inbox.

[katabasis]

action + written + crystal

Comments

[bouchonne]

[ A smile curls the corner of his lip. ]

I have no desires, Captain Flint. I am but a vessel for the truth.

[katabasis]

Naturally.

[A sudden shift of temperature and tone - no less sharp edged, but something like a knife turned the wrong way around. Not a threat. Just there.]

Has anyone ever spoken on your incredible capacity for patience before?

[bouchonne]

[ With the warm, genial tone of a friend flattered by a friend: ]

You know, I think you're the very first to comment on it.

[katabasis]

How gratifying.

[Shifting still--] Did you know any of them well?

[bouchonne]

[ It seems the dear captain wants him off-balance. Of course, heaven knows the man doesn't need to be up to something nefarious to be secretive. His very nature is secretive.

Well. A smooth lie - ]

Not particularly. What about you? Does your heart bleed for anyone apart from your man?

[katabasis]

Madame Baudin and I had been trading books.

[It sounds like he's being honest. Or partly so. Or, or, or.]

You're a fortunate man, Rutyer. You must extend some of that patience to the rest of us.

[bouchonne]

If I may be permitted a loose translation...Are you asking my forbearance so you can mourn?

[katabasis]

I'm asking for the point to this.

[bouchonne]

Does she still have your books? Madame Baudin?

[katabasis]

I believe so.

[bouchonne]

Is that the source of your emotion, then? Heartbroken over a few tomes?

[katabasis]

[Stony silence follows.]

[bouchonne]

I could search her things for you. Perhaps they're still in her rooms.

[katabasis]

[Eventually:]

Tell me, Mr Rutyer. Is there any limit to what you believe yourself entitled to?

[bouchonne]

What a question from a pirate.

[katabasis]

Your inability to imagine a thing has no bearing on whether or not it is possible.

[This isn't for you, Byerly Rutyer.]

Is there something you need, or are you just testing depth?

[bouchonne]

And finding it a mere three fathoms. - Can you sail in three fathoms, with those great big ships of yours?

[katabasis]

[And away the crystal goes into a convenient drawer or pocket. Goodbye, Mr Rutyer.]