0022 - [Video]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[On level one, part of the hallway seems to be obstructed. Fast-moving briar thorns are covering certain doorways, causing an impenetrable forcefield around some of the earlier doors. One in particular seems to be locked down: that of the Risen Emperor.

In the Emperor's room, Scorpius stands near the sleeping bed of Aslan, touching his forehead to check if he's truly out.

He is.

There's a smile back to the camera, as he considers his audience]

And now his power is mine.

Here he'll sleep, for a hundred years. And there is nothing left you can do about it.

Comments

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

We could dine among the briar if you'd prefer. I'd like that, I think.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

You're a most unusual spirit.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

I am the world that bore me, incarnate, while you lay your fragile body down in thorns and think me strange.

So. Dinner?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

...Dinner. Yes.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

I'll come to you as the sun sets.

[and he'll accept no arguments. Twilight is a good time for the fey, when the world is made of shadows and veils. Whether Scorpius wants him or not, that's when he'll come]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Weirdest conversation ever. All Scorpius wanted to do was section off a part of the Barge for his domain and keep an unconscious royal kidnapped within it.

How he ended up dining with forest spirits is beyond him.

He's set a table with magic, in the deepest part of the briars for privacy's sake]

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

[Maybe Scorpius ended up here because he grew a beautiful briar.

Maybe it's because forest spirits are most covetous of the domains of others.

Maybe it's because this particular forest spirit has retained a desire to impress, be liked by, and possibly go on a weird date with Scorpius, from the non-flooded mind of Lieutenant Hornblower. The world may never know.

What the world can know, is that Horatio comes at sunset. That he is resplendent in a cloak of green, and that where he steps, plant life blooms.]

Well met, Sorcerer! I hope the evening finds you well?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[in another man's head, Scorpius would be pleasantly surprised by the company. He's not used to guests, at least not ones who can stand the sight of him. Horatio has always been a favorite.

Except here, he doesn't remember he has favorites. Here, Scorpius seethes at the interruption.

The table is laid with magic, and is ornate, the silverware gleaming threateningly. Scorpius stands as the creature approaches, dark and scowling in black leather.]

It does.

And you? Please; sit.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

[Horatio is clearly unconcerned by the scowl. He has Scorpius's attention, and that was his first objective here.]

As well as it could, in a place that brooks no roots.

[He bows a low, flourishing bow, and sits as invited.]

You've laid a lovely table, Sir. Most befitting to the import of your guest, I feel.

[Yes he's sort of complimenting Scorpius, but mainly still himself.]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[He sits down as Horatio does, drumming his fingers on the table]

I was given..proper incentive.

Are you vegetarian?

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

No Sir. But it's thoughtful of you to ask.

[A smile, this time one that shows off his rows of large white teeth.]

Did you have any magic before you stole the prince?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I had precisely the same amount of magic as I do now. What I have in addition is power, influence. Things far more important than magic.