[The understatement of the century, truly – and a loaded question.]
…‘tis a rather lengthy explanation, I’m afraid, but one which I believe you deserve to hear. Like so many… [He begins in his languid drawl,] your dear friend lacks the good sense to leave be a grieving man when he requests solitude, and then is most surprised when her aid, unsolicited as it is, is refused.
[Despite the calm, flippant manner in which he offers his explanation, there’s a flash of something fierce in his eyes.]
How dare I turn away a mighty goddess and not throw myself at her feet, begging and pleading that she might pity my crooked little heart? How dare I not feel sorry for one who reminds me that my suffering and my very existence are nothing compared to her own? [He gives a sharp exhalation of a laugh.] ...One would hope for more grace and composure from one bestowed with such power. That she appears to lack both makes her rather… dangerous, really. I have seen the ferocity of her quicksilver temper.
[Pausing briefly, he gives it all a moment to sink in.]
‘twas quite a long time ago, this incident of ours. But ever since, she claims to know so very much about me and despises every fibre of my being. [He says it pleasantly and with a sense of amusement, as if it is reason to smile.] I suspect you would be quite alarmed by her viciousness, were you to look upon my journal and see what she has wished upon me. Almost a shame you were not there in the past to hear her speak of her desire to fuck me with my own innards, if you will. You must forgive me my wicked tongue, for I merely share with you the very same words I was offered.
[He leans forward conspiratorially after a moment.]
Between you and I -- I have reason enough to believe she would pursue me were she to know of our meeting, here and now. She has warned me against approaching you, threatening to inflict agonies beyond all imagining should I displease her. Of course… [A small sigh.]
…you are still most welcome to speak with her should you desire it. I imagine you might. You are companions, after all. But there is no doubt in my mind that she will try her very hardest to vilify me, not unlike the countless men whom would have me burn at the stake as a child. She hears only that which she wishes to hear, and is quite… fixed… in her beliefs. More inflexible than I, even, if there were such a thing. [Giggling lowly.] She has assured me that my ‘wagging my tongue’ changes nothing, so there is truly no hope for an understanding. ‘tis most unfortunate.
[His lips thin.]
Now, Belle… to find yourself caught in the midst of this feud places you in a most trying situation. I do not envy you your... confusion and anguish. But I sense I know already where you stand, me being the wretch I am and she, a glorious goddess beloved by nearly all who dwell in this cage. I imagine she rather likes anyone who neither questions her words nor challenges her authority. Many gods are nothing without their flock, and feed upon the blind faith of their dear friends and followers. Sweet little sheep like yourself, whom deserve far better than to be regarded as such. But there is power in numbers, of course, and gods, alas... tend to be greedy, selfish beings.
[He shrugs a shoulder dismissively.]
In the end… ‘tis you who shall decide what it is you wish to believe. Not her, nor I. Your mind is your own, my dear, and a clever one at that. Use it well.
[Action, March 1st]
…‘tis a rather lengthy explanation, I’m afraid, but one which I believe you deserve to hear. Like so many… [He begins in his languid drawl,] your dear friend lacks the good sense to leave be a grieving man when he requests solitude, and then is most surprised when her aid, unsolicited as it is, is refused.
[Despite the calm, flippant manner in which he offers his explanation, there’s a flash of something fierce in his eyes.]
How dare I turn away a mighty goddess and not throw myself at her feet, begging and pleading that she might pity my crooked little heart? How dare I not feel sorry for one who reminds me that my suffering and my very existence are nothing compared to her own? [He gives a sharp exhalation of a laugh.] ...One would hope for more grace and composure from one bestowed with such power. That she appears to lack both makes her rather… dangerous, really. I have seen the ferocity of her quicksilver temper.
[Pausing briefly, he gives it all a moment to sink in.]
‘twas quite a long time ago, this incident of ours. But ever since, she claims to know so very much about me and despises every fibre of my being. [He says it pleasantly and with a sense of amusement, as if it is reason to smile.] I suspect you would be quite alarmed by her viciousness, were you to look upon my journal and see what she has wished upon me. Almost a shame you were not there in the past to hear her speak of her desire to fuck me with my own innards, if you will. You must forgive me my wicked tongue, for I merely share with you the very same words I was offered.
[He leans forward conspiratorially after a moment.]
Between you and I -- I have reason enough to believe she would pursue me were she to know of our meeting, here and now. She has warned me against approaching you, threatening to inflict agonies beyond all imagining should I displease her. Of course… [A small sigh.]
…you are still most welcome to speak with her should you desire it. I imagine you might. You are companions, after all. But there is no doubt in my mind that she will try her very hardest to vilify me, not unlike the countless men whom would have me burn at the stake as a child. She hears only that which she wishes to hear, and is quite… fixed… in her beliefs. More inflexible than I, even, if there were such a thing. [Giggling lowly.] She has assured me that my ‘wagging my tongue’ changes nothing, so there is truly no hope for an understanding. ‘tis most unfortunate.
[His lips thin.]
Now, Belle… to find yourself caught in the midst of this feud places you in a most trying situation. I do not envy you your... confusion and anguish. But I sense I know already where you stand, me being the wretch I am and she, a glorious goddess beloved by nearly all who dwell in this cage. I imagine she rather likes anyone who neither questions her words nor challenges her authority. Many gods are nothing without their flock, and feed upon the blind faith of their dear friends and followers. Sweet little sheep like yourself, whom deserve far better than to be regarded as such. But there is power in numbers, of course, and gods, alas... tend to be greedy, selfish beings.
[He shrugs a shoulder dismissively.]
In the end… ‘tis you who shall decide what it is you wish to believe. Not her, nor I. Your mind is your own, my dear, and a clever one at that. Use it well.