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It's like facing the concerns that have been dragging themselves through Tidus's body since arriving back on the train. Nevermind the part of being packed in like sardines, but everything, even before that; coming back to face with the inspectors, interviews given, the unknown way the ministry operates, the information given and trades allowed.

This is what they've been waiting for, but even so, Tidus has no idea how to look forward with confidence or certainty. He doesn't feel he can. Only, he has to - it's a reality that has to be faced, no matter how ready he is.

And looking at Roland now, at any other time, he'd chalk the man's concerns up to worrying too much. But there's a severity, a weight under the surface, and Tidus's lips pinch as his brows knot along with it, and he wants to reassure it. The both of them, for the unknown coming next.

"Hey, you know I'll keep trying. You too, alright? I... I'll add to it, if you think it's a good idea. Stuff I remember. I'm no fancy writer, but- maybe it doesn't matter who we are. Just what we want, and what we've gotta do to help it happen."

Nevermind that he's no longer a sports star, no longer a guardian, a guy stuck in between life and death with no way of moving forward.

"We won't leave nothing behind." And there's more he wants to say, but his thoughts pull on something else, his gaze shifting away, head bowing, as he then admits after a long beat. "...Those guys. They took the radio and added a way for us to contact them. Just a signal," he clarifies. "But-- they said they'll try and reach us through it, if the train won't let them message us."

He tries to read through this, knows the choreographed hesitations well enough that Roland can’t ignore it this time. Nevermind that his interest is piqued with the radio tinkered with; a way to ask for help, or at least, to receive some when the time comes. (Nevermind, too, that even the idea of help is beyond their agency, that they have to wait to be contacted first.)

“Of course I’ll keep trying. Never said I’d stop.” I never will. But that’s why-

-a hand, serious and warm, rests upon Tidus’s shoulder. The dip in Roland’s brow speaks volumes.

“Please, Tidus. Promise me.”

Don’t let this be for nothing.

"I promise!" It's quick, flustered to a degree; not wanting to be misunderstood, lips slightly parted as he works his brain around Roland's request, the hand on his shoulder.

"That's what I mean - I won't let the info go away. Yours or mine, or anything we learn. We'll put it all down, stick it in the library. On paper, or on a tablet." A promise, reassurance, though it wasn't clear the first time round. Tidus looks at Roland with the awkwardness of a guy not used to such a weight or responsibility, not sure what to do with it, but trying his best.

"But you have to promise the same too, alright? Any one of us can disappear. We'll let people know - we won't let anything disappear if we do."

And he returns the gesture, reaching out to pat Roland on the arm.

"Okay?"

The heaviness in his shoulders melt instantly. Roland smiles, the curve of his mouth finally reaching his eyes. Then, he lets go.

“Thank you, pro. That means a lot to me.”

For whatever awkwardness Tidus affords Roland to witness, Roland rewards it with quiet confidence for both of their sakes. And while it was more of his liege’s place to inspire with flowery words and praises, Roland tries to take a page out of the young king’s book. There seemed no better time.

“We’ll get it done. You and I both know that nothing is impossible when people from all walks of life work together, side by side.”

(It still sounds better out of Evan’s mouth than his.)

The master of shoving issues aside in an instant returns to full force, gesturing for them to walk out of the cabin and back into the void train’s interior hallway. As if nothing ever happened, as if they had no pact seconds ago, Roland is back to his usual countenance, arms over his chest, chucking sensibly with a hint of humor.

“Say, if you meant what you said, I should get you something. You ever write with a fountain pen before?” There’s no more on his agenda, so Roland merely wanders where their feet take them, one direction or another. It no longer mattered. “I could add it to my list. If it helps any, I am seriously considering studying void law. If we do end up towed and put to trial, it’s good to have an experienced lawyer to help us get away clean. As if this old thing’s going to stick it’s neck out for us, heh.”

Edited 2021-11-01 17:07 (UTC)

It might be better in the long run for them to go on as if nothing was said, when those parting words to their talk is a level of camaraderie between from one guy older than him that makes him want to start dismissing the whole affair. This cuts to the chase, and Tidus tries to rid himself of the tingles of it; yes, let's just walk down this hallway. This is fine. This is good!

"There is a void law, if it helps." A law that the inspectors made mention of and Tidus never questioned, 'cause what does law mean to him? "So, uh, you can try finding it, I guess. And what's the difference between a fountain pen and another pen?"

He would say that he has been writing other things, though that kind of writing isn't the same as they're talking about now. A writing for a different sort of protection, of aid.

...would a guy like Roland be good at making talismans? Being as in love with writing as he is...

No direction is too near or far for a wandering mind and idle feet, so eventually, he figures the kitchen or dining car might be best for now. Then again, who knows what he’s really thinking, behind the facade of calm he sports; a glint in his eye that sparkles for only a brief moment in the seconds that tick as Tidus mentions void law.

That it actually exists is enough to get somebody like Roland ready to get to work even without the volumes of texts in his hands yet.

“That definitely does help, thanks.” Roland answers, an edge of interest and amusement evident in his demeanor. “And I’m assuming they told you what that law was, or should we detour to the library right this second to find out if the train can throw us a bone about it?”

There’s a slight chance no keyword will actually give them anything at the store, but it’s an idea as good as any at this point. His hand makes for a gesture to add, quickly like an afterthought; “Fountain pens use more ink in the compartment so every stroke releases thicker lines. They’re great for writing and signing things. I’ll get you one, I’m sure it’ll come in handy one day.”

Asking Tidus of all people if he paid attention to laws. Pshaw. There's a sliver of a memory coming back to him when the inspectors brought it up, but Tidus shakes his head, both to that thought and to the suggestion of where to head to, not bothered.

"Go for it. They said about how long they'd be able to hold us - but all laws are long, right? You'd be happier reading it yourself."

Than whatever Tidus could recall of the meeting, and what little he received (and what more there was likely to be). Maybe there was something already in the library, or would be - but then, a guy like Roland would surely already know about it, right?

So if that's the way Roland wants to go now, Tidus will follow, with the reminder, "Armoury should be the closest gate" if they want to take the short way. Then as they go on, remarking on pens: "You know, if you're particular about pens-" or even think seriously that a certain type of pen could ever be handy, "--you should learn what I am, with Wei Wuxian? He's been teaching me brush strokes, for talismans. Bet you'd be a pro at that."

A more serious student at it than him, for sure.

"There's mention of void law and void organization, sure. Lots of books we've already collected imply an organizational body. Halo herself confirmed it. But I haven't read a single resource that tells us more; who they are, what the process is, who actually runs the circus..." Or was it a collective to make a decision about how to organize the chaos of the void? Whatever the case, he knows an answer must be there, somewhere in the mess of the unknown. "Let's take the scenic route," he offers quietly, having traveled the shortcut long enough to know he's still a fan of walking when he's thinking.

"Anyway. Where I come from, laws are definitely long, but they're also made to be specific. Right now, 'void law' is pretty generic. Let's see if we can't push our luck to find something more our alley."

Gone were the days where Roland's only concern was to figure out how to read from stone tablets in a library. Where would they even begin? It's a gamble he's willing to take as they pass further in, and it just so happens that remembering Goldpaw of all places seems to suit their conversation anyway.

"Brush strokes for talismans, huh? Is that a type of magic? I know a place that had similar practices." Not that he's ever dabbled. "You should show me some of your work. You have one on you?"

Everything Roland said made sense for the man himself, and he could acknowledge it, knowing he wouldn't be getting finger-deep into any laws himself. Unless he gets dragged into it by a bossy old man...!!

Nonetheless, he hums to the suggestion of a scenic route, putting his hands behind his head and stretching, a lethargy about him that might be done some good by walking anyway. There was plenty of space for that in the room, but you were never moving to anywhere, and for the bore that the hallways of the carriages usually were, at least they would lead to doors that could be moved through.

It's been moments since returning, but he feels himself already returning to the lull of being on the train. He huffs at the request.

"I've got nothing to show, 'less you wanna see a bunch of paper where I'm practising the same strokes over and over. It's finicky! You have to get it just right; it has to be precise yet natural." Insert the dulled tone to it. "It's magic, but it's all in the strokes too, y'know? Seriously, you should chat with Wei Wuxian. I got talking to him about it because you can make them to protect spaces. Even you can use a lil' magic."

Go for it, old man. Be the cool guy you long to be.

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