crystal.

[byblow]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Alistair
RECIPIENT: All y'all
WHAT: Innocent and totally random question
WHEN: Now
NOTES: Threadjacking is cool, kiss kiss.

What's a reasonable amount of time to stay angry with someone?

[ There is a fairly obvious difference between Alistair's I have a serious question voice and I am trying to cause trouble voice, for those who know him, but in this case his tone falls somewhere between the two. ]

Obviously it depends on what they've done to make you angry, so let's talk about the full range. How long can I stay angry with someone for borrowing my sword without permission before I'm unreasonable?

Or what if they left everyone I cared about to die?

Just for discussion's sake.

Comments

private

[mactears]

[This was a mistake, and the sensible thing to do would be to hang up before he sticks his foot in it. He doesn't.]

I won't offer you apologies, and don't expect your forgiveness, [he says, and yes, the words are still inadequate to the task at hand. Nevertheless, it feels necessary to say them.] I won't seek it either.

private

[byblow]

Oh— [ flatly ] —it's you.

What can I do for you, then, Ser Loghain?

private

[mactears]

[He's as impossible to argue with as Maric. Loghain clenches his jaw, then forces it to unclench.]

I would have us find some way to work together towards our common goal. Once the work is done, I will be gone from your life. You'll need never see me again, I swear it.

[A grimace.] But until then, Alistair, we can't continue like this. I trust that some part of you, separate from your anger, knows that too.

private

[byblow]

Continue like what?

[ That almost sounds like an innocent question. If he were a better actor he might have managed it—or at least the fake-innocent, exaggerated uptalk thing. But he is a horrible actor, so instead it sounds like someone trying to ask an innocent question but having to force it through their teeth. ]

Re: private

[mactears]

Alistair--

[It's the closest he's come to snapping yet. Close enough to regret it already. He draws a steadying breath, then lets it out. Tries again.]

Alistair, [he says, his voice more measured this time,] however else you may feel about me, however much you may hate me, you know I am right in this. We are Wardens, with a Blighted enemy to fight; must come to an accord.

private

[byblow]

Sure. An accord.

[ Skepticism as far as the ear can hear. ]

What are the terms? I never allude in any way to anything you've ever done wrong?

private

[mactears]

I would not make such a request, and I expect you know it. [Irritation, at last, finding its way into his voice.] If you would allude to my wrongdoings, I hope you would say them to me directly as well.

[Maybe he's going to regret this.] Let us discuss this in person.

private

[byblow]

Fine.

[ HE'S NOT AFRAID OF YOU, is the only reason he's agreeing. ]

I'm in the stables.

private

[mactears]

I will see you there.

[He hangs up.]