Skyline's Freedom

Characters: ReadySalted, Skyline, Of\_Deep, Neon, Obligated Oasis

Location: Public chat, Direct Messages

Date: 5 August 2021

**ReadySalted**

Anyone who doesn’t talk in morse code online?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

**:**cheers:

**ReadySalted**
Hey

How’s your trip going?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

pretty good, really, though the folks here can be kinda dicks

that ain't unusual though

**ReadySalted**

Yeah. At least you’re out and visiting someone I guess

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

yeah.

**Of\_Deep**

I am also online.

**ReadySalted**

Uh, hi, I guess

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

yaaaaaaaaaaay city murderer

**Of\_Deep**

Murder implies that it was not just.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

City killer, then, jeeze

**Of\_Deep**

I was not significantly annoyed by the matter. It simply seemed something to say.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Were you *slightly* annoyed?

**Of\_Deep**

Not particularly.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Why not just say no then?

**Of\_Deep**

I would rather not be proven wrong by one means or another, and there is likely some minor amount of annoyance that I felt concerning it.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Hah!

**ReadySalted**

lol

**Of\_Deep**

I take it you feel well, then, Skyline?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Could be worse.

And it's nice to not have to do my usual work for a bit.

**Of\_Deep**

Such a break can indeed be rather relaxing.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Kinda weird, though? Figuring out what to do with myself without it.

**Of\_Deep**

Perhaps you could spend the time determining what it is you would prefer to do in general, even beyond the period of this vacation.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

What's the point, though? I have to go back, afterward. And they're probably not going to ever let go of me, really.

Maybe my Binder'll die, I guess. But the people *he* works for?

**Of\_Deep**

That depends upon a number of things.

Among other possibilities is, as you have mentioned, simply outliving your binder and his.

Or perhaps it might be arrangable for you to leave their service, for the correct price.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

And then what? Get snatched up by someone else?

I'm *useful.*

**Of\_Deep**

That depends upon your skill, and the cunning of those who would seek to bind you, I suppose.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Hah. I'm really fucking good, but see, I eat *corpses.*

And Practitioners... idk, Practitioner stuff feels like cheating, sometimes.

**Of\_Deep**

That can seem true of magic as a whole, as well.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Yeah. I'm good at what I do. But what the heck can I do about people who can chase around Connections, or see the future, or, hell, set *other* Others on me?

So.

**Of\_Deep**

You are a creature of death, are you not? With emphasis on evasion and escape.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

D'you know what'd happen to me if they knew you were saying this to me?

**NeonPunk**

> What's the point, though? I have to go back, afterward. And they're probably not going to ever let go of me, really.

What?!

**Of\_Deep**

Have you considered that you might well be able to learn such magics as to help you accomplish a number of those things?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

... yeah, I think this is a bad talk. But cheers, I guess.

Bye.

**NeonPunk**

No, wait :(

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

What?

**NeonPunk**

whatever, good morning, I guess

**Of\_Deep**

Take good care of each other, young ones.

**NeonPunk**

> Or perhaps it might be arrangable for you to leave their service, for the correct price.

Correct price?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

... Don't be a fucking idiot.

**NeonPunk**

Would it be like, a favor? Or money?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

*Neon*. Don't be actually stupid.

**Of\_Deep**

> Correct price?

What that might be could vary greatly depending upon her binder's wants and desires. I imagine it would not be a small thing, to let go of one such as her.

**NeonPunk**

Of course not, she's great

> *Neon*. Don't be actually stupid.

Oof, ok, ok

I just didn't know what that was about, sorry

**Obligated Oasis**

Those can be dangerous words to someone tightly bound.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Just... it'd be a lot, and I am *not* asking that of you.

**NeonPunk**

You know, you wouldn't need to ask :(

I mean, probably I wouldn't be able to afford it, but like, you know, at least I wanted to know

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Have you gone actually *insane?*

**NeonPunk**

Maybe

I hope not

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Just... leave it. Its safer that way.

**Obligated Oasis**

Is safer necessarily what's better?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Fuck off.

**NeonPunk**

Fuck off, You fae or fae by product

**ReadySalted**

third fuck off, that makes it more powerful right?

**NeonPunk**

Thanks :)

**ObligatedOasis**

In this case you're only saying the second if they are addressed to me.

And, dear Skyline, my offer is rescinded. It seems I misjudged you as worthy of my effort or time.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

🖕

**ReadySalted**

Douchebag

**Of\_Deep**

Hmm.

🛖

**ObligatedOasis**

I had offered Skyline my help for a cost far lower than I would normally ask for. She proceeded to slight me, scarcely two hours later.

**Of\_Deep**

Unfortunate.

**NeonPunk**

Oasis, fuck you

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

Can't deal with a bit of swearing, seriously?

**ObligatedOasis**

If that is how I am treated for offering advise after offering help, I do not believe them worth the effort. Perhaps they'll prove that wrong, I doubt it.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

I don't need your help, and I don't need your fucking advice, so. Go to hell.

**NeonPunk**

Help from the fae is usually not worth it, imo

Even if you're not a fae you still seem as shit

**Of\_Deep**

Not all individuals are as inclined to not take insult to insults, as I am.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

Maybe they should get some thicker fucking skin, huh?

**Of\_Deep**

To what end? They are under no obligation to continue to aid or even speak with you.

**NeonPunk**

I have thick skin :)

Well, more like tattoos, I guess

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

And they really fucking shouldn't. Doesn't mean it mightn't help *them*

Or they can get pissy over being told to fuck off

**Of\_Deep**

A measure of politeness could be of use to you, as well, and yet I cannot ever recall you having chosen to learn such a thing.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

Then I guess I'll continue to piss folks off, won't I?

**Of\_Deep**

Given that you acknowledge this, it seems rather strange that you would be annoyed that they were, as you say, pissed.

**NeonPunk**

Sometimes people overreact to insults

Those are obnoxious

**Of\_Deep**

This is true.

**ReadySalted**

Hear hear

**Of\_Deep**

And yet there is a difference between reaction and overreaction, is there not?

**NeonPunk**

Like there was one time I told a goblin that his breath smelled like poop and he got so angry that he tried to blow the gas station he was living at

Like I expected a goblin to handle insults better, you know?

**Of\_Deep**

I would expect so.

**NeonPunk**

Also should mention, he was like 2 ft tall

Kinda funny

**Of\_Deep**

I would point out that telling what amounts to an internet stranger to leave in insulting manner is a different matter to insulting the breath of a goblin, however.

**NeonPunk**

Is it unwarranted tho?

**Of\_Deep**

Is it?

**NeonPunk**

So neither of us know? Cool

**Of\_Deep**

I did not ask to suggest that I did not have an answer. I asked to encourage you yourself to answer.

**NeonPunk**

Well, I would say it isn't

Fucker probably has ulterior motives

Fae and those who work with them usually do, imo

**Of\_Deep**

Many of us here have ulterior motives. You do in your actions here today, as well, if I judge correctly.

Are those motives necessarily bad, or evil?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline**

Don't have to be shitty to get people killed.

**NeonPunk**

Am I not being straightforward?

**Of\_Deep**

Straightforwardness does not preclude motive.

**NeonPunk**

You seem to be under the impression that I know what preclude means

**Of\_Deep**

Simply that one can be straightforward in their presentation and still have ulterior motivations for their actions. Emotion is a common example of such.

**NeonPunk**

I mean, one can't simply show too much emotion trough messages, right?

So I use emojis :)

😁

**Of\_Deep**

I imagine a great deal of emotion can be shared through these words on a screen.

**ReadySalted**

Emojis can be neat

**For then the sky did fall**

Words seem very limited.

Thinking is quicker, more descriptive.

**Of\_Deep**

Both of you are correct. It can be difficult to judge the true intents of the heart and mind, even in face to face interactions.

**DM from ShadowOnTheSkyline to Of\_Deep**

D'you know, I'm pretty sure that if my Binder ever looks in this phone now, I might actually die?

**Of\_Deep**

Allow me to clarify here then, that not only do I take responsibility for those words and actions regarding the possibility of your freedom, but also that much of what was said there in that time is general advice that might apply to any in the service of another.
Indeed, you did not seek out my advice in the matter, either, I simply chose to share it.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Eh, what's the fucking point? Not what I was asking for. Just, like. D'you *get* the issue? With telling me that I can get out? With suggesting to *Neon* that I can be *gotten* out? Do you get what that can *do* to someone? How that can *end?*

**Of\_Deep**

I indeed understand. Hence my clarification above, which might alleviate at least a portion of the risk to your person.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Its not just *saying* that. Its what the fuck you're getting people thinking. What if she fucking *does* do some stupid shit and tries to get me out? What if someone *else* tries to slip their Binds and gets themselves or someone else killed or fucking worse? Like, *fuck*

**Of\_Deep**

Many of those individuals, particularly those who might find a place such as this one, likely have considered such an option previously regardless, as I imagine you have. In regards to Neon, would you have me speak to them regarding the matter?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

*No!* No no no!

I doubt she'd listen to you. Heck, you might fucking encourage her, and I don't think she needs *that.*

And yeah. See, that considering is what makes it worse, y'know? Because now I'm turning it over in my head again, and I have to keep *reminding myself* that I shouldn't dare, that I shouldn't fucking even hope for it, because the consequences of fucking that up are *not fucking small.* I have to keep telling myself that I *shouldn't fucking try it* because otherwise I might actually think its possible for a minute.

And that's not safe. That's worse than not safe. Do you *know* what they do to people? What's done to a fucking traitor is generally karmically justified!

**Of\_Deep**

The obligations of oaths are indeed far harder to escape than the simple binding of circumstances, and for that I apologize. Consider instead, if it pleases you, how you might develop and grow in power, that you might become better able to act, at least within the bounds of your bindings.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Hah. Y'know, that's how I talked myself out for just a bit? Suggesting I could fix myself up a bit. Be more useful for them. So I guess I'm stuck working on that.

I do good work. I do. I tell myself that over and over, and its not a lie. But my fucking Binder works for fucking Heartless, and what's the fucking point, really? Is he really ever going to let me do something *meaningfully damaging to them?* If I get better at what I do, who's to say he won't just use me against someone less of a fucking asshole?

My own skill is what keeps me alive, but fuck, I'm pretty sure its what's damning me to this shit.

**Of\_Deep**

Such is the unfortunate circumstance of many, I imagine.

I am curious. is it truly your binder which is harsh towards you, or the intent of the heartless above him whom pressure him to behave in certain manner?

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

What does it matter to me? Whyever he does what he does, I don't think I'll ever find out. And I don't think *he* can get out either, regardless.

**Of\_Deep**

Regardless, take heart. For there are certainly those who would aid and care for you. Neon, certainly, among them.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

For however long that lasts, I guess.

**Of\_Deep**

I would not be surprised if she should be your ally, and perhaps more, for a great deal of time.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Guess I'll have to do something about that eventually, then.

**Of\_Deep**

You may try. Neon seems a resilient one, and not easily rebuffed.

**ShadowOnTheSkyline (Ghoul)**

Hah. Bye.

**Of\_Deep**

Fare well, Skyline. Take care of yourself and those you care for.

**NeonPunk**

**DM to Of\_Deep**

Ok so do you think it's possible I can buy her freedom?

**Of\_Deep**

I find it unlikely. Most things are possible, however.

**NeonPunk**

I could have some resources to exchange, some big stuff

I mean, that would probably cost me *a lot* but, you know

I think it's worth it

I would just have to... Idk, convince her?

**Of\_Deep**

Young one. I appreciate your love for your companion. But consider why all this might be a difficult option, assuming the best of circumstances. Why do you think it is that she is hesitant to leave?

**NeonPunk**

Scared for her friends? Or to get killed herself? Or worse? I know they deal with some dangerous people

Ugh IDK, did she told you anything?

**Of\_Deep**

She has.

**NeonPunk**

And?

Is there another reason?

**Of\_Deep**

Consider this. What happens to Maybee should she leave?

**NeonPunk**

Yeah, that's what I meant with her being scared for her friends

Ugh

Why do thinks have to be so hard

**Of\_Deep**

How much do you really imagine purchasing one such as her would be?

**NeonPunk**

A lot

And I mean a lot

Probably would cost me years of work

Who knows, maybe I would be twice my age or more when I would get to pay it in full

**Of\_Deep**

You are likely not incorrect. Indeed, it may cost yet more, as she is not likely to cease being useful even should her current master suffer and die, if I understand her station correctly.

I do not imagine she would be pleased with you, should you do this.

**NeonPunk**

But would that make her happier?

**Of\_Deep**

Perhaps, perhaps not. Her position would be different, but would it be better? To have obtained her freedom, but having left friends and allies trapped in those same bindings?

**NeonPunk**

Would she need to leave them?

Still, idk, I really don't have a plan, just... Ideas, you know?

I would have to talk with her anyways, I don't want to do something she wouldn't like

Or do it without her knowing

Ugh

This is hard

**Of\_Deep**

Indeed.

If you should desire aid in considering such options in the future, I am willing to aid you. I would not seek payment for it, as I do not consider such necessary.

**NeonPunk**

Thanks for the offer

I'll have to think about this

And I also would have to talk to sky as well

For now I'm a bit tired, too much stuff going on

**Of\_Deep**

Reasonable.