Behind that smile lies mischievous intent.

[earlofphantoms]

Well this is unexpected. I thought you only had interest in my son and his intriguing butler.

{He smiles easily, resting his cheek against his hand.}

You have exceeded my expectations and that is not an easy feat.

{Is he making fun of me? ...I think he is. ;-;}

Comments

[madcuriosity]

How did your writer exceed your expectations?

[earlofphantoms]

She gave me a journal and a place to voice my opinion.

[madcuriosity]

Oh! Did you not think she would? I suppose the hardest part for writers' is that actual journal making! It shows they have confidence enough.

[earlofphantoms]

It was questionable. I wondered if she would ever follow through. {He chuckles pleasantly.} What might your name be, young lady?

[madcuriosity]

Oh! My name is Alice, Alice Liddell! How do you do sir?

[earlofphantoms]

A pleasure, Lady Alice. I do quite well.

[madcuriosity]

I'm very glad to hear that, sir! Who is your son, if I may ask?

[earlofphantoms]

His name is Ciel.

[madcuriosity]

Oh! I know Ciel! He used to be in the game I'm in!

[earlofphantoms]

I am thankful he encountered someone as polite as you, Lady Alice.

[madcuriosity]

He was sore that he couldn't beat me at chess.

[earlofphantoms]

You must be quite skilled, then.

[madcuriosity]

I like to think so. It was only one game though, I've yet to have a rematch.

[earlofphantoms]

You might find yourself in a different position should you ask for a rematch.

[madcuriosity]

Well, I won't know until Ciel rejoins. But I don't think he'll remember the match!

[earlofphantoms]

So he returned home? {That is said with less cheer.} Did he look well to you?

[madcuriosity]

Well, he did, but now he's signed up for the reserves to return! He looked well, I should say, yes.

[earlofphantoms]

What is your "game" like? {He sighs. She probably thinks his questions are odd.} I have not seen my son for some time, Lady Alice. I worry for him.

[madcuriosity]

Well somarium is a dream world! And there's all sorts in it! There's really very nice people in it, but... ah, well there are some who are quite... awful.

[earlofphantoms]

I do hope you avoid the awful ones. {Vincent would gladly deal with them if he were there. It is a hobby of his.} Is there a ruler or a monarch in this dream world?

[madcuriosity]

I do try, sir. Sometimes they're very good at being nice. Ah, no ruler or monarch! Which is quite the pity because things are so terribly chaotic! I'm sure someone like Queen Victoria could fix it up quite nicely! Oh! But there are lots of kings, queens, and princes and princess there!

[earlofphantoms]

Which makes them all the more dangerous. {Is he speaking from experience?} Her Majesty is needed in England. {As is his son, though, honestly, he likes the idea of Ciel getting away from the dangerous politics.} I'm surprised a war hasn't broken out.

[madcuriosity]

A war does break out, at least once a year the city goes and gets destroyed by something.

[earlofphantoms]

I can't say that I'm surprised with so many royals wandering about.

Does someone protect you?

[madcuriosity]

Oh yes! My guardian, Miss Alice, does!