♠ | 018 | Video

[lastrat]

[There aren't many who would bother to know the travels of one explorer, even if he fancies himself a little more important than he really is. There aren't many who would know that he was gone months longer than he was meant to, or that half his expedition returned empty handed weeks ago, claiming that the other half was dead, and Bond with them. They called him mad, and some of them were shocked to make it home alive at all, but there was admiration in some others, even when they spoke of his undoubted insanity.

Of course, James doesn't know about any of that, so when his video feed clicks on, he's looking as arrogant and cocksure as ever. The fact that there's a bandaged wrapped around his head, only half hidden by a hat meant for colder weather than Oxford is experiencing, doesn't seem to bother him - that or the makeshift sling his right arm is in.]

You heard north for a few months, and somehow you forget how damnably crowded streets here can get. I don't suppose anyone would care to treat a poor explorer to a very fine drink? [Anything to put off settling back in at the College; he's not a man for being closed in anymore.

Comments

[shakenandlimp]

Oh, you won't have a long chase to catch me, we've only just begun. Some of these ones, I think, have the jump on us both.

I'd have waited for you, only that corpses don't often arrive on time to a social call. I'm glad you ain't dead, though.

[A golden eye finally finds the view, with Heloise's peevish request to 'turn it down HERE, Bill,' and then slips back out again with a loud thump and a huff.]

[lastrat]

Tch. All this talk, as if something so ridiculous as an expedition gone foul could keep me from a well deserved drink. [Shylah chuckles just a little at poor Heloise, but her tail wags.] Keep a seat warm for me, Bill. I'll be half an hour on the outside.

[shakenandlimp]

Half an hour. I'll hold you to it; ten minutes later and I'm starting again without you.

[With Heloise's body as a bulwark, even in a crowded tavern it's easy to keep a seat clear, and Bill switches to small beer so that Bond won't have a long stern chase--and so he'll be sober enough to ask all the right questions, because he's wild to find out what Bond has been up to and what went wrong. The man's obviously seen some excitement; you don't get slings and bandages from a lazy Sunday in bed.]

[lastrat]

[They make it in decent time, and Bond walks in with a coat draped over his shoulders and that easy smile still in place. The Ivory Scorpion is a favorite stopover of his, and he's glad to see it again. It's Shylah that spots the captain, and she trots over to greet Heloise while James follows a touch more slowly, sliding onto his stool.] Hello, Bill. I'd shake your hand, but. [He wiggles the fingers of his right hand in the sling.]

[shakenandlimp]

What have you done to yourself? That's no little scrape. Here, they've got a continental wine they swear is worth drinking and I've ordered us a bottle, tell me all about it.

[Heloise daintily greets Shylah with a nuzzle and a pleased sighing sound, curling her tail primly around herself to make room for man and daemon. She does love daemons with fur, so soft and pleasant against the sensitive nodules that line her face, and she knows Shylah of old.]

[lastrat]

[Shylah is often freer with her affections than James is; the nuzzle is accepted and returned, and Shylah turns in a circle before laying down against Heloise. She doesn't quite enjoy the feel of Heloise' hide as much, but if the other enjoys it, she doesn't mind providing it. James laughs and slaps his hand against the bar appreciatively.] I went to study the armored bears, you know, see what there was to see that far north. Fascinating culture, really they are. But on the way back, we stumbled into a bit of an avalanche. I thought for certain half my expedition was dead. Turns out they thought the same of me, and went on alone.

[shakenandlimp]

[Bush pours for both of them, a good Madiera, and immediately toasts Bond's survival .]

To the prodigal explorer come home.

I'd speak sternly with those men of yours-- simply leaving. Didn't they enstate a search?

[lastrat]

[Bond raises his glass appreciateively in the toast, and let's a small smile that has nothing to do with mirth curl his lips at the corners.] Couldn't say, yet, but I intend to have the whole story. [He's calm enough about it, but Shylah growls, just a little, betraying their anger.]

[shakenandlimp]

[Bush nods his acknowledgement to both of those cues; discipline is the lifeblood of these expeditions, he's wont to think, and lack of discipline should be punished. As a sea captain, it's something of his occupation to think so.]

No doubt you'll get to the bottom of it. While we've got a peaceable hour, though, you can tell me about the ice bears. I am so powerfully curious, I believe there is one in the city even just now.

[lastrat]

Beastly things, if you'll forgive the pun. They fight for their positions, strongest in command. And you might think it barbaric, but it's rather more than that. They value strength so much. [He admires them, it's clear from his tone.] In the city, you said? Have you had the pleasure?

[shakenandlimp]

More or less, I'm glad that ain't how we do things in the navy.

[A chuckle, not bad natured.] And I haven't--only just off the riverboat myself, I only heard that they'd sent an ambassador.

[lastrat]

If I were a younger man, I'd be on my way to hunt him down. As it is, this Madiera - and the company - is too good to walk away from. [He's hurt, is what he means, and knows he'd better tend to before he plays politics and research again. All the same, he toasts Bush again.] Thanks very much for the tip.

[shakenandlimp]

Time enough to run into him-- you'll likely be presented at one of your important friends' equally important parties, and it is good Madiera.

[Not the sort of circles Bush moves in, but he's not so far below them that he can't make a joke to a friend.]

Another toast to you, sir. I regretted it badly when I thought we wouldn't meet again.

[lastrat]

Most certainly. I wouldn't want to make the party less important by misplacing my important invitation. [He's never minded jokes. James smiles, inclines his head gratefully.] Pleased to hear it, I hope you'll forgive me. I do like to know my company's enjoyed.