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[impure_tale]

Although I know the answer, it serves a person well to consider what it is that drives a crowd of people -- even those who profess themselves relatively good, or even religious -- to relish the notion of hanging, shooting, or beheading a person in full public view.

[Private to Stildyne]

Dearheart, if you are not otherwise indisposed I would relish some proper company.

Comments

[buywithme]

[He wants to say something reassuring, but... it's not easy. He was as guilty as calling for hangings as anyone else was in this event.]

At least we didn't have to reclaim anyone's organs this time.

[impure_tale]

Are you well, comrade?

[buywithme]

As well as ever, Brother. I didn't see you during this breach, were you harmed?

[impure_tale]

...Not so much as others, Prefect. Not really.

[buywithme]

Are you all right now, Comrade? You seem... troubled?

[impure_tale]

Unhappy memories, mon ami. They come unwanted but go in time.

[buywithme]

Of people being executed?

I'm sorry, Brother. [Pause.] If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know.

[impure_tale]

Naught to be done, cherub. It's the way of life, no?

I am very sorry you were sold into slavery. I am also very sorry because when I am feeling better I will probably write about it.

[buywithme]

It's all right. It wasn't really very terrible, in the end.

[Pauuuuuuse]

It wasn't very sexy either, Comrade. I'm not sure it would be as good a source of writing material as you might be assuming.

[impure_tale]

[A little humorless smile.]

I can embellish.

[buywithme]

[He's smiling, that's a start. Prefect smiles back a little.]

Well, I don't mind. Just please don't feel obliged to show me, Comrade.

[impure_tale]

So demanding.

[buywithme]

I'm very biographically sensitive.

[impure_tale]

Then you will have to criticize me for accuracy.

[buywithme]

I don't think I need to read it to do that. I can just tell you to take out all the parts which you enjoy the best.

[impure_tale]

Spoil my fun, must you?

[buywithme]

It's not up to me, Comrade, it's up to historical integrity.