inbox.

[heirring]

[action + written + crystal]

Comments

[heirring]

Certainly there was justification. But it is strange, don't you think? That Mister Stark and I were the only prisoners who might have been killed rather than rescued.

How charming it is to be thought of as so disposable.

[bouchonne]

Well, you were also the only ones creating weapons of incredible destruction to the enemy's benefit.

[heirring]

[She scoffs. True, bUT—]

Very well. We've established our great mutual respect for one another. Now, what is it you wish to discuss?

[bouchonne]

I just wish to register my deep hope that if you found yourself in that situation in reality, that you would take steps to ensure you did not aid the enemy.

[heirring]

[There is a clever point here which Tony made that she might recycle. What she says instead is—]

And this is the first time you've seen fit to say so.

[bouchonne]

It is the first time it has been made clear to me how destructive you might be.

[heirring]

Because you couldn't imagine I was capable before that point. Nevermind that I have twice now narrowly escaped Venatori custody in life.

[bouchonne]

Capable enough to utterly destroy your former allies? Capable enough to be deadlier than poison down a well? No, I did not imagine that, Miss Poppell.

[heirring]

You know that isn't the point of the thing.

[bouchonne]

[ There's a rather sharp note in his voice when he says: ]

That is entirely the point of the thing. You fell into their hands, and you destroyed the world.

[heirring]

[Snipping right back—]

Remand me to the dungeon then if you see me as such a threat.

[bouchonne]

Don't be disingenuous.

[heirring]

I'm being no such thing. Merely admit that you have never thought of me as anything but silly and ridiculous and I will submit to whatever precautions you would have me adopt.

[bouchonne]

[ What? ]

Miss Poppell, we're discussing matters far more serious than whether I thought of you as silly and ridiculous.

[heirring]

Why is that not a serious matter to you? Had things gone differently either of those times previous, I might be in Venatori hands right now and you none the wiser of what that might mean.

[bouchonne]

Until fire started raining down on our heads, I suppose.

[heirring]

And your first thought would have been for me? Unlikely.

[bouchonne]

Given that you detest me, Miss Poppell, I wonder at what causes you to be insulted that I wouldn't be in a fuss for your sake.

[heirring]

So you will not be throwing me into a cell, I take it. And should I stray too close to the enemy a third time. What would you have me do then, Ambassador?

cw suicide

[bouchonne]

[ Grimly, but like it's obvious: ]

Take your life. If it comes to that. If it becomes clear that you will become a tool for their purposes.

[heirring]

[Obviously.]

How good that I'm so clever then, given the first thing the Venatori do is usually strip their prisoners of weapons.

[bouchonne]

There is training that can be done, on techniques. The Scoutmaster or I could show you.

[heirring]

Very well. When you are prepared to admit your fault, I will dutifully apply myself to such lessons.

[bouchonne]

My fault in what? Endeavoring to bring about your death?

[heirring]

[Ugh, she says. Or at the very least makes a sound with a very similar sentiment.]

I care very little about what you did or didn't do in the dream, Mister Rutyer. We are discussing matters of respect in the here and now.