[Emily Kaldwin's triumph over Delilah was bittersweet. Corvo's stone heart cracked, and he fell into his daughter's arms, hearing her long explanation while holding her tight on the palace floor. They were the only two who heard her recalling. The palace was littered with bodies of guards, Overseers, and witches alike, and there was quite a bit of cleaning up to do. Physically, politically, and emotionally.
They spent months repairing the streets of Dunwall Tower, compensating any families that were remained behind. Journalists Emily had taken the time to save quelled any misgivings towards the royal family, and Corvo prevented any further attempts on her life quickly and quietly. With the Heart finally at peace... she was the only thing he had left. He mourned. He was an overprotective Royal Protector.
It took much insisting before Corvo was finally pried from Emily's side to go meet the Duke. She dealt with him before, she said, she can do it again. It left Corvo on the perimeters of the Palace, ensuring there weren't any leftover Clockwork soldiers, or... any of Jindosh's devices, really. Or Jindosh himself. The guy was an asshole. He has to stop and stare out at the ocean just thinking of him.
And pointedly ignoring the song of the Outsider's runes nearby.]
[And so, another crime against the Empress comes to its inevitable end. Emily Kaldwin, restored to her throne and restoring her people to their pride, if not their greatness (nobody's perfect), now overseeing an Empire that lives and breathes a little bit closer to the way it should be.
Should is a funny little term. There are things that should be, and most of them are matters of opinion. Should is so relative, so open to interpretation— so few things are absolute. Even the Void. Even the Outsider, who is viewed as such, who is treated like an end of ends to anyone with enough sense to stay away.
But not Delilah. The Outsider himself had confessed that her presence in the Void had been like something of a discomfort; he didn't like feeling her there, a literal and metaphorical thorn in his side, and he supposes he owes Emily Kaldwin some thanks for that. He might get around to offering it in his own way, obliquely, one of these days.
But not today. Months pass in a blink (ha ha) for the Outsider as he watches Dunwall and Karnaca rebuild themselves, watches the ripples of Emily Kaldwin's actions bend and fold the Empire, and he's found himself in... a mood. Of some kind.
It's a good one. Delilah's continued absence from the Void is almost a relief, in the way a splinter being removed is. He's in a good mood. Which is why, runes be damned, when he catches Corvo's presence finally on his own, the Outsider can't help but slip out of the Void and into the space not far behind him, sitting on some kind of... table... thing.
The Duke of Karnaca is (was) a strange, strange man. The Outsider folds his hands in his lap and cants his head to the side as he takes in Corvo's profile.]
Hello, old friend. [even ignoring the runes doesn't work, nowhere is safe] What a deft hand it takes to stitch this empire back together. You must be so proud.
[Emily had discussed her trips to the Void in great detail. Corvo knew Delilah unsettled the Outsider, which was... unheard of, to him. None the less, he made no effort to call out to him, or to find shrines to be in his presence. Honestly, the last thing the man needed was to feel anything but at home.
It's why he's thankful the Outsider chose to come out rather than-- possibly quite literally-- drag him into the Void. Corvo had a feeling he might, and felt him there before he'd spoken a word. Why couldn't he use the chairs...]
I am. [He sighs, but with relief or annoyance? It's too hard to tell, since he's still staring out at the setting sun.] Emily put her training to good use, and had just the right amount of restraint. I think she's done the job cleaner than I did. [And that was saying something. He killed like, maybe five people.]
Your gift helped, but I don't know if I should thank you. [He turned to lean back on the stone railing, taking in the Outsider's appearance. He had... buttons. Huh.] That reach of hers makes it harder to follow her rooftop outings.
[Ah— mental note: opening with Emily instead of a sort of insulting judgment works better than the usual. Maybe he'll keep that in mind.
For now, he listens. Corvo is a man the Outsider has known for a while - of course, he's known plenty of things for a while, but among the people he's marked, he doesn't tend to stick around. Delilah, involuntary; Daud, vanished; Vera Moray, abandoned— there is just something about Corvo and his flesh and blood that holds his attention so well.
It isn't the first time he's listened to someone gush about their loved ones, although Corvo's praising of Emily features less madness and self-importance than many the Outsider is used to. He shifts where he sits on the table, leaning back on one hand so he can gesture with the other.]
She is a surprise, your Empress. Empress Emily Kaldwin, outfitted with the finest— yours and mine, and not a single drop of blood was shed by her hands.
[There's a minutely different cadence to his voice as he speaks; he's impressed.]
She accepted each of my gifts, but she does favor some more than others. [THEY WERE ALL SUCH GOOD MURDER GIFTS EMILY, how did she even DO that]
Perhaps your precious Empress is finally growing up. That is why she's here, isn't it?
[Corvo can't remember the last time he actually had a conversations with the Outsider. He spent most of his time listening, worrying about the next course of action. Now? Now he was relaxing. He was supposed to keep patrolling the Palace, and yet...
And yet this was different. It was so... casual, and it was about his daughter. High praise of his daughter from a God. He could get used to this.] You almost sound like you wanted to see the others in action. I don't think I could stand you making my daughter and murder.
[He sounded so scolded, but... He was smiling. And it wasn't behind a mask this time.] But she didn't... and it is why she's here. With everything that's happened... she doesn't need even need her father anymore. Which raises the question, why aren't you visiting your most recently Marked?
[Have they ever had a conversation, properly? The Outsider doesn't converse much in general; he tells, he gives, he speaks about and at but not really to, and now here they are— having a conversation. About Empress Emily Kaldwin, a surprisingly refreshing young woman. Less than her father, considering who her father is, but impressive in her own right.
She accomplished much, and almost entirely without his gifts. There is something to be said for that. And Corvo, Corvo... there's no missing the smile or the slightest release of tension from his shoulders as he relaxes. The Outsider notices, because of course he does.
But that sure is a question. He's skipping the part about wanting to see those gifts in action, shh.] If she has no need for her father, she certainly has no need for me. Clever little Emily, defying us both.
[Jokes, because he's god, remember???? He pulls one leg up to the table and switches the hand he's leaning on, resting the other on his knee.] Besides, we had plenty of time to get to know each other, only a year ago. I know she told you all about it.
[He won't just come out and say he popped in to see Corvo, but how obvious does it have to be?]
[Corvo could point out the hierarchy of importance between them, but he's too focused on how the Outsider is still sitting on this table. That... That isn't... there's a chair right there.
He leans off the stone to stand, taking a few steps closer to get a better look at the Outsider. It'd been so long, and even then, he hadn't had time for details besides those black eyes.] She probably knows more about you than I do. I heard Delilah was... a part of you, for a time. I hope I don't have to worry about that coming back to bite us in the ass.
One's unbuttoned. [He probably should have clarified, but he was distracted. It was lower than one of the buckles he usually had undone. Why did he remember that?]
[What is a chair? There are no viable chairs in the Void, they're all part of weird displays. Let him sit here.
He watches Corvo come closer, and for at least that moment, he stops moving and just looks at him. Age sits heavy on Corvo differently than his compatriots, weary and worn down as the people of the Empire are so accustomed to being. Emily Kaldwin is fixing that; but before the Outsider stands her father, who has aged, and yet...
Well, he looks good for his age, the Outsider thinks. It's an idle thought, as much as his thoughts can be, and he frowns just after it— for thinking of Delilah.]
Delilah is no more, thanks to your little girl. As far as I can tell, [and he can tell pretty far, considering] this time it actually took.
["Daud is still the unfavorite" - Outsider, probably. ... His brow furrows slightly as he keeps looking at Corvo, then- haltingly, like he surely would never have cared about this but now he's actually caring enough to look down at his jacket. Nothing else here has buttons.
At least he's freed from talking about Delilah; she's gone, she'll be stuck in that portrait of hers forever, but the memory of that particular discomfort still lingers. So. Buttons.] So it is.
[That was good. That was great, actually. As insufferable as the Void and the Outsider could be at times, he would rather his "old friend" remain himself.
Except right now. He didn't know how to dress himself.
One would think even the Outsider's most favored would be hesitant to lay a hand on him. It was something the Abbey would probably hang him on the spot for. But he didn't fear the Abbey, and he didn't fear the God he was against. And, well, after everything... He kinda owed him enough that he could do this.
Corvo simply reaches across and takes the leather in hand, holding it against his chest until he pushed the button through.] If you're going to talk to the Royal Protector outside the Duke's palace, the least you could do is dress all the way.
[He hadn't taken in the fact anyone nearby probably couldn't see one of them.]
You are formally invited to dance and dine with Duke Abele and visiting Empress Emily Kaldwin tonight in the eve of her departure back to Dunwall. Express your grievances* and excitement over wine and dine among the peacekeepers of our great nation. Long live the Empress. Long live the Empire.
*Mechanical and sentinel devices are not allowed on the Palace grounds and will be demolished on sight. Looks like Jindosh isn't making it.
I'll need a little work before play, so try not to be the first through the door. I'll find you. Don't sit on the p-- harass anyone.
Yours truly,
The Favorite
[Placed across a shrine in passing, Corvo also left a bottle of pear soda to hold he envelope down. He was true to his word, though, and had no free moments long until the party began and guests arrived. He'd already pointed out two interlopers in its first minutes, and discovered Jindosh did in fact make it without any devices on him. He was seething.]
[Whatever the Outsider does all day doesn't really matter, because he's immediately lost interest once a little note pops up at a shrine. He reads it, and he can't help the smirk that spreads across his face at "the great beyond" and sticks around until the end of the note. Corvo signing his note The Favorite makes him feel something disgustingly warm and fuzzy, how dare he.
Now what is he supposed to do until he turns up fashionably late to this party? Just float around, looking at this note? That seems... like a great idea, actually. He'll float around looking at the note and enjoying his pear soda!!
So later, he will indeed show up at the party fashionably late. Not that almost the entire party can see him, but it's the principle of the thing. He's still going to take a glass of whatever fancy bubbly champagne they're serving and carry it around while he looks for Corvo... where are you, old man..... Don't let him gravitate toward the piano.]
[It's hardly been an hour and Corvo is already tired. Standing beside Emily proved not to be safe; it made him an easy target to track down. He didn't want to discuss the new Serkanos. The only thing he spoke fondly of was the former Abele.
Speaking of fondness, there were quite a few individuals that sought him out away from the officials to convey how impressed they were he came out on top with the odds against him. How noble, brave, and handsome he was-- some tried to make their point more physically than others.
He only spots the Outsider after dragging a hand down his face, prying the hands of a rather persistent woman. Tell her about the heretic rumors, she said. Well, he wasn't going to do that. He was going to go be a heretic somewhere else.]
I've declined about twelve dances for you. [He maneuvers through guests, his hands clamped behind his back. Immediately touching the Outsider might look Weird, no matter how much he would like to.] Still counting.
[The real question is when exactly the Outsider notices Corvo. Does he stand over by the piano and watch him suffer these advances? He might... he might, a little. He certainly isn't surprised when Corvo turns to approach him, and he abandons the champagne he hasn't had a sip of on a different passing tray. That sure was a fun diversion.]
It's like the Boyle's, except there's a dozen Esma's and I'm not allowed to take care of any of them. [Oh, Esma... He shakes his head, staring longingly after the champagne.] Paolo is here, the Howlers are all dressed up, and the Overseers are dressed down. If they run into one another, then I don't want to think...
[He trails off, clenching his jaw. He didn't want to be this on edge. At least the Outsider wasn't on the piano.] You're a sight for sore eyes, to say in the least.
The Duke has plenty of guards. Surely, they can't all be so easily distracted when a fight breaks out right in front of them.
[Does he believe this, or is he just giving Corvo an excuse to stop looking for trouble and pay attention to him instead?? Both, but it's more like he doesn't care about the first part. Oops.]
You'd be surprised. [Is he bitter that they all suck? He's a little bitter.
He realizes this probably isn't the warmest welcoming, though, so he leans a hand on the piano to loom over the Outsider. Like he was shielding him from view when the party-goers couldn't see him. It was probably just for Wyman.] I'm... sorry. I'm glad you're here.
[Looming over him isn't really warm and welcoming either, Corvo. The Outsider decides he'll forego more guard criticism to take a half step closer and slip an arm around Corvo's waist. Being functionally invisible is so convenient.]
I liked your note. Maybe I'll put it in a frame and hang it in a shrine.
[Corvo did not call for the Outsider after he set foot back in Dunwall. It wasn't a matter of his discomfort outweighing any desire to, but the fact he had no time for kissing a god before speaking with men eyes keen for zealots. He could not take his hands when his were so harsh from training boys and girls much too young to have any business joining the guard. He could not sleep beside him if he couldn't rest.
Their fathers died at witch's hands. He understood. He focused on their peace of mind, and not his own. Once again, Dunwall takes, takes the air out of his lungs so he could not ask for what he wanted. He muttered apologies under his breath when a moment of free time was taken, pressed his lips to marked skin and carried himself through the day.
And just when Corvo thought he'd caught a break, finding appointments cancelled and recruits remaining inside, it was because of a layer of white covered the palace grounds. He was supposed to be patrolling, damn it, and he's not suffering out here alone.]
[The Outsider expects something more from Corvo after their start-of-something in Karnaca, but he can't bring himself to be surprised when he realizes what the man is doing instead of wasting time with him. Which isn't to say it feels any less empty in the Void—if anything, now that he's had a taste of something more with Corvo, the "life" he returns to is colder and harsher in comparison. But he tells himself he understands, at least logically; he knows how Corvo has gone from point A to B and beyond, with only a brief pause to murmur over his mark to show for anything else.
So his feelings aren't hurt, he's not sixteen, but boredom and loneliness have him in their grasp sooner than he expected. Delilah's advertisement of her powers in Dunwall has left the city even warier of him than before, which doesn't matter, except that there are far fewer interesting people to watch while Corvo is otherwise occupied. Emily is tired of his arcane visits and obscure turns of phrase after the second time, which is a personal best for her.
When the chill settles over Dunwall and the snow follows, the Outsider appreciates the resulting brightness and quiet. It's quite the opposite of the Void, and since he is always listening, it's hardly a minute between Corvo speaking to the air and the air becoming the shape of the Outsider beside him. His hands are clasped behind his back, still ungloved in the cold because he's always cold anyway, and he has enough restraint to keep those to himself but not enough to stop himself leaning close to Corvo so that their arms press together.
He's not a huggy god, okay. Not yet. But he does seem to be in a good mood.]
Corvo Attano faces his most formidable foe yet: the weather. [comedian,] It's been a while.
[Corvo wasn't certain the Outsider would come when called, and his exhale of relief was obvious with the air showing his breath. Winters ago, he would never have wanted the companionship of someone so cold, but now he's leaning into him despite the fact he provided no warmth.]
I prefer Karnaca breezes over Dunwall's cold winds. [He rubs his hands together, both gloved instead of wrapped this time, before he reached to take the Outsider's collar. His tug was not gentle and kiss was not brief, as he had to make up for the ones he could have been giving.]
[Ah, he's not wasting any time. The Outsider smirks the moment he's tugged closer, loosing his hands behind his back to put them on Corvo's hips instead and lean up into his kiss. Corvo is warm despite the weather and the Outsider has missed him, so he's more than willing to indulge him with a lengthy kiss. He's even controlled himself and stayed out of Corvo's dreams! Very considerate!
So, kissing, at least until Corvo has to breathe. Hmm.] I'm glad you called. Your suggestion was vague enough to rival mine.
Am I hearing complaints? [Corvo leaned back with a chuckle, taking the reprieve to drag his fingers down to the Outsider's neck. They linger on cold skin for a moment, before he's moving to brush snow already gathering on his shoulder.] I could always take it back.
[It's strange, wanting to be this close this quickly after one night. He'd left himself wanting, though, so maybe the dream visits were more welcome than not.] I've missed you. Don't change that. [Maybe years ago that would be a serious suggestion, but they both know how deep he is in this. He'll even smile, if only a little.]
[A kiss and a Corvo Smile(tm) already? The Outsider couldn't ask for more after weeks of watching him mutter into his hand. He steps closer, sliding his hands around Corvo's sides to link together behind his back. Intimacy levels of their last encounter aside—not wholly uninvolved, but set aside for now—he's found himself craving any kind of physical contact since then. It's like living in a desert and finally finding himself an oasis; he thinks only of Corvo's hands and the simple pleasure he gets from their proximity to him.
He's a little easy to please, when it's with Corvo. Never mind that.]
If only you were not so dedicated to your work. But I've seen you at it, and I must compliment your dedication to picking Dunwall up out of the gutter once more. [He looks like he's about to add more, probably about how the city has never done anything in return for Corvo and so why does he really bother, but he'll save that for a later date. When they've had more than a few minutes together after weeks of none at all. He's starting to care about tact!! So instead,] She didn't need to, but your daughter told me where you were. I fear she's figured you out, Corvo.
So that's why she's wanted me to take a day. [Not only a Corvo Smile(tm), but he laughs. A genuine one, too, not the ones offered to members of court. The most he'd given was half-hearted chuckles to Emily and occasionally Wyman, so this was truly a feat. An effortless feat.] She even brought up retirement.
[He was supposed to keep moving, since technically he was still on duty. With reluctance, he pulls back from the Outsider, but not without gracing him with another kiss and a hand in his.] She's been aware since Wyman couldn't recall who I was sleeping next to that night. I think she's too occupied in kissing them in her spare time to be a critic.
[To be clear, he has no fondness of the Void. But like how he meets the Outsider's eyes now, it's easier to bring up.] I expected to see you sooner. I should have called.
[Corvo's laugh is a rare and treasured sound to the Outsider, as of a few weeks ago. He wants to remember each one, for the days he won't be able to hear them and then, eventually—well.
For now, joining Corvo hand-in-hand on his patrol will do. He hums, sort of in approval—he kind of likes this Wyman person, from what he's seen of them. Maybe he'll pop up unexpected one day and see what happens.]
You do like to wallow in your work instead of indulging. [Like, just saying. He touches Corvo's arm with his other hand, not quite hugging onto him, but almost. Hey.] So, retirement? Perish the thought.
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They spent months repairing the streets of Dunwall Tower, compensating any families that were remained behind. Journalists Emily had taken the time to save quelled any misgivings towards the royal family, and Corvo prevented any further attempts on her life quickly and quietly. With the Heart finally at peace... she was the only thing he had left. He mourned. He was an overprotective Royal Protector.
It took much insisting before Corvo was finally pried from Emily's side to go meet the Duke. She dealt with him before, she said, she can do it again. It left Corvo on the perimeters of the Palace, ensuring there weren't any leftover Clockwork soldiers, or... any of Jindosh's devices, really. Or Jindosh himself. The guy was an asshole. He has to stop and stare out at the ocean just thinking of him.
And pointedly ignoring the song of the Outsider's runes nearby.]
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Should is a funny little term. There are things that should be, and most of them are matters of opinion. Should is so relative, so open to interpretation— so few things are absolute. Even the Void. Even the Outsider, who is viewed as such, who is treated like an end of ends to anyone with enough sense to stay away.
But not Delilah. The Outsider himself had confessed that her presence in the Void had been like something of a discomfort; he didn't like feeling her there, a literal and metaphorical thorn in his side, and he supposes he owes Emily Kaldwin some thanks for that. He might get around to offering it in his own way, obliquely, one of these days.
But not today. Months pass in a blink (ha ha) for the Outsider as he watches Dunwall and Karnaca rebuild themselves, watches the ripples of Emily Kaldwin's actions bend and fold the Empire, and he's found himself in... a mood. Of some kind.
It's a good one. Delilah's continued absence from the Void is almost a relief, in the way a splinter being removed is. He's in a good mood. Which is why, runes be damned, when he catches Corvo's presence finally on his own, the Outsider can't help but slip out of the Void and into the space not far behind him, sitting on some kind of... table... thing.
The Duke of Karnaca is (was) a strange, strange man. The Outsider folds his hands in his lap and cants his head to the side as he takes in Corvo's profile.]
Hello, old friend. [even ignoring the runes doesn't work, nowhere is safe] What a deft hand it takes to stitch this empire back together. You must be so proud.
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It's why he's thankful the Outsider chose to come out rather than-- possibly quite literally-- drag him into the Void. Corvo had a feeling he might, and felt him there before he'd spoken a word. Why couldn't he use the chairs...]
I am. [He sighs, but with relief or annoyance? It's too hard to tell, since he's still staring out at the setting sun.] Emily put her training to good use, and had just the right amount of restraint. I think she's done the job cleaner than I did. [And that was saying something. He killed like, maybe five people.]
Your gift helped, but I don't know if I should thank you. [He turned to lean back on the stone railing, taking in the Outsider's appearance. He had... buttons. Huh.] That reach of hers makes it harder to follow her rooftop outings.
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For now, he listens. Corvo is a man the Outsider has known for a while - of course, he's known plenty of things for a while, but among the people he's marked, he doesn't tend to stick around. Delilah, involuntary; Daud, vanished; Vera Moray, abandoned— there is just something about Corvo and his flesh and blood that holds his attention so well.
It isn't the first time he's listened to someone gush about their loved ones, although Corvo's praising of Emily features less madness and self-importance than many the Outsider is used to. He shifts where he sits on the table, leaning back on one hand so he can gesture with the other.]
She is a surprise, your Empress. Empress Emily Kaldwin, outfitted with the finest— yours and mine, and not a single drop of blood was shed by her hands.
[There's a minutely different cadence to his voice as he speaks; he's impressed.]
She accepted each of my gifts, but she does favor some more than others. [THEY WERE ALL SUCH GOOD MURDER GIFTS EMILY, how did she even DO that]
Perhaps your precious Empress is finally growing up. That is why she's here, isn't it?
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And yet this was different. It was so... casual, and it was about his daughter. High praise of his daughter from a God. He could get used to this.] You almost sound like you wanted to see the others in action. I don't think I could stand you making my daughter and murder.
[He sounded so scolded, but... He was smiling. And it wasn't behind a mask this time.] But she didn't... and it is why she's here. With everything that's happened... she doesn't need even need her father anymore. Which raises the question, why aren't you visiting your most recently Marked?
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She accomplished much, and almost entirely without his gifts. There is something to be said for that. And Corvo, Corvo... there's no missing the smile or the slightest release of tension from his shoulders as he relaxes. The Outsider notices, because of course he does.
But that sure is a question. He's skipping the part about wanting to see those gifts in action, shh.] If she has no need for her father, she certainly has no need for me. Clever little Emily, defying us both.
[Jokes, because he's god, remember???? He pulls one leg up to the table and switches the hand he's leaning on, resting the other on his knee.] Besides, we had plenty of time to get to know each other, only a year ago. I know she told you all about it.
[He won't just come out and say he popped in to see Corvo, but how obvious does it have to be?]
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He leans off the stone to stand, taking a few steps closer to get a better look at the Outsider. It'd been so long, and even then, he hadn't had time for details besides those black eyes.] She probably knows more about you than I do. I heard Delilah was... a part of you, for a time. I hope I don't have to worry about that coming back to bite us in the ass.
One's unbuttoned. [He probably should have clarified, but he was distracted. It was lower than one of the buckles he usually had undone. Why did he remember that?]
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He watches Corvo come closer, and for at least that moment, he stops moving and just looks at him. Age sits heavy on Corvo differently than his compatriots, weary and worn down as the people of the Empire are so accustomed to being. Emily Kaldwin is fixing that; but before the Outsider stands her father, who has aged, and yet...
Well, he looks good for his age, the Outsider thinks. It's an idle thought, as much as his thoughts can be, and he frowns just after it— for thinking of Delilah.]
Delilah is no more, thanks to your little girl. As far as I can tell, [and he can tell pretty far, considering] this time it actually took.
["Daud is still the unfavorite" - Outsider, probably. ... His brow furrows slightly as he keeps looking at Corvo, then- haltingly, like he surely would never have cared about this but now he's actually caring enough to look down at his jacket. Nothing else here has buttons.
At least he's freed from talking about Delilah; she's gone, she'll be stuck in that portrait of hers forever, but the memory of that particular discomfort still lingers. So. Buttons.] So it is.
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Except right now. He didn't know how to dress himself.
One would think even the Outsider's most favored would be hesitant to lay a hand on him. It was something the Abbey would probably hang him on the spot for. But he didn't fear the Abbey, and he didn't fear the God he was against. And, well, after everything... He kinda owed him enough that he could do this.
Corvo simply reaches across and takes the leather in hand, holding it against his chest until he pushed the button through.] If you're going to talk to the Royal Protector outside the Duke's palace, the least you could do is dress all the way.
[He hadn't taken in the fact anyone nearby probably couldn't see one of them.]
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KARNACAthe great beyond ? ?You are formally invited to dance and dine with Duke Abele and visiting Empress Emily Kaldwin tonight in the eve of her departure back to Dunwall. Express your grievances* and excitement over wine and dine among the peacekeepers of our great nation. Long live the Empress. Long live the Empire.
*Mechanical and sentinel devices are not allowed on the Palace grounds and will be demolished on sight. Looks like Jindosh isn't making it.
I'll need a little work before play, so try not to be the first through the door. I'll find you. Don't
sit on the p--harass anyone.Yours truly,
The Favorite
[Placed across a shrine in passing, Corvo also left a bottle of pear soda to hold he envelope down. He was true to his word, though, and had no free moments long until the party began and guests arrived. He'd already pointed out two interlopers in its first minutes, and discovered Jindosh did in fact make it without any devices on him. He was seething.]
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Now what is he supposed to do until he turns up fashionably late to this party? Just float around, looking at this note? That seems... like a great idea, actually. He'll float around looking at the note and enjoying his pear soda!!
So later, he will indeed show up at the party fashionably late. Not that almost the entire party can see him, but it's the principle of the thing. He's still going to take a glass of whatever fancy bubbly champagne they're serving and carry it around while he looks for Corvo... where are you, old man..... Don't let him gravitate toward the piano.]
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Speaking of fondness, there were quite a few individuals that sought him out away from the officials to convey how impressed they were he came out on top with the odds against him. How noble, brave, and handsome he was-- some tried to make their point more physically than others.
He only spots the Outsider after dragging a hand down his face, prying the hands of a rather persistent woman. Tell her about the heretic rumors, she said. Well, he wasn't going to do that. He was going to go be a heretic somewhere else.]
I've declined about twelve dances for you. [He maneuvers through guests, his hands clamped behind his back. Immediately touching the Outsider might look Weird, no matter how much he would like to.] Still counting.
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You haven't even asked yet. Rough night? [lol...]
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[He trails off, clenching his jaw. He didn't want to be this on edge. At least the Outsider wasn't on the piano.] You're a sight for sore eyes, to say in the least.
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[Does he believe this, or is he just giving Corvo an excuse to stop looking for trouble and pay attention to him instead?? Both, but it's more like he doesn't care about the first part. Oops.]
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He realizes this probably isn't the warmest welcoming, though, so he leans a hand on the piano to loom over the Outsider. Like he was shielding him from view when the party-goers couldn't see him. It was probably just for Wyman.] I'm... sorry. I'm glad you're here.
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I liked your note. Maybe I'll put it in a frame and hang it in a shrine.
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Their fathers died at witch's hands. He understood. He focused on their peace of mind, and not his own. Once again, Dunwall takes, takes the air out of his lungs so he could not ask for what he wanted. He muttered apologies under his breath when a moment of free time was taken, pressed his lips to marked skin and carried himself through the day.
And just when Corvo thought he'd caught a break, finding appointments cancelled and recruits remaining inside, it was because of a layer of white covered the palace grounds. He was supposed to be patrolling, damn it, and he's not suffering out here alone.]
No one is going to brave this to interrupt.
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So his feelings aren't hurt, he's not sixteen, but boredom and loneliness have him in their grasp sooner than he expected. Delilah's advertisement of her powers in Dunwall has left the city even warier of him than before, which doesn't matter, except that there are far fewer interesting people to watch while Corvo is otherwise occupied. Emily is tired of his arcane visits and obscure turns of phrase after the second time, which is a personal best for her.
When the chill settles over Dunwall and the snow follows, the Outsider appreciates the resulting brightness and quiet. It's quite the opposite of the Void, and since he is always listening, it's hardly a minute between Corvo speaking to the air and the air becoming the shape of the Outsider beside him. His hands are clasped behind his back, still ungloved in the cold because he's always cold anyway, and he has enough restraint to keep those to himself but not enough to stop himself leaning close to Corvo so that their arms press together.
He's not a huggy god, okay. Not yet. But he does seem to be in a good mood.]
Corvo Attano faces his most formidable foe yet: the weather. [comedian,] It's been a while.
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I prefer Karnaca breezes over Dunwall's cold winds. [He rubs his hands together, both gloved instead of wrapped this time, before he reached to take the Outsider's collar. His tug was not gentle and kiss was not brief, as he had to make up for the ones he could have been giving.]
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So, kissing, at least until Corvo has to breathe. Hmm.] I'm glad you called. Your suggestion was vague enough to rival mine.
[critique,]
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[It's strange, wanting to be this close this quickly after one night. He'd left himself wanting, though, so maybe the dream visits were more welcome than not.] I've missed you. Don't change that. [Maybe years ago that would be a serious suggestion, but they both know how deep he is in this. He'll even smile, if only a little.]
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He's a little easy to please, when it's with Corvo. Never mind that.]
If only you were not so dedicated to your work. But I've seen you at it, and I must compliment your dedication to picking Dunwall up out of the gutter once more. [He looks like he's about to add more, probably about how the city has never done anything in return for Corvo and so why does he really bother, but he'll save that for a later date. When they've had more than a few minutes together after weeks of none at all. He's starting to care about tact!! So instead,] She didn't need to, but your daughter told me where you were. I fear she's figured you out, Corvo.
["Fear" he says, with another smirk.]
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[He was supposed to keep moving, since technically he was still on duty. With reluctance, he pulls back from the Outsider, but not without gracing him with another kiss and a hand in his.] She's been aware since Wyman couldn't recall who I was sleeping next to that night. I think she's too occupied in kissing them in her spare time to be a critic.
[To be clear, he has no fondness of the Void. But like how he meets the Outsider's eyes now, it's easier to bring up.] I expected to see you sooner. I should have called.
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For now, joining Corvo hand-in-hand on his patrol will do. He hums, sort of in approval—he kind of likes this Wyman person, from what he's seen of them. Maybe he'll pop up unexpected one day and see what happens.]
You do like to wallow in your work instead of indulging. [Like, just saying. He touches Corvo's arm with his other hand, not quite hugging onto him, but almost. Hey.] So, retirement? Perish the thought.
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