The rampant spinster arrives

[nocapribbons]

She has only just arrived at the Mansion, but, having decided she must have arrived for a reason, however obscure, she has already set to work

Comments

[sweariwontdie]

"Madame..." His voice is soft with a a distinct French accent. He's dressed in an outlandish mixture of modern clothes, such as a tourist would wear on a tropical cruise (well, a little more because he's wearing long sleeves and long trousers, but they're very light weight) with a fur-lined blue wool cloak thrown over the top. He's also wearing a Yellow Jewel in a beautiful silver setting around his neck. "I would be careful with those. Some people may not like them, and then you might be hurt."

[nocapribbons]

She takes a moment to take in his appearance, which is, to her, exceedingly odd, and then smooths her skirts primly. She recognizes his accent, and makes a mental note to make a special case of him -- France, to her mind, means debauchery. "A Christian, sir, needn't fear anything."

[sweariwontdie]

"Around here, I've learned, everyone needs to fear something. Except maybe the gods." He isn't meaning to be difficult, but sometimes he doesn't think before he speaks.

[nocapribbons]

"Gods?" She stares, looking quite horrified -- belief in multiple gods, of course, is unacceptable.

[sweariwontdie]

"One doesn't have to believe in them. They sort of wander around causing trouble. Loki isn't so bad. Zeus is slimy. I haven't seen Eru in ages." He's keeping a polite enough tone, but hoping to shock her a little. Mostly because a few shocks early on are better than running into these beings unprepared.

[nocapribbons]

"But there is only one God -- whatever heathen idolatry takes place here, surely that cannot be in doubt."

[sweariwontdie]

"It's not idolatry when you see the being walking, talking and doing whatever it pleases, madame. And as I said, they don't require worship to exist."

[nocapribbons]

Clack can't think how to respond to that, except with an expression of sheer disbelief.

[sweariwontdie]

"But really, you should sit yourself down and have a cup of tea. This places takes serious getting used to." He really is trying to be friendly. Honest.

[nocapribbons]

"I hardly know how I can be expected to rest when there is so much work to be done here!"

Miss Drusilla Clack, we're afraid, doesn't do 'friendly' especially well -- it always turns into 'preachy.'

[sweariwontdie]

"Armand St. Just," he replies automatically, and bows with a flourish to buy some time to think.

"How can you keep going without pauses to rest and refresh yourself? I am only offering you a cup of tea. Five minutes to make, ten to drink and then you can get right back to work."