=== Alear & Zelkov === --- C --- [Alear] What's that you're doing, Zelkov? [Zelkov] Hello, Divine One. I am melting wax, with which I will *produce* candles. [Alear] Oh, wow! Is candle-making a hobby of yours? [Zelkov] You could call it that. I *prefer* to think of it as a pursuit through which to kill time. [Alear] Kill time? [Zelkov] Some say you kill time until time kills you. That is my *philosophy.* [Alear] I had no idea you were such a profound thinker, Zelkov. [Zelkov] Heh. Not at all. [Zelkov] I may speak in a way that *suggests* a deeper meaning, but rarely is that actually the case. [Zelkov] It is simply another way of "killing time." Idle *amusement,* nothing more. [Alear] Wow... [Zelkov] What is it? Your eyes are possessed of a most *curious* twinkle. [Alear] I guess I just find your outlook fascinating. It's a whole new perspective to me. [Alear] Somehow it feels like you know a lot of things that I don't. [Zelkov] Heh. You are *interesting.* Perhaps, next time we chat, I will show you an interesting place. [Alear] Now I'm curious. [Zelkov] I will keep the nature of it a *surprise* for the time being. [Alear] All right. I look forward to it! --- B --- [Zelkov] Welcome. This is the *interesting* place that I mentioned to you before. My secret sanctum. [Alear] Whoa! I've never seen so many shelves full of...stuff! [Zelkov] Yes. I *collect* odds and ends for my pursuits here in this place. [Zelkov] Instructions for a *culinary* technique of my own devising. A map for a hike only I know. [Zelkov] There is a manual of training techniques I wrote, next to a rock that I polished to a *sparkle.* [Zelkov] And here are some balls of *lint* I've gathered for reasons even I don't quite understand. [Zelkov] That should suffice for a summary. A detailed accounting would take *hours.* [Zelkov] Just know *every* object here has helped me kill time. Feel free to handle whatever you like. [Alear] Thank you! What a treasure trove... [Zelkov] Once my work is done each day, I fill my evenings with these varied *pursuits.* [Zelkov] As I *enjoy* them, I am always mindful to leave something unfinished for the next day. [Zelkov] That ensures I always have a project. A reason to *continue* living. [Alear] Wow... So philosophical... [Zelkov] You... You truly think so? [Zelkov] Well... Thank you for enduring this frivolity. I hope I did not *bore* you. [Alear] What a thing to say! I'm not even done exploring in here yet! [Zelkov] Heh-heh. You honor me. Take as much *time* as you like. --- A --- [Zelkov] Today's work is complete. Now I am free to *kill time* until sleep arrives. [Alear] Ah, Zelkov! I've been *waiting* for you! [Zelkov] Divine One? [Alear] I finished my tasks *early* today, so I came *here.* I hope you *don't mind!* [Zelkov] I don't mind, but...the way you are speaking... Do you mean to suggest...a *deeper meaning*? [Alear] Perhaps I do. Perhaps some of your *influence* has rubbed off on me, Zelkov. [Zelkov] You should not want to walk the path I walk. People will *look* at you strangely. [Alear] Let them. I don't *care* what they think. [Alear] I'm just *amusing myself* and *killing time* by *speaking in a profound way.* [Zelkov] Oh, no no no! Please, Divine One, do not allow yourself to be *influenced* by someone like me. [Alear] Why *not*? [Zelkov] We lead very different lives, Divine One. You have an important *purpose* to fulfill. [Zelkov] I am a terrible influence. Please, you must follow a path more *fitting* to your station. [Alear] I don't think I *will.* Not in this room, anyway. [Zelkov] What do you mean? [Alear] It's true that there are *differences* between you and me, *Zelkov.* [Alear] But here, in *this* room, what do those *differences* *matter*? [Alear] All we're doing is *killing time.* [Zelkov] I deeply regret filling your head with *rubbish.* [Alear] Please, don't apologize. *Go on,* tell me more about your *collection*. [Zelkov] Very well, what should I talk about next? Ah, this here is *perfect.* [Zelkov] A list of the most mysterious words to *emphasize* to *suggest* a deeper meaning. [Alear] Ooo! That sounds *interesting!* --- S --- [Zelkov] I have been *waiting* for you, Divine One. Please, take a seat. [Alear] What do you have for me today, Zelkov? [Zelkov] I thought I might tell you a *story.* [Alear] About what? [Zelkov] How I came to be as I am. Why I require these *pursuits* in order to have a reason to live. [Zelkov] I am afraid it is a rather *dark* tale. But it is the only way for you to understand. [Zelkov] When I was young, my family was attacked and *murdered* by bandits. [Alear] That's horrible. [Zelkov] I swore *revenge.* It was my first pursuit─and it led me to take up the life of an assassin. [Zelkov] A decade ago, my *efforts* bore their last fruit. All my family's killers were vanquished. [Zelkov] Once I had achieved my end, I suddenly became aware that I had *nothing* left. No purpose. [Zelkov] It was King Hyacinth who rescued me, quite by chance. I was *selected* to join the royal guard. [Zelkov] Then I was *promoted* to retainer, and that *purpose* has sustained me in large part since. [Zelkov] Thus I *stand* before you today. [Alear] I appreciate you telling me this, but I'm still not sure I understand why you felt the need. [Zelkov] I would like you to join me in my continued pursuit of purpose, Divine One. [Alear] You what? [Zelkov] Forgive my foolishness. I should have *known* you would never want such a thing. [Alear] The complete opposite, as a matter of fact. There's nothing I want more. [Alear] I've actually been planning to give this to you for a while. Now seems like the right time. [Zelkov] The *Pact* Ring... [Alear] Whether it's to find a greater purpose or just to kill time, I want to be there to support you. [Zelkov] You are actually *serious,* aren't you? [Alear] Of course I am. Would I joke about something so important? [Zelkov] You would not. Therefore I accept, and gladly. [Zelkov] In return, , please accept a gift from me. [Alear] A necklace? It's lovely. [Zelkov] Each component was selected to represent a facet of my respect and affection for you. [Alear] This is amazing, Zelkov. Thank you. [Alear] You know, I just noticed... [Zelkov] What is it? [Alear] The way you're speaking has changed somehow. I can't put my finger on it. [Zelkov] Heh-heh. You're right. I've felt no need to sound as if my words have a deeper meaning. [Zelkov] I suppose that's because this conversation is already meaningful to me. [Alear] Haha, I'm flattered. [Alear] Now, if you don't mind, I'd love to hear about how you chose the materials for this necklace. [Zelkov] Of course. I will tell you the whole process, from start to finish. [Zelkov] And I will share how each choice along the way was governed by my sentiments.