[voicetesting, considering adstringendum]

[too_old_for_this]

Oh no you don't. Read my lips. Read my username! You just gave it to me, didn't you? I was planning on some quality time in Tahiti with a fancy cocktail and a nice, relaxing novel.

On the beach.

In the sun.

Have you ever thought about what the middle of a disaster zone is like in winter? Ever had frostbite? I have. Let me tell you, growing parts back hurts twice as much. -- Don't even go for the nose joke. I saw that look.

No, I think I'm going to have to veto this one. So sorry! Already bought the tickets.

Don't push me on this.

You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.

Comments

[too_old_for_this]

It seems I don't have much of a choice.

But do elaborate on that "best time" thing! It sounds exciting.

[And he loves excitement. Particularly when it's happening a long way away.]

[saintedsinner]

Well, currently we're trapped in darkness and the trees are attacking us. There've been at least two injuries. Both of them grievious.

-=He's dead serious now on this. Rome's stabbing has hit too close to home.=-

[too_old_for_this]

The trees are attacking.

All right, that's it, I'm definitely headed for Havana instead.

[saintedsinner]

Wherever the hell that is.

And we have this squid.

[too_old_for_this]

Tropical. Great parties. And the only squid you get are fried with chile sauce.

[saintedsinner]

Oh man. If we could do that we'd all be fed through the whole winter.

-=Wishful thinking.=-

[too_old_for_this]

So I take it this is a big squid.

[saintedsinner]

Huge! Most of us stay away from the lake where he lives.

[too_old_for_this]

And here I thought the lack of hot showers was going to be the worst part.

Are you going to introduce yourself?

[saintedsinner]

Sure. Name's Ed. Ed Elric.

If you know the right people, you don't have to worry about lack of hot water.

[too_old_for_this]

Is that so! You'll have to introduce me. I am a big fan of modern conveniences.

[saintedsinner]

The place isn't exactly modernized. If you're rooming with someone who knows magic or alchemy, you'll have hot water.

[too_old_for_this]

Alchemy? I dabbled a little, back in Alexandria, and I don't recall it being particularly suited for plumbing.

[saintedsinner]

I doubt your alchemy is the same from where I'm from. Mine's an actual science.

[too_old_for_this]

Oh come on. We did a pretty good job until the neoPlatonists took the reins, if you ask me.

[saintedsinner]

You can believe that, if you want, but if you get in, you'll see that your alchemy really is just small potatoes. It's nothing compered to what my brother and I can do. You all got stuck on trying to turn lead into gold literally and missed out on the deeper meaning behind it.

[too_old_for_this]

Oh please, do go on, I'm listening. Are we talking chemistry here?

[saintedsinner]

Nooooooo.

-=Now he's speaking a bit slowly here.=-

If I was going to talk about chemistry, I would say chemistry. This is alchemy. I'm a state alchemist. The best of the best. I know my shit.

[too_old_for_this]

And chemistry is what we call alchemy that's become a "real science," but then, you're probably from somewhere else. I hear that happens a lot around here.

We don't exactly have much magic where I'm from either.

[saintedsinner]

Yeah, we don't have magic either. But from what my girlfriend and I have discussed, there are similarities.

If you're alright, I might show you some alchemy there. It's useful just starting out in Adstring.

[too_old_for_this]

I wouldn't mind a little demonstration.

But that can wait! I'm in no hurry to end up there.

[saintedsinner]

You probably won't have a choice in the matter-especially if your mun's already set the wheels in motion.

[too_old_for_this]

Oh, I think I'll manage to get another week or so.

How long have you been there, anyway?

[saintedsinner]

About three years, I guess. I'm one of the old timers, though Al's been here longer.

[too_old_for_this]

Three years? [He makes a dismissive noise.] Maybe this won't be so bad.