Introduction

[smokedglasseyes]

Enter a man. A bookish man without doubt, if we are to judge such things on appearance. The very perceptive might notice something in his black, smoked glass eyes that doesn't quite fit your average academic, but they would put it down to perhaps the reflection of the light in his pince-nez

Comments

[heartofbirds]

Linden is perfectly silent, staring at a man he's worshipped, a man who's inspired him to most of everything he's done--stands, and watches, and cannot speak.

[smokedglasseyes]

Quillam notices him and turns to him, his tone polite and quiet. Cautious without appearing so. And yet when he stands to face him, there is quiet strength in his gaze.

"Good day. You are here, perhaps, to tell me my fate?"

[heartofbirds]

"Mr. Mye-- sir. I'm afraid I don't exactly know even where I am, at present."

[smokedglasseyes]

He gives an inward sigh as he recognises those tones, but gives him a kind, if curious, look. "I would ask how it is that a man can arrive in a place without any knowledge of it. Were I not in the same position myself." He looks him over, gauging him as best he can. "Your accent reminds me of Mandelion, sir."

[heartofbirds]

"Linden Kohlrabi, sir. I was one of your followers. I--" --want to marry you and have your children. :D --want you to explain to me why I'm so mixed up right now. --want your daughter to forgive me because I love her. --want answers because you're the man who gave me the questions to begin with.

[smokedglasseyes]

He lets the hanging question drop, suspecting it will be completed with time. "I see, then, that introductions on my part at least are not necessary." He gives him another measuring glance. "Linden... Born under Saint Bough, I believe."

Typist:--want to marry you and have your children. :D

I think I love you, Mlle Soujin.

[heartofbirds]

"I have all your books--" Then Linden pauses, appropriately, quieting that unwise burst of enthusiasm. "Yes, sir."

Typist: Oh, you know he does. ^^

[smokedglasseyes]

Quillam raises an eyebrow, the amusement in his eyes hinting his hope that Linden is not often in the habit of voicing his thoughts so rashly, though he knows that if he were, he would not appear so healthy.

"A good name. Those who bear it are usually strong in faith and conviction."

[heartofbirds]

That makes his cheeks colour a little, very faintly--he suddenly looks more boyish than he has in weeks, and even the circles under his eyes seem less so and his weariness alleviates a little in the face of it.

"Yes, sir." Something is certainly unspoken here.

[smokedglasseyes]

Quillam sighs and he looks back at the table for a long moment before returning his eyes to Linden's.

"You say you follow me. What do you know of me, Linden Kohlrabi?" His tone is mild, innocently curious.

[heartofbirds]

Linden watches his every movement closely, but unlike, perhaps, usual, it is less a spy's taking in of detail and more that of a worshipful admirer. He is--he is sure Quillam will be able to restore his faith.

"I know that you spoke against the Beloved. I know what you did in Mandelion. I know your daughter, sir."

[smokedglasseyes]

His tone is now cautious. Though he would be willing to expose himself to danger through speaking too openly, he would not do the same to his daughter. There is enough of the father in him for that.

"You know alot, Mr Kohlrabi."

[heartofbirds]

"May I be open with you, sir? I shall add that I know her because we were once allies, if that is any help."

[smokedglasseyes]

"Your openness will place you in no danger for myself, if that is your question." His tone, mild for the previous statement, sharpens. "You 'were once allies'?"

[heartofbirds]

"It will place me in danger, of course. I hardly object." A small shrug. "I have grown used to living in danger. --She wished to discontinue it. She is very angry with me." Something about the very measured tones of this last implies the exact opposite of what it's meant to--in short, it should be neutral and instead probably conveys easily how much he wishes it weren't so.

[smokedglasseyes]

He gazes at him for a long moment before responding. "I see. If you will excuse me, Mr Kohlrabi, I think it would be best if I greet my daughter before continuing this discussion with you. I do, of course, assure you the discussion will be completed, but I think you understand my reasons."