crystal.

[byblow]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Alistair
RECIPIENT: Everyone around the Gallows
WHAT: A survey
WHEN: Nowish
NOTES: This is only partly my fault

[ Let it be said that Alistair has backed down from all manner of challenges and dares and weird games of chicken, if they were stupid and he wasn't in the mood, but also let it be said that he hasn't backed down from this specific one. ]

I know we're all very busy preventing the world from ending, but if I could have a moment of your time for some important questions—

First, I need to know what sorts of things you consider good-looking, in a man, generally speaking. It doesn't matter if you're attracted to men or not, before anyone feels the need to explain their love lives to me. I only need to know what sort of man-faces you think are pleasant.

And then I need to know if you think Byerly Rutyer is good looking enough to make up for not being a nice man.

And he'd also like to know how much money each of you have. I think that's important for you to know before you answer the nice man part.

Comments

[indissection]

I do not think there is any hope for him. He must be killed before the trend spreads.

[coquettish_trees]

Absolument. This, then, is the true mission of the Inquisition.

[indissection]

I am glad to see there are some people with sense here, at least.

[coquettish_trees]

It is mutual gladness.

Do tell me who I am speaking to, who has such a level head on her shoulders?

[indissection]

Sidony Venaras, of Nevarra City.

[coquettish_trees]

A pleasure, to be sure. Are you recently arrived, Lady Sidony?

[ A guess; the woman's accent is markedly upper class. ]

Ah! What poor manners I have. Lady Alexandrie de la Fontaine, but you must call me Alexandrie.

[indissection]

Recent enough that I might still consider myself somewhat new.

[ It's obvious enough, but she doesn't mind. ]

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Alexandrie.

[coquettish_trees]

Tell me they do not have you staying in that horrible blocky fortress.

[indissection]

I am staying where there is space. Most of my time will be spent in the infirmary - sleeping is of no concern to me.

[ Translation: yes, they do. ]

[coquettish_trees]

[ she makes a brief grief stricken noise ]

An intrepid soul!

Do come and visit with me in Hightown at some juncture so you may relieve your eyes from their arduous duty of seeing those buildings.

I refuse to call the island by its given name. How awful it is.

[ beat ]

Let us rename it!

[indissection]

It is serviceable enough. I have a room and a wardrobe and my handmaiden - what more could I ask for?

[ A decent bed, really, and a larger room, a sitting room... A nice fireplace to lounge in front of... ]

What sort of name do you think would be better fitting?

[coquettish_trees]

[ can you hear her eyebrows raising skeptically? She’ll let it go for now, however. ]

Something that inspires a different feeling than mild horror and distaste, certainly. “The Bastion,” perhaps. Breakwater. Riftwatch. The possibilities are endless really.

[indissection]

[ Look, runaways don't get nice things. ]

I do find myself fond of Riftwatch.

[coquettish_trees]

And suddenly I find myself less distressed by your having rooms there, since they are now at Riftwatch.

[indissection]

I hope that will not dismiss me from my visit.

[coquettish_trees]

Not in the slightest, I am quite intent on your coming to the apartments. I wish to hear all about your journey and your course of study—it sounds fascinating.

[indissection]

I would be honoured, in that case. [ And she'll have to figure out a proper dress, but - ] And I'd be glad to tell you anything you'd like to know.