the last voyages // 4. text. filtered.

[truemask]

[ private to the marquis ]I do not appreciate the implication that refusal to obey your whims is direct neglect to my duty as a father and husband. I do not consider you, of all people, particularly qualified to cast any such judgment. And yes, I have read your file

Comments

Private

[emptyyourself]

Do not be so certain. I was, after all, an inmate once, myself.

And 'to the victor go the spoils of war' is not how the Barge works.

Private

[truemask]

Yes. I am speaking to your former Inmate status, actually, as well as your current position. I made my compromises for the work as well, for years. My trustworthiness and devotion questioned by my peers and allies near constantly. I am sure that despite where my allegiance ultimately lay, they would consider me in need of a lesson or two.

We played similar parts and find ourselves, now, on the opposite sides of the fence. How swiftly did you find your freedom?

Private

[emptyyourself]

Six months.

Lucius, I have no intention of comparing our situations, nor arguing the validity of your incarceration. To the former, there is no comparison to be drawn. To the latter, I am not your warden.

However, I will say: the sooner you stop martyring yourself and accept the situation, the sooner you can progress and return to your family.

I assure you, they need you.

Private

[truemask]

Do I remind you of anyone desiring to be a martyr? Truly?

I am not a Lestrange.

Private

[grand_lotus]

'Hello' has two letters fewer and is considered much more polite.

Private

[truemask]

[ IGNORING THIS ]

I require a position, as discussed. I would prefer a shift that was not in the evening, as my day, apparently, begins at four o'clock in the morning. My other specifications remain.

What do you require?

Private

[grand_lotus]

The breakfast shift is most in need, if whatever other tasks you have in the morning will allow you to start at six-thirty. If it remains the case that you would prefer to limit your contact with others, then you can take a rotation of preparation and cleaning.

Private

[truemask]

Frankly, if my other tasks are not completed by six-thirty, I will consider throwing myself over the side of the Barge.

This suits me as well as can be expected.

[impure_tale]

I am going to begin this by telling you that when you are desirous of anything from my person, you will not begin by lecturing me. The implication is that if you do not graduate, you are derelict in your duty as a father and husband. By ignoring your punishments and the asks I set for you, you waste needless time that could be spent seeing to your recovery.

When I'm certain that you are completing the tasks I have set forward, you will have your privacy.

Your magic remains as it is until a time which I shall dictate, not you.

[truemask]

We shall have to agree to disagree as to whether doing anything you demand is in direct relation to my progress as an inmate. It matters not, at this point, for I am going through the necessary motions.

I see no reason why you should not restore to me what was mine before the deed that warranted punishment that I am agreeing to fulfill. Please do so.

I suggest being content that you do not have to wake up at an ungodly hour to see it done.

[impure_tale]

Complete your punishment and I'll consider restoring your magic. You will not be rewarded for beginning to do what I expected you to be doing without prompting before port even started.

[truemask]

And my quarters?

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

I'm keeping an eye on her, yes.

Private.

[truemask]

And you've devised a way to tame the savage?

Rather straight forward a redemption, I expect. Easier, perhaps, than training a wild dog - I expect the girl is at least cognizant enough to understand the concept of being put down if she doesn't heel.

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

She's not a savage, Lucius. She's a girl who's lost everyone in her incredibly tight-knit family.

Private.

[truemask]

She cannot be far beyond the age of ten, and she dragged a knife across my legs as if this were any kind of acceptable course of action. You should recall well enough the extent of my injury.

I maintain she is an animal. Try not to get bitten.