[He sort of expected to be completely tuned out, so the question comes as something of a surprise.]
I... don't have any particular problem with it. I would just like to be able to learn about some of the other realities people come from without having to... [talk to them] Ask questions blindly. The number of times I've had to ask people to clarify simple magical vocabulary... [UGH] It is truly annoying.
You'll have no argument from me there. [He thinks fiction is more interesting when you have the real-world context to go with it, but that would be arguing, so he keeps it to himself.]
Fairly fast. [When your mortal BFF is/was an author prone to pushing deadlines, you learn how to cram a couple of novels in one night.] Admittedly, I haven't tested my speed-reading comprehension since all the torture happened...
That's not an equal exchange at all. [rolls his eyes, like why does he not already know this...] Now, what's something both of us could do, without much preparation...
Does this make up for the eleven months of continual torture by the hands of creatures who can drive a man mad with a single look? Sort of, honestly. It doesn't do much for the dawning existential horror, unfortunately, but maybe the book will be a better distraction!]
It was a good game. [gg babe] I'll be excited to see what you pick out. How long will I have it for?
[Despite everything, Skulduggery manages a laugh at last. How many times has he been scolded about taking care of some priceless, irreplaceable tome?
("Too many," is the answer, but this isn't about that.)]
I'll keep it in my cabin and refrain from tearing any pages out. [Promise, he nearly says, but he's not in any state to be making promises.] And I'll do my best to finish it in a timely manner.
Cool. [and then, because clearly the conversation ends with that, he simply disappears from view.
the following morning, there is a knock at his cabin door. on the floor in front of the door is a package, wrapped like regains are. opening it reveals Skulduggery's prize.]
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... What's wrong with fiction?
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I... don't have any particular problem with it. I would just like to be able to learn about some of the other realities people come from without having to... [talk to them] Ask questions blindly. The number of times I've had to ask people to clarify simple magical vocabulary... [UGH] It is truly annoying.
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[short pause]
How fast of a reader are you?
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Fairly fast. [When your mortal BFF is/was an author prone to pushing deadlines, you learn how to cram a couple of novels in one night.] Admittedly, I haven't tested my speed-reading comprehension since all the torture happened...
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But if that's not the case, then... What's the game?
[This is totally a good idea!]
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[glances at his hands]
Rock, paper, scissors?
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[shakeshakeshake
rock]
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[SHAKESHAKESHAKE
rock, psyche out!]
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one two three shoot -- paper!]
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it's rock.]
I'll have to go back onto the bridge to get it, of course. I'll have Friday deliver it to your cabin.
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Does this make up for the eleven months of continual torture by the hands of creatures who can drive a man mad with a single look? Sort of, honestly. It doesn't do much for the dawning existential horror, unfortunately, but maybe the book will be a better distraction!]
It was a good game. [gg babe] I'll be excited to see what you pick out. How long will I have it for?
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("Too many," is the answer, but this isn't about that.)]
I'll keep it in my cabin and refrain from tearing any pages out. [Promise, he nearly says, but he's not in any state to be making promises.] And I'll do my best to finish it in a timely manner.
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the following morning, there is a knock at his cabin door. on the floor in front of the door is a package, wrapped like regains are. opening it reveals Skulduggery's prize.]