considering ryan's gulch

[chessmetaphor]

I know that you expected more of a dramatic reaction. No, I have nothing outrageous to say about this new and likely unpleasant development. Considering the experiences I've faced of yet, it's unlikely you'll ever surprise me again.

Though, a city under the sea. I can't say that I disagree with the philosophical foundation of the place, honestly.

Comments

[demon_andbutler]

[Well, this is certainly the first Sebastian is hearing about it. His eyes narrow slightly.]

Are they planning to send us to Atlantis, young master?

[It wouldn't be the most absurd premise. There was that city of chalk. And the enchanted mansion run by a maniac.]

[chessmetaphor]

[ This is the first anyone's hearing about it. Ciel scoffs. ]

I haven't the faintest idea. You know as well as I how absurd their operations are.

[ And how fickle, more like. Plans one day, nonexistent the next. ]

[demon_andbutler]

Perhaps it is best to ignore them. Women as fickle as these tend to lose interest if they are not properly entertained.

[Wow Sebastian that was kinda sexist you bastard]

[chessmetaphor]

You would think. Though, I've noticed their idea of entertaining is bloody backwards.

[demon_andbutler]

They enjoy masquerading as fictional characters on a faceless community called the internet. I believe that's an offence that might land them in Bedlam were they to try it here.

[chessmetaphor]

I should hope. [ Were he to encounter these people on the street, he... well, he'd make a point of not. Encountering them on the street. ]

I only wish they'd let us be. I thought we'd found an out, finally.

[demon_andbutler]

You ought to know there are some traps from which there is no escape, young master.

[Just saying.]

That aside, I believe we represent something deeply sentimental to them. Humans always revisit those sorts of things, no matter how poor the idea might be.

[chessmetaphor]

As if I need reminding. [ "If you're referring to the contract, demon, it's hardly a trap. I made it myself, knowing full well what consequences there would be." ]

Sentimental? [ He scoffs, pulling a face. ] How twisted to look to us for sentiment.

[demon_andbutler]

As you say, sir.

[His smile is gentle, but sly.]

Many have done as such to me, and it never fails to bring me great amusement.

[chessmetaphor]

I know. [ He directs his eyes purposefully upward. ] And there's no greater error in judgment.

[smallshoes]

Under the sea! Aren't there great whales? Are they going to put scales on you?

[chessmetaphor]

I'm told there are whales. [ Forget the mammals, he's just happy to see Lizzie. It's been too long. ] There won't be scales, though, not that I'm aware of.

[smallshoes]

Then how on Earth—? [If Ciel won't become all fishy, what's to become of him? How can a city even stand to be under the sea? Is it encased in a giant bubble— and if so, what if someone pops it with a pin? Already she's fearing that Ciel will catch a chill, or possibly flounder himself to death - and suddenly she's stuck to him like a barnacle.] No, you can't! Or... Or I'll learn to fish and pull you right out, all right, Ciel!

[chessmetaphor]

[ He waits patiently for her to finish fretting, and then takes a deep breath. Oh, Lizzie. ]

It's a city under the sea, perfectly safe, as I'm told. [ Well, that's not entirely true. He's heard something about violent, lumbering figures, and... quite, honestly, it makes him think of the Campania. ] There's no sort of requirement involved in which I'd become a fish.

[ It sounds ridiculous, but he knows better. Some of these places do such things. Still, his lip twitches in amusement. ]

There is enough air, I'd assume.

[smallshoes]

[Elizabeth draws back from him just enough to look him full in the face, and says, seriously and anxiously,] Perfectly safe?

[Oceanic peril's left its mark on her, too. She'd rather not have him face something like that again.]

[chessmetaphor]

Well... something like that. [ He relents in the lie, huffing out another sigh. ]

Don't worry. I'll be fine.

[smallshoes]

For true? You must promise, Ciel! You'll be so far away, how couldn't I worry...

[chessmetaphor]

I promise. [ He'll try to keep it, too. ]

Where are you, Lizzie? Another game?

[smallshoes]

Good. You promise. [She rubs her cheek against his, not quite content, but at least hopeful that he'll do all right. Ciel has a knack for falling into horrible situations, but he's very resourceful. She ought to have more faith in him, she tells herself.

Then she draws away and wrings her hands.] Oh... Yes! About... dreams? We're all dreaming? When I first got there I woke up in a fountain and it was cold and wet and awful and people kept telling me, 'This place isn't bad!' but how could it not be bad if it dumped me in the fountain and made a mess of my good Easter things and ruined my hair... Brother is there, but I miss you and Paula! Oh, Ciel!

[chessmetaphor]

I do. [ He stiffens ever so slightly at the contact, but relents, because... well, it's her. He just hasn't seen her in a very long time. ]

Dreams? [ He pauses, looking puzzled. ] ... Another of these games, then. [ He's glad to hear that Edward is with her, at least. ] Are you safe? You haven't been hurt, have you?

[smallshoes]

[And though she notes his tension, and though it makes her own hands a little stiff, she won't say anything about it. That happens to Ciel, sometimes. It never used to, but it does now, and though he still won't talk about it to her, maybe he will some day and that's what she has to hope for. So she settles, and sighs like she's content. She's good at doing that.]

Yes, one of those... Though I think that's an awful rotten thing for them to call it! A game, imagine that! So mean, I have a lot more feelings than playing cards do.

But, it's all right. I'm all right! Brother has me in a cozy place, and he'll look out for me. He always does. He promised he'd find me, um, something to protect myself with, too. [She still doesn't want to go around shouting the word SWORD all over the place.] And there have been many lovely people. I miss you! I miss you! And I had to spend Valentine's Day without you! But I'm warm and learning some new things, too. It's not all bad.

[chessmetaphor]

I understand. I really do. [ He's been in a handful of these games in his time, being pushed unceremoniously from world to world. It's gotten beyond tedious, though... at least he's been able to adapt. ] They're more trials, than anything.

Hm. [ He trusts Edward, of course, to take care of Lizzie. ] ... I'm glad to hear that you've found a sort of home there.

[ "I miss you too," though, of course, he doesn't voice it. ]

Learning? What, exactly?

[smallshoes]

Yes, but aren't trials like that cruel... [Though she feels bad for saying it as soon as it's out of her mouth. It's not like Ciel's had it any easier.] W- Well, I mean, it's just... Never mind, it'll be all right! For you, too! It must be. ['Must' as in 'absolutely has to.' She won't tolerate anything else, and makes herself very bright to compensate for her anxieties.]

But, well, let's see! I've been learning a bit about future times and far away places! Amazing and strange, don't you think? Some places don't know about England at all, could you imagined! I was really astonished. And I've been learning how to take care of my own clothing... It's best that way, for now. So sad! But best.

[chessmetaphor]

It is, Lizzie. You needn't worry. [ He hasn't been in a game in some time. She seems happy, but if anyone should worry, it's him, and about her. ... Though he knows full well by now that she can handle herself. ]

"Future times and far away places." [ Sounds unnecessarily complicated. ] Amazing and strange, though, yes. I've found my experiences to be about the same.

[ He cracks an indulgent smile at the clothing bit. ] And how do you find it, taking care of them?