idolpro | Paloma's Heart (#3)

[ he looks pleasantly surprised. ]

Ah, not at all! I suppose I've been prone to hole myself up down here, since I had a few more ideas to add to my manuscript and I expected it to be quiet, but I'm happy to have some company. All work and no play, after all.

Well, I'm glad to provide you some reprieve, in that case!

[ he moves to take a seat, then. ]

And what sort of work has you so occupied, if I may ask?

Well, I've most recently been on an anthropological trip to study the savage tribes of the dark continent... though, of course, my first anthropological interest was on Mars, so returning there after such a long time has me thinking of parallels and contrasts.

[ oh BOY ]

I see, I see! Very interesting work indeed. My own profession ... Well, as you can see, it's a bit more humble in its calling.

Well, all the same, it's all about reaching out to the people of the world—all worlds, really—and uplifting them, isn't it? Or, at least, that's part of how I see anthropology.

Of course, of course! Neither are more or less worthy callings.

[ taps his chin ]

This may be presumptive of me, but have you considered taking up the cloth yourself?

Hah—is that your way of saying that a man of my age ought to be settling down? Though I suppose in Catholicism it'd be that I might as well take up the cloth if I'm going to stay unmarried. Or at least, that's my mother's opinion.

Certainly, I'd call myself devout, but academia suits me well enough.

[ he laughs ]

Oh, I don't mean to imply anything by the suggestion! It only seemed to me that a man of your particular persuasion would be well-suited to such a role.

I suppose there is some alternate history where I decide to pursue that path... but, alas I don't think I'm nearly modest enough. There's something quite satisfying about publication.

Did you know, I actually met First-Keeper Naarabot while I was writing my first major paper?

Did you, now? What was your first impression of her?

Well—that she was beautiful, for one, and quite clever—even from the first time meeting her, I was quite certain I'd be able to teach her to pick up proper manners quite easily, and it seems I was right.

I still don't know why she keeps her hair so short these days, though. Practically mannish; it was much lovelier long.

Well, I can hardly blame her for having her preferences.

Was she a bit ... Uncultured, when you did first speak with her?

Oh, yes! Hardly spoke a word of the Queen's English, and so slowly even in her native language. Nothing of proper table manners, or how to greet respectable people. All they'd taught her was how to fix the canals, but still, I could tell she wanted something better.

I do hope that you taught her of God and all of His teachings as well, along with that!

Of course! What do you take me for? Of course they raised her to be a priest, but that's no real profession for a girl, and it's not a real religion, so I took her to a proper service and had her practice the prayers.

[ bows his head ]

No less than what I expected! It wouldn't be right for someone so young to stray from a righteous path.

It instills a good sort of discipline, too. Christian virtue is good for young women, after all, especially those brought up in the wild ways of Mars.

[ amused; ]

You're quite certain you would never consider being a priest?

Bit late for a full change of profession, and I am quite satisfied. A good amount of excitement to be had in anthropology. Even if it's missionary work, I don't know I'd find it to my taste.

Ah, so be it! It cannot be every man's pursuit. I won't belabor the subject.

But -- as I do find my hands idle ... Do you require any assistance for your current work?

Well, in fact, I'm doing some comparative study of primitive religions, so influence in the area of religion certainly wouldn't go amiss! I could also use a bit of sway with high society for publication—you know how it is, it's all who you know.

[ he will offer to trade 1:1 religion or high society for influence in any of the following: "pride goeth before a fall," "the relentless march of empire," or "all's fair in love and war." ]

Fortunately for you, I have plenty of influence in the area of religion to spare!

[ he'll trade 1 for "pride goeth before a fall"

he's being poetic

also, by chance, are there alcohol bottles around ]

[ it's the "gentlemen's lounge," which is to say it is absolutely CHOCK FULL of high-end alcohol. there's like a whole wine rack, there's like five bottles of good scotch.

you gain 1x "pride goeth before a fall" influence. ]

Ah, my thanks. Or, I suppose, since we're above Mars, I should perhaps use a local color rather than using our terms—

[ he raises his hands in the air, and starts to do a single turn. ]

That is a bit more fitting, yes.

[ he moves to stand. is a scotch bottle in grabbing distance. ]

[ it absolutely is! a refined gentleman should always have a good drink within reach, and he's been drinking from this bottle.

he completes the turn. ]

So, I don't think I caught your name—

Re: THE GENTLEMEN'S LOUNGE

Re: THE GENTLEMEN'S LOUNGE

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