No. That one was...different. [ stop introducing complexities in this! ]
With the training, it was something in my mind. A battle simulation, if you will, with myself, other carnival members, and fellow soldiers from home against different enemies in different terrains and situations.
I won't lie and say it wasn't harrowing. But it was just training. I don't think he did it to be sadistic, just to whip me into shape.
[The Ringmaster has no idea if Ignatius received any satisfaction from doing something like that, but she certainly won't argue with Strange about it. He's the one that experienced it.]
I know what kind of spell you mean.
[She hesitates for a few moments longer.]
Do you want to talk to him? I don't think you should so soon, but... we may be stuck with him for a long while, now. I have no idea how I could release him without it bringing the carnival hell.
But I see no reason to make him unnecessarily uncomfortable... especially when he is far from the cruelest Court Fae we've encountered.
I do. Aside from the fact that I simply want to, it might be good for Ignatius to see someone at least slightly familiar. I'm your magician, but I'm also his wizard now.
Yes... I suppose that aspect of things was never fully taken care of.
[Strange is still bound to Ignatius, as much as he's bound to her. Nothing she has done changes that, besides putting Ignatius in a situation where he can't call in the service.]
That's actually something we need to talk about. You swore your service to him, without time constraints... that means that any time he calls on you, you'll be obligated to answer, no matter how many times he does it or for how long.
In comparison, your contract with me is almost up. When that happens... he'll have more claim to you than I do. And that won't go away, unless he releases you. Or... unless he dies for good.
[She's quiet for a beat.]
It sounds like you don't want that to happen. But, my only solution to him having power over you is to maintain power over him. I'm not sure that can be considered a permanent fix.
It isn't. So I suppose we'll just have to come to an agreement. [ which...is a terrible solution. But what else can Strange do? He doesn't want to be the sort of person to lord power over someone who doesn't have it. That's all too Portland of him. ]
I have a wife to return home to, after all. And I'm not going to abandon Arabella.
Of course. I understand that, at least, but Ignatius would certainly see leaving her as part of the sacrifice a soldier makes.
I'm... hoping with time, that he might come to see... something different about you, and us. I'm not sure if it's reasonable expectation, but I want to try.
I'm not very familiar with how those work... but I'll keep it in mind if I see anything it might be applicable for. For now, I've got to get some other things settled.
I'll see if you talking to him will be a viable option.
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With the training, it was something in my mind. A battle simulation, if you will, with myself, other carnival members, and fellow soldiers from home against different enemies in different terrains and situations.
I won't lie and say it wasn't harrowing. But it was just training. I don't think he did it to be sadistic, just to whip me into shape.
no subject
I know what kind of spell you mean.
[She hesitates for a few moments longer.]
Do you want to talk to him? I don't think you should so soon, but... we may be stuck with him for a long while, now. I have no idea how I could release him without it bringing the carnival hell.
But I see no reason to make him unnecessarily uncomfortable... especially when he is far from the cruelest Court Fae we've encountered.
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I do. Aside from the fact that I simply want to, it might be good for Ignatius to see someone at least slightly familiar. I'm your magician, but I'm also his wizard now.
[ which he's a bit resigned about. ]
no subject
[Strange is still bound to Ignatius, as much as he's bound to her. Nothing she has done changes that, besides putting Ignatius in a situation where he can't call in the service.]
That's actually something we need to talk about. You swore your service to him, without time constraints... that means that any time he calls on you, you'll be obligated to answer, no matter how many times he does it or for how long.
In comparison, your contract with me is almost up. When that happens... he'll have more claim to you than I do. And that won't go away, unless he releases you. Or... unless he dies for good.
[She's quiet for a beat.]
It sounds like you don't want that to happen. But, my only solution to him having power over you is to maintain power over him. I'm not sure that can be considered a permanent fix.
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I have a wife to return home to, after all. And I'm not going to abandon Arabella.
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I'm... hoping with time, that he might come to see... something different about you, and us. I'm not sure if it's reasonable expectation, but I want to try.
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I still have my boon from creation. I doubt I'll ever use it on myself, but if there's anything it can do to help you or Ignatius, simply tell me.
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I'll see if you talking to him will be a viable option.
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[ there's a pause...before Strange realizes OH WAIT, there's something else he wanted to tell RM. ]
Ignatius was looking for Lazuli, by the way. I can't remember what for.