(no subject)

[lapwing]

[On the network is what appears to be a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old. For a moment, he stares quite soulfully at the video output impossibly deep, black eyes, and then pokes at the screen with one fingernail.]

Not even a proper imp in there, how's that for you...?

[He pulls back and mimes clearing his throat. A voice far, far more booming than is fit for the child's face resounds across the feed.]

Right, broadcast. AHEM. This is just a friendly, non-suspicious question, inquiring on when the next coup or violent overthrow of this government is going to be. Not that I'm actually advocating it, I just know you humans really can't resist.

I'm pretty handy with a popcorn machine if anyone can provide good seats.

Comments

[lapwing]

Exactly because. We're not human. You can't put your standards on us.

[dendarii]

And yet I doubt you're as different as you claim.

[lapwing]

If you're looking to goad me back, mate, start looking for something true enough to hurt.

[dendarii]

What, you don't mind being compared to humans? I thought that would be insulting.

[lapwing]

[ It does. OH it does. Which is why the spirit simply smiles. ]

Why bother? In an eyeblink of time, you're going to be rotting in the dirt having made no greater mark on the world than a few scratches here and there. By the time there's nothing left to rot, even that will be gone.

[dendarii]

[ That at least elicits a fierce grin. Miles has always lived in defiance of his own mortality. ]

In that you're mistaken. Destructive or not, we certainly leave our marks. Stubbornness, remember.

[lapwing]

Are you willing to go that far? Cleave whole civilizations, render their skin to blood and fat before their loved ones eyes, just so that people might remember your name a few generations down?

[dendarii]

May as well. Just because I'm mortal doesn't mean my legacy has to be.

1/2

[lapwing]

[ There's a moment where the djinni doesn't answer, is just coldly staring at the space Russian. ]

[lapwing]

No, it does mean your throne's gonna need some phone books. I mean, it's gonna be awkward if they have to boost your chair up to get you eye level with this hoity toity king scrub.

[dendarii]

[ He wasn't being serious. But had still been a sharp blade to cut with. ]

Is that your only insult?

[lapwing]

Oh no, it's just the friendliest. I can go into your self worth issues and need to aggrandise yourself, Oh! Wait, I've got one. Self destruction with blatant disregard of the emotions of those around you.

That's a classic.

[dendarii]

Hmm, hasn't quite got the same edge. You're only helping really.

[lapwing]

I could do some research. Get it proper.

[dendarii]

Alas, you're too late. There is literally nothing you can say to me that hurts any more.

[lapwing]

Pardon me, but you don't seem much like you're trying on apathy for size very well.

[dendarii]

I'm working on it. And hurt is quite different from reaction.

[lapwing]

You think? Bet I can.

[dendarii]

Prove it. And speak extra loudly so Kitty can hear.

[lapwing]

Oh, trying to take me down with you, there?

[dendarii]

May as well knock you down a few pegs, yes. Put us on an even playing field.

[lapwing]

Oh yes. Even. That's where that sort of thing stops.

[dendarii]

What, you don't like the thought of being dragged down to my level?

[lapwing]

Yes. I mean, at the point where I get sullied enough to even consider human levels of deceit, cruelty and wanton disregard for anyone but themselves, it really is just the time to obliterate my Essence rather than take that back home.

[dendarii]

Insults don't fall under any of those?