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[lordoftheozarks]

When the ringing stops, all you'll hear is a cold voice that says one simple word, "Speak."

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[lordoftheozarks]

Oh.

[This is a man who is not used to people calling him with actual good news and it shows.]

Well, I'm happy for you that it did, of course. Thank you.

[Should he say congratulations? No, that seems crass.]

It is nice to know I've... had a positive impact.

[pineapplesalmon]

[It shows very much.]

It always feels good to know. And you were right. I was overthinking everything. Magne was happy to help me navigate things.

... You helped Magne when you spoke to us both at Merrymeet, too. She felt seen.

[He pauses for a moment, then adds something that's the result of many people around them.] Normal, mundane things are now more normal to her, too. She's thriving.

[lordoftheozarks]

Of course I was.

[He's trying to sound haughty to disguise how caught off his guard he is at what Cesar's just said of Magne.]

It pains me to know something so ordinary could be that novel to her. But it brings me greater joy to hear she is doing so well--that you both are.

[pineapplesalmon]

[Sounds fake, Erik. But César will let it be.]

I can't even begin to describe the joy I get from even just sitting back and marveling as she goes about her day. Magne belongs in the sunshine, amongst people.

And she's a natural entrepreneur! When I found out she was opening her own place, she already had a whole plan.

[lordoftheozarks]

[Shhh.]

I must say, she really does have that entrepreneur spirit. She impressed me, as well. It pleases me that I can refer any clients that won't be compatible with me to her instead. A little healthy competition is a good thing.

She's very lucky to have your full support. I know she knows that already. Frankly, I find it refreshing that people like us are granted an equal level of respect and commercial space as any other in this town. This never would have been possible in my home territory.

[pineapplesalmon]

[César chuckles warmly.]

She does! Mmm, I find the acceptance refreshing, too, even I've had to come to terms with it myself. But I have it a bit easier, with Magne acting as protection. We really only have eyes for each other.

That being said... I helped her with the business, design, and security portions. And I'll continue to do so whenever she needs me. No one's safety and livelihoods will be an afterthought under her roof.

[So he's all in, just in a different way.]

[lordoftheozarks]

Trust me, it's very obvious.

[A man without eyes could still see how in love they are.]

It's only right that you would support one another's ventures. I find what you've both done for updating and innovating within this profession admirable. As a vampire, I do not often have to fear for my safety in the same ways but that doesn't mean I ignore the need for it. You both should be proud.

[pineapplesalmon]

[A man without eyes can still hear it in their voices, after all.]

... Thank you. [It takes a moment to process it.] I'll pass that on to Magne. I'm hoping that our work here will set the tone for the industry in general, especially after we reconnect to the mainland. Modern business practices give us a competitive advantage that's at least decades ahead of everyone else. Not that we won't happily share information for others to use.

And this concept can be applied to other industries. Shared space leads to innovation. It certainly did between my parents and I!

[lordoftheozarks]

You would be doing this world a very large favor indeed. I genuinely hope you succeed at it.

[That would be beneficial for him too. He's decided to stay in this world, and, being immortal as he is, measures like these might ensure his career path is secure for centuries to come.]

It's very easy for me to see why the gods called you here. You've got the right attitude.

[pineapplesalmon]

As do I. This industry will always exist. Let's make sure people are safe.

[That takes a moment to sink in, and César breathes in.]

I'm grateful they did. I have my purpose in life again. I have people who love me. And... I'll be ready to be Rex's brother properly when I get back home. He's even going to have an incredible sister-in-law.

[lordoftheozarks]

The love of a sibling is a precious thing. I wish only the best outcome for the three of you. And, I had better be invited to the wedding.

[pineapplesalmon]

It really is. I think knowing Magne will help Rex bond with me, too. She's able to translate me into 'normal'.

You will be! There's no way we'd leave off the list.

good to wrap?

[lordoftheozarks]

Ha. Well, she'll be able to bridge the gap in the short term, at least.

I'm very happy for you both.

[But please don't call him after every time you have sex, LOL]

yup! A wrap

[pineapplesalmon]

Short term, because I'm not that hard to understand.

Thank you. Anyways, I'll let you go. Just wanted to tell you the good news!

[Oh boy that would be a lot. Don't worry, he's allergic to that many phone conversations.]