033.2 Demedais

[Corwin]

[16:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ---
[17:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The times of the Temple of Helm in Balmuria are busy ones today. Demedais passes through the front area at perhaps 2 PM, several clusters of people inside. Something to warm his God's heart, perhaps? In tandem with that, perhaps something to do likewise on a different scale? Amid the people, one can note Pollyanna quietly by the altar.
[17:06] * Tiny_Ko_Army sets mode: +o Demedais
[17:06] * Demedais slowly walks up near her and looks over with a smile, before looking up toward the ceiling.
[17:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> She doesn't seem to notice, eyes closed and thoughtful. This lasts a few more moments, before she raises her head and lightly stretches. "Aaah..." she sighs, wearing soft leather armor and a warm green cloak. On her small body, she almost looks like a flateared elf.
[17:12] <Demedais> "How are you doing today?" Demedais asks, still looking up.
[17:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Hm?" Pollyanna blinks, craning her head back. "Oh!" A slight smile shows on her face, "Taking a few moments. I was helping the archers today - apparently a group of them had good results against Febras. Something to work with."
[17:15] <Demedais> "Good. I was quite pleased to hear that he was taken down. It is fortunate that we no longer must worry about his threat to the town.
[17:15] <Demedais> " Demedais remarks, smiling. "How have you been?"
[17:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Busy." Smiling as she turns and starts to walk away at a slow pace, "Seira got me a position and right now I've been assigned to help train and scout up soldiers with potential. More of the former than the latter until a few days ago. Anyway, Commander Oberuth wants better archers to support the infantry."
[17:24] * ConnectionIsHate (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
[17:26] * Tiny_Ko_Army sets mode: +o ConnectionIsHate
[17:27] * ConnectionIsHate is now known as Taishyr
[17:27] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Taishyr))
[17:27] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[17:27] * Demedais follows, matching Pollyanna's pace. "A wise decision, I think. And how is the training and scouting going? Any problems?"
[17:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It goes," Stretching back a bit, "Honestly, after seeing a dragon, magical lizards and devils in action...it is kind of underwhelming." She smiles a moment, just a little pointed. "There's a few in there with solid talent, however."
[17:31] <Demedais> "Excellent." Demedais says, rubbing the back of his neck a bit. "Quite frankly I'd have no objections to seeing none of those things again, but I'm working with Seira, so..."
[17:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A chuckle at that, "A member of the vaunted Crimson Guard," Pollyanna steps out into the sunshine, out of the temple. "Though...Demedais, I have an hour or so."
[17:33] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais says. "Any way you'd like to spend that hour?"
[17:35] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes. I'd like to go visit Countess Stronger's shop," With a smile, "I can't afford too much there, but after using a magical bow I'd certainly like to see what else is like that."
[17:37] <Demedais> "We can certainly go do that." Demedais agrees amiably, considering this.
[17:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Good!" With a happy look, Pollyanna starts to head along, towards the hill where  abakery one rested, and now a shop of assorted magical artifacts. On reaching that place, you find Countess Stronger pouring over a scroll, checking over it. She glances up as you enter, "Oh, there you are. Come to spend the money from your axe?" she says cheerfully.
[17:42] * ConnectionIsHate (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
[17:44] * Tiny_Ko_Army sets mode: +o ConnectionIsHate
[17:44] * Demedais (Chiyos@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[17:45] * ConnectionIsHate is now known as Demedais
[17:47] <Demedais> "Ah... right, that ax." Demedais blinks. "You've got money to spend, Pollyanna."
[17:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh!" Pollyanna instantly perks up, starting to go look around at the various pillared displays. As she does, "Oh, Demedais." Countess Stronger calls.
[17:49] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais asks, moving over to the Countess.
[17:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Glancing at Pollyanna with an agreeable smile, "First off, that's so cute of you," she nods agreeably, "Secondly..you found that axe in the Barbarian Lands?"
[17:51] * Demedais blinks at being referred to as 'cute' in any way, and flushes slightly. "Yes, on a troll."
[17:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Hmph." Looking to a pillar, where the newly polished axe is for sale, "Second one I've gotten from the Crimson Guard. First one came from there, too. It was before your time, though."
[17:53] <Demedais> "Do trolls usually make such weapons? It admittedly looks expertly made." Demedais inquires.
[17:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Heavens no," Sniffing abit, "If I remember right..." Thinking amoment, "The first one was looted from a barbarian of some sort in the Barbarian Lands. I should ask Seira for the details on that. But regardless, one's a fluke, two's strange." Going over to the pillar and peering at it, "They're even similiar in make."
[17:55] <Demedais> "So either we have a talented blacksmith of some sort up there or they're getting their weapons some other way." Demedais mused. "Any chance you could keep an eye out for other weapons of such make?"
[17:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Elle frowns even deeper, "...I want to say there was something to it, but I can't recall," so scowling, "I'll have to talk to Seira tonight. Just a well, there are other reasons for that as well."
[17:58] <Demedais> "Idly, have you heard of how Gwenn and her family are doing?" Demedais asks, shifting tacks.
[18:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They briefly went back to Parsifal. Gwenn'll be returning to the area soon, however." Glancing over to Pollyanna a sshe stops at one pillar in particular, "Seira's working on gathering magical potentials and making a school. Gwenn's a natural for it now."
[18:02] <Demedais> "So she does have such talent. What happens if people like her remain undiscovered?"
[18:04] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "A few might never find out...or find out when they burn down the house by accident, or charm a dozen women into being lovers, or..." Elle waves her hand, "Sorcerers are bad about that. Wizards hav eto study hard, so it's not possible for that. But someone with a gift naturally?"
[18:05] * Demedais chokes a bit. "Definitely good that was discovered, then."
[18:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I heard a story of that when I adventured once," Elle goes on, watching Pollyanna the entire time. "A teenaged boy got into a fight with another one about a girl. It was so vicious and nasty that they beat each other half to death, but it kept going. As they fought, the one boy reached up to hit his rival, but instead discharged an electric shock that killed the other boy on the spot. Probably Shocking Grasp or a similar spell."
[18:09] <Demedais> "Mmmph." Demedais shakes his head. "Amazing. And slightly frightening, but hopefully Seira's school helps curtail such risks."
[18:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It's still frightening more. The parents of the slain child chased the fledgling sorcerer out of town in rage. Beset by grief and fear, he ran away, never to be seen again." With a slightly melodramatic smile, "It should. I saw the list of potentials - it's far bigger than I'd have imagined."
[18:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh. Demedais!" Pollyanna calls, stopping by rows of potions on the side.
[18:15] <Demedais> "Hmmm?" Demedais replies, turning to Pollyanna.
[18:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Come here!" she waves.
[18:19] * Demedais nods to Elle and walks over to look at whatever Pollyanna is.
[18:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You find Pollyanna looking at a few potions - labelsl ike 'Bear's Strength' 'Haste' 'Invisibility' and so on. "These only work once, yes?" she asks of Countess Stronger, who nods inreturn.
[18:21] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Potions are like bottled spells. They're like scrolls for non spellcasters, but considerably limited."
[18:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I know that," Pollyanna banters back, "I wanted to be sure." Tapping the invisibility one, "Would you get me one of those and one of the heroism ones..if you can afford it, it is a lot of money."
[18:25] <Demedais> "How much?" Demedais asks. "And any reason for the invisibility one, if I may ask?" He grins a bit with this.
[18:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You can't hit what you can't see?" Pollyanna retorts quickly, "It's good insurance."
[18:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Let's see...300 GP for the invisibility and 750 for the heroism," Elle glances at the labels a moment. "1150 in total."
[18:27] <Demedais> "That's true." Demedais allows.
[18:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh wait...1050. Hahahaha, oops," Elle amends after hastily blinking. "But anyway, will you be buying them?"

[Corwin]

[06:29] <Kotono> -----Extra --es!-----
[06:31] <Kotono> Pollyanna's not hard to find. She's at the piers, watching the grand boats going as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon in dusk's relentless advance over the light of day. With a quiver of arrows over her back and armor worn, she looks like a warrior standing out from the crowd of sailors and workers finishing up.
[06:32] <Demedais> "Hey." Demedais says simply, walking up beside her.
[06:34] <Kotono> "Hey." Pollyanna smiles at that, her hair tied back by a white kerchief. Her eyes are wet and distant, "...I spent part of the day talking to an elf while looking at bowstrings. That's the sort of thing I wanted to do when I went with my brothers and family on the road." Her gaze stares over the waters, "But you don't want to hear me voice a long, wistful inner monolouge, do you?" she asks with a hint of a smile flashing on her face.
[06:39] <Demedais> "If it'll help you, go ahead." Demedais says, replying with his own grin before glancing out at the ships.
[06:40] <Kotono> "No. I'm fine. Just it struck me...but anyway, what brings you here today?" Pollyanna watches the ships as well, patient and relaxed
[06:40] <Kotono> .
[06:42] * Demedais exhales a bit, looking out over the water. "I... well, first, this." With that, he fishes out a bag of gold coins and hands it to Pollyanna.
[06:44] <Kotono> Pollyanna's eyes widen, eyeing the gold. "...Demedais, how much is in that bag?" she asks, "The weight alone..." she holds it in both hands, hefting the coins.
[06:45] <Demedais> "It's... over a thousand." Demedais says, looking toward her briefly. "You should be able to put it to good use."
[06:47] <Kotono> A blush creeps up Pollyanna's face, "...Aaah..." she hesitates a moment, "Are you sure? That's enough to buy a house."
[06:47] <Demedais> "Positive." Demedais replies.
[06:49] <Kotono> "I...if I wasn't so sure of your virtue, I'd think you were trying to bribe me," she says, trying to smile with it, a heady smile of surprise. "Thank you."
[06:50] <Demedais> "Ah... no problem." Demedais says, rubbing his neck slightly before returning his gaze out over the water.
[06:55] <Kotono> Putting the bag of gold safely down, Pollyanna does the same. There's a shortish pause, then, "So...aaah...how are those ruins?" she asks suddenly. "Have you been hurt?"
[06:56] * Demedais almost visibly winces, but holds back. "Let's just say that I'm developing a fear of heights that I've never had before."
[06:56] <Kotono> "Heights?" Pollyanna turns, "I know you're safe now, but what happened?!"
[06:59] <Demedais> "There was a mechanism across an abyss. I fell off it." Demedais says with that little smile used when he's trying to repress a memory.
[07:02] <Kotono> No words come, Pollyanna looking stricken for long moment...before she lightly hits Demedais on the shoulder. "You...idiot! I..." Pollyanna looks away, a mix of red faced embarrassment, tight lipped anger, and a bit of shaking. "Just...don't do that!"
[07:02] <Kotono> A moment after, Pollyanna stops. "I mean, just..." her voice goes down a notch, "Just don't...get hurt!"
[07:05] <Demedais> "Believe me when I say it wasn't on my list of things to do, either." Demedais says, before looking to her, unconsciously rubbing his ribs. "I'll try my best to avoid it in the future, though. No desire to repeat that. ...Sorry to worry you."
[07:09] <Kotono> "Sorry..." Pollyanna murmurs quietly, looking downward. "Good. You're made of stone or close enough, but still. I remember when you nearly died fighting Kondrux." That brings another pause, before Pollyanna snorts. "...okay, I think we've killed the mood enough now?"
[07:11] <Demedais> "..." Demedais hesitates to reply, before turning completely to Pollyanna. "May I... make one request of you, Pollyanna?"
[07:14] <Kotono> "Yes?" Pollyanna asks quietly.
[07:24] <Demedais> "...ah. How to say this..." Demedais says, glancing back over the water. "...I will need to make a choice soon, and I already know my answer to this choice. But it doesn't mean... that I will like all that comes with that choice, as much as I know it is my duty to do it. ...argh, I'm beating around the bush. Pollyanna. If I ever seem to forget myself, forget moments like these... all I ask is that you remind me of them." A look back into Pollyanna's eyes a
[07:24] <Demedais> t this point. "I don't ask you to wait for me. That is your choice and yours alone. But... I fear getting lost in the consequences of that choice."
[07:26] <Kotono> Pollyanna listens, blushing throughout it, rising up as Demedais speaks. "...yeah." She answers this slowly, before reaching out and lightly tapping Demedais' nose. "I'll wait for you. I promise, and I'm not going to let you forget anything.  No matter what choices you make. I'll even get your friends to open a portal to the heavens and drag you...and a few others..back if I need to.
[07:26] <Kotono> '
[07:28] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais grins. "...Thank you. I think Helm understands this in some regard... I will do his will first and foremost, but when all this is over...? I have no problem with a peaceful life, and after all... I have my duty towards my friends, as well." This said with his best smile toward Pollyanna.
[07:29] <Kotono> "Good. Just..." Pollyanna glances at Demedais, before looking back out at the sunset, "I want to ask, what's the choice coming up? Can you talk about it?"
[07:34] <Demedais> "...It has to do with my training as a Kensai, and the oath I plan to swear to Helm upon... being worthy to do so." Demedais says slowly. "It... is possible it won't be as dramatic as I imagine it will be, but... you know me. I like backup plans." A bit of a wry chuckle, then, "I... also know I will have to give everything I have to eliminating this pretender Gnome god, even if he has been weakened by his sleep. I worry about what I might lose, doing that."
[07:40] <Kotono> "Well, I'm not going anywhere now. As long as you come home one day..." Pollyanna looks up to him, "You're going to fulfill your duty, defeat the god of the gnomes, and come back with plenty of life in you. I won't accept anything else. Will you?"
[07:42] <Demedais> "I..." Demedais hesitates a second, before looking to Pollyanna. "...No. I won't."
[07:42] <Kotono> With a smile, Pollyanna gently embraces Demedais. "Then, we don't have a problem, do we?"
[07:43] * Demedais returns the embrace. "...No, we don't. And now that the mood's been awkwardly restored, should we find dinner?"
[07:44] <Kotono> "Yes, let's." With that, Pollyanna starts to talk as she walks away. "How about stew? The Liberty Pointe Inn near the front gates has wonderful stew..." OOC - Do you want to wrap here with this scene, or do ou want to talk to Polly more? It's a good cut point if you're good on it.
[07:45] <Demedais> OOC: This is good. Deme said what he needed to.
[07:47] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Up for another scene?
[07:47] <Demedais> OOC: Sure.
[07:49] <Kotono> ---New scene! Also? Kokokokoko to you, too. KOOOO.---
[07:51] <Kotono> A day or two after previous events, Demedais rises early again. To the relief of many there are no children disturbing morning prayers. However, just before Demedais leaves for the garrison, he happens to be preparing in his room. This relative solitude is interrupted by quick knocks. "Sir Paladin Demedais?" It's the familiar voice of an acolyte, young and learning the ways of the faith.
[07:52] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais says cheerfully.
[07:53] <Kotono> "There is a man who wishes to see you. A servant of the God Torm." HIs voice is respectful, "He asked for you by name, sir."
[07:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 ...I should boost this sometime
[07:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 ...I should boost this sometime and gets 26."12 [1d20=19]
[07:59] <Demedais> "Please notify him I will be out in just a moment." Demedais says, quickly moving to don his robe.
[07:59] <Kotono> "Of course, sir Paladin." The acolyte can be heard hurrying off.
[08:00] * Demedais finishes gearing up and moves out to meet this servant of Torm.
[08:02] <Kotono> You find him waiting at the front, sitting at a pew. He wears good, battle worn armor and has a sturdy, robust face. A gauntlet is engraved at the front of his armor, a gauntleted hand offered as Demedais approaches. "Ah. Are you Demedais of the Crimson Guard?"
[08:04] * Demedais accepts the hand and shakes firmly. "Indeed. It is a rare pleasure for us to receive a servant of Torm here."
[08:06] <Kotono> "I've come from far enough to," he says with a deep rumble right back. "I come on business primarily, though I do hope to mix some pleasure into it. I assume there is a place to talk here?"
[08:08] * Demedais nods, before thinking for a second. "Would you like to speak here or at a local inn? This temple does not have very comfortable seats, but a nearby inn does."
[08:09] <Kotono> "The seats are of little concern," With a certain sternness in his voice that suits it well, "The business of Torm does not broker onto physical comfort..." But after that, he does pause. "Still, whichever you prefer. There are matters to discuss that are best kept away from public airs."
[08:12] * Demedais nods slightly, considering this. "Then it is best to go to the inn. We have little space to discuss anything here."
[08:15] <Kotono> With a nod, the trip begins. This passes without incident, the sights seen. Of a few elves setting out goods in the front display of the elven trade shop, then talking with a few lingering humans. Of a lackey-boy putting up brightly colored posters, proclaiming that magic is just a few(thousand) golden coins away at Countess Stronger's shop. Then of children in peasant smocks playing and running around up the hill as you pass by Countess Stro
[08:17] <Kotono> pass by Countess Stronger's shop, then the great dragon facade of the inn. (More)
[08:17] <Kotono> Throughout Demedais gets looks, salutes, waves and the like. Your guest watches all of this with a bemused smile, and as you enter the inn, "The stories I heard of the Crimson Guard are not exaggerated, if the people do not lie."
[08:20] <Demedais> "I suspect there is at least some exaggeration, but no one has bothered to tell the stories to me." Demedais says, gesturing the man into the inn, having responded to most of the salutes and waves with a nod and a slight smile.
[08:22] <Kotono> Inside to the warm and just opened inn, "Even seperating chaff from the wheat, the stories suggest you have battled more magical or superhuman creatures than I'll likely see in a lifetime of travel. That you've saved this city a dozen times over, from vampires, ghouls, dragons, hordes of goblins...""
[08:22] <Kotono> "Well, by you I mean the guard," He amends a moment later.
[08:25] <Demedais> "Trouble does seem to flock to this city, indeed. Fortunately, with Malmuth and Balmuria's peace, it seems that much of this will die down." Demedais nods, leading the fellow paladin to a side room, nodding to the current bartender/host on the way.
[08:26] <Kotono> You get a respectful nod back, the two soon in a quiet room. Once inside, "Apologies. My name is Eduard," he notes, "But...my business aside, an alarming matter of business came to my attention last night, one that troubles me greatly."
[08:26] <Demedais> "What is it?" Demedais inquires, curious.
[08:27] <Kotono> Eduard does not sit, instead standing at attention. "Last night, I paid visit to Alicia Renyes, another member of the Crimson Guard. We talked for some time of many matters, but near the end her ward came into the room." A pause, his expression very grave. "Her name is Antenora. Do you know of her?"
[08:28] <Demedais> "Quite frustratingly, yes." Demedais says. "And you most likely noticed that she was thoroughly evil, correct?"
[08:29] <Kotono> "I did. She made the hairs on my neck rise, in a way only mortal danger does. I looked at her for evil, and found such to radiate off of her like a strong plague." Looking on at Demedais, "What is the meaning of this matter?"
[08:32] * Olorin (~Khazad-du@207-118-26-90.dyn.centurytel.net) Quit (Death; an outmoded concept. We sleep, and we change.)
[08:32] <Demedais> "...She is a devil attempting to achieve redemption. Or at least that is what she states." Demedais says, with some controlled anger. "If anyone can guide that devil woman on the path to redemption, it is Alicia; indeed, from what I have seen, she is making progress in that regard. Still, I am not blind to the danger she represents. Alicia knows that I will cut Antenora down if I see any hint of betrayal, but... she felt compelled to attempt this, even if
[08:32] <Demedais> all it does is prove it is impossible. A duty of her own, if you will."
[08:36] <Kotono> "...I had judged her better than that. To change the heart of a devil? One may as well as the Loyal Fury to put aside his justice!" With alook of complete disbelief, "Is a devil not the very incarnation of evil itself? The ordered twin to the uncontrolled demons?" After a few moments, Eduard breathes out, then in, gathering. "How so? Crocodile tears? Sweetened words of desire? All while waiting, in the mists of two paladins?"
[08:41] <Demedais> "I am not fond of this situation, nor of the risk it presents, but to interfere in what she considers her duty is unacceptable to me." Demedais looks to Eduard, standing as well. "I myself did not expect her to do this. But. It is a duty she has chosen, and she has some reason to believe that Antenora can claim redemption. Frankly, my hands are tied in this regard; to kill Antenora will most likely cause Alicia's departure from the Crimson Guard, which wil
[08:41] <Demedais> l disrupt the best chance the Crimson Guard has of finishing the duty Helm has laid upon me." The anger is almost seething out of Demedais' voice by this point.
[08:43] <Demedais> "You've touched on my major problem right now. I must tolerate this devil's presence for now, and hope Alicia knows what she is doing. But she is incredibly skilled; as I have said before, if there is anyone capable of redeeming one, it is her. And I will be the blade to end Antenora if Alicia fails."
[08:43] <Kotono> Eudard gazes into Demedais' eyes with an unearthly, fearsome gaze. A gaze that could look on as a Erinyes melted into nothingness, his sword stained with it's lifeblood. "You speak of your duty and hers. You speak with conviction and your heart, without hesitation. If you radiated even a scrap of evil, I would draw my sword now. A devil living in our word freely...blasphemy!" His voice booms, but moderates as Demedais goes on. He takes anothe
[08:44] <Kotono> He takes another heavy breath, as...(More)
[08:46] <Kotono> "But...again, you speak of your duty. Perhaps...perhaps this is merely a foolish endevour, or perhaps..." Very slowly Eudard calms, some restraint returning. "I come from the far east, past Malmuth, from one of many city-states there, Kentani. I came for a reason; as garbled stories of the Crimson Guard reached us, my superior had a vision from Torm." (More)
[08:48] <Kotono> "The omen from Torm was this: A wave of crimson shall spill into a bay, and from that justice may come forth. That from that red bay, waves will spread from kingdom to kingdom."
[08:52] <Demedais> "She does not live freely, I assure you of that." Demedais says with grim humor, before listening to the vision, eyes closed. "...There are many ways that can be taken, based on the current situation..." With that, he begins to stare into space. "The prophecy your superior received is directly related to my duty. We seek to end a threat to this world, one sealed away long ago by the Gods. This world's failure to save itself and stop this threat... that is
[08:52] <Demedais> why the Gods have distanced themselves from us."
[09:02] <Kotono> "...I see. Thus, the problem in front of me worries my mind even more, then." With a grim determination in his voice, "You speak truly, servant of Helm?"
[09:04] <Demedais> "I do, Eduard of Torm." Demedais says.
[09:07] <Kotono> "I have been given much in a very short time," he says at last, "I had believed my duties here to be clear cut; however, now I feel a period of thought ahd prayer is in order."
[09:10] <Demedais> "That practically sums up my entire existence since I joined the Crimson Guard." Demedais wryly notes. "Very well. There is this inn, which a fellow member of the Crimson Guard owns; one of the mages who has assisted in effectively binding the devil. You may either stay here or at the temple; we do have a guest room there, as well."
[09:11] <Kotono> "I have already secured my own lodgings, but I thank you for your hospitality," Eudard rises at this, "I shall call on you soon...or perhaps, if Torm so guides me, we may meet on less favorable circumstances."
[09:14] <Demedais> "I sincerely hope it does not come to that," Demedais says, shaking his head, "...but if your duty calls you, then I would only request you keep my words in mind."
[09:17] <Kotono> With a brief nod, Eudard leaves th eroom and the presence of Demedais...OOC - Do you want to do anything in immediate reaction to that?
[09:19] <Demedais> OOC: ...well, hell. Deme will send a quick message to Alicia noting what has transpired, and meditate upon the meeting himself to see if Helm has any desire to weigh in, but is otherwise inclined to let Alicia and Eduard sort it out like hopefully civilized people. Maybe.