[Jaskier isn't quite so sure he agrees, but he much prefers confidence, anyway. One has no time to prattle about with those who don't know their own worth (as if Jaskier has ever turned down time with any sort of interesting company, humble or not.)
At any rate, he's already quite glad he's gambled his time on Sam. Even beyond what Geralt mentioned, he's certainly fascinating to talk to. A pretty face to look at. All those lovely muscles. It's a full package.]
Of course there are. It's simply that many don't give them a second thought. [He tips his head to the side, watching Sam curiously. He has seen many similar looks in others -- men like him. Men who have fought their very literal battles, if he is to believe what Sam tells him. And he does, honestly. There's no benefit to doubting.
He rubs his fingers together and waits with a patience Jaskier rarely exhibits. Clearly something has bothered him, but if he deigns to not mention it, he may as well move on.
Jaskier smiles when he returns.] Not for you. [He needn't say it. Ah. If only Geralt had this sort of optimism. He'd... well, he'd be unrecognizable, but he could do with a little more joy in his life.
Sam sticks so much to his idealism, Jaskier can't help but admit he's almost swayed by it. It's a certain brand of charisma, he imagines -- a brand similar to himself. In a way, Sam, too, is selling himself to an audience.] You know, I never imagined I'd come here to discuss the philosophy of heroics and selflessness, but I can't say I'm disappointed. I would love to be convinced of its merits. When things get worse here.
[Which they will, inevitably. Things are already heating up the longer the prisoners remain in their cages.]
[ it just nearly starts to feel a bit embarrassing, or perhaps more than a bit, but those would fall into jaskier's own merits. that sam can bring up all of this and not feel like he's giving a speech. that he can be sam wilson and talk about helping people and not feel like he's just trying to puff out his chest. steve had always been genuine - which had included his own beliefs. the speeches he gave. the way he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that people would do the right thing, if given a chance.
sam is just sam, and yet jaskier is here, inspiring philosophical discussions that could have rivaled vision. it's so far out of sam's depth he's not even sure if he should be apologizing or changing the subject, if this is what jaskier had even planned for when he walked in here. it's a bit of a heavy topic, for a casual first conversation, but sam looks over to the other all the same. ]
No, they won't. [ many won't give them a second thought. that hasn't changed. probably won't, ever. ] But that's kind of the point, you know? Many won't, so it's that much more important that a few do.
[ and then sam is grinning, hiding whatever blush or sheepishness that had broken it's way through. he leans forward a bit from where he's sitting, his hand coming to rub at the back of his neck. it's a bit like suddenly becoming aware that you're being recorded, the quick awareness of just about everything - how someone might see you, what it is you sound like. sam has had his moments where it hadn't mattered, where he's gotten carried away and verbally torn through a bunch of senators on live tv - but again, something about this is a little more open. more him, and less cap. ]
Sorry 'bout that. I kind of went off for a second. [ he laughs, easing himself through the intensity of that moment and back into something easier. more casual. he can see how good jaskier is at his own work - if his job is getting stories, he's certainly good at getting sam to open up beyond ways that sam really expected to. he hopes he won't get thee wrong idea of sam from this. he's fine talking, but the gravity of their conversation is usually saved for family. ] Don't jinx us, though. Maybe we can avoid worse until we get the rest of our people out of the dungeon, yeah?
[He's right. It is important. And though Geralt will never say it and Jaskier can only convince others of it through song, he has seen the merits. Geralt is not a hero. Jaskier certainly isn't, either. But he knows, in the aftereffects of Geralt's actions and his songs, that some out there, maybe, could be convinced he was. Though one needn't be a heroic to perform an act of heroics.
This was certainly not what he imagined any potential conversation to turn into. He wonders now how much Geralt has seen of this side of Sam. Perhaps not as much, considering he doubts sitting down and having long conversations was encouraged out on that mountain.]
Oh, don't apologize! That implies there was a mistake. There was none here. [Now, with the ice being broken, so to speak, he doesn't hesitate to lean forward and pat Sam's knee to emphasize his point. No, this was very insightful. It was... enjoyable. For a while, he could forget the situation he was in. He smiles, matching Sam's, though far less bashful. How queer, how genuine he was in his reactions.]
Jinx us, you say? Like a curse? [Because it was spoken about? How interesting. Was Sam the superstitious kind?] I'd hate to do that.
[Our people. Now that is especially interesting.] Is your plan to save them all, then? I'm getting the sense you balk at the idea at leaving anyone behind.
[ it is true, that some may hear songs or tales about geralt and imagine him more of the heroic sort. but was there really a difference between doing good and being a hero, if not for the scale? because as far as sam sees it, they're talking about doing acts of god for others, for going up against unspeakable odds for the safety of more than their own hide. that's the side of geralt that sam saw out in the tunnels, and most likely why he would argue some of what jaskier might say.
but hey - it's only been what, a couple of weeks now? sam's a quick friend, sure, but he's not about to start making arguments about someone's character quite yet. or at least, not right now. ]
I'll take your word for it. I'm not usually one to hero speech on a first date. [ the bashfulness is gone, with those words, very obviously joking by the upturn of his smirk. and then he's just laughing, patting a hand on jaskier's as he shakes his head. he's not entirely certain he can explain what jinxing means after all of that. ] Don't worry about it. It's more a turn of phrase than an actual... just. Yeah- nevermind.
[ and then there's that next question, and sam shrugs, at least feeling more confident in the smaller aspects of this. discussions about the philosophy of heroics aside, leaving someone behind? is a simple answer. ] Good for some, could be better for others, remember? [ and then a more serious look cross his face. nothing intense, necessarily, but determined. sam's definitely already made up his mind on this one. ] I don't trust anyone who is going to arbitrarily put people behind bars, and I know for a fact there are good people down there who shouldn't be. So- no, I don't leave anyone behind. Kind of my thing. [ sam makes a face like he's thinking, then shrugs one shoulder, like he's conceding a point. ] One of my things.
[He winks, the natural companion to his smirk, matching Sam's joking inch for inch. Geralt certainly did fail to give him any interesting details when he'd brought up Sam's name. Luckily, Jaskier has already more than picked up his slack.
He listens with his only movement being his thumb and forefinger, tips rubbing in circles. As he'd imagined would be the case. Even Sam's explanation to him already fit with as he'd guessed.]
As I can certainly tell. [He rubs his hands together, patting his legs before he stands.] Well, Sam, I'd be happy to learn more of your things in time. [He only barely contains another wink at this point, but instead offers him a hand to shake. It seems like... one of his things, too.] I must be getting back, but I want to say... I do have my priorities, of course. But if there are ways for me to help you help them, then I'd be glad to. In time, I hope we can all find our freedoms here.
[ sam laughs, then - an easy and bright kind of sound - in response to jaskier's wink. alright, alright, so jaskier can hang. that's something both refreshing and grounding and sam makes a note to take that into account with his kidding around.
and when jaskier stands, sam follows suit, taking the offered hand for the shake. he doesn't neary feel as uncomfortable as he had just a few minutes ago, and part of him wonders if that's something to do with jaskier. easy to talk to, easy to be around. ]
You and me both, and hey- I appreciate you coming by. I get the feeling we're all going to need to stick together. [ sam flashes him another smile and squeezes jaskier's hand, just once. an emphasis for the words to follow. ] But also know that if you need anything, at all, I'm here. Whatever it is.
[Jaskier grips him back warmly, the handshake easy, casual. Gods, if Jaskier wasn't a flatterer himself, he could see himself easily bowled over by Sam's... well, his whole thing. He smiles easily, but without malice. His words aren't carefully picked, but they come so easily, without pretention or expectance.
He covers Sam's hand with his other, holding in both of his own for a moment, a squeeze to match. Ah. This could be fun -- in another place, it already would be.]
I'm very glad I came. [Tempting as it is to peck his cheek, Jaskier's curling smile is enough for now.] I'll take those words to heart, Sam, and extend the same. In this, we're together.
[It leaves him with some sort of... not optimism, exactly, but a warmth. It's always worth having strong friends, even if not of the political sort.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
At any rate, he's already quite glad he's gambled his time on Sam. Even beyond what Geralt mentioned, he's certainly fascinating to talk to. A pretty face to look at. All those lovely muscles. It's a full package.]
Of course there are. It's simply that many don't give them a second thought. [He tips his head to the side, watching Sam curiously. He has seen many similar looks in others -- men like him. Men who have fought their very literal battles, if he is to believe what Sam tells him. And he does, honestly. There's no benefit to doubting.
He rubs his fingers together and waits with a patience Jaskier rarely exhibits. Clearly something has bothered him, but if he deigns to not mention it, he may as well move on.
Jaskier smiles when he returns.] Not for you. [He needn't say it. Ah. If only Geralt had this sort of optimism. He'd... well, he'd be unrecognizable, but he could do with a little more joy in his life.
Sam sticks so much to his idealism, Jaskier can't help but admit he's almost swayed by it. It's a certain brand of charisma, he imagines -- a brand similar to himself. In a way, Sam, too, is selling himself to an audience.] You know, I never imagined I'd come here to discuss the philosophy of heroics and selflessness, but I can't say I'm disappointed. I would love to be convinced of its merits. When things get worse here.
[Which they will, inevitably. Things are already heating up the longer the prisoners remain in their cages.]
no subject
sam is just sam, and yet jaskier is here, inspiring philosophical discussions that could have rivaled vision. it's so far out of sam's depth he's not even sure if he should be apologizing or changing the subject, if this is what jaskier had even planned for when he walked in here. it's a bit of a heavy topic, for a casual first conversation, but sam looks over to the other all the same. ]
No, they won't. [ many won't give them a second thought. that hasn't changed. probably won't, ever. ] But that's kind of the point, you know? Many won't, so it's that much more important that a few do.
[ and then sam is grinning, hiding whatever blush or sheepishness that had broken it's way through. he leans forward a bit from where he's sitting, his hand coming to rub at the back of his neck. it's a bit like suddenly becoming aware that you're being recorded, the quick awareness of just about everything - how someone might see you, what it is you sound like. sam has had his moments where it hadn't mattered, where he's gotten carried away and verbally torn through a bunch of senators on live tv - but again, something about this is a little more open. more him, and less cap. ]
Sorry 'bout that. I kind of went off for a second. [ he laughs, easing himself through the intensity of that moment and back into something easier. more casual. he can see how good jaskier is at his own work - if his job is getting stories, he's certainly good at getting sam to open up beyond ways that sam really expected to. he hopes he won't get thee wrong idea of sam from this. he's fine talking, but the gravity of their conversation is usually saved for family. ] Don't jinx us, though. Maybe we can avoid worse until we get the rest of our people out of the dungeon, yeah?
no subject
This was certainly not what he imagined any potential conversation to turn into. He wonders now how much Geralt has seen of this side of Sam. Perhaps not as much, considering he doubts sitting down and having long conversations was encouraged out on that mountain.]
Oh, don't apologize! That implies there was a mistake. There was none here. [Now, with the ice being broken, so to speak, he doesn't hesitate to lean forward and pat Sam's knee to emphasize his point. No, this was very insightful. It was... enjoyable. For a while, he could forget the situation he was in. He smiles, matching Sam's, though far less bashful. How queer, how genuine he was in his reactions.]
Jinx us, you say? Like a curse? [Because it was spoken about? How interesting. Was Sam the superstitious kind?] I'd hate to do that.
[Our people. Now that is especially interesting.] Is your plan to save them all, then? I'm getting the sense you balk at the idea at leaving anyone behind.
no subject
but hey - it's only been what, a couple of weeks now? sam's a quick friend, sure, but he's not about to start making arguments about someone's character quite yet. or at least, not right now. ]
I'll take your word for it. I'm not usually one to hero speech on a first date. [ the bashfulness is gone, with those words, very obviously joking by the upturn of his smirk. and then he's just laughing, patting a hand on jaskier's as he shakes his head. he's not entirely certain he can explain what jinxing means after all of that. ] Don't worry about it. It's more a turn of phrase than an actual... just. Yeah- nevermind.
[ and then there's that next question, and sam shrugs, at least feeling more confident in the smaller aspects of this. discussions about the philosophy of heroics aside, leaving someone behind? is a simple answer. ] Good for some, could be better for others, remember? [ and then a more serious look cross his face. nothing intense, necessarily, but determined. sam's definitely already made up his mind on this one. ] I don't trust anyone who is going to arbitrarily put people behind bars, and I know for a fact there are good people down there who shouldn't be. So- no, I don't leave anyone behind. Kind of my thing. [ sam makes a face like he's thinking, then shrugs one shoulder, like he's conceding a point. ] One of my things.
no subject
[He winks, the natural companion to his smirk, matching Sam's joking inch for inch. Geralt certainly did fail to give him any interesting details when he'd brought up Sam's name. Luckily, Jaskier has already more than picked up his slack.
He listens with his only movement being his thumb and forefinger, tips rubbing in circles. As he'd imagined would be the case. Even Sam's explanation to him already fit with as he'd guessed.]
As I can certainly tell. [He rubs his hands together, patting his legs before he stands.] Well, Sam, I'd be happy to learn more of your things in time. [He only barely contains another wink at this point, but instead offers him a hand to shake. It seems like... one of his things, too.] I must be getting back, but I want to say... I do have my priorities, of course. But if there are ways for me to help you help them, then I'd be glad to. In time, I hope we can all find our freedoms here.
no subject
and when jaskier stands, sam follows suit, taking the offered hand for the shake. he doesn't neary feel as uncomfortable as he had just a few minutes ago, and part of him wonders if that's something to do with jaskier. easy to talk to, easy to be around. ]
You and me both, and hey- I appreciate you coming by. I get the feeling we're all going to need to stick together. [ sam flashes him another smile and squeezes jaskier's hand, just once. an emphasis for the words to follow. ] But also know that if you need anything, at all, I'm here. Whatever it is.
wrapping up here!
He covers Sam's hand with his other, holding in both of his own for a moment, a squeeze to match. Ah. This could be fun -- in another place, it already would be.]
I'm very glad I came. [Tempting as it is to peck his cheek, Jaskier's curling smile is enough for now.] I'll take those words to heart, Sam, and extend the same. In this, we're together.
[It leaves him with some sort of... not optimism, exactly, but a warmth. It's always worth having strong friends, even if not of the political sort.]