You're not wrong. [A hand comes up to his chin as he thinks, assessing Ion for a moment.]
...your mind's strong. I can give you that much. [Uno braincell to make up for Luke's lack of braincells.] I think even without the appropriate battle prowess we need here you can get by on being the most diplomatic. Why else would people start calling on you in trials? I saw what the other guy did.
[If he never uses Luke's name, it won't be weird!!] On the other hand if Alice has anything to say about it you and Q are probably the first to go. You especially since you aren't that great at defending yourself.
[Q would be an easier target if it wasn't for the whole...fact that he could kill a man without trying if he really wanted to. He's not defenseless, he's just a scared little boy.]
I think she resents my ideals, regardless of how much I try to work with her.
[Some people just don't get along! But it's fine, he tries. He's always trying.]
I'm asking because the last week has made me start to think...about the relationships we have with one another, but about myself, too. I don't want to rely on my strengths to outweigh my weaknesses when there are plenty of resources available to become more well rounded, overall.
[clasping his hands in front of him, Ion bows his head.]
So I was wondering if we could work together. Will you help me become stronger?
If it makes you feel better, she resents most of our ideals. Even mine. [It's hard to get a good read on Alice, really, and Luke just leaves that alone because no thanks. Ion's better at handling those personalities than he is.
Still, he goes quiet again as he listens to Ion's pitch, finding it hard to really disagree. In the end, it's possible that someone could take Ion's place if they got the right information and just happened to be stronger. Despite the fact he's the most calm, in theory they all have the same information. What is stopping someone from just exploiting his weaknesses?
It's kinda cute that he's being humble about it, but instead of answering Luke folds his arms over his chest and spends a moment debating with himself.]
...you've got a lot of good points. [But, because this is the god of discount bargains:] What's in it for me?
[There's like a 7/10 chance he'll say "sure" anyway out of boredom and to try and stay in good graces as an advantage, but it doesn't hurt to ask.]
...if we both make it to the end, and the difference of our numbers could mean your victory, I'll tell my followers to defect to your team and ensure that you win.
[Undoubtedly an unexpected promise. And Ion's not the kind of boy who goes back on his word.]
I doubt think you're unsuited for leadership...in fact, I think you'd do an amazing job. All I want for myself is a place where I can use my voice, my skills in diplomacy, to ensure peace. I don't just want to form an alliance with you that lasts the length of this game. I want an alliance with you that will last well into the future.
[That...is a very hefty price, and one that Luke would have to be an idiot to say no to. It's dicey and a gamble to work with, but at the same time it's still just enough of an edge that it could help.
Despite the fact that Luke's down for murder and feels that his way is correct, he can at least understand the benefits of a council. The Olympians used to fight all the time. Actually, with the twelve of them here, this feels very familiar and he had almost laughed before finding disgust in the situation. However, there are people here that are smarter than some of the Olympians...including the one here.]
You know ultimately I want the world to be fair. I'm tired of being ignored and I'm tired of letting people be ignored. Think you could use your voice for that?
[It's...an interesting proposition. It's easy to see the wheels turning in his head.]
[Just, you know, less aggressively. But Ion can tell that he has Luke's attention...and much more importantly, his interest. This is a huge relief.]
And I want nothing more than to do just that. You lead, and I'll mediate. I'll make sure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Together, we can make sure that we overcome our divisions and become a united front.
You really think that'll work out? [It's hesitant but also someone who doesn't fully believe it. It's never worked out that way. It's why he wants to lead with everyone else respecting him.]
It all sounds nice in theory, but look at where we are now. Even when we pick a winner, how're you gonna help me keep everybody in line?
Nobody listened to me, before, due to my lack of confidence and conviction.
[He pauses. He's soft-spoken, docile, sometimes even a pushover, but no coward. Ion holds his ground.]
But you don't have that problem. Alice is more willing to listen to you than anyone else. Regina and Chloe are your friends. Kuzco is frightened of you, so he becomes amenable to reasoning. The rest all already listen to me well enough. Right now, there's a great division between two halves of our Pantheon. Don't you think that coming together on more even terms might be a start to solving that?
[Ion outstretches both hands, as if to mimic two sides of a set of scales.]
Your open support of me and my open support of you, that will bridge that gap.
Some might even call me arrogant. [He can acknowledge that, at least, but he goes quiet as he listens to Ion break it down. That's about the way things were split, yeah. The "bad" half and the "good" half. But was it really that simple? They all had issues, Luke wasn't dumb enough to think otherwise, but...the gap was pretty huge.]
If we extend the olive branch and whatever, it'll make everybody else get their shit together. Yeah, I got what you're saying. Doesn't entirely solve that we're in the middle of the game, but you're right. It'll bridge the gap and maybe we can figure out what to do from there.
I've been getting a lot of questions about your behavior, in particular. With a name like Cunning, it's only natural that people worry, and of course, I don't try and hide the way that I feel about others.
[Which, Ion being Ion, means that he doesn't short change on compliments or downplayed faults.]
I've been truthful so far, and I don't plan on changing that anytime soon. If I'm open about the fact that I'm in support of your leadership and that you and I have spoken and formed an accord, I don't believe I'll be doubted.
You know how annoying it is to be talked about instead of talked to? The only reason they're worried is because they haven't bothered even asking me anything.
[Then again, Luke's also aware that Cunning is a name that fits him to a T.]
...and if I say I'm in alliance with you that actually won't sound that weird since a lot of the others are, too. They've got no reason to think you're lying, and it'll be too bizarre for them to think I am. I've been working on making some deals...I'm fair, but I'm not a saint. I've always been upfront about that.
[There's a lingering pause.] Fine. I'll be your back-up if you're gonna be mine. I usually don't care about strength in numbers, but this whole game's counting on that. You're gonna get a really fast lesson in what it means to be strong. Think you can handle that?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Look, at least he isn't fainting anymore and doesn't need to hobble around on a cane???]
Your insight means a lot to me; you've always been very good at analyzing others for their strengths and weaknesses.
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...your mind's strong. I can give you that much. [Uno braincell to make up for Luke's lack of braincells.] I think even without the appropriate battle prowess we need here you can get by on being the most diplomatic. Why else would people start calling on you in trials? I saw what the other guy did.
[If he never uses Luke's name, it won't be weird!!] On the other hand if Alice has anything to say about it you and Q are probably the first to go. You especially since you aren't that great at defending yourself.
Why're you asking anyway?
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[Q would be an easier target if it wasn't for the whole...fact that he could kill a man without trying if he really wanted to. He's not defenseless, he's just a scared little boy.]
I think she resents my ideals, regardless of how much I try to work with her.
[Some people just don't get along! But it's fine, he tries. He's always trying.]
I'm asking because the last week has made me start to think...about the relationships we have with one another, but about myself, too. I don't want to rely on my strengths to outweigh my weaknesses when there are plenty of resources available to become more well rounded, overall.
[clasping his hands in front of him, Ion bows his head.]
So I was wondering if we could work together. Will you help me become stronger?
no subject
Still, he goes quiet again as he listens to Ion's pitch, finding it hard to really disagree. In the end, it's possible that someone could take Ion's place if they got the right information and just happened to be stronger. Despite the fact he's the most calm, in theory they all have the same information. What is stopping someone from just exploiting his weaknesses?
It's kinda cute that he's being humble about it, but instead of answering Luke folds his arms over his chest and spends a moment debating with himself.]
...you've got a lot of good points. [But, because this is the god of discount bargains:] What's in it for me?
[There's like a 7/10 chance he'll say "sure" anyway out of boredom and to try and stay in good graces as an advantage, but it doesn't hurt to ask.]
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[Undoubtedly an unexpected promise. And Ion's not the kind of boy who goes back on his word.]
I doubt think you're unsuited for leadership...in fact, I think you'd do an amazing job. All I want for myself is a place where I can use my voice, my skills in diplomacy, to ensure peace. I don't just want to form an alliance with you that lasts the length of this game. I want an alliance with you that will last well into the future.
no subject
Despite the fact that Luke's down for murder and feels that his way is correct, he can at least understand the benefits of a council. The Olympians used to fight all the time. Actually, with the twelve of them here, this feels very familiar and he had almost laughed before finding disgust in the situation. However, there are people here that are smarter than some of the Olympians...including the one here.]
You know ultimately I want the world to be fair. I'm tired of being ignored and I'm tired of letting people be ignored. Think you could use your voice for that?
[It's...an interesting proposition. It's easy to see the wheels turning in his head.]
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[Just, you know, less aggressively. But Ion can tell that he has Luke's attention...and much more importantly, his interest. This is a huge relief.]
And I want nothing more than to do just that. You lead, and I'll mediate. I'll make sure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Together, we can make sure that we overcome our divisions and become a united front.
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It all sounds nice in theory, but look at where we are now. Even when we pick a winner, how're you gonna help me keep everybody in line?
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[He pauses. He's soft-spoken, docile, sometimes even a pushover, but no coward. Ion holds his ground.]
But you don't have that problem. Alice is more willing to listen to you than anyone else. Regina and Chloe are your friends. Kuzco is frightened of you, so he becomes amenable to reasoning. The rest all already listen to me well enough. Right now, there's a great division between two halves of our Pantheon. Don't you think that coming together on more even terms might be a start to solving that?
[Ion outstretches both hands, as if to mimic two sides of a set of scales.]
Your open support of me and my open support of you, that will bridge that gap.
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If we extend the olive branch and whatever, it'll make everybody else get their shit together. Yeah, I got what you're saying. Doesn't entirely solve that we're in the middle of the game, but you're right. It'll bridge the gap and maybe we can figure out what to do from there.
[...] Think they'll buy it?
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[Which, Ion being Ion, means that he doesn't short change on compliments or downplayed faults.]
I've been truthful so far, and I don't plan on changing that anytime soon. If I'm open about the fact that I'm in support of your leadership and that you and I have spoken and formed an accord, I don't believe I'll be doubted.
no subject
[Then again, Luke's also aware that Cunning is a name that fits him to a T.]
...and if I say I'm in alliance with you that actually won't sound that weird since a lot of the others are, too. They've got no reason to think you're lying, and it'll be too bizarre for them to think I am. I've been working on making some deals...I'm fair, but I'm not a saint. I've always been upfront about that.
[There's a lingering pause.] Fine. I'll be your back-up if you're gonna be mine. I usually don't care about strength in numbers, but this whole game's counting on that. You're gonna get a really fast lesson in what it means to be strong. Think you can handle that?