Do please come in, sit down. Have a cup of tea (or something stronger if you like), some biscuits perhaps? Relax here with friends and speak of what you will, so long as you don’t mind what you speak of being known to all who stop by….
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cl0ckw0rkings 
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:22 pm
It is good to have surface contacts to provide Earl Grey for these damp falsummer afternoons.
Oh, and there is coffee — do please avail yourself of it if you like. I rather enjoy it myself occasionally, when there is much work to be done.
Beastly “weather” we’re having, is it not?
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:27 pm
In my country, we threw out the people who came for tea after London fell — and now we can’t stop drinking the bloody stuff. Sending out to China daily for more, strong-arming the merchants when they try to squeeze us back. Do you call this a proper revolution? Because I don’t.
I will take tea, though. Shame to waste it, after your contact went to the trouble of bringing it in.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I cannot speak to the revolution, dear Yujao. It would not be my place as I benefited from it directly.
Still, I am glad you’re here. Lemon? Sugar? Do you have an opinion on what Henrik and I are discussing?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:24 pm
You’d wished to speak less briefly, madam — Merri? Then do be less brief. What do you think of the prison? Why might we have been encouraged to break out of it?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Henrik! Have a cup of coffee if you would. It’s freshly brewed.
You’ve turned my thoughts to the “why” of it, the possible purpose of us being somehow “trained” into our traits and for the life of me I cannot consider why it might be so. It tempts me to consider that there is no “why” and perhaps my original theory was deeply in error.
I think it is clear that the Masters do want us here. They want the commerce if naught else. Do we perhaps make more money for them with our antics?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Well — there’s a veritable economy of persuasion in Veilgarden, and good trade in secrets even at the Bazaar. There’s money in whatever people will pay to acquire, be it fine company or knowledge or jade from the Orient, and for every class of goods there is a Master. (Which is the Master who trades in secrets, I wonder? How is that trade regulated?) But as to why the Masters would foster crime, I couldn’t say. Perhaps because black-market resellers are more eager to trade, and for lesser recompense?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I believe they all trade in secrets, but none of them regulate it, if that makes any sense.
Perhaps the Masters only seem to “foster” crime due to the proximity of Hell. Those bound for the place in the afterlife often have a cavalier view of property, life, limb…
…which might also partially answer your original question, come to think of it. The Masters encourage “outright suspicion and contempt” for laws due to the influence of the devil next door, so to speak? It still doesn’t answer the “why” unless they’re in the business of recruiting for Hell, however.
And I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Ah, I think I may have something of an answer, or a theory perhaps, as to the “why” of New Newgate Prison. Why we all begin there, why escape from it is our first challenge here in the Neath.
It “levels the playing field,” to use a cliché from my American friends. Each person arrives here in the same condition — penniless, largely friendless, destitute, desperate… even I, who was a person of some station on the surface had to go through the Newgate experience. I was reduced to living in an abandoned crypt for quite some time, until I found the means to move into that draughty garret — and considered myself most fortunate at the time!
New Newgate starts each one of us in the same place. It is the great equalizer. What we make of ourselves and our circumstances from that place is due to what can be found in our characters and nothing more.
Well? What do you think?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:01 pm
And equality’s the great illusion of capitalism; if we all have the illusion that we are single, rather than legion, we are encouraged to pursue enlightened self-interest rather than the interests of the multitude. It is, you must admit, an eminently economic position.
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Your Western communist types like to speak of collectives, and you’re all of you ready to break down the family — bloody hypocrites, the lot of you!
I’m glad to make my peace with capital and the individual, and d—-d glad to have that right.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Ah…
I confess, Yujao, you have me at a disadvantage here. I feel as though I’m privy to less than half of the conversation you’re having…
“Western communists?” “Break down the family?” I’m quite sure I don’t understand…
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Ah — you probably don’t hear much from the former colonies, out here. In my nation, your people occupied us for near a century; built us Western schools, taught us English, made us part of their empire. When your capital fell, my people took our politics into our own hands and drove off the Edinburgh traders. Formed our own state, founded on the philosophies of a load of dead Englishmen and Frenchmen and the writings of K’ung-fu-tzu — because apparently no one in Lie Gao has ever had an idea worth building a nation on. And now we’ve got the Germans flooding in to tell us we’ve got to pick up communism because it’s the only real revolutionary philosophy. We’ve only got to give up our respect for families, our veneration of our ancestors, our d—-d self-respect.
I say, to Hell with all of that. What we’ve made is good enough.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:05 pm
It is indeed, dear friend. It is indeed.
Which begs the question: Why are the Masters so interested in commerce? It must pertain to what they truly are (and I entertain a most unusual theory on that score) (but even with my theory I cannot fathom what they would need with mere money), and I suspect we may never know that.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:07 pm
What is your theory, then? I have my own, but I can scarcely believe my ideas enough to admit to them.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:14 pm
*laughs softly* All right then. I’ll share it with you, though I’ve not told another soul living or dead. Just promise me that if you’re going to laugh, it won’t be cruel. And perhaps you’ll share your theory with me when I’ve confided mine.
I believe that the Masters are actually groups of rattus faber, concealed under those bulky robes while operating the kind of intricate mechanical skeletons that only they could possibly construct. It would explain why they must wear gloves and why their voices are high-pitched whispers. And why they go about robed — could you possibly take them seriously, let alone fear them, if they didn’t?
I’ve long believed that even common rats will long survive humanity, should we ever really manage to destroy ourselves/one another. After encountering the L.B.’s for the first time, I became quite convinced of it.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:19 pm
… I’m not laughing /at/ you; I swear I’m not. It’s as good a theory as my own; I haven’t any right to laugh at you over it.
I believe that the Masters are not alive — not as we know life, anyway. Nor are they precisely devils; Hell is, at least, of our own world. No, I think the Masters are beings from another world entirely, perhaps the very sort of beings that credulous pagans might have considered to be gods.
Go on; it’s your turn to laugh, Merri.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:30 pm
I’m sorry… forgive me. I have just received two pieces of dreadful news….
Excuse me… I can’t seem to breathe…
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Oh, my dear woman — will you unburden yourself to me?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I… the first is of little moment, I suppose, compared to the second. I’ve received a death threat from Virginia. She wants the Correspondence Stones and is apparently willing to murder me for them repeatedly…
…as if I care about them at all now, as if the Correspondence in and of itself means anything to me except as a means to an end…!
Oh God help me, Henrik. No, I do not fear Virginia, though I suppose I ought. It’s this other thing… my quest for my Heart’s Desire…
Forgive me. It really does feel as if I’ve been kicked in the chest just now…
I have been informed that the address I’ve obtained for the house in Wolfstack Docks is “the end of the road, for now.” That I must… wait…
I feel as if I’m going mad, and it’s not nightmares driving me now. Oh God Henrik! Wait? Wait? How have I done aught BUT wait for all this time….?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 18, 2010 at 5:53 pm
You mustn’t think of it as waiting; you’ve gathered players, people in pursuit of their own hearts’ desires, and you’ve followed every lead and every trail; yours has been an active pursuit of pleasure, a constant quest. You mustn’t characterize this pursuit as a /wait/ when it’s been a pure, glorious act of discovery.
… forgive me; I’m useless at comfort. Let me pour you some tea.
Narcissus said,
July 18, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Well — ! It’s a shame to be arriving in our hostess’s absence — amidst our mutual longing for her I’ll seem all the poorer a substitute — but I should like to join the conversation and keep it flowing. Just no politics, please! I’m altogether useless at politics.
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 18, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Seems I can’t speak to any other subject — so distract me, eh?
Narcissus said,
July 18, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Gladly, gladly! I do endeavor to be distracting. And there are so [i]many[/i] things we might speak of — the fine team I’m putting together to explore the Forgotten Quarter, your quarry in the Shuttered Palace —
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 18, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Hadn’t known you were in the Forgotten Quarter — dusty old relics really aren’t my forte. What’ve you turned up? What’s your team like?
(No progress on the artist, d— him anyway.)
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:09 am
Dear friends have characterized the Forgotten Quarter as a place of dust and relics, or worse, academic squabbling — and I shall not deny them their opinion, of course! But even as I adore what is varied and new, bright and ephemeral, I adore the grandeur of the old, the enduring grace of the Shadowed Dome or the warrior-kings who guard the city’s ruined avenues with the flicker of potsherds or white bone underfoot. And when the fogs are clear and the moonish light is on the Silver Tree it gleams as though water were running again through its branches, though of course, in reality it was wine and refined mare’s milk …
And my beloved team! I could go on and on about them. Many of them are adventurers and treasure-hunters, daring ladies and gentlemen who go to the deep caves of the Neath and battle snakes and spider-councils for their prize, and there is not a one of them who could not drink me under the table and has not, at the Singing Mandrake. Many of them are scholars of antiquity devoted to remembering forgotten peoples, or of geology, paleoethnobotany, hydraulics. There is one lady, a student, who knows so many antique languages she has stunned even my friend Theodor — she’ll translate the writing on any artifact with such ease you’ll suspect she wrote it.
We have, I confess, come across a bit of delay since our rivals Dr Orthos and the deviless Virgina united against us to smash our equipment — I hadn’t the time to warn my team. But I am determined to keep them in high spirits! Often with an invitation to drink me under the table at the Singing Mandrake.
(And not to worry — you’ll snare him yet.)
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:13 am
The way you make it sound, I ought to be mounting an expedition myself. Seems like it’s the done thing, when one gets to a particular place in society. I’ll nose about at the university and see if I can uncover anything (or anyone) worth knowing.
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I hope we shan’t be rivals! As much as I’ve enjoyed our games of cat-and-mouse, I’ve also enjoyed our recent accord. If you do end up in the Forgotten Quarter, let’s work alongside each other peaceably — I’m certain that Virginia and Dr Orthos will go after your expedition, too, so if we must, we can focus on foiling their efforts.
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 19, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Sounds fair to me. I’ve no reason to help them, and if I’m to have enemies, I may as well pick up allies, as well.
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:34 am
Might the mistress of the house be available? I long for her company and we are overdue for time together.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:40 am
Ah, dear Tobias. Thank you for coming by — I’m still likely wretched company, but it does me good to see you here.
I enjoyed our dinner last night so. I don’t suppose you’ll miss the gambling den when you leave it for the upscale life of a merchant at the Bazaar?
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:45 am
Even yourself in a wretched mood is favourable over the company of many others, my dear. If there is ought I can do to improve your mood you need only say as I am sure it would be a pleasure.
The gambling den has had it’s uses in recent times, returning victorious from the spider pit with ichor over ones suit will be problematic in the future as I would not want to make a mess of my shop. But I do look forward to the chance to expand my business further.
I see you have settled in well here, it is certainly a wonderful home and I must admit that I envy you. Has it treated you well?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:52 am
Passably well. I am… content here, mostly. Friends, and wine — the Shuttered Palace is diverting, though not as rousingly entertaining as Veilgarden has been. I’ve been lonely at times, but then haven’t we all?
News of your victory in the spider pit last night is all over Fallen London already. Admirably done, dear man. Quite admirably done.
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:01 am
Well I do hope that I can help stem the tide of loneliness, if you will let me. My lengthy ventures are behind me now, soon I shall have my store and I can set roots.
The spider pit was…different, I have experience fighting their kind though so it was not as problematic as I first feared. I have heard rumours of a tiger that may be fought, so my training begins. The people wish entertainment and I shall provide all that I can.
Perhaps you will be free in the future to come and support me? It would be pleasant to see a familiar face in the crowd.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:04 am
You know I should be delighted. I learn a great deal from watching you at your work, lessons compounded when you take me into the sparring ring with you.
*leans forward, touching his hand* Your research into the Correspondence was related to this business with the spiders, was it not?
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:13 am
*Lowers his voice to a quiet whisper as his face becomes tightly drawn.* Yes, it seems they know more than one would think. However I put an end to that ones scheming and if I see another I shall do the same. It shall remain in my dreams for all time, but the knowledge of it’s demise makes such a thing bearable.
*Returning to normal voice and expression* But your company helps me think of rather more pleasant things, there are still beautiful things in this world.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:21 am
Delightful man. You see, this is why I have missed you. Your compliments are most heart-felt, they radiate from the very core of you. That is a most attractive thing, Tobias. You’ve no idea, really.
I shall not bring up your disappearances again, for you have assured me they will have abated and I will never nag a dear friend if I can resist it. And since you are planning to stay, we should arrange some outings together! You do know of the Salon I’m planning for August Eve, do you not?
selks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:26 am
Ah yes the Salon, I have heard of it and I greatly look forward to it. I shall have to ensure that I bring our gracious host a fitting present. My finest suit lies in wait purely for the event, though I do hope it’s not -too- scandalous. I assume you are looking forward to it?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:29 am
Moreso now than ever, I believe. The last was highly diverting, as spontaneous as it was. I hope this one shall be even better.
Your finest suit? I can hardly wait to see it! I shall wear my new gown of course, that midnight blue is divine and all this talk of fashion and scandal is everso much more uplifting that dwelling on things I cannot change. Do you still indulge in Scandal, dearest Tobias? Or have you given it up for soberer pursuits?
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:38 am
I have not given it up per say, rather I have not found anything to do that was worthy of scandal in recent times. I am sure that with your help that will be remedied, no doubt you will try to lead me astray.
*A slight grin crossing his face*
I look forward to seeing your gown, no doubt you will be the belle of the ball with your beauty.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:41 am
*laughs* Well, one always strives for such things, of course. If you wish to be touched by scandal — or anything else — I can surely accommodate you.
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:46 am
*A light, but hearty, chuckle* Ah my dear Merri, you are truly temptation incarnate are you not? It does seem that scandal is in my future, if not both of ours. You certainly do know how to brighten up my day.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:51 am
Well, after living in surface England, it is refreshing to be able to court scandal here for entertainment and diversion. At least I find it so.
Indeed, Tobias — I do think a bit of Scandal would look good on you. You’ll wear it in a rather charmingly awkward way at first, until you remember how much fun it is, and how much fun you had earning it, of course…
*the slightest of winks, camouflaged by a sip from a teacup…*
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:59 am
It has been some time since scandal circulated around myself, I look forward to it, but how on earth could I ever return the favour? How on earth would I earn it once more? I am sure that with my winning from the pit I could likely create some scandal, but unfortunately that funding goes directly into the new building fund. Perhaps you could help me into the world of scandal once more? If the rumours are anything to go by I am sure you know your way around scandal.
*A discrete wink with a slight grin*
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I can usually help you find some scandal.
Here, let’s start now. Join me in my private sitting
room, won’t you? I have something to show you,
it came in a shipment from the surface a few
weeks ago. You’re not afraid to be alone with me
here, are you, Tobias?
Tobias said,
July 19, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Such promises Merri, such promises. However that does sound pleasurable, but why on earth would I be afraid? It would be difficult to fear one as lovely as you my dear Merri. You have me greatly intrigued regarding this shipment however, so let us retreat to your private sitting room.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 8:42 pm
A strange and quiet night for the Bazaar. It feels most odd — and lonelier than usual.
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm
I should’ve stayed in the Bazaar, like you — I stepped out for a moment, passing Theodor on the way, and now the both of us have been lost and wandering featureless streets for a way in. It’s good to sit.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Then sit and be welcome. The echoes around here are worse than usual and I’m not always sure I want to know what they’re saying.
A bit late for tea, I think. Some wine? Laudanum-spiked or straight?
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Has the thunder been saying anything? — No, I’d rather not know. I’d rather have the wine and laudanum, thank you.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:25 pm
A Cl0ckw0rks special it is. It comes with a special guarantee: If imbibing it causes you to fall asleep on the premises, we’ll find a blanket –or something — to throw over you until you awaken.
As our Italian antecedents say, when it’s time to toast: Ching-ching!
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Such hospitality! You will not find a guarantee like that one anywhere in Fallen London — except, perhaps, in the Parlour of Virtue, where you can sleep the sleep of the angels after a night of more devilish pursuits. But I digress. Ching-ching!
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 9:53 pm
My parlour has been compared to many things, but “virtue” alas has been sadly lacking. Even in the ironic sense applied to our favorite haunt, I’m afraid. I’d take steps to remedy that, but I do not wish to run afoul of Mr. Wines. Can you imagine finding me here, strangled in a pair of scarlet stockings?
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I shudder to think — no one should be made to suffer that fate without first paying jade for the privilege.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I couldn’t agree more.
…
But perhaps I should have been shocked, protested, demanded to know what you could have meant. Except that I do know, and only lie to persons whom I don’t respect. Combined with the knowledge that I’m sure I cannot shock you, I feel certain I can dispense with the displays of propriety importuned…
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Goodness, it would be like speaking to Theodor! Who you know is dear and close to me — but not you. Leave off the pretense altogether or, rather, leave on as much pretense as you would consider suiting and charming. I suppose I could still let you slap me.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:29 pm
I don’t think Theodor, for all his charms, could look this good in a gown. Or in a closely-tailored suit of black felt, come to think of it….
Ah I’ve had a bit too much wine, I suspect. It feels very good, though. Did I tell you I am now officially a Scholar of the Correspondence? My eyes bled all over a fine linen nightgown before I spontaneously combusted and burnt it to cinders. Congratulate me, I’m now every bit as insane as the rest of them….!
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:45 pm
That, my dear, has nothing to do with the clothes, and everything to do with you — he could not look as good as you. Few people could.
But oh, my dear woman! First the blouse, and now a nightgown? This Correspondence is going to be murder on your wardrobe. But I will congratulate you, if for nothing else than for making insanity look as good as you do that gown — do take care, though, as I don’t know when bleeding eyes will ever be the fashion —
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Silver-tongued darling. You could — and do. Have you forgotten I’ve seen you in those scarlet stockings?
Perhaps I should obtain a pair. A match for the bleeding eyes, you see….
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 19, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I think I’d better find my bed, beautiful boy. You can find one here, or find your way home, as you wish.
Or finish off the laudanum — my new shipment arrived earlier today, I’ve plenty…
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest — or if no angels are to be found, the dreams of fluttering bats a good First Growth bottle brings.
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Between you and me — and anyone who cares to listen — I’ve been saving for an emerald gown.
That may be enough to bring it into fashion. The scandal alone would be delicious!
Narcissus said,
July 19, 2010 at 11:11 pm
A comment misaimed and mistimed. Still, I do hope to have a ball to wear that gown to once I’ve bought it, and an appreciative escort … !
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 20, 2010 at 11:55 am
I’m sure you will — you’ve no lack of interested suitors!
I just surrendered my emerald gown for one of midnight blue — I think the color suits my skin and eyes better, personally. Though without a ball to which to wear it, I do wonder why I bother…
A Touch of Scandal « cl0ckw0rkings said,
July 21, 2010 at 12:09 pm
[…] July 19, 2010 at 12:08 pm (Uncategorized) Written by cl0ckw0rks and TheSelks after their conversation in the Tea Room. […]
Narcissus said,
July 23, 2010 at 6:38 pm
I’m in the mood for diverting mischief. Might we make room for parlor games in here? I’d recommend Forfeits or, if the wine’s out again, I Never.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 23, 2010 at 7:11 pm
You’d have to explain the rules of either, but I suppose I could be persuaded. I’ve got more bottles of liquor stocked up just now then I’ll ever drink.
Narcissus said,
July 23, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Oh, there are many ways to play Forfeits, but all are amusing. The idea is that at the beginning of the game each guest who is willing to play must offer up some little trinket: a handkerchief, a pocketwatch, perhaps a horsehead amulet or a skyglass knife in our company. Someone — usually a lady of considerable imagination –is made the curator of these items, and to have theirs back the others must play whatever forfeits she devises for them. She could ask a guest to say half-a-dozen flattering things to someone she knows he dislikes, or to a pick a partner and dance a quadrille, blindfolded, or to stand in the middle of the room and spell ‘opportunity’ with the proviso that the first person to reach him before he finishes may steal a kiss. Kisses are often involved. So are blindfolds.
I Never is simpler, but wine must be involved. We take turns saying things we’ve never done, and anyone who has done the thing is obliged to take a drink — I might say, for instance, ‘I’ve never been to the Museum of Mistakes,’ and you, my dear lady, would drink with my thanks. In a group, if only one person drinks, he or she will be made to tell the story of it.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 23, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Hmmm… you are in a mood, aren’t you…
I think either would be quite entertaining, but as of now only you and I are here to play. I doubt Forfeits can be played only with two, but perhaps I Never could, though it might not be as inebriating.
If your secret desire is to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me in my weakened state, I’m not sure it will serve at all….
Narcissus said,
July 23, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Not at all, my dear — whyever would I want you in a weakened state, when there’s so much to admire in you vitalized? Mischief and diversion, those are my only aims. But if more people are all we need, perhaps I should go and advertise?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 23, 2010 at 9:40 pm
All right. I’ll send out some invitations as well. Let us see who is brave enough to attend. :)
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 24, 2010 at 5:50 am
I would join you gladly, but I suspect that my sobriety would dull your high spirits. Do enjoy yourselves.
Narcissus said,
July 24, 2010 at 8:30 am
Oh, don’t leave me now that I’ve lured somewhere here! We needn’t play a drinking game, and if we do, drinking is but half the fun — the other half is seeing what you can make other people confess to.
Shall we agree on a time to do play, to make sure it’s amenable to everyone’s schedules? I can get Theodor here, too — the man hasn’t made a single appearance here in the tea-room, and that’s nothing short of a scandal.
Narcissus said,
July 24, 2010 at 8:31 am
Someone here, rather. You see, I am so desperate to keep you I don’t know how to speak.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 24, 2010 at 8:55 am
Oh, very well — I shall let you charm me into staying. Only name the date and time; I am at your disposal.
Asher Wilsford said,
July 24, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Well, if you’re still lookin’ for players, I’d be willin’ ta play.
Narcissus said,
July 24, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Good man! When would be agreeable to you? I am dreadful at picking dates.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 24, 2010 at 2:39 pm
It simply cannot be on the 31st – you and I have a date to host a salon, you know. Other than that, I’m open to suggestion.
Narcissus said,
July 26, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I’ve neglected this terribly — you see, I will never have your talents as a host. Ideas come to me, but I cannot follow through in planning for them … At this rate, we might as well put off the games for the salon, mightn’t we?