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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

[Spam]

[umgekehrt]

[Stildyne leans his head against the Marquis' shoulder.]

I'm hoping for it, too. Of course, I want you to have every incentive to stay a while.

I know it's not the use you'd prefer to be, but you've kept me level more times than one, Donatien.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[He reaches up to stroke Stildyne's temple, a half-amused smile]

Have I, Brachi?

[Spam]

[umgekehrt]

There've been a few nasty memories that I needed drawing back from myself.

I didn't realize how good it was to be out of Secured Medical until I was put back in. As far as my memory went. You helped me back out of being Chief Warrant Officer, JFS Whichever-ship-I-was-minding-the-torturer-on. You didn't realize?

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

You cannot credit me for holding you back, Brachi. You did that yourself.

[Spam]

[umgekehrt]

I'd have managed in time, but-- it was as good as having the metal grating under my feet again, the way I felt. Easy enough to fall back into being an inquisitor's helper and focus on the man who'd done the cutting and not the poor soul who'd been brutalized, because it was just so damned ugly. Think of the cleanup and not what'd happened to necessitate it.

I dreamt of being back there. But you're one of the best reminders that I'm not. And you've taken care of me during all the little pitfalls. You've spoiled me. I don't regret a bit of it.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[He smiles.] It was nothing, dearheart.

[Spam]

[umgekehrt]

You're also the only man who's ever used a nickname on me-- bar Stoshi, who's hi me with 'darling' in the right mood--and I still enjoy it thoroughly.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

I hope so, as I don't intend to stop.

[Spam]

[umgekehrt]

[He hides a grin against the Marquis' neck.]

I only wish I could return the favor with any skill.

Want a game of cards tonight? Or to share your latest?