It's almost like christmas...?

[cray]

[It was the dead of night before anyone had seen Cray move, and perhaps most people didn't. During the past days he'd overheard some people in need of things, things he was capable of providing. Though they had turned down his assisstance to his face he was a determined bastard.]

[Ted would find outside his room door a new bow and quiver, and Minin would find outside hers a set of various small air compressors. He of course risked their fury and getting his gifts thrown back in his face, but he didn't let that sway him, he was determined to prove that he wasn't a deranged psychopath who wanted to kill everyone. He just wanted to be seen as a person.]

[Also anyone else he might have overheard requesting something eh was capable of making (Alchemy items, including potions and poisons, pretty much all forms of weapons and ammo or parts) he would have dropped them off a gift too. He made those sorts of things in bulk for a living before so making a handful was no problem. Also do feel free to catch him in the act of dropping off your gift.]

Comments

[aloof_savant]

[ Caesar gathers that he's talking about Ted, and already knows that Ted and Cray met in their timeline from when he first met the seemingly young man. ]

I don't disagree with that at all. However, going back to humanity's flaws... you must consider that the young lad is flawed, too. Accepting your gift would mean him accepting your past misgivings. His pride would never allow it, and thus, while your offer seems benevolent, it also comes across as insensitive to how he feels.

Your path of atonement must begin at understanding others first, not them understanding you. It's a difficult one, no doubt... Silverbergs can teach you all about tactics, but few of them understand true empathy.

[cray]

[He sighed. Caesar was right. Silverbergs were always right.]

You're right. I suppose too many years of lonliness and mistakes has made me hasty.

[aloof_savant]

You're not the only one. Agnes, too, has lived a life of solitude... she is learning many of these things herself. You must realize that it may take her years-- decades, to accept you as a comrade. I myself have felt her fury, but underneath her strong exterior is a vulnerable girl. Capable of love and kindness far greater than mine.

As are you, I'm sure, Graham Cray. After all, you were both Elenor's students.

[cray]

I know how Agnes suffers. The same as me. We both lost the person we cared about most. That dart I shot at Elenor. It missed, but it was loaded with a nonlethal poison. Enough to knock her out. I hoped that in doing so someone would take her the hell out of El-Eal. Another stupid idea from another stupid human.

[He gave a small, sad smile.]

I just wish more people would realize that truth. All the truths.

[aloof_savant]

Yeah, but, you also blew up an island. Lethally.

I've heard the stories, but my point is... I'm not here to drag you through mud or anything. No matter which way this story is told, you're not the good guy... and you know that. [ Although he sounds harsh, he is only speaking plainly with no malice. That, and he has reached his chambers so the time to part has come. ]

But, thankfully, tomorrow is a new day, right?

[cray]

Oh I know. See if only I really was an idiot then that wouldn't have happened. To be capable of doing something so extreme...and losing your mind and principles. [He shuddered.]

Yeah it is. See you around, Caesar.

[aloof_savant]

Now--

[ He sighed. It sounded as if Cray was praising himself at times, and self-loathing at others. He could understand why others would find him disingenuous... it seemed as if teaching him real empathy would take some time, if even possible. ]

Sleep well.
...And I am sorry about your son. [ He should have said that earlier, but was too caught up in teaching again. ]