milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

There, in the back booth... see him?

The man falling asleep over 'The Kraken Wakes' by John Whydham?

That is Random. Come say hello, the book is good, but conversation is better.

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Random's book slips from his hands.

"Which one? We're all interesting creatures. Some of us have fangs."

He looks Raven up and down, subtly checking to see that all limbs are intact.

"This one is Corwin. I did not see any fangs. Perhaps I should have looked more closely."

He nods.

"But you must have seen Grayswandir. The sword with... interesting magic laced into it? What did he ask about me?"

"He inquired what I was teaching you. I told him I was teaching you to see what is really there. He was not impressed with my straightforward narrative, I fear."

He snorts.

"It's Corwin. Straightforward isn't even in his vocabulary. Unless you have at least three double meanings in every sentence he'll assume you're distracting him for a set up and run, expecting to be ambushed."

"Wise of him."

Raven nods.

He smiles.

"Makes family reunions a bitch. How did he react to your teaching me?"

"A little surprised, I think. He said sorcery is the province of 'Clarissa's brood'?"

Raven shrugs.

"Another of Oberon's wives. Their branch tend to be the dabblers in magic. No sense in letting them get an advantage, I guess."

He smiles.

"But I'm the only one who takes reading Tarot seriously. As more than a means of transportation, I mean. So I've already got one."

"It is a very great one, I think."

He smiles.

"It is. Especially as they don't know about it. Well, not its full extent."

Raven just smiles.

"Raven, you're being all enigmatic like, and I'm tired."

He leans back in his chair.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Secrets are good. Surprises are better. Especially in war."

He snorts.

"You don't need to tell me that. I trust you to keep mine."

There's a smile in his voice.

"You need have no worries on that score."

Raven smiles.

He nods.

"Corwin is a shifty bastard. But he's still my choice for successors. I'm hoping he'll take the throne one day."

"He could hold it, I think. Take it? Perhaps not."

He nods.

"That's why I'm helping him. He's got the force of personality to do it in a second. And he'd make the right choices once he was there, as well."

"Good enough qualifications for a king, I suppose."

He shrugs.

"Not really, but he's the best we've got to offer."

"You do what must be done, then."

A pause.

"I may not be here for the next several days. I have offered to help with curing those afflicted with the current illness. I wanted you to know, before I disappeared. It should only be several days."

He winces.

"It's good of you to tell me."

Unlike certain Consulting Detectives...

"I'll see you in a few days, then."

"I will look for you, when I get back."

He smiles.

"Until then, go well, Random."

And he leaves.

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