[Re-Intro] A bit high up there, for a kitchen rat....

[not_snake_bite]

He was just trying to find some air - the kitchens were too hot, Swelter was even more disgusting than usual, and he felt like... he was so very above them all.

The rooftops were his playground - his space of liberty - he skipped from one to the other, until he found himself as high as he could be, atop Gormenghast. Watching over the earldom was

Comments

[iwalkindreams]

This is possibly the weirdest and not in the least less awesome coincidence of the month! You know, before I left, while crossing the street to take the tram, on the faithful day of 24th March, I though, 'I wonder if Wil would ever bring Steerpike back. He was such an intriguing character.' -- typist has seen the series, but hasn't read the books. And what happens now??? Lo and behold, STEERPIKE IS BACK, and typist is very much stunned ♥♥♥.

If Steerpike makes it to one of the porches, at whatever time his typist finds convenient, he'll probably bump into a young man sporting sunglasses and being careful to hold himself in the shadow. He'd be leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette and looking wistful.

[iwalkindreams]

A gentle laugh. "Anarchy and democracy can get quite similar, as a matter of fact." Oh, great. Now he's discussing policy with a complete stranger.

[not_snake_bite]

"Similar, but not identical - what makes the difference, then?"

[iwalkindreams]

Adrian leans on the porch, thinking a bit. "Generally, anarchy is perceived in a negative way. Democracy is permitting certain liberties while still preserving rules, while anarchy respects no rules whatsoever."

[not_snake_bite]

"Ah, rules. What manner of rules, then." He's quite interested.

[iwalkindreams]

Adrian Ivashkov - politics scholar extraordinaire. His father would laugh in his face, in between all the I-told-you-so's.

"Many sorts. Rules that basically prevent us from acting instinctually and killing, or harming, or wronging each other. Like," he thinks of a clearer example, "you have the right to speak about me but you can't say anything you can't prove -- mostly if it's bad. That's slander."

[not_snake_bite]

Ah, lying is forbidden. Too bad, but it won't stop him from doing it, of course - he'll just have to be careful.

"Oh," he says, innocently, "but why would anyone do such a thing?"

Gah, I never got the notif for this. *shakes angry fist* Let me know if I bled any other tags. So sorry! ;___;

[iwalkindreams]

A shrug. "For many reasons. The first one that comes in my mind is money -- but that's just my father's words ringing in my head. It can simply be to get out of something with a clean face."

LJ needs to die in a fire these days, really. As far as I know we're cool, if there's any you're not tagging back in for days I'll let you know LOL. Same applies for me!

[not_snake_bite]

"Ah, I understand," Steerpike replies. "It's not a very honest way of behaving."

He does approve though. Inwardly.

*snugs* will do, and thankies. &hearts &hearts &hearts

[iwalkindreams]

"It's not. Anyway, what's your name? I'm forgetting my manners."

[not_snake_bite]

"It's quite alright." He bows, a touch crookedly. "I am Steerpike."

[iwalkindreams]

"Interesting name you've got." Have a hand, then. "I'm Adrian. It's nice to meet you."

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike stares at the hand - handshakes aren't customary, in Gormenghast. But if Adrian is patient, he might catch on a touch later and effectively shake it, tentatively.

"Likewise," he replies. "I work the roasts," he says, and since he's still dressed as a kitchen aid, it probably makes things quite plain.

[iwalkindreams]

Well he doesn't want to look weird or to scare anyone off. He's used to the lack of a handshake from certain people he met before, so he'll simply let it fall down slowly, smiling instead. "The roasts?" - now he's surprised. "I didn't think I saw any?"

[not_snake_bite]

"In the kitchens," he replies, shrugging. "Though not the one here."

[iwalkindreams]

"I see. You mean in the kitchens... where you come from." Hmmm. "I don't think you'll have to work around here, though."