VIII. Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you!

[epigrammatical]

[AUDIO, public. The morning after the event ends and Tu Vishan starts moving again.]

I am not alone, I gather, in detecting a change in the air here. It is rather like waking on the very first day of the Season, with all the possibility that lies ahead—or waking the morning after the last day, with the happy knowledge that one need not be at home to anyone that day. We have, I suppose, escaped the fate of Des Esseintes's tortoise.

---

[AUDIO, private to Dorian Gray.]

I have finished Mr Findley's novel, Dorian. A most marvellous book; quite gorgeous and affecting.

But I must ask you, dear boy—is what he writes about Oscar true?

[He's already guessed that it is. This is less a real question than the confirmation of a sense of creeping dread.]

Comments

video

[epigrammatical]

You were advertising for a crew recently, were you not? Have you found one to your satisfaction?

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[kazilik]

Not as of yet, people have been rather --distracted, I think. If I am to have a crew, certainly they must be properly trained, firstly.

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[epigrammatical]

I would offer, but I am afraid that at my age I would be more hindrance than help. What training does a crew require?

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[kazilik]

Oh, all sorts of things, I suppose. How to fire weapons and throw bombs, that sort of thing, and of course the signals.

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[epigrammatical]

Ah, not unlike the sailors of my own world, then. Yes, that is quite beyond me, I fear. But I hope you will find a crew that is to your liking.

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[kazilik]

I have found some, but not an entire crew just yet.

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[epigrammatical]

I am surprised that volunteers have not flocked to such a charming individual.

[How does flattery work on a dragon, anyway?]

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[kazilik]

Well, it is rather a specialized sort of assignment, I suppose, and it will take some training. [But she's preening, anyway, so good job, Henry.]

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[epigrammatical]

It would be a pleasure, I should think, especially to an adventurous soul.

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[kazilik]

It is certainly much more interesting than staying in a city all day.

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[epigrammatical]

Ah, would that I were younger! I should spring at the chance for such pleasant company.

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[kazilik]

[She's just preening a bit more.] Oh, well, thank you. I am sure it shall be no trouble, if you should like to go flying one day.

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[epigrammatical]

A most generous offer, my dear! [And slightly terrifying, because really, were humans ever meant to fly?] Someday, perhaps, I should be delighted.

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[kazilik]

Oh, do let me know! You must ask for Iskierka.

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[epigrammatical]

I shall, my dear Madam Iskierka. Thank you.

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[kazilik]

You are most welcome, of course.