Yes, and there's no need for you to feign ignorance. Of course, I understand that you don't wish for it to be known, but I do know, and it's very fortunate for you that I do! And fear not, I shall keep it in the strictest confidence. So you see, there's nothing at all to feel ashamed of. You may tell me everything.
I am not certain what you would consider an evil vice, Princess. While I have run brothels in the past, that is the past and I treated my girls very well while they were under my care.
[ Because that must be what this is about, right? ]
[There is a long silence. Congratulations, you rendered her speechless.]
...Do tell me that was a jest. Or... or an attempt to distract me from the matter at hand. Aha! That's what it was, wasn't it?
[She doesn't wait for an answer.]
I'll not be so easily dissuaded, you know! I was trying to be sensitive, but since you think you can toy with me, the kid gloves are coming off! --Oh, but I do know it's not your fault, of course. It's merely the drugs. And I shall free you from their dark clutches with the power of righteousness!
I could inquire with him, yes. It may be a path worth pursuing. Perhaps he could give me more information about Lucifer considering he has been marked by the man. A better understanding of his magic.
[ Of all the absurd things he expected L'Arachel to say, that was not one of them. ]
What are you even talking about, Princess? I know that there are a lot of illicit activities that go on within Maurtia Falls but merely because I live there does not mean I partake in such things.
[ You'd think a polite person would give a call to let someone know they were dropping by.
Well, Pan is not polite and definitely likes to give a surprise. Besides, Baelish has...interested Pan. Clearly someone who is seeking power, but to what end? He must know.
So, Baelish when you arrive home, Pan is just meandering about your living room picking up objects and examining them. Do do do don't mind him or anything.]
Now, now, as I said, you needn't be ashamed. Very few of us are perfect. But I do have it on very good authority that you have fallen prey to this dreadful evil. A friend of yours is quite concerned, you know.
As am I. So come now, stop playing the fool and tell me what would cause you to fall to such a state.
[ Petyr returns to his home with bag of leftovers in his hand from his business, placing them in the fridge before grabbing a bottle of wine to pour himself a glass. Unbeknownst to him that there is anyone else within his home, he begins to loosen the ties of his cloak with his free hand, wandering into the living room and freezing at once.
It isn't as though Petyr lives in a common house with other imPorts. So there shouldn't be anyone else here. Certainly not some strange child. Certainly not this infamous strange child who magicked a whole city into his own forest of horrors. Petyr Baelish had absolutely done his research when given the names of dangerous imPorts. ]
What are you doing here. [ He demands, trying to maintain some authority. Of course, Petyr does not want to die. He's sure Peter Pan is capable of killing him with a simple wave of his hand. Even knowing that he will likely revive in this world, he is not too keen about experiencing such a thing. His gaze warily shifts to his exits, wondering how fast he could make an escape if need-be. ]
[ Pan at the moment had a particularly expensive candle holder in his hand. Turning it over and examining with bland fascination.
It's when he hears the door open and the moving about that a smile tugs on his lips. He continues to do what he's doing up until the man walks in. The obvious happens. A demand of why Pan was here. Unsurprising to say the least.
But, he doesn't turn right away. He's not going to listen to the demands of a man far weaker than him. He'll own the room for the time being. Instead, he takes one more look at the candle holder before setting it down gently to turn to Petyr. ]
Oh, I thought I'd decide to drop by. After all, I've been hearing a great deal about you and thought, why not a chat.
[ Pan raises a brow at Baelish, just silently saying "do you really think you'll get far?". He knows that look. He can tell it from a mile away.
But he makes no motion to make it impossible...yet. Instead, Peter will just take a seat on chair behind him, gesturing to the couch beside him. Though it was all meant as an act of formality. He knew Baelish would sit...if not...well things would get awkward. ]
[ Littlefinger is many things, but stupid is not one of them. He realizes the best option, the safest option is to listen to what Pan has to say. It's with a bit of stiff reluctance that he settles into the seat -- uncomfortably tense and regarding the magic user with caution. ]
I would offer you some wine, but I fear you are too young to indulge in such things.
[ All he has is his sharp tongue and the fingers of his free hand dig into the arm of the chair. ]
So what is it you wished to talk about? [ Either Pan has an agenda or Dooku sent him here. ]
[A cheerful observation, if nothing else. Chilton could certainly sympathize, and he felt it best to mitigate whatever bitterness he could with flattery.]
Few possess your aptitude, I imagine. And Maurtia Falls, for all its moral bleakness, does have a lot to offer. Your club will not falter.
[Tacitly walking around the gentleman's part of it.]
[ He smiled -- appreciative of Chilton's compliments. A hand moved out, resting on the psychiatrist's knee to give it a light squeeze. ]
Your faith does mean a great deal to me, Doctor Chilton.
[ And he removed his hand in order to reach out for his glass, taking a sip. ]
Take my bed this evening. You deserve the utmost comfort in your sorrow and you should not be alone in your home while you are in such a state. We are roughly the same size, if you need a dressing gown to sleep in, I can allow you to borrow one of mine.
[The doctor couldn't help but be touched with the gesture; offering his own warm bed so that Chilton wouldn't have to suffer the more physical reminders of Raina's absence was tranquilizing.]
Are you certain you won't be too uncomfortable? [On the couch, he presumed.] I have -- well. I have something to help you sleep, if you need it.
I assure you, I have slept in far more uncomfortable quarters than the luxury my couch affords. Imagine visiting a war camp and having to stay the evening in a tent. But I do appreciate your offer. Is it some kind of modern sedative?
[ Did Chilton just carry medications around with him wherever he went? It seemed as though it would be a burden to have them on hand. ]
[ The tender touch was surprising as Chilton drew near, but Baelish didn't back away from him. After all, he was equal parts curious and accommodating. At the moment, whatever would make Chilton feel better was what he would do.
That was until he realized through Chilton's explanation what this demonstration actually was. He practically recoiled, not wishing to be subject to powers against his will. But Chilton actually pulled away before Baelish could, and any tension that reached his shoulders relaxed. ]
That is fascinating and incredibly useful. I appreciate you sharing it with me.
[ He reached out in order to skim his fingers along the back of Chilton's with fascination at how truly dangerous those hands could actually be. ]
It gives you the distinct advantage in any unpleasant encounter, does it not?
I have had to use such power in self-defense before, yes.
[Chilton watched as Baelish touched the back of his hand; he had the distinct sensation of being appraised. Probably nothing, he reasoned, just his nerves. The anxiety of Raina's departure would inevitably seep into every emotion he experienced from hereon out.]
A few times, actually. It is a highly convenient escape clause -- one I tend to be quiet about.
[Rincewind knew, of course, as had Raina. Both required sedatives for medicinal use. And recently, Chilton had alluded to his ability to Will, thinking that the profiler had already known. Now that number rounded out with Petyr Baelish.]
Understandably so. A power loses its effect once you speak of it, once others learn how to counter it.
[ He paused, and then lifted his hand from Chilton's -- turning it to be palm up and exposing the tender flesh of his wrist. ]
Why don't you show me? Not enough to put me to sleep. You said you could control the dosage, after all. Surely you can show just enough for me to stay fully awake while feeling your power at work.
[ There were risks, of course. Petyr was leaving the comfort of his own control, but it was also at the sake of learning something further -- to experience Chilton's power so that he may recognize it someday were Chilton to attempt to attack him in such a manner. ]
[ Petyr's words were full of disdain. There is only one mutual acquaintance between the two of them that he is aware of. Only one who would petty enough to spread such lies. ]
It wounds me that you would believe such folly about my character, Princess. This has all been a grave misunderstanding, I assure you. I would not and will never use such mind altering substances. Clarity of mind is of utmost importance to me. Though perhaps you should consider your source and why they may have said such things. It could be that they are trying to distract you from their own vice. Their own problem with, oh. I don't know. Alcohol?
[ Rincewind is drunk like 95% of the time Petyr talks to him, so he has to imagine that's true with just about everyone. ]
[ This reminds him of Joffrey in a way -- having to play nice with the boy king and tread carefully in order to avoid his wrath. Though Petyr can't deny he's intrigued to find out what brought about this visit. Even if it does force him into a bit more of a subservient role in his own home, even if there's a danger inherent. The danger and the risk, they are a bit exciting in every gamble he takes and every game he plays. ]
I cannot say I know just yet. We've only begun. Neither of us have addressed the public. I do have some firm supporters just as I imagine he does as well. The rest of the imPorts, however, will have to be won. Why do you ask?
[ In a way they share...similarities. But, if Pan knew who this Joffrey was it would be a hilarious joke. Cruelty is something Pan knows how to do well...but he also has cleverness.
There's a tiny smile on his face as he listens to Petyr tell him this and he already has his answer. ]
The man is one about order and control. He would like nothing more than to everyone to bend to his will if the mood struck him.
Plus, he annoyed me. I wish to knock him from his supposed pedestal. So, I've come to offer my help to you.
[Chilton glanced at Baelish, a question on his lips. But he figured that this man from Westeros hadn't experienced a modern sedative, and he was curious. He had been warm and welcoming, he had cared for Chilton at this most brittle, vulnerable moment, so what was the harm?]
You'll get a little sluggish, a little tired. Nothing that a correctly caffeinated coffee won't fix.
[He extended a forefinger, touching the fingertip to Baelish's wrist. Chilton hadn't come out of the Porter with precise control of his ability -- he had to learn it over the months that followed. But now, nearly two years with this power, he understood it completely.
He pressed into Baelish's bloodsteam something that approximated a triazolam. A hypnotic, a central nervous system depressant in the benzodiazepine class.
Page 5 of 37