[Open] Mistake me - stab my every word

[not_snake_bite]

In one quiet corner of the library (not the one where he usually studies with Morgana, but another), Steerpike can be found classifying books. After one particular ordeal he went through while hunting down a grimorium of minimal importance, it seems the kitchen rat turned student is giving in to a destiny he doesn't quite know about.

In other words

Comments

[gritted]

Mattie's in the library as well--she's not really the book-learning type, but she's decided to explore that area of the Mansion. When she sees Steerpike, she stops and watches him for a bit before speaking.

"Hello, sir," she says, a bit stiffly (as usual).

[not_snake_bite]

He's a bit on the decorous side himself, and certainly appreciates the 'sir' part of the greeting.

"Good afternoon," he replies, as if he were granting a lesser being a favor.

Or maybe he's just grumpy.

[gritted]

"Do you work here?" she asks.

[not_snake_bite]

"I guess that depends on what you call work," Steerpike replies. "But the answer is probably yes."

Pause.

"Why?"

[gritted]

"I was curious. I would like to find some means of employment here myself. I like being useful."

[not_snake_bite]

Oooooh, the possibility of an underling. That's very promising indeed!

"The library is very large," Steerpike informs Mattie. "But are you organized enough to not undo all my hard work?"

He's just playing hard to get. And being a bit imperious.

[gritted]

"I do not wish to work in the library, sir," she explains. "But I was hoping you would have advice on how to find a job elsewhere."

[not_snake_bite]

Ah drat.

"I have no idea," Steerpike replies. "Find something that needs to be done and do it, I suppose, is the best I can tell you."

[gritted]

"But people will assume that I am a simple girl who is in their way," she replies. "I know this to be true, as it has happened to me before."

[not_snake_bite]

That resonates with Steerpike, more than he lets on.

"People are silly," he says, "they don't deserve half the concern you are putting their way. Why do you care so much?"

[gritted]

This makes Mattie pause for a moment.

"--Because I am taught to care, and taught to do unto others, and so on. Why?"

[not_snake_bite]

"Because you obviously are bothered by people who don't return your consideration." Steerpike turns to place a book on a shelf. "It's a waste of time."

[gritted]

"I see what you are saying, yes." She nods. "Still, one must always remember to treat others justly and fairly, unless they do you a grievous wrong."

[not_snake_bite]

"Of course," Steerpike replies. "That doesn't mean you need to give them obedience."

He can agree to this in theory. The problem is with his definition of a grievous wrong.

[gritted]

"I am obedient only to those who earn my trust, and to God," she says.

[not_snake_bite]

"I'm sorry, to whom?" God does not exist in Gormenghast, Mattie. (Why yes, Steerpike is a heathen. Who would have guessed?)