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

[altusimperius]

[This yields a suspicious look, but Benedict's danger alarms have gotten a bit more reactive since working with Byerly. He's not going to push him.

That doesn't mean it's settled.]

[bouchonne]

So when are you leaving?

[altusimperius]

Oh. Um.

In a couple days, probably.

[bouchonne]

And where are you going?

[altusimperius]

Orlais. Some estate on the Exalted Plains.

[bouchonne]

Ah, Orlais. Have you spent much time there?

[altusimperius]

A fair amount. My mother actually has family there.

...she'll never admit it, but she's at least a quarter Orlesian.

[bouchonne]

Shameful!

[altusimperius]

Isn't it?

[bouchonne]

I'm surprised she let you learn of it.

[altusimperius]

It was bound to happen. I think Great Grandfather Devouchet was to her what she is to me.

[bouchonne]

What, a tormentor?

[altusimperius]

[That throws him off. Perhaps not how he might have phrased it.]

...um. Demanding.

[bouchonne]

[ A little drolly - far too humorously, given the topic - ]

Apologies. Too blunt?

[altusimperius]

Not inaccurate, I guess.

[He sounds sad to admit it.]

[bouchonne]

Indeed. And it's better to name someone what they are, rather than using euphemisms.

[altusimperius]

I suppose.

[He finds himself gazing into the middle distance as he considers it.]

...but tormentor doesn't feel right, either. That require mean so much more... involvement.

[He shrugs one shoulder, uncertainly.]

It's more like... a predator. You know she's nearby, and you can live your life, but if she's paying attention to you, it's already too late.

[bouchonne]

And you don't know whether or not she's full, or if she's hungry.

[altusimperius]

Yes.

[Now that they're talking about it, that's it exactly.]

[bouchonne]

[ An easy shrug. ]

Well, the best way to deal with such creatures is to keep them far away.

[altusimperius]

That's the goal.

[bouchonne]

[ Another shrug. Well, what else is there to say, then? ]

Anyway. I hope you don't die.

[altusimperius]

Oh, Byerly.

[A simpering smile cast his way,]

that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.