001 Ω Video

[franchisepirate]

[A blond, pony-tailed man with discerning blue eyes peers into the camera, pausing momentarily as though he expected something significant to happen. And then he raises his eyebrows and quirks one side of his mouth in a facial shrug, apparently deciding to move on despite the lack of it.]

I suppose this is more efficient than quill and ink, but it lacks a certain panache, wouldn't you say? [Being that Westley's not quite certain who he's addressing, best to presume there's someone or another there.]

So, here we are. Not that I can particularly identify who "we" are other than myself, nor am I especially well-versed in where "here" is, but thus the point of my inquiry. [A small, thin smile at his humor, which somehow manages to come off as less self-congratulatory and more charming.] Perhaps someone might be so kind as to share whatever they feel is relevant to a relative newcomer.

Oh, and I nearly forgot.

[He didn't, but best to come off casual about this specific area.]

If anyone can point me toward a blacksmith, that would be quite helpful.

Comments

[backinakidflash]

[Bart is sure that this must make sense somewhere.

He's just not sure where.]

Digital records are more lasting. I think you're supposed to bring the panache. Deck yourself out with 20 pieces of flare. Go big or go home.

Except for the part where we can't.

You really use quills here? I'm never writing again. I'd have to wait for the ink to seep and blot and dry.

[franchisepirate]

[That is a... lot of words, indeed, and rather haphazardly arranged. As if they were fighting for which might be the first past the tongue.]

I tend to avoid flaring indiscriminately unless absolutely necessary. It can be more hassle than it's worth.

[backinakidflash]

[Those are just the ones that make it out. His brain is like roller derby. Bart's left the feed going, and there's the sound of things slamming open and shut in the background for a few seconds before he's suddenly back in the seat, holding an apple. He's staring at it with greedy, glowing eyes.]

It's not a hassle. "In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing."

[franchisepirate]

There is something to be said for that bit of wisdom. [Not precisely agreeing, but more than once he's found those words rather undeniably true.]

[That said, he's not one for rash action when his feet aren't firmly beneath him, if it can be helped. Nevertheless, he offers a somewhat cheeky smile.] Shall I take that to mean you prefer me to be insincere?

[backinakidflash]

Sometimes, flashy is the only plan you've got.

[Bart smiles apologetically at the pun, but he doesn't point out that it was there.

Nah, I prefer honesty when people are talking to me. Unless both's an option. Going with both. Like the Trojan Horse.

[franchisepirate]

I can only hope I'm up to the challenge. [Of course he is, but considering his position it would be best not to appear overconfident. Hubris has been the downfall of many, and Westley doesn't intend to be one of them.]

And in the spirit of honesty, might I ask if you're also new here, or a more established resident? [He honestly can't tell. But that might be because this boy seems intent on switching subjects at fifty knots.]

[backinakidflash]

I hope we're all up to challenge.

[It isn't hubris; hope is completely different. And the Trojans weren't off topic. They had style, and they sincerely kicked butt. They are the prime example of having it both ways.]

Me?

[Bart starts tossing the apple from one hand to the other. There is an impishness in his smile that would set J. M. Barrie writing.]

Nah, I'm not new. I got here yesterday.

[franchisepirate]

[Yesterday? But then, this particular individual doesn't seem the sort to sit still long enough to be in one place more than a solid day in the best of circumstances.]

An expert already? How fortunate. Any wisdom you'd care to impart on the newly initiated?

[backinakidflash]

Don't get too close to the edge of the turtle shell. The people here are pretty cranky. Oh, and I can't find a pizza place.

[franchisepirate]

I'm proficient both at swimming and at dealing with less than friendly individuals. [To say the least. Charm and a versatile skill set of fighting techniques can go quite a long way.] I'm afraid you have me at a loss as to your last complaint, however.

[backinakidflash]

I have it on good authority that the barrier around the edge of the turtle knocks you out cold, so I wouldn't go for a swim. Unless you want to find out if you're proficient at drowning. Why would you want to be proficient at drowning? You don't know what pizza is?

[franchisepirate]

That does put a finer point on things, doesn't it? [He's not going to like this place much, that's obvious.]

And I'm afraid I'm at a loss as to your "pizza." Apologies.

[backinakidflash]

It sucks, yeah.

Pizza is the greatest foodstuff known to mankind.

[franchisepirate]

Unequivocally? [Now he's just amused. The greatness or lack thereof of food is typically the last thing on his mind; he's quite content to have anything at all to eat.] I suppose I must sample it.

[backinakidflash]

Unequivocally. Let me know if you find any.