[ Sebastian's smile continues to cool from the laugh back to something thoughtful, but it's definitely not as cold as the one that came with the previous topic. ]
Like equals. Or, close enough.
[ And there's much he could say to that, too. It was something that could be as foolish as summoning a demon just to see if one could, were he another of his brethren. But, there's hardly a need, since it very clearly doesn't apply to him at this point. ]
It is always one of two extremes. There is the deference and fear that comes with the truth of my being, naturally. No matter what sort of preconceptions someone has by the time they meet me, it may as well be meeting all monsters and nightmares at once. And if they want something from me, well, then I am the wicked king they have been waiting for, and they prostrate themselves before me.
[ He waves his hand dismissively to that, since a bit interestingly, he seems to dislike that sort of treatment. It's very much the opposite from what would be known of most demons. ]
...Or they are my master, and so I am their slave. My master's will is my own will, their desires my desires, at least so long as our agreement is in place. At best, it is a cordial, business relationship, at worst, adversarial as they try and slip out of our deal.
[ Sebastian gestures to Matt generally, since now his comparison is the focus. ]
You know perfectly well what I am, and yet, you neither fear me nor do you hold the chain of my collar. We can hold a conversation just as I would if I were carrying on the pretense of being human. It is an exceptionally rare thing.
no subject
Like equals. Or, close enough.
[ And there's much he could say to that, too. It was something that could be as foolish as summoning a demon just to see if one could, were he another of his brethren. But, there's hardly a need, since it very clearly doesn't apply to him at this point. ]
It is always one of two extremes. There is the deference and fear that comes with the truth of my being, naturally. No matter what sort of preconceptions someone has by the time they meet me, it may as well be meeting all monsters and nightmares at once. And if they want something from me, well, then I am the wicked king they have been waiting for, and they prostrate themselves before me.
[ He waves his hand dismissively to that, since a bit interestingly, he seems to dislike that sort of treatment. It's very much the opposite from what would be known of most demons. ]
...Or they are my master, and so I am their slave. My master's will is my own will, their desires my desires, at least so long as our agreement is in place. At best, it is a cordial, business relationship, at worst, adversarial as they try and slip out of our deal.
[ Sebastian gestures to Matt generally, since now his comparison is the focus. ]
You know perfectly well what I am, and yet, you neither fear me nor do you hold the chain of my collar. We can hold a conversation just as I would if I were carrying on the pretense of being human. It is an exceptionally rare thing.