[And that's all Lyney sends; no bells and whistles, no dramatics. It's definitely out of the usual for Lyney, who can be found sitting rather tensely at the small table he's secured. There's a cup of tea before him, but it's only half-drunk; he's instead shuffling and flicking his cards in a way that to a casual outsider may seem like practice, but in actuality is a nervous fidget for his hands. It doesn't help that his leg is bouncing anxiously beneath the table, either.]
[He looks up sharply when his name is called, but he forces a pleasant smile onto his face when he sees Kaveh.]
Kaveh, hello. Please, take a seat. Would you like anything off the menu? My treat.
[Kaveh waves off the offer reflexively, but he does still take a seat, brows furrowed in obvious concern. Something is...obviously wrong. But Lyney doesn't look injured...]
[Perhaps it's the Fontainian in him, insistent on light pleasantries before a serious topic. But as Kaveh presses into his state, Lyney lets out a small sigh. He tucks the cards away into a pocket and rests his elbows on the table, folding his hands in front of his chin.]
Ah... well, in truth, I've had... something important I need to tell you. Something that... well, it's something I feel you should know.
[Is he dying? is Freminet hurt? did something else happen with Alhaitham? Kaveh's mind is racing a little to try and sort through the possibilities, but. The only way he'll know is from Lyney's own mouth.]
[Lyney pauses, feeling the nervous energy building up within him. But despite his fears, he can't let his emotion get the better of him. Father always stressed the importance of controlling his emotions, after all.]
[Father... She had also been the one to push him to tell the others. If she thinks it's a good idea to tell them, he should follow her lead. So he takes a steadying breath and looks up at Kaveh, his expression turning serious.]
Before I begin, I just... want to ask one thing of you. However you respond to the news I'm about to tell you is your decision, and I will respect it no matter the outcome. But I only ask that you hear me out completely before making that decision. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have afterwards as well. Is that fair?
[With that confirmation, Lyney nods. He adjusts himself in his seat, taking another deep breath. Alright... it's now or never. Still, it takes him a moment or two to be able to feel calm enough to speak.]
Freminet and I... you know we're orphans, and that we grew up in an orphanage. You know that, and we've been open about that fact. But... we haven't exactly been honest about which orphanage we grew up in.
[He takes another moment to pause, a pained look on his face as the anxiousness eats at his nerves. But he has to keep going. For his family's sake, and for honesty's sake.]
The orphanage we grew up in... was the House of the Hearth. And... we're both members of it.
[He trails there, leaving the information for Kaveh to process.]
[It does take a couple minutes. the House...doesn't, perhaps, have the strongest presence in Sumeru, (And if it does, would he have even known?) but it's not as though Kaveh hasn't heard of it. Doesn't know who runs it.
Fatui.
There's a cold feeling running through him. It's not hard to see the moment Kaveh clicks it together, his eyes darkening in calm fury. Nine months. Nine months. Even in his anger, Kaveh can see how this fits together into Lyney's behavior in the past. Fits in to the things he's said before.
He promised to hear him out. Kaveh is nothing if not a man of his word. So he inhales sharply and exhales, slowly, counting off in his head.]
[Lyney's always been of a sharp eye, especially with his training. And as such, he sees the exact moment the information clicks. The fury that builds up within the older blonde. And Lyney can't help the hitching of his own breath as his flight or fight response kicks in, his muscles tensing as he assesses whether or not he needs to prepare for a fight. It's not like he didn't expect this; it's why he chose such a public location after all.]
[But then Kaveh response, and Lyney's hackles lower, just a little bit. He hesitates a moment after that answer before continuing.]
We didn't mean to lie to you, through omission or otherwise. It wasn't our intention to manipulate you or take advantage of you. It's just... we know what reputation the Fatui has, and we didn't want people to think... that we were planning anything nefarious.
[That was something Alhaitham had thrown his way, all those moons ago back on Norhpip. He remembers how deeply the accusation stung, even without the Leviathan's influence.]
We didn't want to let our true identities influence the relationships we have here, because those relationships... they were genuine. And we intended to keep it that way. But then Father... [He pauses, taking another breath before continuing.] ...Father arrived here not long ago. And we thought... it would be better to tell you directly, rather than have you discover for yourselves, and not have the chance to explain things.
[Kaveh taps his finger on the table, not responding immediately, as he thinks through the information. 'Father' again. That's a key piece of this--clearly now not Lyney's actual father, but the head of the organization. Who is that? Alhaitham would have known immediately. He's fairly sure it isn't Il Dottore, but then who is it?]
I think you'd have a hard time planning anything but trying to go back home.
[Lyney isn't stupid. The Fatui as a whole aren't stupid, that is why they are dangerous. There is no point in them plotting against the other riftfarers. In that sense, Kaveh has no problem believing Lyney's sincerity. But the rest...]
Two questions. Who is 'Father'? And how involved with the other branches of the Fatui are they?
[How much did the House have to do with the situation in Sumeru? Lyney's fate may depend on that answer.]
[To Lyney's credit, Lyney doesn't flinch at the sharp statement. Not outwardly, at least. This cold fury that Kaveh has... honestly, it's reminiscent of Arlecchino's own cold fury, in a way. He remembers a saying he overheard once my the nobles of the Court, about how demons run when a good man goes to war. Somehow the phrase is fitting in this moment.]
[His back straightens at the direct question, and he replies carefully, yet also mechanically.]
Father is the director of the House of the Hearth. She's the one who oversees its operations and makes sure it's running smoothly. She's also the one who ensures all the orphans are taken care of. The House of the Hearth's main branch and base of operations exists in Fontaine, and we normally keep our missions within its borders. Other orphanages do exist in other nations, but they all follow Father's direction, and operate similarly to our own.
[He briefly pauses, having to comb through his memories about all Father told him about all of the House operations in other nations.]
The House of the Hearth's main focus is in intelligence gathering, though others who age out of the House may end up working for other branches of the Fatui if they're proven to have the right skills. Aside from that... We don't often interact with other branches, unless it's to transfer a member.
...Then I'll ask plainly. Were they involved with Il Dottore's...persuasion of the Akademiya's Sages?
[He has to know. He has to be sure. Maybe he'd be a fool to trust whatever answer comes out of Lyney's mouth right now, but also, he fucking dares this man to look him in the eye and lie to him. Please, give it a shot, see what happens.]
[Right now, lying to Kaveh is the last thing on Lyney's mind. Rather, his eyes narrow a bit in confusion, before he shakes his head.]
No, not as far as I'm aware. It's possible that Father and The Doctor may have had certain dealings, but she does't work with him. Though the Fatui often strives to show a united front, in truth Father isn't exactly on the same side as The Doctor, so there isn't really a lot of trust between them.
[He pauses briefly, before daring to look up at Kaveh directly.]
I'm not going to ask for you to believe me right now, all things considered. But please know that the House of the Hearth has its own principles, and that there are lines that we aren't willing to cross. Whatever plans The Doctor makes, the House has nothing to do with them.
[Kaveh sighs, after a moment, and then flags down a waiter. Yes this coffee here with the booze in it. A double please. Thank you.]
...No, I don't think you'd have much to gain from lying to me at this point. And I am certainly not going to hold you responsible for the actions of others.
[Kaveh exhales, and his shoulders slump. Not relaxed, but the fire that kept his posture upright is abating somewhat.]
I don't know that I can trust your Father, Lyney. What the House is--the concept offends me at the core. Even if within those circumstances she has done well by you, and I assume by your loyalty she has, I don't think I'll ever agree with running an information network through orphanages.
[Children. They are children, he keeps thinking. Lyney is an adult grown now, but--when had he started? What about Freminet?
What lives had they lead, that being spies for the Fatui was an improvement? The idea of it makes his stomach churn.]
[Lyney was prepared for Kaveh's outrage, but seeing some of that cold fire beginning to ebb makes Lyney's tense posture relax a bit. He's still on high alert, but even Kaveh being willing to listen to him is a positive sign.]
[Still, Lyney can't help the frown that forms on his face.]
I know you may object to the ways of the House, and I won't hold that against you. But to us orphans... the House of the Hearth is more than just an information network, and we're more than just agents. To us, the House of the Hearth is the only family we have. For some of us, it's the only chance we'd ever get at a regular, happy life.
[He's not even thinking of himself here; he's thinking of young Foltz, who's family abandoned him when his curiosity with the inner workings of animals went a bit too far, or of Helior, who's fascination with poisons and antidotes unsettled those not used to her. And there were more; war orphans, young victims of cruel twists of fate, those betrayed by the adults sworn to protect them... Father protected them, gave them a second chance.]
We may not be perfect, and we may not do things that normal people approve of. But the House is our family, at the end of the day. We're just doing what we can to protect our family, and give back to those who took us in and gave us that life. But I promise, despite the work we do... none of us want to hurt anyone outside of the House. And Freminet and I... we only hid the truth because we didn't know what others would think.
[He pauses once more, before speaking again.]
It may be selfish of me to ask this, but... no matter what you think of me, please don't take out any anger on Freminet. If anything, it should be me you're angry with, since I wasn't initially forthcoming with that information.
I think you misunderstand me, Lyney. [Kaveh's tone is a little gentler, but there's a little flare of that spark in his eyes.]
I find it appalling we live in a world where such a thing is true. That the lives you lead were full with such pain, and that you will not be the last who go through it. Children ought to grow up playing pretend and dreaming impossible things, not...
[His fingers curl into a fist, his anger flaring brighter, but...now isn't the time. so he forces his hand to uncurl, to relax, and sighs.]
I never had any intention of taking my anger out on either of you, much less Freminet. Scared as you are, surely you wouldn't have asked me to protect him if you ever thought I'd turn on him?
[Lyney pauses, blinking in surprise. So ready was he to come to the defence of the children, and the House, that he didn’t even stop to consider what Kaveh would be outraged by wasn’t their status as agents, but the situations that led them to the House itself. He blinks a few times, before letting out a rueful sigh, glancing to the side.]
Yeah… truthfully, the world would be a better place if children could play and grow at their leisure. But unfortunately, the real world isn’t so kind.
[He wishes the House wasn’t a necessary evil, and that the children could grow up happy in homes of their own. But barring that… the House was doing its best to fill in that role, in its own way.]
Father may be a Harbinger, but she’s done her best to help those who do end up in such a position. It may seem unorthodox, but we really are taken care of. Even with our missions, we protect each other, take care of each other, support one another… None of us may not know what a true family is, but… isn’t that what a family does?
[At Kahev’s question, his gaze drops to his hands.]
No, ever since I saw you taking care of those children, I knew you had a good heart. And what you did for me in those caves, I can never repay you back. I just… know what kind of reputation the Fatui have, and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you did turn your anger on. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to protect him from harm… wherever it may come from.
[It’s not a full jab at Kaveh, but more a sign of how wary and protective Lyney truly is. How fiercely he wants to protect his family from danger, even from alloes if need be.]
[Lyney allows Kaveh to accept that boozy coffee quietly, a small stab of guilt going through him; compared to Kaveh's honest efforts, the House of the Hearth really is quite rotten. Still, he mentions to the waiter to add it to his own bill. He did say it would be his treat.]
Ah... just you. I planned to tell the others afterwards. [A weak chuckle.] I figured our chances would be, ah... better if I started with you.
[He's not denying it's a much better idea to tell him first than Alhaitham or Dehya, but--before Heizou? This seems like it's trouble.]
I can probably convince Alhaitham not to attack you but that's all I can promise you. [A pause.] I don't think there's any chance he'd try to hurt Freminet, before you ask. Even if he's angry, he wouldn't harm someone so young.
[Lyney's shoulders hitch once more, and he looks away guiltily.]
I know you're right, but... I just... I...
[Each excuse that blooms in his throat ends up dying on his tongue before he can give them voice. But given his countenance, how much he struggles to even answer, it's clear why he didn't go to Heizou first; of everyone's reaction, Heizou's was the one he worried about the most. Heizou was the one he was most scared of losing.]
[Lyney ends up sighing, not elaborating further. But he looks up at Kaveh as he speaks of Alhaitham. He shakes his head a bit, gesturing with his hand.]
It's fine if you can't convince him to attack me. Truthfully, I'm expecting something of that kind of reaction. [A pause.] But I am glad to know he won't try to harm Freminet. I don't care if he never wishes to speak to me again, if it means I can take the brunt of his ire away from Freminet.
[Let him take the heat, let him take the centre of attention in regards to hatred or disappointment. It's not like he's not used to being in the spotlight anyway.]
[Lyney takes a deep breath, briefly lifting his hat up to run a hand through his hair. He really is worried about what Heizou would think, but not telling him would be so much worse... This really isn't what he wanted to have happen...]
As would I. I just also don't want to get my hopes up too highly... If I can only save one of us, then of course I'd want to make sure Freminet is alright.
Even if we were friends before this, I... can understand if this is all too much for you, and if you'd rather not associate with us anymore. I'll respect that decision, as will Freminet. And I know that Father would respect that as well. You don't have to decide now, but whatever you do decide... We'll accept.
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[And that's all Lyney sends; no bells and whistles, no dramatics. It's definitely out of the usual for Lyney, who can be found sitting rather tensely at the small table he's secured. There's a cup of tea before him, but it's only half-drunk; he's instead shuffling and flicking his cards in a way that to a casual outsider may seem like practice, but in actuality is a nervous fidget for his hands. It doesn't help that his leg is bouncing anxiously beneath the table, either.]
[He looks up sharply when his name is called, but he forces a pleasant smile onto his face when he sees Kaveh.]
Kaveh, hello. Please, take a seat. Would you like anything off the menu? My treat.
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[Kaveh waves off the offer reflexively, but he does still take a seat, brows furrowed in obvious concern. Something is...obviously wrong. But Lyney doesn't look injured...]
Are you quite alright?
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[Perhaps it's the Fontainian in him, insistent on light pleasantries before a serious topic. But as Kaveh presses into his state, Lyney lets out a small sigh. He tucks the cards away into a pocket and rests his elbows on the table, folding his hands in front of his chin.]
Ah... well, in truth, I've had... something important I need to tell you. Something that... well, it's something I feel you should know.
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[Is he dying? is Freminet hurt? did something else happen with Alhaitham? Kaveh's mind is racing a little to try and sort through the possibilities, but. The only way he'll know is from Lyney's own mouth.]
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[Father... She had also been the one to push him to tell the others. If she thinks it's a good idea to tell them, he should follow her lead. So he takes a steadying breath and looks up at Kaveh, his expression turning serious.]
Before I begin, I just... want to ask one thing of you. However you respond to the news I'm about to tell you is your decision, and I will respect it no matter the outcome. But I only ask that you hear me out completely before making that decision. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have afterwards as well. Is that fair?
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[If this is a long winded wind-up for him saying he's inexplicably in love with Alhaitham or something, Kaveh might kill him.]
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Freminet and I... you know we're orphans, and that we grew up in an orphanage. You know that, and we've been open about that fact. But... we haven't exactly been honest about which orphanage we grew up in.
[He takes another moment to pause, a pained look on his face as the anxiousness eats at his nerves. But he has to keep going. For his family's sake, and for honesty's sake.]
The orphanage we grew up in... was the House of the Hearth. And... we're both members of it.
[He trails there, leaving the information for Kaveh to process.]
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Fatui.
There's a cold feeling running through him. It's not hard to see the moment Kaveh clicks it together, his eyes darkening in calm fury. Nine months. Nine months. Even in his anger, Kaveh can see how this fits together into Lyney's behavior in the past. Fits in to the things he's said before.
He promised to hear him out. Kaveh is nothing if not a man of his word. So he inhales sharply and exhales, slowly, counting off in his head.]
...I see.
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[But then Kaveh response, and Lyney's hackles lower, just a little bit. He hesitates a moment after that answer before continuing.]
We didn't mean to lie to you, through omission or otherwise. It wasn't our intention to manipulate you or take advantage of you. It's just... we know what reputation the Fatui has, and we didn't want people to think... that we were planning anything nefarious.
[That was something Alhaitham had thrown his way, all those moons ago back on Norhpip. He remembers how deeply the accusation stung, even without the Leviathan's influence.]
We didn't want to let our true identities influence the relationships we have here, because those relationships... they were genuine. And we intended to keep it that way. But then Father... [He pauses, taking another breath before continuing.] ...Father arrived here not long ago. And we thought... it would be better to tell you directly, rather than have you discover for yourselves, and not have the chance to explain things.
[With a pained expression, he looks away.]
I'm sorry...
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I think you'd have a hard time planning anything but trying to go back home.
[Lyney isn't stupid. The Fatui as a whole aren't stupid, that is why they are dangerous. There is no point in them plotting against the other riftfarers. In that sense, Kaveh has no problem believing Lyney's sincerity. But the rest...]
Two questions. Who is 'Father'? And how involved with the other branches of the Fatui are they?
[How much did the House have to do with the situation in Sumeru? Lyney's fate may depend on that answer.]
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[His back straightens at the direct question, and he replies carefully, yet also mechanically.]
Father is the director of the House of the Hearth. She's the one who oversees its operations and makes sure it's running smoothly. She's also the one who ensures all the orphans are taken care of. The House of the Hearth's main branch and base of operations exists in Fontaine, and we normally keep our missions within its borders. Other orphanages do exist in other nations, but they all follow Father's direction, and operate similarly to our own.
[He briefly pauses, having to comb through his memories about all Father told him about all of the House operations in other nations.]
The House of the Hearth's main focus is in intelligence gathering, though others who age out of the House may end up working for other branches of the Fatui if they're proven to have the right skills. Aside from that... We don't often interact with other branches, unless it's to transfer a member.
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[He has to know. He has to be sure. Maybe he'd be a fool to trust whatever answer comes out of Lyney's mouth right now, but also, he fucking dares this man to look him in the eye and lie to him. Please, give it a shot, see what happens.]
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No, not as far as I'm aware. It's possible that Father and The Doctor may have had certain dealings, but she does't work with him. Though the Fatui often strives to show a united front, in truth Father isn't exactly on the same side as The Doctor, so there isn't really a lot of trust between them.
[He pauses briefly, before daring to look up at Kaveh directly.]
I'm not going to ask for you to believe me right now, all things considered. But please know that the House of the Hearth has its own principles, and that there are lines that we aren't willing to cross. Whatever plans The Doctor makes, the House has nothing to do with them.
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...No, I don't think you'd have much to gain from lying to me at this point. And I am certainly not going to hold you responsible for the actions of others.
[Kaveh exhales, and his shoulders slump. Not relaxed, but the fire that kept his posture upright is abating somewhat.]
I don't know that I can trust your Father, Lyney. What the House is--the concept offends me at the core. Even if within those circumstances she has done well by you, and I assume by your loyalty she has, I don't think I'll ever agree with running an information network through orphanages.
[Children. They are children, he keeps thinking. Lyney is an adult grown now, but--when had he started? What about Freminet?
What lives had they lead, that being spies for the Fatui was an improvement? The idea of it makes his stomach churn.]
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[Still, Lyney can't help the frown that forms on his face.]
I know you may object to the ways of the House, and I won't hold that against you. But to us orphans... the House of the Hearth is more than just an information network, and we're more than just agents. To us, the House of the Hearth is the only family we have. For some of us, it's the only chance we'd ever get at a regular, happy life.
[He's not even thinking of himself here; he's thinking of young Foltz, who's family abandoned him when his curiosity with the inner workings of animals went a bit too far, or of Helior, who's fascination with poisons and antidotes unsettled those not used to her. And there were more; war orphans, young victims of cruel twists of fate, those betrayed by the adults sworn to protect them... Father protected them, gave them a second chance.]
We may not be perfect, and we may not do things that normal people approve of. But the House is our family, at the end of the day. We're just doing what we can to protect our family, and give back to those who took us in and gave us that life. But I promise, despite the work we do... none of us want to hurt anyone outside of the House. And Freminet and I... we only hid the truth because we didn't know what others would think.
[He pauses once more, before speaking again.]
It may be selfish of me to ask this, but... no matter what you think of me, please don't take out any anger on Freminet. If anything, it should be me you're angry with, since I wasn't initially forthcoming with that information.
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I find it appalling we live in a world where such a thing is true. That the lives you lead were full with such pain, and that you will not be the last who go through it. Children ought to grow up playing pretend and dreaming impossible things, not...
[His fingers curl into a fist, his anger flaring brighter, but...now isn't the time. so he forces his hand to uncurl, to relax, and sighs.]
I never had any intention of taking my anger out on either of you, much less Freminet. Scared as you are, surely you wouldn't have asked me to protect him if you ever thought I'd turn on him?
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[Lyney pauses, blinking in surprise. So ready was he to come to the defence of the children, and the House, that he didn’t even stop to consider what Kaveh would be outraged by wasn’t their status as agents, but the situations that led them to the House itself. He blinks a few times, before letting out a rueful sigh, glancing to the side.]
Yeah… truthfully, the world would be a better place if children could play and grow at their leisure. But unfortunately, the real world isn’t so kind.
[He wishes the House wasn’t a necessary evil, and that the children could grow up happy in homes of their own. But barring that… the House was doing its best to fill in that role, in its own way.]
Father may be a Harbinger, but she’s done her best to help those who do end up in such a position. It may seem unorthodox, but we really are taken care of. Even with our missions, we protect each other, take care of each other, support one another… None of us may not know what a true family is, but… isn’t that what a family does?
[At Kahev’s question, his gaze drops to his hands.]
No, ever since I saw you taking care of those children, I knew you had a good heart. And what you did for me in those caves, I can never repay you back. I just… know what kind of reputation the Fatui have, and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you did turn your anger on. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to protect him from harm… wherever it may come from.
[It’s not a full jab at Kaveh, but more a sign of how wary and protective Lyney truly is. How fiercely he wants to protect his family from danger, even from alloes if need be.]
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[Oh thank god he can take the boozy coffee from the waiter and deliberately ignore questions about family.]
That much, I already knew. [...] Who else have you told this to?
[He's sure Alhaitham doesn't know yet, because Lyney's...uninjured.]
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[Lyney allows Kaveh to accept that boozy coffee quietly, a small stab of guilt going through him; compared to Kaveh's honest efforts, the House of the Hearth really is quite rotten. Still, he mentions to the waiter to add it to his own bill. He did say it would be his treat.]
Ah... just you. I planned to tell the others afterwards. [A weak chuckle.] I figured our chances would be, ah... better if I started with you.
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[He's not denying it's a much better idea to tell him first than Alhaitham or Dehya, but--before Heizou? This seems like it's trouble.]
I can probably convince Alhaitham not to attack you but that's all I can promise you. [A pause.] I don't think there's any chance he'd try to hurt Freminet, before you ask. Even if he's angry, he wouldn't harm someone so young.
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I know you're right, but... I just... I...
[Each excuse that blooms in his throat ends up dying on his tongue before he can give them voice. But given his countenance, how much he struggles to even answer, it's clear why he didn't go to Heizou first; of everyone's reaction, Heizou's was the one he worried about the most. Heizou was the one he was most scared of losing.]
[Lyney ends up sighing, not elaborating further. But he looks up at Kaveh as he speaks of Alhaitham. He shakes his head a bit, gesturing with his hand.]
It's fine if you can't convince him to attack me. Truthfully, I'm expecting something of that kind of reaction. [A pause.] But I am glad to know he won't try to harm Freminet. I don't care if he never wishes to speak to me again, if it means I can take the brunt of his ire away from Freminet.
[Let him take the heat, let him take the centre of attention in regards to hatred or disappointment. It's not like he's not used to being in the spotlight anyway.]
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[Kaveh's tone is gentle, but he's firm on this. They both know Heizou will figure it out, especially if there is a Harbinger here.]
I'd rather there not be blood shed over this, if it's all the same to you. It's not going to solve anything.
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[Lyney takes a deep breath, briefly lifting his hat up to run a hand through his hair. He really is worried about what Heizou would think, but not telling him would be so much worse... This really isn't what he wanted to have happen...]
As would I. I just also don't want to get my hopes up too highly... If I can only save one of us, then of course I'd want to make sure Freminet is alright.
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[Kaveh sighs a bit, and rubs at his temple. What a mess...]
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You know us well, don't you Kaveh?
[He pauses briefly.]
Even if we were friends before this, I... can understand if this is all too much for you, and if you'd rather not associate with us anymore. I'll respect that decision, as will Freminet. And I know that Father would respect that as well. You don't have to decide now, but whatever you do decide... We'll accept.
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