impure_tale | 149 [He's been preoccupied and doesn't know what's happening yet]

Entry tags:

4th wall day

149 [He's been preoccupied and doesn't know what's happening yet]

Admiral, you naughty thing, there are numerous items missing from my cabin since its restoration, and you will return them. I cannot be expected to finish a novel when you're making off with bits of the manuscript.

If you wanted so badly to read it, you might have simply waited for the new chapter along with everyone else.

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[The Marquis had an old chess set but it had been some time since he'd played the game. In fact, if he had to think of any time he must have done it on the barge, then it would have been with Henry, back when he himself was still an Inmate. As it was he set it up between two chairs by the fire and had glasses of wine handy.]

[Iago normally would have knocked, but he was feeling a bit wanting for attention, so he didn't even bother. When he reached the Marquis' door, he just tried the handle and, finding it open, stepped inside, looking first for Renate, as always.]

You tempt fate with this, Marquis.

[The minute the handle clicked, Renate began barking and when Iago stepped inside, she jumped up to place her forepaws on his chest, ears laid back, panting gently.]

Hm?

[The Marquis looked up.]

With what, my treasure?

Down. [His command was firm, but not as much as it would have been. He anticipated the jump anyway, and just undermined himself by scratching her behind the ears. He pushed her away to address the Marquis.]

With keeping your door unlocked.

[Renate mumbled and whined and pushed her nose up along his wrist so that she'd have an angle to catch and lap at his hands. A short word from the Marquis and she sank down again, circling the young man once before sitting obediently.]

I am not afraid.

[He walked over to sit opposite the Marquis, eying the wineglass but choosing not to say anything about it.]

Fear is not the same as caution. They don't go together. You are not cautious because you are afraid.

I was attacked for speaking, Iago. [He sat at his chair, gesturing for him to do the same.] There are some matters that people are willing to die for in order to show they will not be intimidated.

[Iago did as the Marquis silently bid, making himself comfortable.]

I can see how that would be something you would be very passionate about. [He really didn't mind all that much about it. As long as he wasn't involved directly in this protest or...show of faith.]

[The Marquis frowned, then.] I regret that I placed you in the position that I did, Iago.

[Iago looked up to him sharply.]

Yes, well, we didn't meet to talk about regrets, did we?

[The Marquis began to position the pieces on the board.]

You are not accustomed to receiving apologies, are you?

[He fixed the Marquis with a bland look.]

When have I ever been given a sincere apology?

And so you find me insincere?

No. I find you quite sincere in it. But I see no reason to apologize. [He took a small sip of the wine.]

Because it troubled you, of course. It still does. [He had one himself, then.] But you are correct. We didn't meet to talk of these things. If you do not wish to, I will not force you.

[Iago relaxed, as he had been clearly uncomfortable with the whole thing.]

Then let's play.

First a basic tutorial on how each of the pieces work, I think... [The Marquis sat his glass aside to address the board more directly.]

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149 [He's been preoccupied and doesn't know what's happening yet]

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