impure_tale

[The Marquis has been mostly absent from the network, his days spent at his desk writing with piles and piles of manuscripts on paper starting to form. The edges of these can be seen around the screen when he appears there, looking conversational. Given his habits of late he is taking a rare, rare break to spend time with you lovely people.]

That was...oddly exhilarating, and I will be the first to say it. No one is particularly fond of being forced to love another person, much less become obsessed with them. However, this struck me more as harmless, flighty admiration. One ought to look to feel that way about someone quite regularly; it adds a touch of color to one's cheeks.

Ah, to be young again, when the beating of one's heart for the simple chance of a look or a smile, much less to know the object of your affection better, was what drove us toward love.

[A chuckle]

Where, I ask, is the fun in that?

Thankfully we all seem to be much cured of it, even my poor Renate.

[Private to Lua]

I suspect the flood turned your eyes toward someone else. If that is the case, then you are all the more gracious than you are credited, cheri, to still provide me the aid that you did whilst I fawned and my words failed me.

[Private to Stildyne]

Are we still pretending that you did not leave me little gifts?

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Speaking as a calculating man, that depends entirely on what you thought of them.

[The sentiment was genuine, but not one he likes to admit to himself. A losing battle, but one he hasn't given up. ]

I found them rather touching.

Then they were deliberately placed to take advantage of your gentler nature.

Then I must direct said nature toward my continued efforts to thank you.

Well, now, maybe you're right and there's something to this.

If there hadn't been a flood on I might think you were trying a little harder because you were worried about me.

When you've out and told me there was nothing wrong. Would I do such a thing. I ask you.

...have you been much out of your room since we spoke? Haven't seen you at meals so often.

I take Renate on her walks, always.

[He sees what you did there, sir.]

Then I'm glad for Renate.

What've you been writing?

More of the same, revising previous works as I can.

I've just never seen you so disinclined to mingle. You of all people can't be tired of barge society?

Renate? Your pet?

No, it...

[ He likes honesty, right? ]

Better that than thinking about someone who barely wanted to see me.

Merely watching from a safe vantage point.

If I come over, will you read a bit more? I'll bring dinner. [And make sure he eats.]

Brachi. [patient sigh] Very well.

Too late to get rid of me now.

I suppose you're right.

I do wish I had access to a proper publisher, here.

You were well read, in France? [Stildyne doesn't know so much of his history-- but the imprisonment. And the notoriety of his name.]

I would hardly call it that. I'm an acquired taste, you see. Most simply liked burning my books.

That's a cultural mark of... something or other. I remember the cry that went up a bit ago. O'Brien.

I'm fond of your stuff. It's filthy; I approve.

Unfortunately, you make up a small number of people in existence. [Heavy sigh] But then, I never wrote because it was popular.

Would it be prying if I asked?

Asked what, dumpling?

[The endearment, as always, raises a half-smile.] Why you do, to such distraction. I ask only for my personal benefit, as I'm the one's got to massage your hands.

[He shrugs needlessly.]

Better to vent them on paper than keep them in my head, oui? It helps me to relax.

So much, lately. They've been that preoccupying for you?

Making up for lost time. I've rather neglected my hobby.

Well, write what you can before I come over. I intend to distract you thoroughly.

Wicked beast.

Flattery won't save you and you know it.

[playfully] What about desperate pleas?

Oui.

And that someone must truly have been bewitched to have so easily cast you aside.

He's happier with her. And if he wasn't, I wouldn't have gotten to see someone I keep missing out on.

[ She can give it right back to you c: ]

She was caught in the flood as well? That's fascinating - I've never heard of that happening.

Oh, I don't know. I'm feeling merciless.

I suppose I will have to be strong. Hurry along, now.

I was surprised as well -- it made her somewhat difficult to manage, but once it was over her behavior returned to normal.

So he's a dunderhead, but he's a mutually beneficial dunderhead.

Perhaps that would be worth looking into! After all, there are a lot of pets here.

Guess I should thank him.

One for the both of us, cheri.

[A smile]

Gentle infatuation apparently did not inspire me to know you better, but in possession of my better sense, I should like to now.

Of course. But... really? Don't think I said all that much.

But I don't mind.

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private <:

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Accidental French

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Intentional French!

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freedom fries

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