inbox.

[heorte]

Comments

[heorte]

On a whim?

[heirring]

Allegedly, he has been a Stark this entire time.

[heorte]

If he prefers Rhodes-Potts, he shouldn't feel pressured to adopt another title.

[heirring]

I believe it is a self-elected change.

[heorte]

Hm.

[ all the reasons for name changes ellis knows don't apply to tony, so this is probably an Emotion-based decision. ]

Did he tell you this, or did you hear it from someone else?

[heirring]

I am offended! That you would take me for some petty gossip, passing along whatever tidbit I happened to hear while standing at the ferry slip!

--I heard it from the man. He came to me directly.

[heorte]

It's not a petty tidbit.

[ maybe????? ]

But I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend. I'm just trying to understand the reason for his decision to change names.

[heirring]

He said it was to avoid any explanations with the late Mr. Stark.

--That makes it sound like he's dead. He probably isn't. But he has disappeared. Were you familiar with Mr. Stark? The original one. He was also a Rifter.

[heorte]

We'd never met. I recall he had some complaints about stairs.

Explanations?

[heirring]

Based on them sharing a family name. Why that matters, I haven't the slightest. I said as much to him.

And yes. He also designed gliders. We briefly discussed the prospect of redesigning them and how best to avoid being hunted by the griffons. He was quite irritating in the sense that he insisted on order in our work space but-- Well. I suppose it is a shame whenever someone goes, isn't it?

[Not that she's concerned.]

[heorte]

It's hard to adjust to the absence of someone you've worked alongside. I'm sorry we don't know a better way to prevent it.

[ uncomfortably like talking about dead coworkers. ]

Before we leave the subject, am I meant to act surprised if he mentions it to me?

[heirring]

[Don't be so grim, Ellis.]

I wouldn't bother. I expect Mr. Stark fully anticipates the information to be shared, otherwise why would he bother with the change in the first place. In fact-- [and here she draws in a breath] You should come along to the club after noon. We might all discuss the matter then.

[heorte]

[ Against his better judgement: ]

Alright.

[heirring]

Wonderful. I'll have a cup set aside for you.

Oh. And don't come to the front door. Come along through the garden to the kitchen. The spirit insists on throwing things at people in the foyer, so it would be best to simply avoid the drama of it.

[heorte]

You haven't cleared that thing out yet?

[heirring]

The spirit? No. I like him. It?

[heorte]

You could probably find a proper roommate.

[heirring]

I can't think of a single person.

[heorte]

Well, so long as it isn't throwing things at you, I suppose you could do worse for company.

I'll see you shortly.

[heirring]

Lovely.

--Oh, but Mr Ellis. Might you do me a personal favor?

[heorte]

Yes. What do you need?

[heirring]

There is a shop between here and there - a particular patisserie with that blue and gold sign. Would you please stop there and bring an order of their cinnamon twists with you when you come?

[heorte]

[ oh that's painless ]

Alright. Consider it done.

[heirring]

Perfection. We'll see you just past noon, then.

[esquive]

Is Warden von Skraedder aware of your boredom? [A sidelong look - some flash of dark humor as he leans down to fetch the fallen knife.] She might have some resolution that doesn't involve having your fingers nicked to pieces.