#♢ — ❛ science is the only thing worth my time ❜ ( main verse )

[fatedevour]

continued from here with @gunnhildred

It was impossible to determine the nature of Dottore's actions in the same way that it was impossible to determine the nature of an animal's or a force of nature. Was he doing something out of a rare spark of kindness? For an EXPERIMENT? Simply because he could? Does an animal kill for food or pleasure? Or simply because it can? Anyone could make an argument for any option regardless of if it was Dottore or the animal that was at the heart of the debate.

" I DIDN'T kill him. " Dottore remarks in a rather matter-of-fact tone while gazing down to the mangled form of Albert that laid on the ground between them. " He's still quite conscious. " Here he pauses. " Well. Perhaps he might need an INCENTIVE to return to his full senses. But his vitals are within ACCEPTABLE parameters by all medical standards. "

That was not to say he wasn't in POOR shape though. Indeed, this Albert looked like he'd been in the jaws of a Rishboland Tiger. He doesn't so much as glance downwards when Albert gives a pathetic noise. Should he have removed this man's vocal cords? It would have been EASY enough, though he knew quite well the man's throat would not be capable of recovery for a long while as it was even now..

The harbinger turns towards Jean, tilting his head as if PIZZLED at her expression of distaste. ( With the mask on, it is hard to decipher his exact expression, but it is a gesture he often makes when inquiring to another's perspective - she should know it well. ) " You are not satisfied with this outcome. " A clinical observation as he turns his head towards the man he's dropped at her feet. " Though I FAIL to see why this is displeasing when he is a source of rage. " Those in Snezhnaya or even the deserts of Sumeru would welcome such an offering.

" Does knowing he is not dead and not quite yet in danger of dying change your feelings? " Dottore inquires, as it were a questionnaire to gather information from a subject. Perhaps she was upset at not having the opportunity to inflict the lethal wounds herself. He finds this DOUBTFUL though. " Would you prefer I do something else? I suppose I could make him more USEFUL if that is more to your tastes. " A poor specimen for any experiment, but he could be used somehow.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @sungracd ​asked:  " i'm not frightened. "

RELENTLESS MELT STARTERS

" No? How FASCINATING. It would seem that would make you part of the minority here. " Dottore remarks, his deep voice carrying through the near empty walls of the church as he stands in the doorway of a holy space that his mere presence DESECRATES. " Mondstadt and its people have no love for the Fatui after all. "

Although Dottore's reputation was a rather COMPLICATED one. After all, he was the one who slayed Ursa and granted peace to the lands of Mondstadt. For that, he is both hero and monster. Hundreds of men had tried to slay Ursa with no success. What kind of monster was Dottore that he could single-handedly slay the beast? There was admiration as much as there was FEAR in the same way that people could admire and fear the apex predators of the world. Dottore was like the monster that feasted upon those predators who had no inkling to what being PREY was like.

There was also that matter of him being a Fatui Harbinger; the second one if he is precise. ( Or rather, many hims as the second, but PRIME carried the main title. ) That alone brought a lot of conflict. Rage, fear, distrust.

So how do people make peace with the conflict of hero and enemy? The same way an animal does — that is to say, whatever promotes survival. In this case, as in many cases, it is fear that reigns supreme. After all, humans, despite their proclamations otherwise, were just animals themselves at their cores. Nature dictates that creatures do what will facilitate survival.

" That is not necessarily a BAD thing. Merely unusual. " It's also worth noting that she might be a thorn in his side. " I assure you, my intentions were nothing so childlike as to invoke fear. It's been quite a LONG time since I've been in Mondstadt. I was curious to see its changes in the years while I'm here for diplomatic reasons. " It was a true statement, though the REASON for such curiosity was anything but innocent or benevolent.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @ninebow ​ asked:  "I do know I don’t want anyone else to die."

14 WAYS TO DIE SENTENCES

   “  How very dutiful of you. I’d expect NOTHING else of the General Mahamatra.  You take matters and your duties quite seriously. It is a REFRESHING sight compared to the inane idiocy of many here who barely put in any effort to what they’re tasked to do.  “

   Dottore’s voice was calm and even, steady despite how many would often cower aware from Cyno if they even heard a whisper. But why should he? In all legality, there was NOTHING that could truly be used against him. No evidence that would hold itself, and even that which he had done, well,  there was no actual proof even if everyone knew it to be true. As far as the second Harbinger was concerned, Cyno was a PRIME example of why morals and ethics were such cages, why always being law-abiding was far from an optimal state to be in. Not that Dottore would have cared REGARDLESS of the status.

   “  But I should hope that you do understand the world cares very LITTLE for what people want. People die, young or old or in their prime. Illness, war, murder, HUMAN STUPIDITY, countless reasons for it all. Even should someone give word that there’d be no harm done, that doesn’t mean someone won’t be the cause of their own downfall through sheer ignorance. Say, falling in a spike bit or countless other matters?  “

   He knows very WELL that such is not what is being intended by the words spoken to him. But he’s not blind and going to acknowledge the remark as if it was directly intended for him. No one had swayed his opinion on it before, Cyno would not now either.  “  I suggest reducing your wants to a desire to protect. The fall will be less harsh that way.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @gunnhildred​​​​ asked:  ❝ you can never trust a monster. ❞  But I trust you.

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   With a face concealed beneath his usual mask, it’s hard to say PRECISE expression might be on his face. But his head tilts to the right, like a bird observing something odd, like a scientist whose found something intriguing enough to dissect beneath his eye ( and scalpel - if it wasn’t for the fact it was something VERBAL rather than PHYSICAL. )

   “  Why?  “  Dottore inquires without hesitation. Someone else might have given pause. Such a statement to not trust monsters was rather universally accepted. But Dottore was brash and bold. If he disagreed, he would say so unless something more desirable was influenced to keep him in line and his mouth shut. Here, there wasn’t that. So naturally he spoke.

   “  I disagree. I think MONSTERS are perhaps the most TRUSTWORTHY of anything.  “  It’s a counter that he doesn’t intend to hide from.  “  You know what a monster is. You can trust a monster to be a monster. Be it in the literal animalistic sense, or simply in title.  “  He lifts one hand, palm upwards to further his point.  “  You may ultimately be DISAPPOINTED at it, but in the end, if a monster proves itself to be exactly that, no one is SURPRISED by it. Am I wrong? “

   It was a shame, one day, these talks would inevitably end. He found them surprisingly enjoyable in a way he hadn’t experienced in decades. But, A MONSTER WAS A MONSTER. He was one through and through according to humanity.

   He lifts his head.  “  Monsters cannot escape their titles. They’re like scars. Even if a monster DID genuinely change, there would always be people who doubt it. Beast or person. Such is the way of the human mind. Distrustful of anything once deemed as OTHER.  “

   He watches, keen eyes CURIOUS to how she will decide to answer him.  “  I find the least trustworthy those who seem like they’ve NEVER done anything wrong.  “  He frowns slightly.  “  Well. In this hypothetic situation. More accurately I look at records and reports but, never mind that.  “  His hand waves before folding across his chest.  

   “  When THEY do something, no one expects it. For example, you wouldn’t expect for a little lamb to do anything wrong. Which makes anything they do all the more dangerous. They have people’s trust and faith, and therefore can inflict GREATER harm than a monster could, if more so psychologically than physically, again depending on context.  Think about it. If the most trustworthy, innocent person you know did something horrible, it would be more heartbreaking and shocking than if, say, a fatui member did it. They probably wouldn’t even cross your mind unless there was witnesses or evidence, right?  They can be the infection in the bloodstream so to speak.  No one suspects it till it’s too late. But if a monster is indeed a monster, well, you can trust it to be a monster."

   He allows a moment of silence in reflective thought.  “  It’s strange. As a whole, humans strive for the idea of doing no wrong and hurting no one ever. Yet, most would suspect someone or something appearing as such to simply be hiding the truth or something more sinister. But humans are rather contradictory by nature.  ”   Finally, Dottore settles with a small shrug.  “  I’d take a monster any day. Plus if it is a creature, it’s a valuable learning opportunity.  “  Even if it was a person it could be, but he kept that to himself. 

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​ asked: "happy valentines day, zandik. what did you get for me, hm?~" i'm sure dottore already almost finished that box of fontaine high quality chocolates. 

a very overdue response on my part.

  Pantalone’s smile is nothing short of a carefully crafted executioner’s blade and Dottore knows he is not safe from it. Ah. That explained the rather UNPROMPTED gift. Or so it had been in Dottore’s eyes. He’d noticed it of course. But the rather obvious telling sign by shape had been dismissed as nothing more than that bakery’s particular taste in design. Pantalone was ALWAYS getting needlessly decorated and fancy foods and gifts and items that often had fancy shaped packaging, wrapping, or boxes. He was HARDLY to blame for not initially realizing it. 

   Red eyes flick towards the box of chocolates that he had been picking at. Rationed - albeit inherently less so when multiple SELVES helped to a piece of the especially bitter and dark chocolate to help keep them awake. Dottore was quite certain they were CUSTOM ; he doubted many places there would sell chocolates to the bitterness level that Dottore liked. Most were absurdly sweet, and while he might indulge sweetness now and again, that amount would never be WELL RECEIVED.

   The last of the bite of chocolate that he’d had on his tongue was melting and his attention shifts from packaging to the banker himself.  “  Even IF I had, wouldn’t it merely have been dismissed or mocked? After all, it is such a COMMERCIALIZED holiday that the gestures are nothing but empty motions people go through. You’re practically swimming in them from what I hear and saw.”  Well, Delta had seen but the point stood all the same.  “  If I got you something merely for today because of social pressure, which we both know are all but USELESS on me, it’d be classified as a gesture done by obligation rather than choice, would it not?  “  He lifts an eyebrow slightly as if challenging Pantalone to DISAGREE with his assessment.  “  And you LOATHE that.  Or am I mistaken in that you find an OBLIGATED day of affection rather romantic compared to a spontaneous one?  “

  Really, it was all a very elaborate way of saying he had done nothing. But they WERE points he was standing by.  “  I was wondering what that was about though, or what you were about to demand of me to gift something ahead of time.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —     @bogachs​​ said: "you've significantly improved since the last time we've done this. i'm impressed, docteur. perhaps i'll make a gentleman of you yet." them slow dancing 🥺

UNPROMPTED ASKS: ALWAYS ACCEPTING!

   Any GENUINE compliment from the sharp tongued Regrator was a rarity that might rival any of the absurd priceless artifacts he horded in his chambers like a dragon on its horde. Perhaps Dottore should value it more. But of course, he does not.  There is quantitative data to support Pantalone’s statement, so the comment is nothing but a mere fact that has been vocalized. It is as cold as the steel of his labs and the metal of his machines. 

   The truth of the matter was such: Dottore had always been far more attentive of the instruction that he displayed or acknowledged when Pantalone gave it. If he gave too much, Pantalone would nag incessantly, latching onto his progress and demanding more. Decidedly NOT acting eventually led to irritation - but he wasn’t nagged about it at least. Tonight puts forth more of the TRUTH. That he has LEARNED because he is who he is, and inevitably he learns. Mainly only what interests him. (  So why then has he learned something as mundane as this? He will not answer or acknowledge that thought.  Merely hums an acknowledgement of Pantalone’s comment on his improvement.  )

   “  Don’t get ahead of yourself, Pantalone.  “  Dottore answers, a rumble of his deep voice from his chest breaking the silence he’s held until now. But for now he entertains Pantalone’s silly delights with perfect timing and slow but calculated steps and sways to the slow music that wraps around them like ivy around ancient trees. 

   “  I think I’ll leave all the gentleman and proper etiquette trivia and details to you.  “  He had no such desire for learning it, even if he knew Pantalone would inevitably lecture him on matters sooner or later. Probably sooner if they went out to ear at one of those pompous restaurants he so favored. Only for image, as far as Dottore can tell, which makes no sense to his logic. Why go out at all in that case? But Pantalone will just spout some garbage if he asks. He’d made that mistake once before and gotten a headache after.

   Dottore wraps a hand around Pantalone’s back, leading him into the slow dip at the next section of the song, and only then flashes a grin that screams of danger and barely contained madness that blends with brilliance.  “  Besides, you don’t like me for all that nonsense, or we wouldn’t be here.  “  he adds, matter of fact and without hesitation.  If Pantalone wanted someone as dull as that, he could have his pick of nearly anyone. But they weren’t the ones that got to kiss him, or see the ugly he hid under this pretty porcelain mask, they only tasted poisoned honey and thought they were being pampered.

   The Second Harbinger leans closer, teasingly close yet achingly far away.  “  That, my dear regrator, you can only entertain yourself with in your dreams. But the waking world is far more entertaining, don’t you think?  “  He poses the question before he’s gently bringing Pantalone back up and flowing into the next part of the song - without falter like he had the last time.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @ncrthlandbank​​​​ asked:  ❝ You missed your medicine. ❞ [ from nadia; and by medicine she means food which she has brought to him and a letter securing more funds for experiments ]

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   The sounds of a pen against paper come to a halt at the sudden interruption that breaks the silence of his temporary lab. (Silence, only in that the noises have become background noises rather than anything he actively acknowledges or notices.)  It’s actually quite STRANGE to have someone approach him besides- well, himself. In his labs in Snezhnaya, everyone does their best to AVOID that wing of the palace. You never knew who might get pulled in. ( Quite an over reaction for ONE time he’d plucked an unfortunate fellow. It was that idiot’s fault he hadn’t followed instructions and gotten himself killed where he otherwise would have been fine.  )

   “  I see.  “  An awkward response, because Dottore isn’t quite sure HOW to respond or react to food being brought to him. Or the fact she had even noticed. He often fell into the habit of neglecting biological necessities when he was fixated on something in particular as was the case now.

   But the smell of cooked meat finally makes his stomach growl, and the note in hand earns a slight interest as he holds out his hand for it. He cares little for the decorum of opening letters properly - only careful enough to not rip whatever contents might be inside. Of which are apparently GOOD news judging by the sharp tooth grin that appears on his features after a quick scan. He supposes, with such good news, he could afford to take a break to actually eat.

   “  Thank you for this. “  A heartbeat passes.  “  For both things actually.  “  he corrects himself, or rather offers ELABORATION to her for what was actually meant. It wasn’t a necessity of hers nor an assigned duty as far as HE was aware. Dottore certainly hadn’t given such an order, though if another harbinger had or it was her own choices, only she knew between the two of them.

[fatedevour]

   “  I see.  “  It’s not helpful, but if nothing else, it is PROOF of his success. Dottore has ripped apart and reassembled this puppet hundreds of times ( or RECEIVED him broken and put him back together - Dottore isn’t the SOLE cause contrary to expected belief ) but it is not without PROGRESS. Temporary suffering for strong skills and abilities. It is not a FRUITLESS endeavor. Few things are with Dottore. His insatiable hunger for knowledge was a monster that threatened to devour the very world around them with his BURNING want to strive beyond. Scaramouche got something from it, Dottore got knowledge, so all in all, it was quite the handy arrangement.

   Except that the Jester was sending him more and more to the abyss or other field tests. While Dottore could get knowledge from those results, it was rather IRRITATING to have a particularly useful test subject being pulled away. But somethings couldn’t be HELPED. It was annoying, yes. But ultimately, there were other projects Dottore could turn his attention to when the other was away.

“  Of course he would. I’m not asking about HIS demands on you -  “  Although Dottore WAS rather intrigued now that it had been brought up  “  -  I was merely inquiring if there was anything YOU thought to be of particular interest or noteworthy matter. You have been there more than anyone else after all.  “  Oh but it does ANNOY him, like a scratch that can’t be itched. It isn’t new, and he cares LITTLE for Pierro’s appalling ideas of eternal peace. ( With Dottore alive in any form, such would be impossible regardless ), but he doesn’t like not being able to know if there’s anything interesting or not.

   Family? Well. He supposed that DID fall in line with Pierro’s absurdity. Dottore makes no effort to hide his own disdainful sneer at he thought of that being true.  “  So much to learn there and he’s wasting time on a lost family? ABSURD.  “  He could put Scaramouche to much better use. Dottore stops his vulture-like circling to sink down into one of the lab chairs with a huff.  “  WELL I suppose that concludes your physical assessment.  “  Nothing more than formality as of late recently anyways.  “  But is there anything you would want me to look into for IMPROVING on you in the future? Whenever the next opportunity might be, or are you SATISFIED  ?   “

They send him more and more to the abyss, because he's finally of fair use to them. He knows that. Does it bother him? Of course not. He is useful to them and in exchange he is given power to play with, it is a take and gain, a healthy relationship, what a relationship should be like. Not some disgusting muddled mess with emotions and who knows what else. Now he sees clearly that all that did was hinder his progress, hold him back from what he could and can be capable of. So much so that the abyss has become a children's playground to him. Scaramouche doesn't invest too much in his co-workers in the same manner that they do not invest in him aside from what his abilities and his utilities can offer to them and he is that same way. He does not care about their feelings, he does not care about what they think, they are but tools to him, he thinks, and isn't delusion such a wonderful bliss?

As if to make that so glaringly obvious, he does not care which Dottore he is speaking to right now, though perhaps he can guess based on his attitude, if Scaramouche really cared to try, but he does not. Dottore has done a great deal for him though of course even their relationship is a take and give, there is nothing different. Dottore gets his high, and Scaramouche gets his fill. The way Dottore thinks is annoying, but he will not deny that there is brilliance and devouring ambition in that brain of his that seems to make him a bottomless dark pit that is never satisfied.

"Expeditions down there are nothing to me anymore," now that he can last as long as he does, now that he can kill as much as he does. It annoys him, the way he is circled and he doesn't shy away from displaying it so in the form of an annoyed look as Dottore goes on his gibberish rant that he can quite honestly not be bothered to follow either. He is studying his work, even with that ridiculous mask on his face Scaramouche is able to tell.

"Hah, wouldn't you like to know." Scaramouche runs his mouth how he wants to, not caring who or what sees it as bothersome, but even he knows when to keep things to himself. "The Jester instructed me to report directly to him with my findings, there's even things he wouldn't want you to know about." He isn't bluffing and he's not attempting to plant a seed of doubt here, this should be common knowledge now between the harbingers. There are many mysteries down in the abyss, many things that even get him wondering so much about this world and just how much he really thought he knew after such a long life. "Perhaps the Jester is looking for traces of the lost family he failed to save." He is one to go on about such a thing. The Fatui are simply trying to find the next best thing no doubt.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​​​ asked:  ❝ Tell me, why do you hide your pretty face? ❞

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   Leather gloved hands catch Pantalone’s wrist before he can rip the mask off of the doctor’s face. Dottore is QUITE aware of the other’s distaste for it when it is just the two of them - he’s made a habit of going after that mask like a dog to an intruder. Which is rather amusing considering the mask does nothing, in contrast to the man who wants it gone. He leans back as well, adding distance so that should Pantalone make a go for grabbing the mask with his remaining free hand, he’ll end up little more than a prisoner to the doctor’s steel grip.

   “  Aren’t YOU the one always lecturing about accessories? Think of it like that if it helps you.  “

   It isn’t the answer Pantalone wants. They both know this. But Dottore’s voice is cold and clinical, detached from the conversation as he is from his experiments.  (At least, of the OLDER segments. The same could not be said for some of the younger ones.) With the mask on, there’s no hint to what might lurk in the red vortex of his eyes, and it makes the avian gesture of craning his head all the more bird-like - and for a similar reason too. Inspection.

   Dottore drops his grip on Pantalone’s wrist, turning away from him to travel the few steps to the table he’d originally been heading towards till the banker’s unannounced visit had interrupted that.

   “  The reasoning or lack of reasoning is of no significance to you beyond your own annoyance. Which is a problem for YOU to come to terms with, not ME, Pantalone.  “  He picks up the notebook, scanning the information before checking the numbers of the small tanks with the recorded data another segment had recorded some time earlier.  “  If you want to feast yourself on secrets, find someone else. I’m busy. As are my other segments before you get the bright idea to bother them.  “ Clearly, he has no intention of sharing the information. And why should he? It will do him no good.

   It is unfortunate the one way path to his funding was Pantalone. Not that there weren’t other ways, his own side projects brought in revenue as well, but not nearly to the same extent. There’s always the threat of financial lash back, although that tended to only occur under certain circumstances, and he was rather certain this didn’t qualify. That was for work, Pantalone was making a dig for something PERSONAL and being denied in the face of the attempt.

   “  I’ll have the blueprints on your desk before nightfall.  “  Dottore adds in a short quip, only to fall silent shortly after with no intent to pursue the topic. Only REJECT.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​ asked:  ❝ Oh, I have hated and loved you. ❞

REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SENTENCES

   “ Are you feeling quite well, dear Regrator? “ Dottore asks with an ALMOST lazy drawl as he leans back in the chair, staring directly towards the banker. It is that which betrays the fact that he is not even a fraction as lazy as his low rumble might make him sound – red eyes remain unwavering and focused on the man that stands in front of him, who appears to be equal parts angry and relieved.

  He pulls himself to his feet like a beast pulled from slumber so he can close the distance between them. “ That’s rather UPFRONT for you. “ You, who always uses words like silver knives, hidden under glamor or false truths. He tilts his head a fraction as if he might decide to pick apart the man in front of him at this new development, or perhaps he’s looking for something. Rarely is it easy to distinguish between the two when they often intertwine together to be one and the SAME.

  Instead he moves to the side to circle around till he’s behind the man. “ WHAT FOR? “ He inquires into his ear, close enough for the warmth of his breath to brush over his ear before he moves full circle again to learn back against the cold steel of the table, arms folded over his chest with an aura of expectation.

  Is it CONCERN for the brief lapse in contact while he was away? From some other nonsensical source? Perhaps because Dottore hasn’t gone to see him since his return? Or an attempt for some future purpose to sway through the heart that exists in flesh if nowhere else? He stares at Pantalone for a moment before he turns his head to allow his gaze to slide towards the distant side of his laboratory. There’s SOMETHING about that that draws wary caution from him.

  Hated and loved him? Like Pantalone would ever say such a thing. Pantalone only takes, giving only when forced or when Dottore’s clawed into ugly truth. Pantalone doesn’t speak of love outside of money and having things done on time. He’s never said he LOVED him, unless one counts this moment. But by that account of record, this is likely also something to do with work in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps there’s a request about to be made of him, once the irritation or frustration passes for the other man. Or a complaint, which might be the more likely of the options.

  A gloved finger taps his arm with a steady rhythm, waiting for the answer to his question. It will come. This much he know.

[fatedevour]

  “  Don’t move.  “

   A hand lifts to bar the pryo agent from moving back towards where the sound had come from. He rather LIKED this one, it would be a shame if something were to happen to him so quickly. (Once he was disappointed, perhaps. But so far Dottore had saw POTENTIAL in him, or at least someone of similar passion to his hobby.)

    “  It seems someone decided to try to play SPY despite the warning’s given.  “  As if the Fatui weren’t a warning in of themselves. Dottore lowers his hand to instead point towards the sand dunes several meters away where a hooded figure was trying to trail after them. Only the sound of wind blowing grains of sand filled the air for a few seconds. But after a minute, the ground shook and a large mechanical wyrm erupted from the sand to devour the victim, mechanical parts whirling as it moved through the air before sinking back into the sand.

    Dottore shook his head.  “  People LOVE to play regardless of warnings, don’t they?  “  At least when Dottore chased after something and fiddled in something dangerous, he did it with wholehearted passion. Unlike these people who were dancing with mere crumbs of intrigue.  “  On the bright side, that’s what we were looking for.  “  He offers.

                                    ——————————————  

music based starter call for @fxtuii​​​ song: Misfit Toys - Pusha T

[fatedevour]

winesdawn​:

❝There’s no way in hell I’m doing that.❞ || @fatedevour

   “  No? I believe I’m being perfectly reasonable.  “  A gloved hand raises to his chin in thought for only a moment.  “  Would Mora be a good incentive? I’ve heard its quite the motivator.  “

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @sungracd ​asked:  " do not speak to me of kindness. i do not want to hear that word in your mouth. "

RELENTLESS MELT STARTERS

AMUSED, Dottore lets out a singular chuckle, as if the outburst is mere harmless entertainment. ( As it was, such was very likely the view that he held towards the situation. ) He is no stranger to those who are appalled by his words, to hear certain phrases upon his tongue between razor-sharp teeth. They are AGHAST, as if someone like him should not know the word. Then again, what person wants a MONSTER to speak of something like KINDNESS, something so opposed to what it's nature is in the eyes of those who label others.

" I assure you that such a word is not a FREQUENT occurrence in my lexicon. " Dottore replies dryly, sounding no more thrilled in it than she was. " But contrary to the rumors and stories, I am aware of DIPLOMATIC etiquette and procedures. " No matter how dreadfully boring and dull the thought that they were. He had been, unfortunately, subjected to enough lectures by the infamous REGRATOR that HE as the prime segment also knew it - though he'd much prefer to leave such matters to Delta. Alas, Delta was not here.

" I do not fault your skepticism or displeasure towards it however. On the contrary, I believe that some people would do better should they hold a similar attitude. " It is the closest one might get to something akin to APPROVAL from the doctor. Any sting that such words were intended to have had clearly missed their mark with him.

He chuckles again, as if privy to an inside joke. " Very well then, shall I use more formal and dignified language? You are, perhaps, rather correct that kindness is too gentle and calm of a word for it. Shall I then say that the Mondstadt welcome has been generous? "

FEAR was a powerful thing, and more than any other nation, Mondstadt must be rather conflicted on how to respond to him. People were not kind so much as they were generous to avoid insult or his attention. Dottore hums, a low sound from deep in his chest as he contemplates the matter. " You offer sharp words, " Evidently the intent behind her words had not been missed as one might INITIALLY have assumed, " but such I find is OFTEN the case when it comes to those of FAITH. " Sumeru, Mondstadt, it made no difference in his eyes.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @diiluvies ​asked:  run along, unless you want me to cut your face wide open. //neu dont threaten him jfc

RELENTLESS MELT STARTERS

" It seems I've already incurred the wrath of the Chief Justice. Might I ask, is this a new record? " Rather than possessing any sense of alarm or concern, the second harbinger seems AMUSED by the greeting, a gloved hand lifting to resting upon his chin below the mask the conceals the true expression. " So much for diplomatic curtesy. Is it from my own reputation, or that of my colleagues? Or is it, perhaps, the fact that your JUSTICE is overall useless when it comes to me? After all, I've broken no laws of Fontaine's. ( That anyone knew of ; whether it was true or false was knowledge only that Dottore himself would know. )

He regards the other with an avian tilt of his head, like a vulture waiting for an animal to drop dead so that it might feast upon the carcass. How meddlesome. He turns his head to glance to the side - a CARELESS seeming act that was ANYTHING BUT. He is no fool after all, and even HE is not arrogant enough to not keep an eye out for those who were of more problematic disposition to his endeavors.

" Very well! " Dottore laughs, a sound from deep in his chest like an earthquake. " I'll make sure to stay out of sight, CHIEF JUSTICE. " One must always be careful of the requests they make. He had no interest in the man as it were. No, what he came for was something FAR MORE INTERESTING. He needed no time with the other. " As it is willed, so it shall be. " A phrase so often attributed to something holy or spiritual now tainted upon the tongue of a heretic.

He offers no bow or otherwise PROPER etiquette of farewell when he moves to go past the justice. One might think it from insult, but his lips are curved up at the corners into a RAPTORIAL smile of sharp teeth. " But as a word of advice, I would caution against such AGGRESSIVE greetings. It rarely ends well for those who try to provoke others. " He remarks when he's standing almost shoulder to shoulder before taking a step past.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @ninebow ​asked:  " I heard you were looking for me. "

RELENTLESS MELT STARTERS

" MY, word certainly gets around fast. " Dottore remarks, his tone caring no particular infliction to indicate what his thoughts on the matter on. Frankly speaking, it is not so surprising. Few wish to herald the wrath of the Fatui, much less one of its top Harbingers. He had expected for his words to carry with the same speed of an announcement of a public execution — that is to say, with incredulous speed that would make even viruses and bacteria feel slow. " Or are you perhaps just that well connected? "

He waves a hand before the opportunity is presented to answer. ( He doubts the response would be truthful regardless of what answer is given. ) " No matter, this is in regards to business of course. "

Dottore's masked visage cranes towards Cyno for a moment, but what the cause behind it is known only to the doctor and no other. This is rather tedious, but a step that will make is plans easier to implement.

" I need something from the desert. Since you were so insistent last time upon such an occurrence, I thought I would preemptively inform you. " Quite generous of himself if he was to say so, if only to avoided potential lectures once he returned to the motherland. ( A rather ill-fit term as far as he concerned, but he cares little for the studies of lexicology and etymology. )

His arms remain folded loosely behind his back, relaxed despite the rigid posture he upholds. " But I am also quite aware with approaching festivities that you might be rather busy with your duties. I was going to propose simply going myself, but I doubt you would approve of such measures. Therefore, I was going to inquire if a suitably legal document with my signature would suffice for me to take all responsibility if something should happen. There should be no problem with that, correct? "

On the surface level, it almost seemed considerate. But reality harbored another purpose. While it was true, and would make life significantly easier, it's acceptance or rejection ultimately would do very little if Dottore so desired it. It was also another test of sorts. By sound logic is should be accepted since it relinquished any retaliatory actions by the Fatui if anything should happen. From a legal standpoint, it would be sound. To reject it would then display the fact that the guidance offered for the desert was, in fact, surveillance as one might expect. Only now such thoughts would be thrust into the open as evidence for any person to bare witness to.

[fatedevour]

♢  —    @bogachs​ asked: "we all have our reasons… for everything we do." (baizhu)

14 WAYS TO DIE SENTENCES

   Baizhu’s voice fills the otherwise quiet night air as Dottore leans against the railing that surrounds the pharmacy, listening to the sounds of crickets and rustling leaves that fill the cool night. He doesn’t IMMEDIATELY respond to the comment. Rather, he casts a glance towards Liyue and the city below, to how the glowing and flickering of lanterns resembling fireflies in the distance. But there was no concern about any guest potentially seeing him. The sheer number of stairs certainly dissuaded many wandering guests, and the night was a further incentive for people to not bother this peace. He was well aware of these facts. This wasn’t the first time he’s paid visit. It likely won’t be the LAST either.

   “ Of course. “ He agrees, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. “ Just as machines have a purpose, so do people. To what degree the actions or consciously acted upon, or whether they are from the active conscious or the subconscious is subjective to what is being discussed as well as the person’s particular psyche. When someone claims they don’t know why they are doing something, it is merely that the active consciousness isn’t aware of the subconscious’s decision making. This can either by a conscious decision to block it, or another subconscious decision on the part of the brain. “

  It’s all very predictably clinical and cold. Nothing emotional in the analysis of what the other doctor said. It is rather expected and not so shocking when it comes from the second harbinger. He looks at the world through facts, and more often than not prefers to cut out things that would interfere like tumors or diseased cells from the body. It isn’t that he rejects what Baizhu says. Even he knew he was a subject to his own explanation of the phenomena. He however had an awareness to it that the vast majority lacked.

  The biggest obstacle for Dottore was that he himself couldn’t always identify WHAT something was. It was like a forgotten song- he might hear it and recognize it, but not the same. Such was how many of his emotions were, or the causes behind the emotions.

   “  What brought this up?  “  This time Dottore is the one to offer the question back. Was it something Baizhu was trying to figure out, or an analysis of another subject matter?