To Infinity and Beyond

[aloof_savant]

It certainly looks like everyone's starting to settle in their new surroundings. I'm surprised that some of them even took up jobs! Not that I'm complaining... my notes and books have never been tidier, it's a hell of a time saver. I bet Albert would be jealous if he knew how I lived. Or probably not. Then there's that new innkeeper, who's even got experience in paperwork! Can you believe my luck? ...I guess I shouldn't be too glad. These people surely wish they were rather home than here.

...Man, infinite worlds, huh? There must be all kinds of uniquely interesting people out there. Thousands, I bet.

Comments

[quicksmart]

How exactly are those you eavesdrop upon supposed to gauge your character?

... And what would you know about my ethics?

[aloof_savant]

I'm hoping they'll see past my faults, unless they've got something to hide, after all these faults of mine also yield results and knowledge. Why are you angry? Because you were the subject this time?

...
As for your ethics, perhaps it's best to say I don't have a clue, right? Poisoning people?

[quicksmart]

I would have given you straight answers. I expect I'm an open book given my social nature, hardly requiring spying to reveal my true nature.

Hmph. You don't even know the context of such an act.

[aloof_savant]

You still think that was entirely about you? You're making mountains out of molehills, Agnes. I could easily observe you any other time, and you just strike me as the type who's done the same thing once or twice. Why drag me through the mud...?

[ Definitely showing no signs of remorse. ]

Then be an open book and tell me!

[quicksmart]

[ She sees where he's coming from, but... she can't shake the feeling of being offended. She backs off a little, though, trying to voice her concerns. ]

I suppose it's because I owe allegiance firstly to my peers from the war, and secondly to you. Despite not being particularly affectionate towards Hervey, I still do not appreciate you spying on him, or Jeremy. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate me spying on your peers.

Perhaps ask and I will. ... I was protecting Lady Elenor.

[aloof_savant]

[ Visibly feeling irritated to the point where he doesn't want to ask her anything. Decided he's had enough of her antics for now. ]

And I don't appreciate you using words like "spying" this entire time. I'm sorry I don't live up to your idea of how Silverbergs are... but this is what I do.

...
I'll.. understand if you want to work elsewhere.

[quicksmart]

Spying and eavesdropping are the same thing, no matter how you dress it up.

[ She shrugs her shoulders uselessly. ]

I need to focus on finding a way back, anyway. Excuse me.

[aloof_savant]

Well, some would say that about poisoning.

...
I hope it works out for you, Agnes.

[quicksmart]

[ That makes her stop in her tracks as she leaves, turning around and snapping at him. ]

At least I admit to poisoning people, and those that I did harbour no ill-will towards me now.

[aloof_savant]

I never denied anything to you. In fact, I'm pretty sure asked you to bring it up with me next time we're alone! And in time I hope you'll harbor no ill-will towards me.

[quicksmart]

[ She sighs and does her best effort take a deep breath... and then smiles wryly, because this is quite familiar. ]

You are incredibly frustrating. It must be a family trait.

[aloof_savant]

[ For some reason, he imagines how much she would hate Albert if this is frustrating. ]

Oh, you haven't seen the worst of us yet.

[quicksmart]

As long as you aren't a bitter, raging alcoholic, I think I can deal with everything.

... It's just I knew Lady Elenor inside out. The learning curve was extensive, and I did not expect to go through this all again.

[aloof_savant]

It's fine, it's fine, I accept your non-apology. So Elenor really did a number on you, huh? You never even mentioned the bitter alcoholic part...

Am I really that hard to adjust to?

[quicksmart]

[ She looks sheepish for just a moment, but then shakes her head. ]

Well, she wasn't bitter at me. She had a perfectly good reason to be bitter, anyway, with how she was treated.

Lady Elenor was much more straightforward than you.

[aloof_savant]

You make it sound like you still think I'm hiding something...

I suppose this is a learning curve for the both of us.

[quicksmart]

That's... not what I meant. I'm just being frank. You're confusing as a person. I am not used to your behaviour.

[aloof_savant]

... Now that I can understand.

[ He knows he's not a conventional Silverberg... nothing like his immediate family, at least. ]

[quicksmart]

You get that a lot, I see.

[aloof_savant]

[ He takes her hand and mysteriously plants the "lucky coin" in her fist. ]

You should keep this.

[quicksmart]

[ She almost flinches away out of habit - she doesn't really engage in social contact, after all! ]

W-what? Why? We just established that it means nothing.

[aloof_savant]

It didn't, until now.

Now it's just a horrible reminder of our first disagreement. A real eye sore! ...Besides, I don't want people thinking that you're working for free. Which you seem to be anyway.

[quicksmart]

Shouldn't I just throw it away if it's an eyesore?

... Besides, it makes you seem cheap, paying me with one single coin. Our exchange is knowledge and tactics, anyway. I've upheld my end of the bargain.

[aloof_savant]

I remember full well what our arrangement is! At the very least, put it back where you found it. Please.

[quicksmart]

And when will you fulfill your end?

There's no point to putting it in the fountain. I'll spend it on something instead.