Sixtieth Sip

[mal_addict]

Perhaps we all need a lesson in 'things not to do in Paradisa', because clearly you're not learning. So let me give you a helpful little hint:

If there's something new in the middle of the lobby, chances are it's the castle's doing and going near it will make something stupid and/or dangerous happen to you.

I mean, honestly, given it's a mirror, I'd of hoped you lot would have been more wary of it, given mirrors were a big part of the last problem we had. If you're incapable of learning such things, I suggest getting yourself a buddy who is.

Comments

[unnaturalpause]

[This is why he likes you, Mal.]

Only do it if you can, I'd rather you not be here either. If it gives me a headache, I'd hate to see what you would think of it all.

[mal_addict]

I'd probably end up doing something homicidal.

[unnaturalpause]

More than likely, which would result in issues I'd imagine, with the Queen. [And him head desking.]

[mal_addict]

And no one would want me in a skirmish with Helen.

[unnaturalpause]

I'd rather you not be in a skirmish with anyone. [Not just Helen, he cares too much for you, Mal, to want you hurt.] And in her present state, you'd more than likely come out on top of any altercation between you both.

[mal_addict]

You make that sound as if I can't take care of myself, I am a soldier, you know.

[She sighs] Well. Something usually jogs the memory, right? It's a case of finding what will kick-start her remembering.

[unnaturalpause]

Every soldier has their downfall.

[And he sighs.] That's the task, isn't it? Though with her being so stubborn it may be a much more difficult task than normal.

[mal_addict]

Very true, but I tend to keep mine in check.

Then you'll just have to out-stubborn her, won't you? Just stand your ground and fight for her.

[unnaturalpause]

[Yes that's true, and he's glad she does. So moving along he just sort of, stares at that.]

I've been arguing with Helen for much longer than I have known you, so I know that. [And a pause, because really Mal...] Though I think what I consider fighting for her and what you may be implying are two very different things.

[mal_addict]

Oh really? And what might I be implying? [She'll just MAKE him say it out loud]

[unnaturalpause]

[Ah no, he's keeping it to himself.] Something exceptionally personal that I'd kindly ask you to keep out of.

[mal_addict]

[She gives a long suffering sigh]

Yes, because not a single one of us who know you well have noticed a single thing at all. We're all blind, you see, and deaf, and have been living in a cave all this time.

[unnaturalpause]

[..are they really going to do this? He's all of a sudden thankful he's not in a prison cell.]

If you were blind I'd have to worry about how you found your way through my room earlier in the month with that, other thing, there. [He means the Fool and how messy his room was but details.] And if I thought you were deaf, I'd worry again how you managed to miss my other self. [So he knows, in other words.] Would you like to tell me, or am I going to have to guess?

[mal_addict]

[Yes, this is what you get for nudging her and Nikola. It's only returning the favour, really. It's for the best]

Awww look at you being clever. Do you really want me to say it out loud? In the journal here right now? Where anyone can see?

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

[He doesn't need nudging! He's got this all arranged, it's just he's not telling anyone.

And then he grumbles and writes in a filter.]

Or you could be kind enough to say it after putting in a filter. Unlike you, I like to keep my personal affairs personal.

James

[mal_addict]

Oh, the claw are out now. Nice to know you still have some.

Anyway, fine. You and Helen.

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

Just because I rarely use them doesn't mean they aren't there.

[And a long suffering sigh.] Were involved before she left.

[Happy?]

James

[mal_addict]

[Slightly]

See? Now was that so hard?

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

[Grumble.]

Considering who I'm speaking with, would you like an honest answer? [Now he's just being difficult.]

James

[mal_addict]

You can give me one if you like, you know I'm not that easily offended.

...You can't be, when you live with Nikola.

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

[The idea of telling her exactly what he's thinking is fresh in his mind but then he doesn't say it, chuckling.]

No you truly can't be, or know him for too long. [Which means he's not even going to try.] He doesn't know either, by the way. [About him and Helen.]

James

[mal_addict]

Well no, I imagine he wouldn't. [There's a pause] I won't tell him, you know. I'll leave that between you three to sort out amongst yourselves.

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

[He sounds well, rather caring as he says this part.] If he complains too loudly remind him you're here, he couldn't do better.

James

[mal_addict]

[And that...actually touches her a little. Not that she'll openly admit it]

It's okay, I can remind him of that fairly easily. And if that doesn't work? There's always violence.

Maladict

[unnaturalpause]

[He tries man, he does.]

There is, not like he's too fragile to handle it. Aiming for his wardrobe works as well.