I guess I can't really say no, can I? I'll be right down.
[It's a good thing that Finland's used to scary expressions. That doesn't mean, however, that he's unaffected by them. Far from it, even. But at times like this he's able to stand his ground.
It doesn't take but a minute or two at most for him to come downstairs and exit the front door, rifle strapped on his back.]
[The appearance of the rifle stirs a vaguely uneasy shift in position as Grimsley lowers his pistol to the ground. Still, with practiced ease, he slips into his obnoxiously amused smile.]
Should you be asking that of me? You'll be shot before you even take aim if you intend to duel with that weapon.
[Finland's smile slowly turns a bit unsettling; a little too cheerful, to put it into words.]
I'd advise you to not take me lightly.
[Gesturing to the rifle on his back, he turns just enough to show Grimsley the numerous deep gashes in its wooden frame. It's clearly had many years of use.... more than most rifles, but it's still in pristine working condition.]
Weight. Your weapon is heavy. Brought to the shoulder, supported by both hands . . . Gravity and weight, you understand. Do you fail to appreciate it? That of the situation...
When one is challenged to a duel, one does not bring a rifle.
If you seek to change my mind, the stakes are too high for me to back out now. Your life or those of my closest companions. What can you possibly say to throw the odds in your favor?
[The gun, however, remains where it is - not pointed at Finland, namely.]
I've been here for a little over one year and two months. Even if we do revive after being killed, I still don't think that anyone needs to die unless it's necessary.
[He pauses before giving a soft smile.]
Trust me, alright? Your companions aren't in danger unless they're physically in this town with you. Even I don't know what Mayfield's doing, but even if they go so far as to show you pictures of your friends being hurt, it's not real. Being here has shown me that they're capable of doing things like that.
[Well, he isn't 100% sure that nobody will be hurt back home, but he has seen Mayfield manipulate people in this way before. Westport, anyone?]
[Grimsley replies sharply, almost cutting Finland off before he can finish. His forced demeanor of genteel coolness is giving way.]
They aren't with me. Therein lies the problem. Do you think I would have gone this far on a mere fear of what may be, of what the town may possibly be able to do? I don't sell my soul for a cheap smoke and mirrors trick.
They have them - The companions that have been with me since I was a child. And if I do this, I am told... they will be returned to me, as 'regains'.
Exactly. That's the reason why you don't need to worry. They'll be returned to you in due time. I've gotten many things from home, including my puppy. Try opening your eyes a bit and view this from their perspective.
[Grimsley sounds, if anything, even colder than he had previously.]
While I'm sure your puppy is on equal footing with my Pokemon, I don't think you keep your pet on you at all times, and I also doubt you've ever received any death threats against it with the implicit knowledge that it was in the possession of the town.
Moi! Do you want to come inside?
[Hey, he should at least ask, right?]
Reply
My speech, though perhaps less clear than it ought to be, isn't so far compromised as to produce the opposite of what I mean to say.
I will remain outside. And you will join me.
Reply
[It's a good thing that Finland's used to scary expressions. That doesn't mean, however, that he's unaffected by them. Far from it, even. But at times like this he's able to stand his ground.
It doesn't take but a minute or two at most for him to come downstairs and exit the front door, rifle strapped on his back.]
Have you really thought this through?
Reply
Should you be asking that of me? You'll be shot before you even take aim if you intend to duel with that weapon.
Reply
I'd advise you to not take me lightly.
[Gesturing to the rifle on his back, he turns just enough to show Grimsley the numerous deep gashes in its wooden frame. It's clearly had many years of use.... more than most rifles, but it's still in pristine working condition.]
Reply
[The pistol comes up, aimed to the side.]
Weight. Your weapon is heavy. Brought to the shoulder, supported by both hands . . . Gravity and weight, you understand. Do you fail to appreciate it? That of the situation...
When one is challenged to a duel, one does not bring a rifle.
Reply
Reply
[The gun, however, remains where it is - not pointed at Finland, namely.]
Reply
Reply
Reply
[He pauses before giving a soft smile.]
Trust me, alright? Your companions aren't in danger unless they're physically in this town with you. Even I don't know what Mayfield's doing, but even if they go so far as to show you pictures of your friends being hurt, it's not real. Being here has shown me that they're capable of doing things like that.
[Well, he isn't 100% sure that nobody will be hurt back home, but he has seen Mayfield manipulate people in this way before. Westport, anyone?]
Reply
They aren't with me. Therein lies the problem. Do you think I would have gone this far on a mere fear of what may be, of what the town may possibly be able to do? I don't sell my soul for a cheap smoke and mirrors trick.
They have them - The companions that have been with me since I was a child. And if I do this, I am told... they will be returned to me, as 'regains'.
Reply
Reply
While I'm sure your puppy is on equal footing with my Pokemon, I don't think you keep your pet on you at all times, and I also doubt you've ever received any death threats against it with the implicit knowledge that it was in the possession of the town.
Reply
Leave a comment