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[impure_tale]

I find myself in better spirits of late. Renate does not tire me so easily on her walks any longer, though they are still rather trying. I do not go into the enclosure without my cane because I will find myself leaning upon it sooner or later. The pain returns like clockwork, but not so intensely. Often in other ways, as though the small ruptures

Comments

[der_umgekehrte]

You sound a bit like a Malcontent. With respect and no insult to his family.

[He sounds... intrigued. Sounding like the Malcontent isn't a bad thing in the slightest. Stoshi sounded a bit like this, meandering and over-elegant, when he was in his cups... and that was never a bad thing either.]

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[der_umgekehrte]

Chief Stildyne. I've got another first name, but there generally has to be a relationship of some kind before it's used. Acquaintances, you understand. Colleagues. Things of that nature.

[He tries to look innocent and fails regrettably. Never one of his strong suits.]

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[impure_tale]

So I suppose I shall be calling you 'Chief' or 'Chief Stildyne' for the time being. ...It rolls off the tongue well. I could certainly grow accustomed to that.

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[der_umgekehrte]

Warms my heart. A kinder thing to call a man by his given name, than Mister.

What are the conditions one meets to be worthy of handling 'Donatien'? Only curious. You understand.

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[impure_tale]

Those I am close to. ...Or perhaps I simply like the way it sounds when they say it.

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[der_umgekehrte]

With a voice like mine it'd have to be the former. Hypothetically speaking.

[Stildyne: when he starts getting abstract, you know he's flirting in earnest.]

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[impure_tale]

Not at all. Your voice is not necessarily typical but it has its charms.

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[der_umgekehrte]

You are fond of scars, then.

[Because even Stildyne's windy, gravel-and-glass voice is a testament to the strikes he's taken to the windpipe and it's the rare soul that appreciates what might be ironically called its musicality.]

I'm just at present looking to get my clothes laundered. I'm in no state to pay a visit to anyone. If I were to wander by, after, would it be disagreeable?

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[impure_tale]

Not at all. You may find my cabin on level three, room four. The metal door. You cannot miss it.

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[der_umgekehrte]

I may well be by.

[He will be.]

In about an hour and a half. We'll continue the discussion?

[For euphemistic values of discussion. And continue, as well. And isn't this the most welcoming ship he's ever been on? See if he complains...]

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[impure_tale]

Certainly. I'll be waiting.