[ two entire abilities!!!! Barnaby's had some unpleasant run-ins in the past with people with Two Entire Abilities, but it's unproductive to keep trying to attribute old biases to new encounters. his only actual reaction to hearing about Zed and his capabilities is a soft sound of understanding, followed by: ] I see. Abilities weren't something we could choose for ourselves, back where I came from— using blood is an interesting decision.
[ that aside, Zed must be a hard worker, if he can manage two skills that sound so completely disparate. Barnaby takes another sip of his coffee to mull over this (it still sounds impractical, the blood thing), but the offer to train invites an easy response.
what a sincere person, Barnaby thinks. ]
At any rate, I think it would benefit both of us to continue training, even if this place seems 'docile'. To use your words. [ which is a roundabout way to say: ] ...So, yes. I'd be more than happy to train with you.
[Zed's vaguely taken aback when the flow of the conversation ends up hitting several points that take a lot of unpacking. He may revere and obey Master Raju like one may honor an earthly god, but it was the same man who made his choose between life or death, with the subsequent hell-like discipline following Zed's decision. Very little freedom in that, not that Zed cared much at the time. But it's not the kind of thing you drop on a stranger. As for the training-- well, Master Raju was also the type to literally (and Zed is not a man who misuses words) discipline his pupils to the brink of death. Sure, the fishman doesn't deem the new world threatening, but he would not want to risk negligence of his skills, lest he dig his own grave with the arrival of his master.
These are not thoughts to burden a budding friendship (if he may be so bold). Zed's expression turns contemplative within a few seconds of silence, then:]
It required a certain aptitude to begin with, and you could say the path chose me as well. [The wavering moment ends just as quickly as it began since the fishman is still quite pleased about Barnaby's acceptance.] Truth be told, it's been some time since I've formerly trained with another person, but the prospect of doing so again is inspiring. I hope that I can both support and challenge you going forward.
[Okay, the super formality may be because he's never actually invited someone to do anything with him before. Thank that recluse+bookworm lifestyle, and yay to new training buddy relationship!]
no subject
[ that aside, Zed must be a hard worker, if he can manage two skills that sound so completely disparate. Barnaby takes another sip of his coffee to mull over this (it still sounds impractical, the blood thing), but the offer to train invites an easy response.
what a sincere person, Barnaby thinks. ]
At any rate, I think it would benefit both of us to continue training, even if this place seems 'docile'. To use your words. [ which is a roundabout way to say: ] ...So, yes. I'd be more than happy to train with you.
no subject
These are not thoughts to burden a budding friendship (if he may be so bold). Zed's expression turns contemplative within a few seconds of silence, then:]
It required a certain aptitude to begin with, and you could say the path chose me as well. [The wavering moment ends just as quickly as it began since the fishman is still quite pleased about Barnaby's acceptance.] Truth be told, it's been some time since I've formerly trained with another person, but the prospect of doing so again is inspiring. I hope that I can both support and challenge you going forward.
[Okay, the super formality may be because he's never actually invited someone to do anything with him before. Thank that recluse+bookworm lifestyle, and yay to new training buddy relationship!]