voice test. canon is neverwhere.

[mattersverymuch]

No. Let me stop you there.

Let me, in fact, outline for you the reasons why you are unqualified to direct me anywhere. I would say 'play me,' but you of all people should know -

No one plays me.

Consider it a favor.

Reason the first: You don't know who I am. No one knows who I am. That's the whole point. Did you miss it?

Reason the second: You haven't reviewed. If you're going to commit to this farce, you will need to review.

Reason the third: Your distractible little mind will not be able to handle creating my . . . support networks. Again: You'll have to commit. And you'll have to manipulate, or at least play at it. You don't really think you can do that, do you?

And, finally: You already have a number of tasks which I'm sure are very important and which you must prioritize. Really. You should. Go away. Shoo.

Incidentally, I trust I don't need to tell you I find it insulting that the impetus for this venture was the surprise appearance of the Lady Door. If you must bother me, you should do it for the right reasons, and charming as she is, she is not one of them.

Comments

[mattersverymuch]

[ He raises one finger. ] No. Magnanimous. [ And smiles. ]

[womanwhobeatyou]

[Amusement is clear in her voice.]

Arrogant too.

[mattersverymuch]

Perceptive.

[ And his. ]

[womanwhobeatyou]

High praise, from a man like you.

[mattersverymuch]

Arrogance does not necessarily mean that flattery will get you anywhere.

[womanwhobeatyou]

Arrogant, self-assured, and cautious. You are a man with very interesting secrets.

[mattersverymuch]

You know, it's curious. Those who don't have secrets never think much about secrets. While those who do - like yourself - spot secrets in others like [ he snaps ] that.

[womanwhobeatyou]

I never said I didn't, now did I?

[mattersverymuch]

I was merely observing.

[womanwhobeatyou]

Observe anything interesting?

[mattersverymuch]

I always observe interesting things. Their relevance is another matter. And nothing is relevant before introductions.

[ He bows with a flourish, though not very deeply. ] I am the marquis de Carabas. Tell your friends. If you have any. And you are?

[womanwhobeatyou]

[She smiles, and there is a bare nod of acknowledgement at the bow that is almost regal, but utterly self-assured.]

A pleasure. You may call me Miss Adler.

[mattersverymuch]

[ He returns her nod. ] My lady.

You say it as if it's a title.

[womanwhobeatyou]

That would be 'The Woman'.

[mattersverymuch]

You sound infamous.

[womanwhobeatyou]

And you sound as if you'd like to be thought of as fame-seeking.

[mattersverymuch]

Notoriety falls into my lap, despite the best of intentions.

[womanwhobeatyou]

Does anybody believe you when you tell them that?

[mattersverymuch]

[ shrug ] Some people do. Some people are stupid.

[womanwhobeatyou]

And most people think notoriety's a bad thing.

[mattersverymuch]

Most people have never experienced it. When one has a reputation, one is expected to act in a certain way.

[ Which means one can act in other ways and surprise people. But he thinks you'll pick up on the implication. ]

[womanwhobeatyou]

Is it always an act?

[mattersverymuch]

The answer to that question would be more helpful if you knew what my reputation was. Since you don't, I won't answer.

You could always make an educated guess, of course.

[womanwhobeatyou]

I don't think that'd be necessary. You've already told me.

[mattersverymuch]

[ A 'do go on' motion, and a grin. ]