Isle of Avalon - IC Inbox

[standvastig]

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[standvastig]

Indeed. Is that what those visions told you?

[The interesting thing about writing these short messages over these devices is that tone completely disappears. Is he curt? Tired? Exasperated?]

[leitstern]

[That absence of tone removes a barrier. Not that he would have recognised it as a problem.]

Not precisely. I fathom you well enough not to depend on questionable flashes of insight.

[You are predictable, old friend.]

[standvastig]

I see.

[Predictable or not, he doesn't understand why Jasper would want to fathom him "well enough" at this point.]

They will be gone soon enough, if you are also staying indoors.

[leitstern]

[Is Hendrik concerned? Why else might he say something like that?]

Hardly. Should every man shelter indoors till all this ends then nothing should be done. We cannot all share that luxury.

[standvastig]

The alternative is remaining affected and possibly infecting others.

[leitstern]

Is that a problem? Luckily, I hardly plan to sneeze on anyone.

[standvastig]

The visions out of nowhere are inconvenient.

[Especially for someone conflicted by what he sees.]

[leitstern]

[Oh, and Hendrik expects him to alleviate that?]

But no more bothersome than a mild cold. Anybody would think you are complaining of the flu.

[standvastig]

If that is how it comes across, I am not.

[...]

Complaining serves little purpose.

[leitstern]

I suppose it offers naught.

Hendrik, would you answer me one question?

[standvastig]

[There is a longer-than-normal pause before Hendrik responds.]

What is your question?

[leitstern]

[There is no pause on Jasper's end. He has thought about this for a while.]

What is your design in talking with me?

[They are enemies, broken friends. Why, then, do they continue on like this?]

[standvastig]

I do not know.

[He ponders saying something along the lines of just being polite, but it does not ring correctly in his head.]

A design would imply I have a plan.

[leitstern]

[That answer really doesn't soothe his itch.]

It is the truth forethought is not your friend. Well then, I shall phrase it simply:

Why do you speak with me?

[standvastig]

[Well, there's at least a simple answer to that one.]

Because you are speaking to me.

[leitstern]

[He has made attempts against this man's life. "Because you are speaking to me" unseats and unsettles him.]

You must comprehend a great deal how inappropriate that is.

[standvastig]

I am aware.

You are not presently angering me that I would choose to stop speaking.

[While honest, he's not sure that's a good thing to reveal.]

[leitstern]

Only a man unable to examine himself would respond like that.

But I am hardly disposed to argue with you today. It is indeed tiring.

[standvastig]

Yes.

[While it is not clear what Hendrik is agreeing with, he does not choose to expand on his answer.]

Why did you wish to know?

[leitstern]

A man always has his reasons. Can I not have mine?

[Two can play at giving vague answers.]

[standvastig]

True.

[To be honest, he had not expected an answer.]

In any case, good day, if you intend to go out.

[leitstern]

Thank you, but I intend to find peace and solitude away from the crowd.

Unlike you, I refuse to reside inside and be miserable.

[A long stroll into the country, away from the city, away from people. How appealling.]

[standvastig]

You could perhaps find a cave for your peace and solitude.

[That's where his mind goes with Jasper's distaste of the city.]

[leitstern]

That would make it easier for you, would it not? Having me out of the way?

[standvastig]

I have not seen you in weeks, Jasper. You living elsewhere makes no difference.