testing out a voice. be gentle.

[swoop]

I'm so sure you think this is a good idea, but maybe a little think through and follow up would work to your advantage.

I don't want to be separated from the flock.

And no matter where you put me I'll still be the nutcase, the genetic freak with a propensity for botching everything.

You're better off leaving me to my business, and well- it's not like you don't have a full stock of other clowns just vying for attention.

Comments

[tosher]

Sorry to say, miss, but I've been told by a few people round here that trying to talk any sort of sense into 'em is pretty much useless.

[swoop]

I was hoping her common sense outweighed the creative influence.

[tosher]

Kept hoping the same thing myself, but seems like they can't understand a lick of it. I might not be the most educated mutt on the streets, but I think I've got more sense to rub together than these lot ever do.

[swoop]

I definitely don't want to head to any of the places she might have in store for me.

[No matter where she goes she'll always stand out because of her wings. She knows that much.]

Even if it'd be nice to catch a break.

[tosher]

Well, if it means anything to ya, miss - you seem like the strong sort. I'm sure someone lovely lookin' as you will do just fine no matter where she hands you over to.

[swoop]

Thanks.

I guess.

[She's not used to compliments. Definitely not from cute non-avian, non-hybrid guys.]

[tosher]

Didn't say something wrong, did I?

[swoop]

Nope. Nothing wrong. I'm just not used to the.... flirting?

I guess we're all on level with each other here.

[tosher]

You usually above people elsewhere? Like one of them rich folks in the fancy houses in the nicer parts of the city?

[swoop]

Not exactly.

[She's above them in a few ways but none of them are as simple as that.]

[tosher]

[ He smiles a little. That's not much of an answer, is it? Girls are usually so much more chatty in London. ]

You're the cryptic sort, aren't you, love?

[swoop]

Just figured that out, did ya?

[tosher]

Been told a few times before I'm a bit slow at catchin' on to things.

[swoop]

Don't take it too hard. I'm just not really over-zealous about sharing.

[tosher]

Trust me, not takin' any offense to it at all. Not really much of the sort to share my story either. Much as I like to hear other people talk about themselves, I find it's easier to stay alive keepin' quiet most of the time. And besides, just a bit unnerving to have someone know all the sordid details and what not.

[swoop]

Yeah, I can completely understand that one.

[tosher]

[ He smiles again. It's good to know there are some out there who do who don't look like... well, street rats. ]

Would you be willing to at least share your name, maybe?

[swoop]

It's Max.

[She'd leave the -imum for another conversation maybe. It's good to know all people weren't creeps. Well, maybe. This guy could always show his true colors later down the line.]

Yours?

[tosher]

Dodger, miss. Pleasure to meet you.

[swoop]

Yeah.

[A pleasure. When has anyone ever said that?]

So, what's your literary genius like?

[tosher]

What's my what now? [ Phrases he's never heard don't do well. Not even going to grade school does that to you. ]

[swoop]

The director. The person pulling the strings.

[How more plainly could she put this?]

[tosher]

[ He catches on with that last bit, and nods. ]

Oh, him. He's... an interesting sort. Bit of a nutter, really, but beggars can't be choosers. Nicer than some of the sort I've seen people talkin about around here.

[swoop]

Mine's just what you would call an enthusiast. A morbid one.

[tosher]

... That a bit of bad luck there for you, then? I mean, unless you're into that sort of ordeal, which I guess some people are. Not my place to be judging or nothing.

[swoop]

Don't you think I'm a little young to get off on pain?

[tosher]

Seen a lot younger than you get off on a lot worse. Ah - not - not personally, mind you. I'm not the sort myself. But you hear lots of things if you keep your ears open.

[swoop]

Um.

[She doesn't know what to say.]

You must be from pretty dire straights.

[tosher]

Heart of London, Miss Max. Don't get much more dire.

[swoop]

London's a pretty big city. A wealthy city.

[A prosperous one. Of course not everyone had a good life there.]

I didn't think it was bad being from there, but then I've never been.

[Maybe she could go someday. Fly. With Iggy, Angel, and the others.]

[tosher]

[ He snorts a bit. ]

Bits and pieces of it might be alright, I s'pose. Sure is lots of wealth in the West End and all - but the parts I'm from are a bit rougher than most.

[swoop]

I'm sorry to hear that. I know how it feels to have it rough.