you've already established that you don't exactly follow the norm, huh?

[Tek may be a gifted liar when the situation calls for it, but weaving as much truth as possible into everything he says has always been his policy. so, he's entirely (bitterly) genuine as he goes on to explain.]

Precisely. I'm, ah... not exactly the shiniest star on my family crest.

[he gestures with a bit of potato skin to give his hands something to do.]

Not that I'd want to fulfill all of their hopes and dreams for an upstanding and obedient child, of course. It just becomes exhausting to hear about it with every breath.

I can't imagine...

[he says this with a slight hint of wonder in his voice--though he quickly corrects, fingers flat on the table, as he doesn't want to give the wrong idea.]

I mean, it sounds like an awful time, don't get me wrong, love... But, you know. Dead parents. Only child. Not exactly a strong emphasis on fulfilling hopes and dreams on this side of the track.

[but maybe he regrets saying that, because he quickly asks after it--] Is your profession something that you like? Or are you hoping to get away from that, too?

[if Tonic had been hoping that the next question would soothe onto an easier topic of conversation, he will be disappointed. it actually has the opposite effect. Tek might have moved onto expressing (somewhat inappropriate) jealousy of his friend's lack of family ties, but... he sighs at the new question instead.]

My profession...

[he picks ineffectually at some mostly-eaten relic of their meal for a moment, while he takes a few marked moments to consider things. and when he finally finds a place to stop, he looks up with a new smile and seemingly new topic.]

Do you enjoy playing games?

I love playing games.

[it's a very genuine response. he doesn't seem at all bothered by the time it took Tek to think, and if they really are moving on to a new topic, he isn't hesitating to stop that, either.

but maybe it will all tie together. these things usually do, in his line of work.]

[and Tek's delight at Tonic's response is just as genuine. he sits forward with the same sort of eagerness that he'd shown toward their meal, his hunger and excitement suddenly renewed. he has a specific game in mind, and it's only fun with someone who enjoys playing as much as you do.]

If you are interested, the rules are simple, and the stakes are whatever you want them to be. I've seen it played for money, clothing, drinks, or anything else you could think of.

And the goal is simple--guess whether your opponent is lying or telling the truth. If you guess right, they pay up, and you pay if you get it wrong. It's my personal favorite, because no one is ever obligated to tell the truth, and everyone gets something out of it... unless you happen to be spectacularly bad at guessing.

What do you think?

[what a fascinatingly terrible proposition. he wonders (not for the first time, honestly) if Tek is just a spy for the Capitol, or maybe even the King of Eyes... because he would be very, very good at it.

Tek gets to watch Tonic measure the pros and cons, tapping his fingernail against the stone table while maintaining unsettling, constant eye contact. eventually, his thinking ends in a crooked smirk.]

All right. I accept the terms, and I propose that if you lose...

[that smirk turns into a cheeky half-grin again.]

You have to come buy something from my store.

[he doesn't actually need further stakes, or another customer... the information is gain enough for him. but if nothing else, it's a nice excuse to get Tek to come interact with him again some other time.]

[he loves watching the wheels turn. it has been quite some time since he's gotten to see what it must be like to interact with himself from the outside, and he can't help meeting it with a sly, excited grin while he waits.

Tonic's reply surprises him, though.]

Your store? [the prospect of shopping delights him, as always, and so it takes him an extra moment before he realizes the possible flaw in this plan.] How many rounds are you intending to play? I do love the idea, but the game may run a bit short if I'm losing...

[he may be a fancy man from the Capitol, but his wallet runs a little shallow between his spending habits and the way that his family isn't overeager to bestow him with a bounty of their treasures, especially when he wants to go play with the degenerates in this city...

whatever the persona he's pretending to portray, Robin remains his primary bank account.]

[Tonic doesn't seem too bothered by the complication, shrugging a little while he continues to prop his chin up on his less-good hand.]

You on a budget, sweetheart?

[he would like to know why, but he won't ask at this particular point. he works in a business, and people have all kinds of reasons for not wanting to spend money, himself included. he chuckles.]

It's okay, I only wanted an excuse to make you swing by again anyway. I'm open to changing the stakes, if you have something else in mind.

Edited 2018-10-30 17:07 (UTC)

[he won't elaborate on his current financial situation (he is sure it will come up again soon) but the rest deserves a little bit of a detour. he'll return to the subject of the game in just a moment.]

Oh? You've already decided that you're not tired of me? I'm flattered.

[he is a little surprised, honestly--even if it ends up being mostly just talk, or hiding some ulterior motive. he hadn't expected his new friend to even express an interest.]

I'm sure I could be tempted. Depending on what sort of shop it is, of course. [--the last bit mostly added as a joke, but he really is curious, and quietly hoping that he won't have to pretend to be interested in whatever it is.]

[one of the funny things about Tonic is that he genuinely enjoys what he does. he's one of those rare cases where a front became a hobby, which somehow wound up his actual job, which somehow now takes up more time than the thing he was fronting for in the first place.

so he makes a sound into his drink as he finishes it off, jumping on the chance to actually talk about what he does.]

Clothes, darling. People bring me things, and I finish them up.

[he holds out his sleeve for Tek to look closer--the dragon had probably already noticed the craftsmanship by now, but the wrappings and tatters that have been pulled together to make Tonic's very aesthetically-minded sleeves are sewn together with secure, even stitching of a near-matching color. hard to catch in passing, though, is that there are other stitches and small patches in very specific shapes and patterns--with his arm stretched out like this, he reveals the face of a snarling monster on his sleeve, with sharp teeth and four angry eyes and a body that coils around his wrist like a snake.]

The Argent Stone, up in the Marketplace. I sell jewelry and accessories, too.

[again, Tek doesn't have to feign a thing as he leans in to eagerly inspect Tonic's handiwork. he really can't help it when he reaches to run fingers over the stitches shaping the monster's mouth. the calculations for how he's going to wheedle more spending money out of Robin have already begun.

it's beautiful, of course. and also haunting in its similarities to something from several lifetimes ago--as if he'd needed even more reasons to feel nostalgic about this whole thing.]

...Yes, I think I can be convinced.

[it's a joke. he's in love and wants this jacket right now.]

[Tonic just lets his arm be handled, chuckling again... he's been put into a very good mood and laughing seems to come easier than it did when they were first talking. his posture seems a little looser, too. maybe the alcohol is really starting to kick in.]

Come find me sometime, I'm usually around. I'll make you something nice.

I will.

[he seems just a little reluctant to finally release Tonic's arm, continuing to gaze at the stitchwork as it returns to a cryptic tangle of shapes in the folds of his sleeve.

then, for one of first times since they'd begun their meal, Tek lets his attention wander through the window of their alcove and out over the crowd below. he's getting ideas and considering options as the gears of the conversation continue to shift.

when he turns back a few seconds later, he has the beginning of a new, musing smile forming on his face, and he glances his companion over one more time, up and down.]

You know, we could still play for clothing--in a manner of speaking.

[he's not entirely certain that it's something Tonic would have any interest in, but it is his favorite way to play, and if any point in their conversation has a chance of segueing neatly into the idea, it's now.]

[Tonic watches Tek watching the world outside with continued patience and interest. Sarah's set will have long-since finished, at this point, but whatever is now up on stage has continued to create a strange ocean of low hums and gentle reverberations on their side of the wall.

at Tek's suggestion, and after being looked up and down, Tonic raised an eyebrow. maybe he'd meant to raise both, but only one actually moves, so.]

Do you mean...? [but he isn't able to finish the thought before he starts laughing, more than before. this is something that he actually finds hilarious, like he was just told a joke, and his little fit ends with him leaning back and clutching his own middle, smiling so broadly that the bad half of his face is partly forced to play along.] I mean, I'm not very good at it, but if you want...

[this time, his expression is all lies as he keeps it only at rueful and not descending into outright annoyance. he's a creature that doesn't appreciate being laughed at, no matter how well-meaning it might be. but in the spirit of keeping things fun and inconsequential, he will grin and bear it just this once.]

There's nothing to be good at. [he doesn't need a striptease, exactly. the threat and fun of increased vulnerability is more than enough for him.] And besides... you're probably a good judge of truth and lies, aren't you? You probably have noting to fear.

Well... [he chuckles again, bringing his good hand up to his face, pressing his palm against his mouth and partly covering his eye. for one ghastly moment, it's very easy to imagine that all he has is that blank, featureless expression. lips like a cloth doll. one stained, staring eye that looks Tek up and down in kind.

Tonic has a lot more to lose from this than Tek does, he's fairly certain. but...]

All right. I think this will be fun. [he moves his hand, and the smile is back.] Would you like to play here, or would you rather go somewhere else?

[the restlessness from earlier has finally begun to return, now that a little bit of annoyance has unsettled him out of the perfect comfort he'd been basking in. gears are continuing to shift anyway, and he's getting excited. Tonic's awful face is helping. Robin had wanted him to go find something to sink his teeth into, and this is looking more and more like exactly that.]

There were places here for just such a thing, weren't there? I'd love to get up and stretch my legs.

[he wants to go somewhere that looks more like trouble than a nice meal.]

Oh, of course. And I'll need a bit of room...

[illustrated, again, by his standing stiffly up from the table. he also pitches forward, just an little bit more than he'd meant to, and catches himself with his stiff arm against the table. to anyone else, it'd just look like the poor balance of someone whose limbs don't all work very well.. but Tonic says nothing about it one way or another, continuing on to scoot away from the table like nothing happened.

he reaches back to get that last sample glass, though. he can't stand the idea of wasting it.]

The dens will have settled down by now, I'm sure we can find a quiet spot in one of those...

Lead the way. [though, with that telltale wobble...] Or direct me where to go and I'll find us a spot.

[and it's only now, as he's standing and stretching and getting ready to dive back into the crowd below, that he remembers all of the ladders and obstacles he'd been so kind as to climb up to find them this seat in the first place. he's wondering now if maybe he should have set them up in an easier place to climb down from...]

I'll be fine, thank you.

[he waves his hand a little to dismiss the thought--and he seems pretty stable when he does finally take some steps forward, draining that last glass as he does. by the time they reach their first ladder, he sets the empty cup on some other person's table and descends with the kind of practiced grace that makes one think he could have probably managed the ladder even if he had two stiff legs and was completely shitfaced.

he takes the lead again, not bothering with conversation this time, as they both know exactly where they are going and that anything less than their game would be trivial and boring by comparison. he takes them back out of their tunnel, into the main cave, and has them skirting around the edge of the room again, back towards the glittering pond from earlier.

a few of the faces have changed by the time they get there, but not all of them. Tonic walks them past the quiet groups and cuts across the water--stepping along a stone bridge that lies hidden about a quarter-inch underneath the surface. at the end of it is a four-foot opening that is also hard to see with all of the ripples of light being cast this way and that. Tonic ducks under, assuming that Tek is going to be following him.

the inside is about what you would expect--another large, naturally formed tunnel. lights are strung along the ceiling, but they mostly serve as a guide, pointing out paths to other side-chambers and smaller caves that branch off of this main area. most of the interior lighting comes from candles, which are placed everywhere. the people here are mostly sitting alone or laying around with someone else, though there are a couple of smaller groups gathered up around stalagmites here and there. no one really gives their arrival much attention--and Tek can tell why pretty quickly. most of these people are lost in their own clouds, happy to just sit and watch light refracting off of the several small pools that dot the ground.

it's a little stuffy back here, filled with the smell of burning candles and a the slight, acrid tang of some elicit substance, but it's not nearly as bad as one would expect in a closed tunnel. there must be ventilation, somewhere. Tonic gestures widely for Tek to have his pick of the spots when they arrive--because there are chairs, pillows, rugs, corner spots, open spots, hidden spots, plenty of places to choose from, and he wants to know just how secretive Tek wants this game of theirs to be.]

[Tek at least seems quite at ease in this new space, even if he doesn't exactly fit in with it--too sharp, too busy-minded--so he doesn't hesitate to lead the way once prompted to.

he knows exactly the sort of spot he would like to find, if he can, and it only partially has to do with seclusion. goodness knows that he doesn't mind a few sets of prying eyes, but he would like his companion to feel as relaxed as possible, so at least a moderate amount of privacy would be nice. what he's really interested in, however, is comfort.

somewhere around here, there must be a nest. he wants pillows and softness collected together in a space that doesn't naturally encourage separate bubbles of personal space. really, he's looking for the exact opposite of sitting on either side of a stone table as they had been before.]

[easy enough to find, all he really has to do is look up.

there are more of those grooves dug into the walls at varying heights, some of which need rope ladders to reach. most of them seem very round, and closer inspection of one at eye-level reveals that the reason for this is that they are essentially bowls carved into the walls and filled with blankets and pillows. they're big enough for two or three people to stretch out comfortably, and the height makes it easy to believe that people crawl into these to roll around with each other all the time, just out of sight of casual eyes.

the only downside is that their height and sloped nature make them a little hard to get in and out of, so most people with a buzz never bother to get that far. it's also not great for the casual user who doesn't want to waste his high on the inevitable nap that this bed would present.

but one of these would be perfect for Tek and Tonic. the man makes an interested sound as Tek seems to hone in on one of these spaces, so he doesn't seem opposed to the idea.]

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