(no subject)

[stalking_horse]

[And somewhere in the jungle, there is a wandering detective in a drab tan suit, currently following something that might be a path, and might be a game trail, but should at least go somewhere sooner or later. His current mission: See if there's signs of other human life!
He may have been wandering off the beaten path for a while now.]

[While he can do quite a bit if he finds tracks in the trail itself ... wilderness tracking is not his strong suit; city boy is a city boy.]

[Besides that, he's weathering it rather well, if coping via resigned indignation.]

[Disturb/flag down/attempt to stalk/get tracked, stumbled across, or found?]

Comments

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

[ What? It's totally innocent and harmless, just like this totally innocent and harmless looking young woman. Totally innocent people smile like this. ]

A newcomer, then?

[stalking_horse]

[Oh yes. Thoroughly innocent, I'm sure. :| That's why he's staying about where he'd stopped when he'd gotten within speaking distance.]

It would seem so. I suppose you've been here some time?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Just a half year your senior, to be honest. [ Sitting back in her chair. ] I must admit, the island has been bringing in an interesting batch lately...

... I wonder if you follow the pattern?

[stalking_horse]

The island? [You're either lying, found this place like this, moved in on someone else, or are worse than Koizumi.]

...And what would that pattern be?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Why go into the details before we are acquainted?

[ And like a truly polite person... she waits for you to introduce yourself first. ]

[stalking_horse]

Ah, of course, my apologies. I am Hakuba Saguru, from London. And you are?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

I am Beatrice the Golden, Witch of Endless, of the island of Rokkenjima. [ Cackle! ] Why continue this conversation at such a distance? Come, sit.

[stalking_horse]

[You know, he was perfectly alright with the witch he got along with...]

[He's taking the other chair ... cautiously, and with it set sideways enough to be able to move quickly.] You'll forgive me if most of those titles mean nothing to me; I haven't dealt with many witches.

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

[ She waves her hand-- a goat butler (http://i35.tinypic.com/s67nnd.png) appears at the side of the table to pour some tea. ] Acknowledging those titles is all I need from you. I've grown used to humans from different kakera not knowing of me.

I take it you've only been here a few hours or less?

[stalking_horse]

[More grandiose than what he's used to, too.]

[He nods to acknowledge the tea, but isn't drinking it just yet.] Two hours, five minutes, yes. I take it this place [gesturing toward past the fence] isn't yours?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

The island itself? Regrettably, no. Even a witch of my status can't lay claim to such power.

[stalking_horse]

That would make you just as trapped here as anyone else.

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Sadly, but I am enjoying the vacation. More normal people can't take the time to... enjoy such a thing, kihihihi.

[stalking_horse]

Well, I suppose it would depend on the situation; after all, some may just have more important business to attend to.

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

[ Oh, that doesn't get by her. ]

Mister London, is there something you are trying to imply?

[stalking_horse]

Oh, nothing really. After all, as limited as my experience is, it does seem that witches are prone to whims, and of course one of your power must be able to ... compensate for any delays caused by an "unexpected vacation" at the hands of a greater power. [Toying with the teacup!] For all I know, ending up here might just be part of your plans.

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

[ A rather harsh cackle at that. She would love to be blamed for this. ] At least you aren't completely blind to the world of witches.

Then what would you do? [ Sneers. ] What if you're making pleasant conversation with your captor?

[stalking_horse]

I've been living around one for a while. [Noncommittal shrug; perfectly normal...]

A reasonable enough idea, I'd suppose; no reason to pick an unnecessary fight while trying to find what one can do in a situation.

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

So you've got a good head on your shoulders. [ Snickers. ] While I can assure you I'm not a captor, I cannot assure you I'm innocent.

[stalking_horse]

Some might argue that.
[Not innocent? Oh, you don't say.]

[He still hasn't actually touched the tea.] And would that be innocent of what's going on here, or just "innocent of being dangerous"?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't you like to know? I'm merely feeling kind at the moment and being a little honest. After all, first impressions are everything, so I wish to get it right.

[stalking_horse]

And I wonder what impression you're attempting to give. [Let's see, ego the size of a small star, just a touch of controlling tendencies, expects being treated with awe as a "due", high likelihood of toying with people - possibly out of boredom whether there's a goal in mind or not, low estimation of her regard for such toys, about as safe as a cranky adder, and currently slightly thinly veiling that under politesse and high society manners...]

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Surely, just a generously honest witch, welcoming a newcomer onto this strange island. [ A broad gesture. ] I assure you, my intentions aren't foul. I was merely bored having tea all by myself.

[stalking_horse]

[.....-would get drunk with Akako or take strange gifts from her before trusting you very far at all.-]

[*cough* I mean no comment.]
So, out of curiosity, [studying the tea....] do I fit that "pattern" you were mentioning earlier?

[bitchcrafts.livejournal.com]

Depends. I need to know more about you to cast a verdict, but I'm not bored yet.