bugging mr narvin.

[deepdowndark]

[There is a Dwarf outside Narvin's room, with a Thud board under his arm. He is sitting, and waiting, for him to come out.

If he doesn't, he'll come to Kay's room. Yeah, he's not stupid. But either way, he is sitting, waiting, and offering to play a game he hates.]

Comments

[most_feared]

[In Kay's door there's a little camera that leads to the computer on his desk. Having two spies in a room means that they take way too many precautions, and given Kay's weapons he doesn't want anyone in his room. Dallas's post made him uneasy, and he's been checking the outdoor view every few minutes all morning.

This time when he looks out, he sees a tuft of brown hair at the bottom of the camera view.

He frowns over his cup of coffee, hair still in a state of frazzled early morningness, that state before he's run a comb through it, and he's in his black bathrobe. Not the most intimidating or protective of outfits. But he's pretty sure that's Ardent out there. Unless it's Cooper kneeling.

Which would be dumb.

So, Kay goes to the door, undoes the locks, opens it, and confirms it's who he thinks it is.] Everything alright, Ardent?

[deepdowndark]

[Ardent takes a moment to double-take a little, as he's very used to Kay wearing... well, smarter clothes than that. He glances up at him and asks, quite optimistically,]

Is Narvin here?

[No, he cares not for how early it damn well is.]

[most_feared]

[Suits are hard to sleep in. He can, but he's also woke himself up by yanking on his tie in the middle of a dream.] ...Yeah.

[A pause.]

I'll go get him. Let me get dressed. [Ardent is way too happy to talk to Narvin. It's going to be a weird day. He can tell already.]

[deepdowndark]

[Ardent gives him a nod of appreciation,] Thank you.

Tell him I'd like to play Thud. [Pause, and then he decides to add the bit which he thinks is the nice gesture,] He can be the Dwarfs.

[most_feared]

And you'll be the trolls? [Yup, today's going to be weird. He still has his game.]

[At least he has his cup of coffee to wake him up! Door's going to go close for a few while he goes to change into his suit and poke Narvin with a stick.]

[deepdowndark]

[Ardent nodded,] It'll make a change, yes.

[He patiently waits at the door, drumming his fingers idly on the box.]

[timesbureaucrat]

[About ten minutes later, Narvin opens the door, dressed in his uniform but with his hair more mussed than he usually lets himself be seen in public.]

Ardent? Is there a problem?

[He couldn't imagine any other reason Ardent would ask to play Thud--a game he professed to hate--except as a pretence to start some sort of conversation or possibly make a metaphorical point. (Thud seemed practically designed for metaphors.)]

[deepdowndark]

[He gave Narvin a slightly... unusual, but hopeful smile,] No, Narvin.

I just thought, at some point last night, that I ought to see if you can win the game properly. Now you know the rules.

[This was a little, if not entirely, out of character for Ardent, but he didn't see it right now.]

[timesbureaucrat]

[Narvin's brow furrows in a puzzled expression.]

And you...don't object to playing Trolls?

[deepdowndark]

It is... a sacrifice I am willing to make for you, to give you the chance to win.

[He shrugged,] I did lie about the rules. It's the least I could do.

[timesbureaucrat]

Well, far be it from me to object to a chance to win.

[Although Narvin still suspects that there's something else going on. Ardent is a good enough Dwarf, but he's not *that* fair minded. Not when it comes to Trolls. There's an ulterior motive somewhere, he's sure of it.]

Where do you want to set up?

[deepdowndark]

I thought we could get some breakfast and play.

[He shrugs] If that's alright with you? [Ardent was... oddly nervous about asking him this. Like he'd be greatly wounded if turned down.]

[timesbureaucrat]

Yes, that's fine.

[It's...odd, is what it is. Narvin thinks there must be something deeply troubling Ardent to make him so very keen to talk to him, but he can't for the life of him think of what it might be.]

Let me get my blaster first. [He never leaves the cabin without it. One never knows when someone like Arthas, or one of those violent newcomers might decide to cause trouble.]

[deepdowndark]

[Ardent nods,] Of course.

[He's now drumming his fingers idly on the box with the Thud game in. He's quite nervous, for some reason, and very relieved Narvin said yes.]

[timesbureaucrat]

[While Narvin slips his blaster in his holster, there's a knock at the door. Yet *another* guest. When did their cabin become an early morning social hub? Whoever it was, Kay could deal with it.]

Right. Let's go. [Before anyone else decides to drop by. At this rate, the mess hall would be less crowded, especially so early.]

[deepdowndark]

[Ardent is a little skeptical of Cooper arriving, but doesn't do, or say anything, just heads off down the corridor,]

I'm really glad you decided to come.

[In the name of Tak, why was he saying these things? It was like he was some nervous little boy eager to impress, or something.]