Dr. Hannibal Lecter is ready for the labyrinth

[cook_the_rude]

The door opens, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter looks in.

The door closes again.

The door opens again, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter strides in, wearing sturdy clothing and sensible hiking shoes as well as carrying a small canvas rucksack.

From it, he takes some fruit and leaves them with the bar.







Then, he takes off his coat and has a coffee while he appears to wait for something.



[[meta: ep is open, but all other threads must happen before yrael]]

Comments

[mogget_cat]

What he's waiting for may be slinking down the top of the bar towards him, insinuating itself among the napkin holders and coasters.

"Mwrr. Good morning, Doctor."

[cook_the_rude]

"Good morning," the doctor says, smiling at the creature on the bar. "Would you like some refreshment before we go?"

[mogget_cat]

"Certainly," says the being shaped like a cat, sitting and wrapping its tail loosely about its paws. "There is no need to hurry."

A red Venetian glass bowl of cream appears on the bar, as the Bar has long been familiar with this particular not'cat's tastes. The not'cat in question, contentedly settles down, paws folded, to his drink.

[cook_the_rude]

"That is a very elegant bowl," Hannibal says, sipping his own coffee.

[mogget_cat]

"It was a gift to me from Lord Ostium and Lady Door of the House of Arch," Yrael replies, licking his whiskers. "I stood witness at their wedding ceremony, and they brought it to me from their travels."

[cook_the_rude]

"I might have seen the House of Arch mentioned in some old notes on the board," Hannibal says, nodding.

[mogget_cat]

"You may very well have," replies the not'cat. "Both the lord and lady were visiting Milliways even before I first found my way here, and few from that time still visit."

[cook_the_rude]

"The ancient times and history of this timeless place seem shrouded in myth and vagueness," Hannibal muses. "How long, by your own count, have you been coming here?"

[mogget_cat]

"By my own reckoning, thirty-three years. As time is reckoned in the bar, a mere nine."

[cook_the_rude]

"Time lines must get a bit complex here," Hannibal says. "I take it that thirty-three years aren't all that long for your own time line, though?"

[mogget_cat]

"A drop in a very large bucket," Yrael answers, amused, lapping at the bowl of cream. "Though a Free Magic creature's existence is less dependent on time than that of a mortal being."

[cook_the_rude]

"That would mean you're not bound to it as linearly as we are?" Hannibal guesses.

[mogget_cat]

"In some ways, yes," he replies. "The lack definite chronological beginnings and ends is the most significant difference."

[herr_bookman]

Autor is not even remotely concerned about where Hannibal is going. Really. The man's new attire doesn't raise his curiosity in the slightest.

No, what he's curious about is whether he can turn around from his climb down the stairs and dive back into the library's shelves before he's spotted.

It's unlikely, he knows.

[cook_the_rude]

"Hello, Autor," Dr. Lecter says, fixing his eyes on him in a manner that could almost be called playful.

[herr_bookman]

Autor has the impression that this gaze is as playful as a cat is with a lame, cornered mouse. He stiffens under the weight of the stare and turns, resting his hands on the banister. "Hello."

[cook_the_rude]

"How are you doing," Dr. Lecter says, genially. "Have you found any fascinating new ideas recently? Some strange new experiences, perhaps?"

Pause.

"Would you like some coffee?"

[herr_bookman]

"Not as many as you'll certainly have in those clothes," he murmurs, leaning on the banister. "Planning a trip, or empathizing with a client? And no, thank you."

[cook_the_rude]

"Planning what they call a hike, outside on the hills and mountains," Dr. Lecter says. "I like to dress for the occasion."

[herr_bookman]

Autor tilts his head. "And preparing for it here, bracing yourself with coffee? I'm amazed at how quickly you've taken to the bar, Dr. Lecter, though I clearly shouldn't be."

[cook_the_rude]

"Why should I not?" Dr. Lecter says. "It is a place of many opportunities."

[herr_bookman]

"It is at that," Autor says. "And I should go avail myself of a few of them, as I was on the way to do. Good day, Dr. Lecter. Have a pleasant hike."

[cook_the_rude]

"Oh, wait," Dr. Lecter says. "I'd love to hear more about your own opportunities."

[herr_bookman]

Autor glances at his fingers. "Few fireworks, and no more lake parties, you can be assured of that."

[cook_the_rude]

"You bit off more than you could chew, there," Dr. Lecter says. "How is your scaly friend?"