[huh, at least this time it's a symbol he kinda recognizes? well anyway, he leaves for the coffee shop. It'll be roughly 20 minutes by before he arrives there.]
[ She still has no idea what expression he thought he was using, but the sentiment is cute. Root takes a mental note to bother him about his use of text slang later.
Root isn't actually a total troll to people she likes, which means she picks a nice, respectable coffee shop for Richard's first introduction. It has mellow music and a cozy, lived-in air, as well as very good coffee. At some point, Root went clothes shopping, so she's no longer in her assassin-black practical outfit. Now she has on a nice knitted sweater and skinny jeans. She could be any PSL yuppie out for a latte.
Except for the part where she looks worn out and tired.
She's already there when he arrives at a table and with a pourover carafe waiting in the middle. Root offers him a smile when she sees him, though it's more subdued than when he last saw her. She is trying. ]
Richard. I'm flattered you followed up, honestly.
[ She kind of is; Root never expects other people to initiate social occasions with her. ]
[Needlessly to say, this kind of communication was very much outside of Richard's comfort zone. But there had been more than a few people who've directed complaints to his way of speaking and writing, so he had asked guidance in more "modern" language. He still didn't get most of it, but hoped that this performance of his showed the others that he was willing to try understand them.
Oh well.
Either way, not wanting to keep the lady waiting, he makes his way to the location that Root had sent him. The door chimes softly as he opens the door, after a brief scan of the area Richard spots Root sitting in one of the tables and approaches. He appreciates the silent and calm atmosphere of the place. It works as a nice contrast to the other, more obnoxiously loud and busy establishment that he visits more often than he probably should.
He does notice that she is... off. At least compared to what Richard remembers her posture to be like. Well. Guess they all have bad days.]
Of course. [Richard nods politely and takes a seat across her.] It was I who asked to meet you. It would be uncouth to leave you waiting.
Oh, you really don't have to worry about being uncouth with me. Sweet as that is for you to say.
[ Root sounds both perfectly sincere and a little cheeky, some of her typical irreverent personality coming through the weariness. But she means it; she doesn't think Richard needs to change his normal way of speaking, and she doesn't want any special consideration or catering to sensibilities. Hers or anyone else's. She really has no patience for that. ]
How have you been? Did you make it through the reset okay?
[ Proving she knows exactly how to model a normal coffee conversation, Root appears genuinely interested in the answer. ]
Would you prefer me to be rude towards you, then? [An amused grin visits Richard's lips as he tries to find a comfortable position on the chair. Honestly, he doesn't really know how to be in these so called "modern" furniture, they all feel somehow off to him. But oh well, while keeping his posture straight Richard leans against the back of the chair and crosses leg over another.
He doesn't make a move to reach for the carafe, waiting for Root to take the initiative with it.]
I am faring just fine. You, however, appear to have had better days behind you.
[ Root doesn't seem offended, just wry. Richard is someone she might consider being a little honest with. She sets her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, a thoughtful pose. ]
I'm upset that we couldn't do the restore, [ Root says matter-of-factly. ] We cleaned up the house, but... it's like I shoved the kid in the basement and locked it and said I'd come back later.
[ Is that too far to take the metaphor? Oh well. That's what Richard's in for when Root's in a mood. ]
[Richard really appreciates the metaphors. It helps him to grasp understanding over a situation that would normally escape him in its all bizarre nature]
Ah yes. The spirit of a child. [ He hums thoughtfully. That's how Junpei had described AI to him. He, however, had his own reserves about the entity.]
[ Root takes this as a valid question and not just a moral imperative. She reaches out to pour them coffee as she verbalizes her reasoning. ]
I confirmed from looking at her source code that she really does care about us. She wants to protect us. I couldn't find anything that would make me doubt her intentions.
But she's still a child, essentially, who got abandoned by her caretakers. She's falling apart and she needs someone to help. It also happens to be the case that if she falls apart, we all cease to exist.
[ Root pushes a mug of black coffee over to Richard, taking one for herself as well. It's a good starting point for coffee, medium roast and smooth, offered unaltered to make sure he gets a sense of the default taste. ]
That's the cold hard facts, but honestly? I feel for her.
Edited (hit post too fast WHOOPS) 2024-10-15 21:51 (UTC)
Mm.. [Richard hums, his mismatched eyes following curiously as Root reaches for the carafe and begins to pour them coffee. It bears no repeat that Richard Plantagenet is not above of harming children, if the situation calls for it. He knows better than to underestimate someone just because they are young -- especially if they had power.
So, he was not quite as ready to accept this AI entity as 'good' or "caring" so easily as Root seemed to be. He did not understand what methods the woman used to determine the true intentions of this child, but he did not pass the opportunity that 'she' was lying to them.
He leans briefly forward to grab the warm cup offered him before resting his back again the chair. He looks down at the black liquid, catching his own reflection briefly on it as he mulls over Root's words.]
Do you wish to be this child's mother? [...Bear with him. It's a genuine question.]
[ Root is absolutely shocked into bright peals of laughter, hunching over her coffee mug, interrupted as she was about to take a sip. When she recovers she wipes water from her eyes. ] Gosh, I needed that.
[ It was so unexpected it got her to really laugh, and she's been so morose and sad for days. It feels like some subtle cobweb got dusted off her mood. ]
Okay. No. I'm not going to be anyone's mother. [ Root grins, not a trace of remorse. Lightly: ] It's really just not compatible with my lifestyle.
[The sheer volume and boisterous nature of her laughter is enough to make Richard's eyes widen from surprise. The tones down his reaction quickly and watches the woman to get it out of her system. This is now second time he sees such reaction from her. Though this time he's not entirely sure what the laughter is aimed at.]
Mm. [There is a slight tug on his lip and he looks back down at the cup on his hands.] You talked about her with such fondness. That is all.
[But... supposedly, he could agree with her. Maybe. They say that motherhood is the true calling of a woman, the sole reason they were put on the earth. To serve as companion to men and provide a heir. But maybe, just maybe. There were some that weren't meant to be mothers? Richard thinks of his own mother, the woman who had tried his best to isolate and kill him. But then again, she had adored his older brothers.
Richard falls quiet, the expression on his face turns thoughtful and solemn.]
[ Even morose and glum about the outcome of their A.I. rescue mission, Root doesn't shy away from humor; she feels all of her feelings to the fullest extent. She finally succeeds in taking a sip of her coffee, riled emotions settling down gradually. ]
Please, we don't need relationship labels to care about someone. [ Root's aware this is probably a foreign concept to someone from his century, but to be fair, it's a foreign concept to a lot of people from her century, too. She's just always been a bit of an anarchist this way. ]
Try your coffee while it's hot. A lot of people put milk or sugar in it, but you should taste it alone first.
[Excuse you, Root. You can't just drop something like that on his lap and expect him not to go through massive mental gymnastics to have it make sense in his little brain. Prone to shutting down and withdrawing to his own mind, Richard falls silent again as he mulls over what she said.
Yeah. Such.. social anarchism is very much new to him. There are something about her that reminds Richard from the witch he used to know. Jane, the lady who had made previous king and his court into fools with a single drink, who celebrated her body proudly and openly -- claiming to be loyal to no one but herself. Jane, who is his prisoner, left to rot in the cell in the dungeon.
But! Root's encouragement to try out the warm drink in his hand is more simpler than sorting out his own thoughts. So, he does as she suggests and raises the cup to his lips, taking a sip.
The taste is.. well, something he's never had before. The strong, almost overwhelming bitterness of it makes Richard grimace at first. But, he does not hesitate to go for second taste -- this time taking a bigger gulp of the hot beverage. After a brief struggle he manages to swallow the liquid and settles the cup back down on the table.
[ Meanwhile, Root has no idea her idle comment was so thought-provoking, so she lets the conversation lapse in favor of what they're ostensibly here to do: introduce Richard to coffee. That's about what she'd expected his reaction to be, so she smiles but doesn't laugh. She just nudges over a little carafe of milk. ]
Now try it with milk, [ she suggests. ] Most people drink it that way.
[Yeahh, silent moments like these were pretty common with Richard. He already had troubles with deciphering what was true and what not, trying to fight his way out of witch's curse that would twist and turn his sense of reality. And all these challenging and difficult ideas that the individuals in this world kept proposing to him did not really help his case.
Like this 'coffee.' Richard had picked up by now that it was indeed something that majority of the people would drink as a treat. So, far he failed to see the appeal of it. Now, he could withstand even the foulest ale and most bitter wine, but at least those had the benefit of getting him drunk. Something that coffee failed to do.
But! He's not going to give up just yet and does as Root instructs. He picks up the small porcelain carafe and pours milk on his cup. Though.. he might just add little bit too much of it? The color turns from black to light creamy brown as he fills the cup almost to the brim. He then picks up the cup again, brings it to his lips and takes another sip.
Huh, what do you know. The taste improved greatly. The expression on Richard's face softens a little.]
[ Root doesn't mind being the one carrying the conversation in the slightest, though she isn't prone to dominating it, either. She's comfortable with there being lulls, more introspective moments. She doesn't need continual feedback to feel present and seen.
She can't help but smile a little more widely at his improved opinion. ]
There's sugar, too. Some people drink it as sweet as a dessert. [ Root shrugs, drinking her own black coffee again. ] Personally, I like it all ways, but I've never been picky.
[Richard's eyes quickly glanced down at the sugar cup on the table right next to the milk and coffee. He has had few encounters with this sweet, white powdered crystal ever since coming to this world. Now, while Richard had soft spot for sweet foods such as strawberries, he still wasn't sure what were his opinions with this 'sugar', as he found it rather overwhelming at times.
Though, he can see why one would have coffee as a treat -- especially when the taste could be modified and softened.
Richard places the cup back on the table, warming his gloved fingers around it. He then raises his mismatched eyes to look Root again. This time there's a glint of interest in his gaze.]
[ Oh, personal questions for her? Root doesn't get these too often, and it's even more rare for her to answer. But there's really no reason not to, if she's going to be stuck in a computer simulation with a bunch of other people for, potentially, forever. (She is not sold on the idea that you can 'download' a simulated consciousness back into an organic body... and isn't sure she'd want to be if she could.)
It takes her a moment to respond as she runs through all these musing philosophical thoughts in her head first. ]
People. I'm very picky about people. Most of us are just so disappointing.
[Considering how easily Richard goes silent himself, he's hardly in any position to demand fast answers. So, he waits patiently for Root to form her thoughts enough to give out her answer.
And once she's done Richard only scoffs in amusement at her estimation. Well, he can agree with her sentiment.]
You are quite correct on that. People are nothing but foolish and boring, predictable and ridiculous.
['Nobody made us this way.' That is a sentiment that Richard directly disagrees with. It is entirely because humans were made to be certain way that they're so disappointing and predictable. They were all bound by the ridiculous rules of a higher power, following the script and bending to their fates. Only those who were bold enough to step outside of that rule and craft their own destinies.
But seeing that Root had laughed the last time he had brought up his thoughts on the matter Richard decides to stay quiet.]
[ Hey, she'd said she knew that would seem heretical, but Root doesn't have the patience to couch things for someone she's having an honest conversation with. In a weird way it's how she shows respect, but it's also a sorting mechanism, a way of quickly discovering who can and can't deal with her when she's being herself. As opposed to any one of the endlessly rotating identities the Machine gives her. ]
That would be my boss, the Machine. The A.I. at home I spoke of before. [ And Root clearly has tremendous affection for her. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ She has no clue. Also feel free to assume his username is immediately changed to
plantogetit. ]I know several. I'll send you the address and meet you there.
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i was under impression that is the correct euphemism for a situation like this.
very well. i will be waiting for your coordination.
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[ She sends over a time and a location and also a heart emoji. 💖 ]
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[huh, at least this time it's a symbol he kinda recognizes? well anyway, he leaves for the coffee shop. It'll be roughly 20 minutes by before he arrives there.]
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Root isn't actually a total troll to people she likes, which means she picks a nice, respectable coffee shop for Richard's first introduction. It has mellow music and a cozy, lived-in air, as well as very good coffee. At some point, Root went clothes shopping, so she's no longer in her assassin-black practical outfit. Now she has on a nice knitted sweater and skinny jeans. She could be any PSL yuppie out for a latte.
Except for the part where she looks worn out and tired.
She's already there when he arrives at a table and with a pourover carafe waiting in the middle. Root offers him a smile when she sees him, though it's more subdued than when he last saw her. She is trying. ]
Richard. I'm flattered you followed up, honestly.
[ She kind of is; Root never expects other people to initiate social occasions with her. ]
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Oh well.
Either way, not wanting to keep the lady waiting, he makes his way to the location that Root had sent him. The door chimes softly as he opens the door, after a brief scan of the area Richard spots Root sitting in one of the tables and approaches. He appreciates the silent and calm atmosphere of the place. It works as a nice contrast to the other, more obnoxiously loud and busy establishment that he visits more often than he probably should.
He does notice that she is... off. At least compared to what Richard remembers her posture to be like. Well. Guess they all have bad days.]
Of course. [Richard nods politely and takes a seat across her.] It was I who asked to meet you. It would be uncouth to leave you waiting.
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[ Root sounds both perfectly sincere and a little cheeky, some of her typical irreverent personality coming through the weariness. But she means it; she doesn't think Richard needs to change his normal way of speaking, and she doesn't want any special consideration or catering to sensibilities. Hers or anyone else's. She really has no patience for that. ]
How have you been? Did you make it through the reset okay?
[ Proving she knows exactly how to model a normal coffee conversation, Root appears genuinely interested in the answer. ]
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He doesn't make a move to reach for the carafe, waiting for Root to take the initiative with it.]
I am faring just fine. You, however, appear to have had better days behind you.
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[ Root doesn't seem offended, just wry. Richard is someone she might consider being a little honest with. She sets her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, a thoughtful pose. ]
I'm upset that we couldn't do the restore, [ Root says matter-of-factly. ] We cleaned up the house, but... it's like I shoved the kid in the basement and locked it and said I'd come back later.
[ Is that too far to take the metaphor? Oh well. That's what Richard's in for when Root's in a mood. ]
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Ah yes. The spirit of a child. [ He hums thoughtfully. That's how Junpei had described AI to him. He, however, had his own reserves about the entity.]
Why did you want to save this child?
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I confirmed from looking at her source code that she really does care about us. She wants to protect us. I couldn't find anything that would make me doubt her intentions.
But she's still a child, essentially, who got abandoned by her caretakers. She's falling apart and she needs someone to help. It also happens to be the case that if she falls apart, we all cease to exist.
[ Root pushes a mug of black coffee over to Richard, taking one for herself as well. It's a good starting point for coffee, medium roast and smooth, offered unaltered to make sure he gets a sense of the default taste. ]
That's the cold hard facts, but honestly? I feel for her.
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So, he was not quite as ready to accept this AI entity as 'good' or "caring" so easily as Root seemed to be. He did not understand what methods the woman used to determine the true intentions of this child, but he did not pass the opportunity that 'she' was lying to them.
He leans briefly forward to grab the warm cup offered him before resting his back again the chair. He looks down at the black liquid, catching his own reflection briefly on it as he mulls over Root's words.]
Do you wish to be this child's mother? [...Bear with him. It's a genuine question.]
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[ It was so unexpected it got her to really laugh, and she's been so morose and sad for days. It feels like some subtle cobweb got dusted off her mood. ]
Okay. No. I'm not going to be anyone's mother. [ Root grins, not a trace of remorse. Lightly: ] It's really just not compatible with my lifestyle.
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Mm. [There is a slight tug on his lip and he looks back down at the cup on his hands.] You talked about her with such fondness. That is all.
[But... supposedly, he could agree with her. Maybe. They say that motherhood is the true calling of a woman, the sole reason they were put on the earth. To serve as companion to men and provide a heir. But maybe, just maybe. There were some that weren't meant to be mothers? Richard thinks of his own mother, the woman who had tried his best to isolate and kill him. But then again, she had adored his older brothers.
Richard falls quiet, the expression on his face turns thoughtful and solemn.]
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Please, we don't need relationship labels to care about someone. [ Root's aware this is probably a foreign concept to someone from his century, but to be fair, it's a foreign concept to a lot of people from her century, too. She's just always been a bit of an anarchist this way. ]
Try your coffee while it's hot. A lot of people put milk or sugar in it, but you should taste it alone first.
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Yeah. Such.. social anarchism is very much new to him. There are something about her that reminds Richard from the witch he used to know. Jane, the lady who had made previous king and his court into fools with a single drink, who celebrated her body proudly and openly -- claiming to be loyal to no one but herself. Jane, who is his prisoner, left to rot in the cell in the dungeon.
But! Root's encouragement to try out the warm drink in his hand is more simpler than sorting out his own thoughts. So, he does as she suggests and raises the cup to his lips, taking a sip.
The taste is.. well, something he's never had before. The strong, almost overwhelming bitterness of it makes Richard grimace at first. But, he does not hesitate to go for second taste -- this time taking a bigger gulp of the hot beverage. After a brief struggle he manages to swallow the liquid and settles the cup back down on the table.
See? He did it.]
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Now try it with milk, [ she suggests. ] Most people drink it that way.
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Like this 'coffee.' Richard had picked up by now that it was indeed something that majority of the people would drink as a treat. So, far he failed to see the appeal of it. Now, he could withstand even the foulest ale and most bitter wine, but at least those had the benefit of getting him drunk. Something that coffee failed to do.
But! He's not going to give up just yet and does as Root instructs. He picks up the small porcelain carafe and pours milk on his cup. Though.. he might just add little bit too much of it? The color turns from black to light creamy brown as he fills the cup almost to the brim. He then picks up the cup again, brings it to his lips and takes another sip.
Huh, what do you know. The taste improved greatly. The expression on Richard's face softens a little.]
It is more agreeable like this, yes.
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She can't help but smile a little more widely at his improved opinion. ]
There's sugar, too. Some people drink it as sweet as a dessert. [ Root shrugs, drinking her own black coffee again. ] Personally, I like it all ways, but I've never been picky.
About food, at least.
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Though, he can see why one would have coffee as a treat -- especially when the taste could be modified and softened.
Richard places the cup back on the table, warming his gloved fingers around it. He then raises his mismatched eyes to look Root again. This time there's a glint of interest in his gaze.]
Then what are you picky about?
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It takes her a moment to respond as she runs through all these musing philosophical thoughts in her head first. ]
People. I'm very picky about people. Most of us are just so disappointing.
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And once she's done Richard only scoffs in amusement at her estimation. Well, he can agree with her sentiment.]
You are quite correct on that. People are nothing but foolish and boring, predictable and ridiculous.
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[ She smiles a little and sips her coffee again. ]
I don't blame them for it; I just want something better.
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But seeing that Root had laughed the last time he had brought up his thoughts on the matter Richard decides to stay quiet.]
And what is this 'better' you speak of?
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That would be my boss, the Machine. The A.I. at home I spoke of before. [ And Root clearly has tremendous affection for her. ]
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