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[impure_tale]

I suppose if my wrists ache too much to write at the pace to which I am accustomed, I should perhaps look for other diversions to fill my time. As it is, I might benefit from a few books from the library, if anyone would be so kind as to fetch them for me.

[Spam for Riddick]

[Most of the Marquis' time has been spent in his own bed resting. He has been seen, usually around lunch time and dinner time, fetching a meal for himself and Renate in the dining hall. At these times his cane has returned to regular use, and he has not stayed long, not even to chat. Now he is once again resting, with a small pile of books at his bedside that have been read and reread many a time and now therefore lack their old luster. Renate has gone to the main deck on walks with Riddick but beyond that has, with much concern, remained faithfully at her Master's side, often sleeping with him on the bed to share her warmth with him. She is settled with him, facing the foot and the rest of his apartments beyond, including the door leading out, her ears flicking back and forth while he turns the final pages of yet another book he has read at least three times in the years he has been here. His journal sits beside him, open and awaiting further comments. He looks tired, as though he may only need a few more pages before he is able to drift off into a short nap.]

Comments

[with_my_teacup]

[Riddick had stayed close, the past while, a silent looming figure in the halls or in the Marquis' room. Today, less quiet. More agitated.]

You ever talk to Arthas?

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Guess who's got some sweet painkillers and feeling charitable?]

Take it from 'few' to 'one' and I could help you out.

[impure_tale]

[The Marquis blinks as though awakened from a half-sleep.] Quoi? [As though the language were said in a language he does not know.] What are you talking about?

[impure_tale]

You, monsieur, are a saint.

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

I do try. Anything in particular you want?

[impure_tale]

Something dark.

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[...]

Might need to narrow that down a bit. It's not a... type I'm too familiar with.

[with_my_teacup]

[A frustrated grunt. Riddick pads across the room to claim the edge of the bed.]

This got old before it started.

I need to fight with Arthas.

[impure_tale]

Why do you need to fight with Arthas? Has he been bothering you?

[The Marquis copes strangely]

[impure_tale]

Suspense, horror. Whatever you can dredge up.

[This is the Barge. 'Strange' hardly exists.]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[He's already on his way to the library.] Sounds good. What's your cabin number, Marquis?

[impure_tale]

Level three. Room four. You will have to let yourself in.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Close to an hour later he's knocking at the door, a polite courtesy, before entering the room, book tucked between his arm and side. It's like entering into a different century, and he's just curious enough to look around a moment after closing the door behind him. The smells alone, stronger now in the cabin than outside of it, are certainly distracting. Oh, right, he had a purpose. He clears his throat and calls out.] Marquis? It's Dr. Kozak.

[with_my_teacup]

No. I haven't talked to him since you cut me off. But I need to fight and he's the one who doesn't pull punches.

[impure_tale]

[He sighs, clearly beleaguered. Why you do this to him, Riddick?]

You are speaking to me about this when I am infirm on purpose, aren't you?

Re: [Spam]

[impure_tale]

[There's an alert 'yip' from the far end of the room, and the jingle of the charm on Renate's collar as she jumps down to go and meet him. The Marquis doesn't sit up from bed, but his hand can be seen, waving.]

You may enter, Doctor.

[with_my_teacup]

Maybe I just need to kick some ass. Men have needs.

[His coyness is fraying at the seams. He hasn't had his cool, audibly or visibly, since the shocked, dismayed, furious moment when he was dragged away from the Marquis during the aborted breakout.]

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

Thank you. [He kneels to greet the other dog, his own tail wagging, and he lets her get used to his scent before scratching her behind the ears. Then back to standing, which takes a moment, with his left arm is still in a cast. He holds out the book he brought, American Psycho, to him.] I honestly only read the description but it seemed worthwhile for what you wanted, even if the title is a bit plain.

[impure_tale]

I'll speak with him when I'm feeling better. [A glance] I'm in no state to make any further promises.

But you might inform me: from where did these needs arise?

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

You have my thanks. [The door opens in on a sitting area with a fireplace, and the bedroom is on the far end of that, the Marquis' four-poster bed quite visible, the bed curtains pulled to let in light. The Marquis eyes his tail with interest.] You need not trouble yourself further. I will fetch it when I am up and about again.

[with_my_teacup]

You cannot be shocked I have a little energy to work off after being in a traditional slam.

[impure_tale]

I had thought going running with Renate might help. [He's not about to suggest he has had other things on his mind.]

[with_my_teacup]

Eh.

Prefect let us in the CES.

[impure_tale]

Did he? [He raises an eyebrow -- slowly, lazily] That was very kind of him. I suppose you thanked him.

[with_my_teacup]

I don't actually recall. Gonna shoot me if I don't?