Why would I take that the wrong way? The only way anyone wins anything is by being ruthless. That's how anything works in the world.
[He barks a laugh, lounging, his hands behind his head as his legs cross.]
And let me put it this way: you won't get any better deals from anyone in this competition but me. The chumps that left my team are going to regret it. Here I was, slammed at a start in second, and they choose to up and ditch? I could be in the lead by now if people weren't such stuck-up good-doers.
Let's just say that compared to what anyone else can offer you in exchange for favors? I'm not exactly limited. You name it, I got it. I'm a factory of wealth in all forms!
See, that's the thing. Since I can provide anything, I can ask for anything. Say, I could say, Newt, I'd consider it a favor if you did a handstand. Then, badda bing, favor complete, here's your brand new suit. 'Course, if you want that weird little wife of yours--not judging, pal--that'll be more of a get someone to join me type situation. And if you join my team. Well, who knows just how high of an asking price I'll take.
[He says it without thinking, his voice firm and edging on... Is that fear? He recoils, surprised at himself. What the hell was that?
He swallows hard and then straightens. The pool is too humid. He can feel the sweat blooming along his spine, collecting at his temples. Maybe this meeting was a mistake. He should get out of here. There's no way he's switching teams to this guy, anyway. He's got a bigger plan in the works.
A bigger plan.
A bigger plan.]
What, ah... [He clears his throat.] What makes me so valuable to you?
I lost two followers in a week because they don't have the kind of vision that you do. But you're the kinda guy who knows what he wants, right? You seem like it. I need people who have that drive to keep me in this, and understand I'll make it more than worth your while--in the now and in the future.
[At least Indulgence drops the idea quickly. Good. Moving on.]
Is that really why you lost two followers?
[He has a sneaking suspicion that there's more to the story.]
And why do you get better perks than the other gods? I'm assuming it comes with the name, but surely they have other crap they can do to keep the playing field even.
Honestly? I can't tell you why I lost two followers. One of them ditched before ever saying hello and the other one had a nice and productive conversation with me in which I promised to fulfill my part by granting any and all wishes expected of me and then suddenly, BAM, gone! What am I supposed to do with that? At least leave a note with constructive criticism, like, am I right?
[Don't get the wrong IDEA NEWT.]
Of course we all have our specialties. It's just a fact that mine's the best one.
no subject
[He barks a laugh, lounging, his hands behind his head as his legs cross.]
And let me put it this way: you won't get any better deals from anyone in this competition but me. The chumps that left my team are going to regret it. Here I was, slammed at a start in second, and they choose to up and ditch? I could be in the lead by now if people weren't such stuck-up good-doers.
no subject
Atta boy. Glad we're on the same page.
[But then he sets down the glass. Enough of that.]
Hm. What kind of deals are we talking?
no subject
no subject
[Not that he's judging.]
no subject
no subject
[He says it without thinking, his voice firm and edging on... Is that fear? He recoils, surprised at himself. What the hell was that?
He swallows hard and then straightens. The pool is too humid. He can feel the sweat blooming along his spine, collecting at his temples. Maybe this meeting was a mistake. He should get out of here. There's no way he's switching teams to this guy, anyway. He's got a bigger plan in the works.
A bigger plan.
A bigger plan.]
What, ah... [He clears his throat.] What makes me so valuable to you?
no subject
I was just giving an example.
[Doesn't matter, doesn't care.]
I lost two followers in a week because they don't have the kind of vision that you do. But you're the kinda guy who knows what he wants, right? You seem like it. I need people who have that drive to keep me in this, and understand I'll make it more than worth your while--in the now and in the future.
no subject
Is that really why you lost two followers?
[He has a sneaking suspicion that there's more to the story.]
And why do you get better perks than the other gods? I'm assuming it comes with the name, but surely they have other crap they can do to keep the playing field even.
no subject
[Don't get the wrong IDEA NEWT.]
Of course we all have our specialties. It's just a fact that mine's the best one.
no subject
[Also Indulgence just doesn't seem like the type to want any criticism ever, but Newt's not judging. He can relate.]
Yours does sound useful, I can't deny that. What's your opinion on the other gods, though?
no subject
[So, like, no.]</small Eh, I can take 'em or leave 'em. I'm friendly with the ones who know how to throw a decent party, at least.
no subject
[He stands, though.]
That's what I thought. Look, I'll keep you in mind, but I can't make any promises. I've got a lot of plans in motion already.