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

Comments

[bouchonne]

How did you know that?

[venenifer]

What?

[He's a little surprised by the question.]

That I was to serve the Maker?

[bouchonne]

[ A nod. ]

[venenifer]

I suppose it's rather... what I imagine falling in love to be like. An idea that grips your heart and won't let go. The only satisfaction to be found in your life is acting in its service.

[It's possible he's never thought this hard about it before, as evidenced by the occasional pause between words.]

[bouchonne]

And have you found that satisfaction? Are you happy in your work?

[venenifer]

Yes.

[Spoken as drily as anything else: if Gideon ever feels strong emotions, it's unlikely any person sees them.]

[bouchonne]

Hm. You don't seem to show much joy when you say that.

[venenifer]

Excuse me?

[bouchonne]

[ By imitates him passably well when he intones: ]

Yes.

[venenifer]

[what.]

Are you mocking me, Ambassador?

[bouchonne]

Oh, absolutely not. You'd know if I were mocking you. I do not make a secret of it.

[venenifer]

Then what is your intention here.

[bouchonne]

To learn more about you.

[venenifer]

And to judge what you hear, by the sound of it.

[The walls are officially up, even if his tone remains cordial.]

Is there anything else you'd like to know?

[bouchonne]

[ A shrug. Well, it was nice while it lasted. ]

So what is the nature of your current work?

[venenifer]

[Back to business.]

I have been attending to the wounded in the infirmary since arriving in the Gallows. With this new appointment, I will be continuing that work and increasing outreach to the clergy known to us in Kirkwall and the surrounding area. Sister Sawbones has made a few suggestions.

[bouchonne]

Such as?

[venenifer]

[He gives the names because I don't know them :V]

...and the Revered Mother, who it seems spends most of her time in Tantervale rather than overseeing her parishioners in their struggles here.

[bouchonne]

That's quite a critical thing to say about Her Holiness.

[venenifer]

It is still hearsay to me, but serious if true.

Do you have an opinion on it?

[bouchonne]

On the doings of the clergy? I believe it's beyond my layman's comprehension.

[venenifer]

Then I won't trouble you with it.

[He glances around, considering taking his leave.]

[bouchonne]

A fellow in need of education, and you neglect him? How heartless you are.

[venenifer]

You're the head of diplomacy, are you not?

I should think you'd have the resources to educate yourself. ...and I hope you do. But I'll be frank with you, Ambassador, I don't have the patience for this.

[Gideon stands, straightening his robe.]

[bouchonne]

[ A crooked smile. ]

Did they teach you pride in the Chantry? Or did you learn it on your own?