[Junior had the tendency to move around silently, almost like a ghost, even without the use of his power. Maybe that's why he's able to catch Hickey as he slips a chisel into his pocket.]
Hello.
[He stays far enough away as he speaks as to not potentially get swung upon--though he isn't particularly afraid of that prospect, either.]
[ Hickey startles, but only just. He has the composure to hide it well—although Junior will likely notice the slight jolt at the sudden voice, his hand slipping the chisel into his coat a little faster.
He turns, greeting Junior with a smile. ]
Hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure?
[ Maybe Junior's just here for arts and crafts, but no. He's probably here to hang out with his best buddy, Mr. Hickey. ]
[If he remembers correctly, Hickey had a chisel on him at the last trial, too. Like him, he must be comfortable with weapons that could be easily concealed.]
But now that we're here...could I talk to you about something?
[ There's a long pause before Hickey answers. His mouth twists into a grin. ]
I haven't decided, though I've thought on it. If he means to send us all back where we've come from at the end of this, I'll need any advantage I can get.
[But it was definitely on his mind. Something to think about. After the talk they'd had when they first arrived, Junior was confident that Hickey wouldn't be surprised at Junior's potential willingness to take a life.]
After what you described about your situation, I had a feeling that you might be interested. A wish would likely go a long way, for you.
[Junior's quiet for a moment as he wanders toward the area of the workshop that sports different textiles. Idly, he picks up a knitting needle and considers the weight and sturdiness of it. So many small objects in this place could do damage, in the right hands.]
I don't know. Someone asked me that once, back home. I told her I didn't have anything to wish for. But now, I'm not so sure.
[It was...confusing. There were so many different things to consider.]
I don't want to do anything until I know for sure what I'd even ask for. Do you think one wish would be enough?
Smart, going straight to source. You're quite resourceful.
[ Hickey turns his own attention to the tools littering the workshop. So much here to get creative with... Ish must have done this on purpose. There's the weapons room, sure, but that's so obvious. ]
I suppose the key is getting away with it, then. A difficult task for one man alone.
[Junior nods again. Just like how he'd kept his back to the wall in the banquet hall during their first meeting, there's an aura about him that even when his eyes aren't on Hickey, his guard isn't down.]
I thought about that, too. Theoretically, we don't have to get away with it. He'll still grant our wishes if we get caught, on the condition that we don't admit to what we've done during the trial...because he wants his show.
[Of course...]
I'd assume if we were wishing for something that we'd need to be alive to receive, this doesn't really matter. I was just curious what he'd say about it.
Even so, if I'm going to take a life for a wish, I'd prefer to be alive to receive it.
[ He keeps his voice measured, but Junior may be able to tell regardless that his mind is working away. ]
But staying undetected through one of Ish's carnivals is possible enough. None among us seem particularly skilled detectives... Throwing them off your scent would be simple with the right preparation. And perhaps the right allies.
[Hickey had already hinted at it, and Junior had been pretty sure he understood what was being proposed. Now it's certain. He gives his full attention, turning away from the different implements on display in the workshop.]
[ What luck, that he was able to find someone like-minded so quickly here. And from the outside, it must look like an odd pairing. Good. That will suit them, should either of them need to call upon each other.
As for the request, he hums and makes a gesture with his hand. Go on, he's listening. ]
An Lili, Clover, and Hwylryn, from my suite. Leave them out of any plans you make. If you go after anyone else, I'll help cover your tracks to the best of my ability.
[It would be useful to have that effort reciprocated, if he found himself in the same position.]
[Junior considers him carefully for a long few seconds...but then nods and accepts the handshake. His hand is small in Hickey's, but he still holds on fiercely.]
[ Excellent. A hearty shake, and the pact is sealed. ]
Allies.
[ With that settled, he purses his lips. There's not much of a plan to share yet, but... ]
I won't move this week, though. Best to wait and use the time to strategize. In the meantime, let's keep our distance, yeah? We don't want to draw attention to ourselves.
w1; monday evening; workshop
Hello.
[He stays far enough away as he speaks as to not potentially get swung upon--though he isn't particularly afraid of that prospect, either.]
no subject
He turns, greeting Junior with a smile. ]
Hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure?
[ Maybe Junior's just here for arts and crafts, but no. He's probably here to hang out with his best buddy, Mr. Hickey. ]
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I'm just looking around, really.
[If he remembers correctly, Hickey had a chisel on him at the last trial, too. Like him, he must be comfortable with weapons that could be easily concealed.]
But now that we're here...could I talk to you about something?
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Of course. What's on your mind?
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Are you going to take Ish up on his offer?
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I haven't decided, though I've thought on it. If he means to send us all back where we've come from at the end of this, I'll need any advantage I can get.
[ His head tips as he considers Junior. ]
Are you?
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[But it was definitely on his mind. Something to think about. After the talk they'd had when they first arrived, Junior was confident that Hickey wouldn't be surprised at Junior's potential willingness to take a life.]
After what you described about your situation, I had a feeling that you might be interested. A wish would likely go a long way, for you.
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[ Though what exactly that wish might be remains to be seen. He has options... ]
Murder is a small price to pay for such a prize, at least for the likes of us. What would you wish for?
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I don't know. Someone asked me that once, back home. I told her I didn't have anything to wish for. But now, I'm not so sure.
[It was...confusing. There were so many different things to consider.]
I don't want to do anything until I know for sure what I'd even ask for. Do you think one wish would be enough?
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Depends on the wish, but likely not.
[ ... ]
Do you think the reward has a one-time limit? More deaths may amount to more wishes, if that's what you're after.
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[For now, he puts the knitting needle back where he found it.]
I asked him. He said he'll honor up to three kills for three wishes.
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Smart, going straight to source. You're quite resourceful.
[ Hickey turns his own attention to the tools littering the workshop. So much here to get creative with... Ish must have done this on purpose. There's the weapons room, sure, but that's so obvious. ]
I suppose the key is getting away with it, then. A difficult task for one man alone.
[ His eyes once again shift back to Junior. ]
no subject
I thought about that, too. Theoretically, we don't have to get away with it. He'll still grant our wishes if we get caught, on the condition that we don't admit to what we've done during the trial...because he wants his show.
[Of course...]
I'd assume if we were wishing for something that we'd need to be alive to receive, this doesn't really matter. I was just curious what he'd say about it.
no subject
[ He keeps his voice measured, but Junior may be able to tell regardless that his mind is working away. ]
But staying undetected through one of Ish's carnivals is possible enough. None among us seem particularly skilled detectives... Throwing them off your scent would be simple with the right preparation. And perhaps the right allies.
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Do you want to be allies?
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It would benefit the both of us, to have each other's backs in a situation such as this.
[ He takes a few steps toward his little friend, lowering his voice. ]
I need that wish, Junior, if I have any hope of survival beyond this game.
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[Junior still didn't know what he wanted, if a wish would benefit him or not. But if Hickey was going to kill someone...]
I have a request.
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[ What luck, that he was able to find someone like-minded so quickly here. And from the outside, it must look like an odd pairing. Good. That will suit them, should either of them need to call upon each other.
As for the request, he hums and makes a gesture with his hand. Go on, he's listening. ]
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[It would be useful to have that effort reciprocated, if he found himself in the same position.]
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I'll leave them be. You have my word.
[ He holds out a hand. Shake on it? ]
I'll do the same for you, should you decide to get your hands dirty as well.
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All right. Allies, then.
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Allies.
[ With that settled, he purses his lips. There's not much of a plan to share yet, but... ]
I won't move this week, though. Best to wait and use the time to strategize. In the meantime, let's keep our distance, yeah? We don't want to draw attention to ourselves.