04 - Getting to know you

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[The chaos of the lost languages behind them, it is time to know this place better. There are too many people, possibilities for something like uncertainty. People with their own words are far more likely to be themselves with them, in whatever form that might take. Reinette needs to watch. To see and to know.

It is time she took full stock of this place people called the Astral Plane.

A settee arrives with her, on which Reinette reclines. On a small table nearby there are two glasses, and a fine bottle of bordeaux.

This might take some time.]

Comments

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I believe you have already provided me with several.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I am a very generous Master, I'm told.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she collects Kings, not Masters, and that does earn a quirk of the eyebrow even as her smile remains]

Not by me, that I can recall.

[and she recalls quite clearly]

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[he collects all sorts of pieces, particularly those that spark his interest, and so he seems unphased]

Maybe one day.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[her composure is finally, fully returned -- such wonderful timing]

At least there is wine until that particular outcome is determined.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Why do you like wine, my lady?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Because often is holds more substance than many I am required to keep company with.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[a smirk flickers across his polite smile, as it seems he quite likes that answer]

I think I like the sharpness in you.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[a nod, another sip of her wine]

Perhaps I like the same in you as well.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

And here? What do you like of this place? You asked me why I lingered, when we first met.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I cannot like how little I know of it. The sense of uncertainly it encourages in me.

But at the same time it is a challenge. And with things such as they are for the time being, it is a challenge I have decided to welcome.

The inhabitants are promising as well.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

It's a very strange place. Even stranger in that it seems to do its best to keep us occupied with each other and our own worlds. As I'm sure you gathered, we're all a fair bit unwitting as to what, exactly, is going on.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[her gaze is thoughtful]

I had noticed, yes. But as disconcerting as that might be? I find myself welcoming the idea.

Perhaps because I understand precisely, without any question, what is occurring back at home.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Then I think I'll enjoy observing you face down these challenges.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

gaze reveals a certain curiosity, momentarily unmasked]

And what challenges you in this place?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Oh, plenty of things. Not often that I'm confronted with universes that don't even follow the same laws as my own. If it's of interest to me, it's probably a challenge.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she cannot disagree with his words, leaving her to agree with them]

We have laughed about the Doctor, but not entirely in an unkind fashion. You are one of the few people here who has not attempted to force your own opinion of others onto me, or warn me against them.

I find that interesting.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I could speak maliciously of the Doctor, if you like. He is, after all, the man I hate most in the universe.

Are you certain that it's not simply lack of caring that keeps me from warning you?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

He does not seem to hate you, from what I have observed.

And yes, it could be lack of caring that keeps you from speaking of such matters. You hardly know me after all. But caring, in turn, is not a necessity for idle chatter and gossip.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I'm under the impression that he thinks he loves me.

It could me unkindness as well. Maybe I want to see you get hurt by the people here. There are enough individuals here with a vicious streak that it could happen.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Do you think because you converse with me, I am naive enough to think you incapable of wishing me harm? Or any other person?

I verymuch suspect your only interest in me is my relationship, whatever it may be, with the Doctor.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Then you're wrong.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Am I?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

You are.

[takes a sip from his wine]

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she can take a sip as well]

I assure you my feelings would not be injured. It would not be the first occasion. Though Louis was more often than not their true interest.

And that is not to say a relationship cannot alter. Very few things end as they begin.