[Sort of OTA, if anyone happens to be snooping]

[stacks_the_deck]

It hadn't taken too long for the news about the latest attack on the Deck to filter over to the Embassy. And, more to the point, about the loss of their Jack of Clubs.

Which is, of course, what has Gustave stalking through the Embassy tower until he finds Burke. "Are you out of your mindJust try and pretend you don't know what this is about, Turis

Comments

[aedificavi]

Such a pity. He'd finally found a part of the Embassy that felt right. Home-like. Appropriately structured. Shame it would have to be ruined by this conversation.

"Far from it." There's no reason not to know what's gotten the Magician so riled up. Besides, they both know who would win even the faintest attempt at a battle of words, wits, minds. "There's nothing mad about making use of opportunity."

[stacks_the_deck]

"Yes, because killing the Jack of the Suit with the King most likely to actually declare war on us is a splendid idea, Burke. I should have thought of it myself."

Irritation laces his words as he stands just beyond the reach of the other man. "Perhaps I should have just turned you over to them myself."

It's an empty threat, but the bitterness in his tone does make it sound otherwise.

[aedificavi]

The initial pause is almost unconscious. Because really... how was it not a splendid idea? How did it not serve exactly the purpose he'd come here to serve? The purpose they both knew he'd come here to serve?

He's gotten better over the years, in their time apart. The flash of anger, for now, stays in a low burn, behind his eyes and in the tensing of his shoulders, clenching of his fists, rather than any actual swinging.

"And would that be a splendid idea, Asarlai?"

[stacks_the_deck]

"It's one to consider, anyway," he says through gritted teeth.

Ideally, though, he'd send Burke back to the Arcana in chains. Well, probably not, since that would likely only make him look more sympathetic to those left behind. Not without Asarlai there to explain what the other man had done and why he deserved such treatment. And he couldn't really leave here, not now. Not with things at such a delicate balance.

But he couldn't just let Burke continue this...aggression.

"Stay in the Embassy, Turis."

[aedificavi]

And wouldn't that be the rub, having to go back with a bound and angry Turis to face the voices who would back him--and those who would not.

Here, of course, comes the actual flare, the actual booming that a man like Burke could never hold down overly long. "It is hardly your place to bid me do anything at all."

[stacks_the_deck]

Gustave smiled, all teeth and no humor. "It is since you've put yourself under my responsibility, Turis. You came here through the door, into my castle. You've made yourself my problem."

And he intends to deal with it. Any way necessary.

[aedificavi]

"I've put myself under no responsibility but my own, Gustave." Names are meaningful things. It's good to be able to sling them like weapons. "I may be a guest in your-- building, but you will not rule my actions."

[stacks_the_deck]

"Of course, there is no obligation between us." Gustave rolled his eyes.

But he'd still have something to say about Burke's actions. Or he'd just have to work to mitigate them.

Or both.

[aedificavi]

One could only hope mitigation would be attempted. Escalation was, after all, Burke's game.

"My move has been made, Magician. And if I've played both our hands in their minds, I doubt your silver-tongue will save your hide. What is meant to pass will come to pass, be assured of it."

[stacks_the_deck]

If he doubts Asarlai's silver tongue...well...he doesn't remember just what the Magician is capable of.

"Oh, my old friend, I am certainly assured. But I do not think what will come to pass is your vision of the future."

But they'd have to see what tomorrow brought, of course.