impure_tale

[The Marquis is seen flipping through pages of a small book, laid upon a small bed-table standing over his lap. A pot of ink and a quill lay there as well, waiting to be used. He glances up, wincing slightly. Parts of his face are purple, and he seems only to be sitting up because the bed, itself, tilts that way.]

I've felt better.

You've looked better, too. [It's sort of a lame attempt at lightening the mood. West sighs, then pulls up a chair to sit beside the Marquis] Do you know who's responsible?

[One corner of his mouth tugs upward briefly.] I've seen him around, though I'm not certain I know him by name. Mildly darker-skinned, probably Italian or Spanish. Very rat-like in the facial area. It's probably the eyes. He was knocking at your door when I came out.

Really. [He thinks for a moment, then shrugs] What set him off?

[The Marquis scribbles something on one of the pages really quick.]

Being looked at, apparently.

Are you sure it wasn't Charlie?

[He clasps his hands together and looks down after a moment] I'm sorry I wasn't there. I could have stopped him.

[He chuckles.] No, it certainly wasn't him; he talks before he lashes out.

Ah. Well. Do you need anything?

Bodyguards, apparently. If I cannot step out of my door anymore, then I truly am back to being a prisoner, am I not?

[He scowls, more at the fact that the Marquis, who really isn't half as bad as the other inmates, is getting such treatment. Why doesn't the Master or Joker get beaten every time they set foot outside?]

That isn't right. Can you tell me anything else about the man?

[The Marquis pouted] He destroyed my chaise. I almost wished he'd picked up a statue like Charlie had.

[West stares at him for a moment, then lowers his head and suppresses a laugh]

I'm sorry, but-- that's really, ah, 'queeny'. [He shakes his head and looks serious again] I mean something to help identify the man.

[He glowered at him.] His hair was uneven.

[West almost feels bad for laughing. Almost] What colour? How did he speak-- if at all?

Brown. And I don't remember him saying anything, if much.

I see. When do you think you'll be well enough to leave?

I think I'm well enough right this minute. [holds up a finger] But watch this.

[He very patiently picks up the bed-table and turns it to set it aside, so that he might slide out of bed on the other side. The faceless nurses are just suddenly there, very calmly and with supernatural ease able to gently turn him back to his usual position and replace the table over his lap. He rolls his eyes.]

Would you believe I was actually trying to stop them?

[West watches with some apprehension. He's not the biggest fan of the medical staff] That's-- ah-- unnerving.

[The Marquis crosses his arms petulantly] I feel like a child.

[West smirks teasingly] You sound like a child.

All the more reason that I should be appeased.

I don't think it usually works that way.

And whose side are you on, my pet? [raises an eyebrow, or rather attempts to]

Well, you might be safer here...

And I would never sleep. [He gestures about] It's far too bright in here. It unsettles me.

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Re: Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!

Action!