on being reserved at tushanshu

[bonvivant]

[It's not as though he's overly happy about being sent somewhere against his will, he isn't going to express his displeasure over it.

Besides, it might provide a good learning opportunity as well as some...exotic cuisine.]

I understand that the presence of a psychiatrist will be appreciated there.

I will be happy to oblige, of course.

-Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Comments

[inseine]

I confess that psychiatrists are not at the top of my list of wants.

[Javert's brows make a leap into his bangs.]

Did your woman tell you that?

[bonvivant]

[Oh Javert don't even deny that you could use a psychiatrist.]

My mundane informed me that there are many people who would be grateful for the opportunity to speak with me. [Actually, it was more like 'a lot of you have issues', but that's not a very polite way to put it.]

[inseine]

That is what psychiatrists do? Speak?

[Where Javert comes from, psychiatry is in its infancy and probably full of sham doctors. Forgive him for his skepticism. He stares at Hannibal intently, attempting to read and understand why that kind of service would be coveted, as the doctor implies.]

Well! There will not be much time for speaking before long, no! Not if the last incident is any hint...

[bonvivant]

I am authorized to dispense medication as well, but that will depend on what's available there. Speaking is an oversimplification; I aid others in overcoming mental obstacles they may not be able to on their own.

The last incident?

[inseine]

[Mental obstacles. That brings a deep, mistrustful grimace to Javert's face. He always was one to wear all his emotions plainly on his sleeve.]

The last battle, [he supplies tersely. He means the satellite crash and the specters, but who in hell would believe him if he described that in detail? So he leaves it at that.] The politics in Keeliai are a mess. There is a war brewing.

--Unless you double as a physician, with your medicines. Medical services or a clever general would see better use than a psychiatrist.

[bonvivant]

I am retired from that particular profession, but will not withhold my aid if it is needed.

You shouldn't underestimate the need for psychiatry, though. War can have quite the impact on the human psyche.

[infragment]

I've heard of that place, and yes... psychiatrists would be a good addition.

[bonvivant]

Then I suppose I will at least be needed, if I must go.

[Not that he sounds all that distressed about going.]

[infragment]

I'm not sure if "good luck" is the proper sentiment.

[inseine]

That is war, [says Javert impassively, his hawkish gaze searching Hannibal's calm expression.] Not all men have the stomach for it. Or the head. With any luck, they will have the brains to stay off the field.

[There is the smallest of twitches in his jaw.]

Perhaps you can convince them to do so. You know the sort, I assume.

[bonvivant]

I don't think there is a proper sentiment for this situation. ['Sorry you're being sent to a city on the back of a giant turtle' isn't exactly common enough to be on greeting cards.]

And what about you? Are you going anywhere?

[bonvivant]

Yes, I know the type. [He's a good judge of stomach and brains.]

I cannot make their choices for them, but if their mental health is at stake they me be persuaded more easily by a professional.

[infragment]

No, I think we're waiting for something. [because you know, he's currently very sick and in a hospital]

[inseine]

More than their mental health is at stake, [murmurs Javert to his collar.]

Persuade away, then. I would rather not toss them to the wolves.

[bonvivant]

"Good luck" may be the proper sentiment for that, then. [Except not because luck has nothing to do with it at all and it's all about his friendly psychiatrist withholding information on his disease but he's not going to come out and say that.]

[bonvivant]

True, but treating physical conditions without paying mind to their mental state often ends badly.

Have your previous experiences with psychiatrists been poor?

[infragment]

Thank you, Dr. Lecter. For that and everything you've done to help me so far.

[inseine]

I can't say. You are my first impression.

[So make it count, Hannibal. He adds dryly,]

Psychiatrists are a rare breed where I come from.

[bonvivant]

Well, I hope I've made it a good one.

Where do you come from, if I might ask?

[bonvivant]

You are quite welcome. If you ever need my help with anything, all you need to do is ask. [BECAUSE WE'RE FRIENDS. Except one friend is manipulating the other friend and basically ruining his life but that's normal right?]

[infragment]

I know, and I appreciate that. [oh Will, how unsuspecting you are]

[inseine]

[His eyebrow arches up, and he peers at Hannibal even more closely. 'Where' is probably less significant than 'when,' in Javert's case. And he knows it, with the way he eyes the doctor's fashions from head to toe. They are very little like the waistcoats and shirtsleeves men wore in early 19th century France, and very much like the outfits donned by men who claimed to be from later eras.]

Lately of France. You are... [He tilts his head and lowers his lids, grimacing as he attempts to place the accent.] Not Austrian. Not Prussian. Dutch, possibly?

[bonvivant]

Lithuanian, actually. But I've been to many countries.

I have a soft spot for France, though. The French do make the best cuisine. [Does he mean the best chefs come from France or that the French taste the best? The world will never know.

It's both, though.]

[bindsthedead]

I think many of us could use the assistance- although we may have more pressing concerns soon.

[bonvivant]

I hear so much talk of these more pressing concerns, but ignoring one's mental health only creates more problems.

Ignoring a wounded mind can kill you just a quickly as ignoring a wounded body, in some cases.

[inseine]

The last time I traveled, I was a young man, and I wore a uniform. You will imagine it has been some time.

[No way in hell that Javert would have ever guessed 'Lithuanian.' He offers a light shrug.]

Softer than mine, apparently. [Low snort.] I am not a cook, so I do not have it on good authority that French food was exceptional. But I will tell you the food in Keeliai is an adjustment. Bonne chance.

[bonvivant]

Oh no, I insist on preparing all of my food myself, and you'd be surprised how much can be done with very little.

You'll have to join me for dinner sometime.

[inseine]

[Javert stares at Hannibal as if he has grown an extra head before his eyes, a crooked grin springing to his face.]

I am a busy man. You will have to send notice well in advance.

Besides, you might soon regret the invitation. I make a bad dinner-mate.

[verged]

[All these strapping young Doctor Lecters give Cordell conflicting emotions, but why the hell not, right?]

Is there a pharmacy? Can you give out medicine if your psychiatric endeavors call for it?

[oflikeminds]

Is it going to be an extended stay?

[bonvivant]

It looks that way, yes.

[bonvivant]

I'm not sure of that yet. It would be ideal, but if need be I can improvise.

[verged]

Are you saying you can formulate prescription medication by yourself?

[Because if he can, Cordell is not at all surprised. Maybe he makes his own poppers?]