Actually, he can't. He's not particularly skilled at reading people on a personal level, and he's only just met Rafayel, so he really has no idea what he thinks about Sylus butting into his escape plan. He can only read and follow logic—that getting into an altercation, and taking on one more enemy wouldn't be the smart move—but not emotion or sentiment.
Especially while the entire building comes crashing down around them.
He's lingering close as Rafayel keys the code in to open up the ship, looking unbothered despite the increasingly bleak situation. ]
I told you my plan from the start, and it doesn't seem to be failing me now, does it?
[ As soon as the door opens, he pushes his way in, perhaps even past Rafayel so that he can make his way over to the controls. He will be putting himself in the pilot's seat and getting them out of here.
Rafayel should hopefully remember to close the door behind him. ]
there's this burning desire he has to push past him and shut the door, but maybe sylus isn't a fool? apparently, he beats him to the punch. this isn't linkon raf, so there's no grumbling or complaining under his breath, but there is a brief sidelong glance in his direction and the slightest twitch of his brow. ]
Should one be proud of a plan without any results?
[ still, he remains seemingly apathetic to the idea of being trapped here with him, especially as he now shuts the door. which? hello? what if he rolled out? but, as soon as he does his posture does appear to be a little more stiff, especially as he inches closer to sylus.
eventually, he'll also draw his hands over the controls himself, as if to subtly redirect sylus' fingers on the touchpad. ]
[ He's exactly where he wants to be? In this escape pod with you.
Well— not quite. Where he wants to be aboard one of the Khaosi ships with Zynlai's head in his heads, but he needs to practice patience and bide his time.
So, in terms of what is realistic and achievable, he is exactly where he wants to be. Even if it's annoying when Rafayel comes over to start interfering with the controls.
He gently smacks his hand away, ] Got a safe house in mind?
there's a glance at the hand that slaps his away. the audacity... this is the sanctarch that is guiding you? that said, he isn't all that offended. truthfully, he seems mildly amused by it. not all men bowed down in blind devotion, it seems. he'd have to see if that's still the case later. ]
You're quite daring. [ was sylus not concerned with the idea that rafayel could just as easily lead him into another trap? is this faith in the sanctarch, or is this confidence in himself? probably the latter. but, still, he does make one recommendation. ]
[ Sorry to Rafayel, Sylus isn't the reverent type at all. At least, not of men and figureheads.
He is aware that Rafayel could easily lead him into a trap, especially once he offers up a suggestion for where they can find refuge. Or rather, where he can find refuge. He doubts that the Santarch is all that concerned with him after what his people have done to his Court. Even if Sylus isn't outwardly allying himself with them, he expects wariness and contempt.
[ his brows raise just slightly at sylus' suggestion. he isn't sure whether to be surprised sylus doesn't bite, or unnerved by the fact that he said "earth" without much pause. perhaps, that's why he idly touches the corner of the control panel, this time not directing sylus' hand, but just lingering.
there is no actual contempt to his voice, though.
he mostly sounds curious. ] Earth... [ he repeats, before. ] Is there a reason why you settled on that? In olden times, people believed it was a land of change, and where one could assimilate and be anything their heart desired. Do you have that? [ desires? ]
[ He meets Rafayel's gaze, equally surprised that he isn't immediately disregarding Sylus' suggested and charting course to Murya anyway.
But if he's willing to hear him out... ]
It's not a place either of us have connection to. [ It's well known that the Santarch has some kind of connection to Murya, and once the armies realize that he's escaped his sanctum, they'll likely raid the other planet in search of him.
Does Sylus want change? That's a funny question when he's working to get things back to the status quo: with him in power and Zynlai's head ripped from his body. ]
Why? Do you want change? [ Looking at his mask. ] Tired of the scrutiny that comes with power?
[ that's a fair, logical explanation. but, rafayel isn't sure if he buys it. or maybe he doesn't want to believe it's that simple. perhaps, because he fills a role that relies heavily on duty and faith, he can't help but to think there should be more behind a decision. or maybe, that's also subject to the fates?
maybe they're meant to go to earth?
either way, he seems satisfied to fulfill the man's whims for now. though, it's not without the confidence of him thinking he's not actually as much of a hostage as he may, theoretically, be? though, he does get the feeling the other party after him may have been easier to deal with than sylus. sad.
at the question, he releases a dark chuckle, like finding it funny. ] Why tire of something we strive for with our own hands? [ ... ] But, I think everyone looks for some type of change. Isn't that why I exist?
[ because the people need something or someone to believe in, and external change was all the easier to seek out than what's within. ]
[ Not everyone strives for power, but he wouldn't be too surprised of Rafayel did. He seemed like the type of insecure person that needs the power to feel confident. And all this talk about change... Is he unhappy or something?
Maybe that has to do the attack he just narrowly escaped? ]
You exist because people are weak.
[ Lifting a brow, keeping Rafayel's gaze. ]
Is that why you're going along with my plan like a good little boy? Relieved to finally be around someone not begging for your help?
in reality, he's likely feeling something closer to practiced apathy. where he wonders if there was much of life beyond his purposes. even this attack doesn't exactly seem to affect him beyond thinking it's just another wrench in his plans. he also didn't think it was necessarily productive to waste his energy on casting blame on those who desired more power— instead, all he could focus on was his current circumstances.
... and the person he seemed to share them with.
at sylus' words, his brows knit together momentarily, his head shaking. ] From where I'm standing... [ he pushes a hand against sylus' chest, lightly, but clearly with the intent to make him step back. ] You don't appear any different than the rest of them?
After all, I'm here because you also want me. [ it isn't a question.
but, he will try and plug the coordinates in for earth, as if to say he wasn't afraid. ]
[ He lets Rafayel settle his hand against his chest, watching as he puts in the coordinates for Earth with an expression that reveals very little.
If there's genuinely any connection between him and Earth, Sylus doesn't give anything away, and for the most part, his explanation seems true: it is a place with no connection to either of them, and also without any particular allegiance in this war that they've found themselves in. It makes strategic sense.
Once Rafayel has charted their course, however, Sylus' hand with shoot out to grab his chin, angling his face to meet his own. ]
You price yourself cheaply, princess. All it took for you to come with me was a little desire?
[ His right eye glows slightly, warm amongst the harsh lights of the escape pod. ]
Would you have gone along with the Khaosi army if they asked nicely enough?
honestly, he half-expected no response at all. with their destination set, he figured there was little else to discuss between the two of them. or maybe that was just his own thoughts. when sylus seizes his chin, rafayel makes no signs of pulling away. he didn't want to reveal that type of vulnerability so openly, and to be fair...
he doesn't view sylus as much of threat as he logically should have.
though, his brows to furrow just slightly at "princess." ] You should save those words for your future betrothed. [ don't all rulers or rulers-to-be inevitably marry some sort of princess? someone or anyone who can increase their influence? ... does that make him the princess in this case.
damn, he doesn't want sylus to be right. ]
Of course not. Had you not interfered, I'm sure they would be on their knees, no different than the other fools who fill the court. [ finally he lifts his hand just to hold onto sylus' wrist, but he doesn't brush him off just yet. maybe it's because sylus' eye glows with a light that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time, but he finds himself wanting to stare for just a moment longer. ]
Briefly imagines the hilarious concept of marrying Rafayel. Sylus isn't opposed to political marriage depending on the person and the benefits (and the ease of being able to kill them off if necessary), but Rafayel... Seems like too much trouble.
He grabs onto his wrist, which is fine. Even though there's nothing tender about the smile he gives in response to Rafayel's words. ]
What court?
[ Whatever remains is in ruins behind them, and he has no doubt the army will be merciless as they scour in search of the man in front of him. Sylus might think Zynlai is an idiot, and that this attack is foolish, but he still carries some confidence in his home army.
He releases Rafayel's chin, though his gaze lingers on his expression, searching for hurt, anger or grief. Anything other than the mask of indifference. ]
Maybe you should take a nap. It's a long way to Earth.
when sylus releases his hold, rafayel also loosens his grip. it's just for a moment, where he looks off in the distance— his eyes on the dark expanse in front of them. funny enough, more than hurt, more than anger— he seems exhausted in that moment. to be honest, he didn't care who remained in power as long as his own goals were met. that didn't mean he didn't tire of seeing the worst in others, though.
regardless, that's not a point he settles on. he's quick to balance that out with a shrug as he releases his hold on sylus completely.
he settles into the nearest seat, trying not to show any sign of caution. as if putting on yet another front like he isn't being tossed into the unknown with this man. ]
If you expect someone to take rest in front of you, do you not believe you should also show some sincerity? [ then again, sylus did appear oddly relaxed for their situation. he wonders if sylus didn't hear rumors about him, or if he just didn't care. ]
Even the cats wandering the gardens had more manners than you.
The exhaustion does escape Sylus, not with how closely he's looking at the man in front of him. It catches him by surprise. The resignation, as though burdened by loss several lifetimes over.
And he'd heard the Santarch was quite young. ]
I haven't shown you a moment of insincerity. [ Sitting down next to him, looking at him like he's stupid for not accepting the suggestion to get some rest. ] And your garden cats are likely more spoiled than I am.
[ Maybe if you pet him and fed him snacks he would also have manners. ]
[ he releases a loud exhale that may as well have been a laugh.
he at least pretends to find sylus' joke funny. jk, he does think there's something there. he just isn't sure if it's really humor he feels. instead, he look at him through his peripherals, before settling his gaze back on space. ] I don't know about that. Ironically, I think I know of a kitten who started off just like you. Overly confident. Seemingly fearless. Greedy with no lack of ambition. And yet, he purrs the loudest at my hands.
[ he then looks back at sylus and gestures with his fingers. pspspss ]
[ he looks back at him at the "overly" confident bit. he just nods? like yes? can i help you? did you need anything additional? a definition? the word used in a sentence?
though, he soon chuckles a little at his next words. ]
Should we test it? [ he draws his hand close enough to sylus' face. he doesn't actually think sylus will draw in any closer. not if he was smart. that said, HELLO???? he's a respectable man here... love potions sylus ]
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no subject
Actually, he can't. He's not particularly skilled at reading people on a personal level, and he's only just met Rafayel, so he really has no idea what he thinks about Sylus butting into his escape plan. He can only read and follow logic—that getting into an altercation, and taking on one more enemy wouldn't be the smart move—but not emotion or sentiment.
Especially while the entire building comes crashing down around them.
He's lingering close as Rafayel keys the code in to open up the ship, looking unbothered despite the increasingly bleak situation. ]
I told you my plan from the start, and it doesn't seem to be failing me now, does it?
[ As soon as the door opens, he pushes his way in, perhaps even past Rafayel so that he can make his way over to the controls. He will be putting himself in the pilot's seat and getting them out of here.
Rafayel should hopefully remember to close the door behind him. ]
no subject
there's this burning desire he has to push past him and shut the door, but maybe sylus isn't a fool? apparently, he beats him to the punch. this isn't linkon raf, so there's no grumbling or complaining under his breath, but there is a brief sidelong glance in his direction and the slightest twitch of his brow. ]
Should one be proud of a plan without any results?
[ still, he remains seemingly apathetic to the idea of being trapped here with him, especially as he now shuts the door. which? hello? what if he rolled out? but, as soon as he does his posture does appear to be a little more stiff, especially as he inches closer to sylus.
eventually, he'll also draw his hands over the controls himself, as if to subtly redirect sylus' fingers on the touchpad. ]
no subject
[ He's exactly where he wants to be? In this escape pod with you.
Well— not quite. Where he wants to be aboard one of the Khaosi ships with Zynlai's head in his heads, but he needs to practice patience and bide his time.
So, in terms of what is realistic and achievable, he is exactly where he wants to be. Even if it's annoying when Rafayel comes over to start interfering with the controls.
He gently smacks his hand away, ] Got a safe house in mind?
no subject
there's a glance at the hand that slaps his away. the audacity... this is the sanctarch that is guiding you? that said, he isn't all that offended. truthfully, he seems mildly amused by it. not all men bowed down in blind devotion, it seems. he'd have to see if that's still the case later. ]
You're quite daring. [ was sylus not concerned with the idea that rafayel could just as easily lead him into another trap? is this faith in the sanctarch, or is this confidence in himself? probably the latter. but, still, he does make one recommendation. ]
What about Murya?
no subject
He is aware that Rafayel could easily lead him into a trap, especially once he offers up a suggestion for where they can find refuge. Or rather, where he can find refuge. He doubts that the Santarch is all that concerned with him after what his people have done to his Court. Even if Sylus isn't outwardly allying himself with them, he expects wariness and contempt.
He does seem to consider the idea. ]
I was thinking Earth.
no subject
there is no actual contempt to his voice, though.
he mostly sounds curious. ] Earth... [ he repeats, before. ] Is there a reason why you settled on that? In olden times, people believed it was a land of change, and where one could assimilate and be anything their heart desired. Do you have that? [ desires? ]
no subject
But if he's willing to hear him out... ]
It's not a place either of us have connection to. [ It's well known that the Santarch has some kind of connection to Murya, and once the armies realize that he's escaped his sanctum, they'll likely raid the other planet in search of him.
Does Sylus want change? That's a funny question when he's working to get things back to the status quo: with him in power and Zynlai's head ripped from his body. ]
Why? Do you want change? [ Looking at his mask. ] Tired of the scrutiny that comes with power?
no subject
maybe they're meant to go to earth?
either way, he seems satisfied to fulfill the man's whims for now. though, it's not without the confidence of him thinking he's not actually as much of a hostage as he may, theoretically, be? though, he does get the feeling the other party after him may have been easier to deal with than sylus. sad.
at the question, he releases a dark chuckle, like finding it funny. ] Why tire of something we strive for with our own hands? [ ... ] But, I think everyone looks for some type of change. Isn't that why I exist?
[ because the people need something or someone to believe in, and external change was all the easier to seek out than what's within. ]
no subject
Maybe that has to do the attack he just narrowly escaped? ]
You exist because people are weak.
[ Lifting a brow, keeping Rafayel's gaze. ]
Is that why you're going along with my plan like a good little boy? Relieved to finally be around someone not begging for your help?
no subject
in reality, he's likely feeling something closer to practiced apathy. where he wonders if there was much of life beyond his purposes. even this attack doesn't exactly seem to affect him beyond thinking it's just another wrench in his plans. he also didn't think it was necessarily productive to waste his energy on casting blame on those who desired more power— instead, all he could focus on was his current circumstances.
... and the person he seemed to share them with.
at sylus' words, his brows knit together momentarily, his head shaking. ] From where I'm standing... [ he pushes a hand against sylus' chest, lightly, but clearly with the intent to make him step back. ] You don't appear any different than the rest of them?
After all, I'm here because you also want me. [ it isn't a question.
but, he will try and plug the coordinates in for earth, as if to say he wasn't afraid. ]
no subject
If there's genuinely any connection between him and Earth, Sylus doesn't give anything away, and for the most part, his explanation seems true: it is a place with no connection to either of them, and also without any particular allegiance in this war that they've found themselves in. It makes strategic sense.
Once Rafayel has charted their course, however, Sylus' hand with shoot out to grab his chin, angling his face to meet his own. ]
You price yourself cheaply, princess. All it took for you to come with me was a little desire?
[ His right eye glows slightly, warm amongst the harsh lights of the escape pod. ]
Would you have gone along with the Khaosi army if they asked nicely enough?
no subject
honestly, he half-expected no response at all. with their destination set, he figured there was little else to discuss between the two of them. or maybe that was just his own thoughts. when sylus seizes his chin, rafayel makes no signs of pulling away. he didn't want to reveal that type of vulnerability so openly, and to be fair...
he doesn't view sylus as much of threat as he logically should have.
though, his brows to furrow just slightly at "princess." ] You should save those words for your future betrothed. [ don't all rulers or rulers-to-be inevitably marry some sort of princess? someone or anyone who can increase their influence? ... does that make him the princess in this case.
damn, he doesn't want sylus to be right. ]
Of course not. Had you not interfered, I'm sure they would be on their knees, no different than the other fools who fill the court. [ finally he lifts his hand just to hold onto sylus' wrist, but he doesn't brush him off just yet. maybe it's because sylus' eye glows with a light that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time, but he finds himself wanting to stare for just a moment longer. ]
no subject
Briefly imagines the hilarious concept of marrying Rafayel. Sylus isn't opposed to political marriage depending on the person and the benefits (and the ease of being able to kill them off if necessary), but Rafayel... Seems like too much trouble.
He grabs onto his wrist, which is fine. Even though there's nothing tender about the smile he gives in response to Rafayel's words. ]
What court?
[ Whatever remains is in ruins behind them, and he has no doubt the army will be merciless as they scour in search of the man in front of him. Sylus might think Zynlai is an idiot, and that this attack is foolish, but he still carries some confidence in his home army.
He releases Rafayel's chin, though his gaze lingers on his expression, searching for hurt, anger or grief. Anything other than the mask of indifference. ]
Maybe you should take a nap. It's a long way to Earth.
no subject
when sylus releases his hold, rafayel also loosens his grip. it's just for a moment, where he looks off in the distance— his eyes on the dark expanse in front of them. funny enough, more than hurt, more than anger— he seems exhausted in that moment. to be honest, he didn't care who remained in power as long as his own goals were met. that didn't mean he didn't tire of seeing the worst in others, though.
regardless, that's not a point he settles on. he's quick to balance that out with a shrug as he releases his hold on sylus completely.
he settles into the nearest seat, trying not to show any sign of caution. as if putting on yet another front like he isn't being tossed into the unknown with this man. ]
If you expect someone to take rest in front of you, do you not believe you should also show some sincerity? [ then again, sylus did appear oddly relaxed for their situation. he wonders if sylus didn't hear rumors about him, or if he just didn't care. ]
Even the cats wandering the gardens had more manners than you.
no subject
The exhaustion does escape Sylus, not with how closely he's looking at the man in front of him. It catches him by surprise. The resignation, as though burdened by loss several lifetimes over.
And he'd heard the Santarch was quite young. ]
I haven't shown you a moment of insincerity. [ Sitting down next to him, looking at him like he's stupid for not accepting the suggestion to get some rest. ] And your garden cats are likely more spoiled than I am.
[ Maybe if you pet him and fed him snacks he would also have manners. ]
no subject
he at least pretends to find sylus' joke funny. jk, he does think there's something there. he just isn't sure if it's really humor he feels. instead, he look at him through his peripherals, before settling his gaze back on space. ] I don't know about that. Ironically, I think I know of a kitten who started off just like you. Overly confident. Seemingly fearless. Greedy with no lack of ambition. And yet, he purrs the loudest at my hands.
[ he then looks back at sylus and gestures with his fingers. pspspss ]
no subject
He just slow blinks (like a cat) at Rafayel's gesturing, eventually raising a brow. ]
You can't spoil me the same way as a cat, you know.
[ Also, aren't you the big baby that prefers to be on the receiving end of the spoiling? ]
no subject
though, he soon chuckles a little at his next words. ]
Should we test it? [ he draws his hand close enough to sylus' face. he doesn't actually think sylus will draw in any closer. not if he was smart. that said, HELLO???? he's a respectable man here... love potions sylus ]