[console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

[edgeoftheknife]

[Hi there, Keeliai. Remember this guy? It's been a while.

He's sitting in what looks like a cafe out in the city. For those who don't remember him from his previous stay, he's beautiful, with striking eyes that unfortunately have some pretty dark circles under them. He looks like he hasn't slept well in ages. He's wearing a three-piece suit and cradling a cup of something in his hands--lid on, because his hands shake.

He's... seen better days.

When he speaks, he's got a pronounced Irish accent.]

Right, I... I'm back. Surprise. [He smiles and his face lights up for a moment before the smile slips.]

I don't know how many of the people I knew are left. I know... I know we're missing some. [Studiously going to avoid mentioning Anton, thank you very much.] If you're still around and we were friends, or... talked, maybe drop me a line? And hello to all the newcomers. I know I've spoken with a few of you.

I'm back at the shelter, so. I mean, Brigid and Sonja are doing the real work, the paperwork and all that. I couldn't keep paperwork straight these days if I tried.

[The thought trails off. He looks a bit lost.]

If anyone happens to spot a talking skeleton, let me know, will you? He's got another punch coming if he shows his face again. And... if anyone happens to spot a tall, skinny redhead with an accent like mine, please tell him I'm looking for him.

Comments

[edgeoftheknife]

[Erskine manages to keep his expression carefully neutral, but he certainly doesn't seem overjoyed to see her. His mouth presses into a thin line for a moment before he replies.]

I suppose we have.

[No smile? You're breaking his heart here :( ]

Hello, China. A little bird told me you were still around.

[inkulcation]

If you've found birds that speak intelligently, we really must talk a bit more.

[China runs through people who might be birds, comes up with possibly Yorda and possibly Pepper, and does not grimace though the impulse is there.]

[She regards him with a pretty sort of cold neutrality.]

Do you know, my dear, I can't quite decide whether to be pleased to see someone from home after that long, or fling up my hands at the sight of a Dead Man. What do you think?

[This is not at all a query about China's state of mind, and more about Erskine's intents, going forward.]

[edgeoftheknife]

[He ignores the first part; China knows perfectly well what he meant by that, and he's trying not to be overly vicious right from the get-go. He doesn't have the spoons for it right at the moment.]

If you'd fling your hands up at the sight of one of us, how did you ever survive with three of us here?

[China might be prodding but that doesn't mean he has to be helpful.]

[inkulcation]

By barring you from my sight as often as possible, naturally.

[Ah, yes. Even slightly disconcerted, Ravel is as vexing as any of them. China rests her chin in her hand and taps long, elegant fingers in a short staccato pattern against her cheek.]

You look like something chewed you up and spat you out, darling.

[At least he hasn't been attacked by a tree. China can arrange to render him unconscious if he needs it, anyway.]

[edgeoftheknife]

Funny, that's how I usually feel about you, China.

[He's not actively trying to be nasty, but something about her just brings it out. Or everything about her, maybe.]

...that's actually not far off, in a manner of speaking. But thank you ever so much for pointing it out. Was there something I can help you with?

[inkulcation]

How regrettable that we're now the only ones here.

[It's less sharp than it could be.]

Think nothing of it.

I'm sure there's something you can help me with. Were you offering?

[edgeoftheknife]

It is, isn't it.

[It's not a question, but it's not snappish either. Just a quiet agreement. Look! For once they agree on something!]

I've lost my mind, not my wits. There's a subtle difference there. Why, what sort of schemes are you up to these days?

[inkulcation]

[Such agreement. China isn't flattered.]

Fewer than you might think. For the most part I simply like to keep an eye on movements in the city. The fewer surprises, the better.

Still, it would be something to think I could rely on you.

[edgeoftheknife]

And yet I'm not the one who's been difficult to rely on, historically.

[inkulcation]

I keep up my end of a deal, my dear. When I make them. I find it's more efficient than counting on 'friends.'

Historically and otherwise.

[edgeoftheknife]

[He actually lets out a derisive snort at that. 'Keep up her end of a deal' indeed. He could cite her an example of the exact opposite, but he's pretty sure he recalls her being from an earlier time than he is. No need to go delving into things she won't even remember.]

Maybe you should actually try having friends before you go knocking it.

[inkulcation]

[Oh, how touchy. What's he objecting to now, she wonders.]

I thought about it. It's such a liability, though, having friends. First it's sentiment, then the next thing you know it's blackmail and hesitating at crucial moments.

[Which is either the voice of experience, or very good observational skills. Perhaps both. Certainly no one will assume she ever committed friendship.]

[edgeoftheknife]

I wonder if you'd have the same opinion if you actually had to try to make people like you.

[It's said lightly, with just a hint of smugness. Just a dash.]

[inkulcation]

As charming as your faith in me is, I wasn't always this winning.

[A smile.]

My preferences stand. Although if you intend to sell me on the upsides of friendship, darling, I'm listening.

[She could use the entertainment, mostly.]

[edgeoftheknife]

My faith in you. Yes. Let's go with that.

[He chuckles as he says it, though; it's not entirely as nasty a comment as it could have been. At the second part he just shakes his head, looking more resigned than anything.]

I don't have the energy or the mental fortitude anymore that it would take to teach China Sorrows the value of friendship. I've already fought two wars, I'm not signing up for a third. [There's a pause] But since we're the only ones left, I suppose... an armistice wouldn't be completely out of line.

[inkulcation]

[Why, Erskine, you've put down many of your barbs. How sweet.]

Can you imagine me with friends, darling?

[It is definitely scornful, not at all wistful.]

An... armistice, then. Neither of us wants another war.

Do let me know if you encounter any difficulties in the city.

[edgeoftheknife]

Like a werewolf with wings.

[Technically the werewolf would be enhanced by the wings, but dear God would they look out of place. And pity everyone else having to deal with it.]

I'm getting along just fine, thank you. You're welcome to stop by the shelter though, if you ever find yourself bored of an afternoon.

[Because the mental image of China Sorrows visiting a homeless shelter is priceless.]

[inkulcation]

Nonexistent as well as useless? Yes, my dear, you're on the right track.

[Now that does have an edge.]

[China tilts her head and smiles, and it is more or less pleasant.]

So good to hear you're doing well, of course. Perhaps I will enrich your shelter with my presence, one of these days.

[Either she has a peculiar idea of what constitutes a threat or she never plans to show up.]

[edgeoftheknife]

[...shit. He's not even sure which one of them is bluffing and which one is calling, anymore. And to think he used to be a gambler.]

I'm curious, though--when you're not keeping tabs on the city or gracing the network with your presence... what exactly do you do, China? You haven't taken up knitting in your spare time, have you?

[inkulcation]

I hardly need sharp sticks, my dear. I leave that to the people who have too much time on their hands.

[There are worse hobbies, honestly, but knitting bores her. Too much effort, too few words.]

You care about my hobbies now? I'm touched.

[edgeoftheknife]

Call it morbid curiosity.

Do you collect cats? Please tell me you collect cats.

[inkulcation]

Imagine the shedding.

[She doesn't mind cats -- there's something of the temperament that appeals to her -- but China is not about to put up with the cat hair.]

You're welcome to keep guessing, if you like.

[edgeoftheknife]

Well, unless you've taken up collecting gaudy hats or clipping coupons, I'm fresh out of ideas.

Did you ever start your library up again?

[inkulcation]

It's as though you've never met me. Darling, pretending to be an imbecile does nothing attractive for you.

[The last is appropriate, though.]

To an extent. It's such a shame I won't be able to take it with me.

[edgeoftheknife]

At least you assume I'm pretending. I'll take it.

[He shrugs at that last part, looking significantly less amused than previously.]

You won't remember anyway.