LOREN
The doubt in Remi’s voice made Loren come to his senses for just a moment. ”Well, we’re supposed to be. What, am I not humble?” And then the alchemist had to go and ruin the librarian’s oath and dramatic statement by making an even more ominous one. He looked at the other man, startled: while the Launceleyn had known Remi had changed, it was still shocking and somewhat disturbing to hear such evil words from the otherwise gentle man. After all, the summoner knew he had darkness in him, but had thought the alchemist was better than the librarian. Now he knew that Remi might have a touch as well. That saddened Loren, somehow, as if something pure and bright had been forever sullied.The other man didn’t get it, and the librarian lowered his head, wishing he had could find a way to make the Remi understand. ”So you never found out what the majority wanted?” As the alchemist admitted that Ronin already thought two was one too many, Loren frowned. ”But he doesn’t necessarily want to lead. And it sounds like Wessex might not either.” He puzzled over the problem of not allowing the responsibilities to fall through the cracks because there were too many opinions, and yet not allow another Zariah to rise. ”Then put one, or even two people in charge. But don’t allow them to have absolute power.” How that might be arranged—especially here in the Hollowed Grounds—the Launceleyn didn’t know. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was important from his mind.
”Then I’ll write it down for you.” It came out a bit too quickly, and Loren sighed, running a hand through his hair. ”Remi, think. If I go to Wessex and Ronin and suggest all these reforms, they’re going to think it’s just another Launceleyn power grab.” Though the alchemist clearly had no head for politics, he wasn’t an idiot. He should be able to see the implications if they were clearly spelled out for him.
Well that statement didn’t make a whole lot of sense, and the look Loren gave Remi should hopefully communicate that. ”And just what idea did you propose?” It would be hard to tell the other man much of anything without more information. Granted, giving a suggestion to a concussed man didn’t seem like such a good idea to the Launceleyn.
Neither did what Remi was currently proposing: Loren crossed his arms, tucking the book under his elbow, and shook his head. Especially after the alchemist admitted he had a tendency to lose control when he shifted forms. "But you didn't kill him. And what wouldn't I know as a mage?" The alchemist wasn't making a whole lot of sense, and the Launceleyn grew a bit concerned for the other man. Hopefully the stress wasn't getting to him, but if it was, no one could blame him. ”There is absolutely no way I am going to do that. Come on, let’s go back inside.” Seeing as Remi had shown the summoner the whole turning into a manticore trick, there didn’t seem much need to stay out in the cold.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
