contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

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[archademode]

I speak from experience when I say you would not wish it to be.

[There's wryness in it, that voice from inside his grim-wrought helm. Perhaps he's used to it by now, the way Byerly seeks to shift topic with abrupt ease.]

Another Judge Magister sought power by infusing himself with a single fleck of that stone, and I have been told little was left to speak of in the aftermath. It is volatile, that magick. And it chooses whom it favors.

[Still, that's beside the point:]

My question stands.

[bouchonne]

[ By shrugs, and replies cheerily: ]

I like dissension.

[archademode]

[The wearied sigh that earns.]

Of this, I am well aware.

[He hasn't forgotten your last assignment, after all.]

I would prefer peace in matters of leadership. Blood is meant for the battlefield, in my experience.

[altusimperius]

[Benedict nods miserably.]

[bouchonne]

You're aware what your relationship is to me, are you not?

[bouchonne]

What, you've never split a lip or bloodied a nose during combat training?

[cozen]

[ The description makes him laugh, but it's a quiet short one, mindful of the fact that Byerly is having A Time of some kind. ]

Not at all. She did sound a little... You know. She said I should ask you instead of her doing it.

[archademode]

[There's a noise that catches in the back of his throat there, just barely audible. Something perhaps to do with the burns he'd left Jone with upon their first meeting— kindled temper being what it is.

He dislikes the memory of it, and discards it the moment it arises.]

There is a difference. You seek trouble as a bird to its prey, though your heart is a far softer thing than your talons.

[bouchonne]

[ He gives a frustrated scoff, then says - ]

Miss Poppell essentially declared our relationship at an end some time ago.

[altusimperius]

[Quietly,] I’m aware.

[If ever it were possible to just disintegrate, now would be the time.

At least he likes the coffee.]

[cozen]

Alexandrie did say something about the two of you not speaking.

[coquettish_trees]

He is capable of assisting guile.

Hesitantly, I might add. I venture that at the very least your working relationship is meaningful to him.

[ She reaches to tug affectionately at his collar, pauses, and then slides from her seat so she can lean down to kiss him; a slow and steady press that is warm, for closeness rather than passion, the length of a single deep and even breath. Hello. I missed you. When she pulls back she has another lighter brush of a kiss for his forehead, and then she sits again with a soft smile that edges on shyness. ]

I brought you something. I hope you will forgive it being more puzzle than present.

[bouchonne]

[ A laugh of surprise. ]

Maker, you don't mince words, do you?

[ Then a shake of his head. ]

Make no mistake, Judge Magister, my heart is a withered and deadened little thing. But a fellow can be hard-hearted and still have a sense of duty. Sharp talons, but jesses and a hood; that's all. I'm flattered by your generous assessment, though.

[ A small shrug. Then: ]

But don't dismiss the importance of diplomatic training, good fellow. Wordplay and swordplay must both be learned.

[bouchonne]

And you're aware that actions you take that break discipline will reflect on me.

[bouchonne]

By her choice, not by mine.

[ Byerly's voice is mostly flat. But this is Bastien, and so he lets a bit of his bitterness creep in, rather than guarding completely. Then, what Bastien said creeps into his awareness - ]

You and Lexie are talking?

[bouchonne]

A puzzle is a present.

[ He starts to tug her into his lap, then pauses as he realizes - ]

Do you need to get it?

[altusimperius]

[Wretchedly,]

Yes.

[bouchonne]

So is something like that relevant to me or not?

[altusimperius]

Yes, it’s relevant.

[That same terrible tightness has returned to his guts, reminiscent of when he faced the anger of Gabranth himself.
His groveling is, at least, sincere: there’s an element of knowing he’s got to endure it and come out the other side, rather than wriggle out now and have to pay the piper later.]

[bouchonne]

[ Byerly, though, responds to that snappishly: ]

Maker, stop looking at me like I'm some grand bully persecuting you.

[archademode]

[He would defy that assessment by way of Benedict’s care— but instead opts to let it lie. No man wishes to be pulled from his own perceptions.]

For Lord Artemaeus, yes.

[For himself? No.

Request debates all you like, Byerly, he’s just going to keep smashing that Jeopardy buzzer and listing the first things that come to mind.]

Now, if you will excuse me, I fear I have little time left to spare. My own work in the name of Commander Flint is far from complete.

[It sucks also, but he’s keeping that part to himself thank you very much.]

[cozen]

Not at this specific moment, but in general, yes.

[ He’s not so distractible. He’s coming for that bitterness. But he is easygoing enough for detours. ]

Do not worry, only half of it is about you. Maybe three-quarters.

[bouchonne]

[ Hah. That eases his heart a little bit. ]

In praise of my handsomeness, I hope.

[bouchonne]

As you will. I wouldn't want you to cross that fearsome fellow.

[cozen]

Every morning. And every afternoon, your cleverness and charm.

[ The smile lingers in his voice as he goes back to business, asking a question he knows the answer to: ]

Do you want to be speaking with her again? Miss Poppell.