240

[impure_tale]

These floods are always so perplexing; it is hard to tell when you are affected when you make a point of answering every question posed to you anyway.

I am going to ask that my Inmate excuse my absence for the time being, because not knowing whether or not he is affected, I am not the sort to draw answers out that should be offered in confidence. I extend the same courtesy to all others as well.

You are free to ask me questions if you wish, however. Just bear in mind that I will return the favor.

Comments

[Private]

[impure_tale]

[Don't bluff during a truth flood, Marquis.]

You say that as though I'm a man easily frightened.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Do I? I think you play it safe, at a level that might be impressive to others, even me, most likely, but is not so impressive to yourself.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

You insist you think I am "playing it safe" but are purposefully avoiding specifics or evidence.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Specifics and evidence are that you're still here. You're in a position of power and relative comfort here, so here you stay. You know how this place operates, the kind of people that end up here, how to warden and more or less what to expect from flood, ports and suffering that could result.

Apart from the odd flood or breach that might possibly blind side you, you have nothing to fear here. You're static.

Which I suppose is entirely your business and if this were not a truth flood, I likely wouldn't have brought it up, let alone give my honest opinion, but it isn't how I would like to live.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

You are right, of course, and I ought not to have asked if I did not wish for your honest opinion.

How would you like to live, then?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Filled with challenges, free of flashbacks and my wife by my side.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

[He does falter a little at that, because that gets him thinking of his own.]

Very close, were you?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

My wife and I? Oh, yes. [He's quiet, aching.] She was my strength.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Don't take this the wrong way, dumpling, but I took you for a divorcee or a bachelor when I first met you.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

[He shrugs slightly. He doesn't obviously fit into the doting husband stereotype. And stereotypes are funny things.]

Well, we'll have to renew our vows when we next meet.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Do you suppose you'll make an event of it?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

[He smiles softly, imagining it. Their reunion and the possibilities that will be there for them.]

I'd like to.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Then I'll hope in your favor, mon ami.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Most kind.