"Er... yes, okay, I suppose I should tell you that if you're trying to reach me I'm not here, and if you're trying to reach me because you want to do something involving pointy bits of metal or otherwise painful objects, I'm never going to be here. So sorry."
Rincewind doesn't trust his own voice to speak at first, it doesn't feel safe to, even with nearly half the country between them. (Or so he really, really hopes.)
But he knows it would be more dangerous not to answer.]
Oh, I... I don't think I could make the mistake of forgetting your voice again.
...And I do recognize those. [a swallow.] Mistakes, I mean.
Good, because I was wondering. It seems to me you forget lessons very quickly--and I was so sure I'd taught you well the first time.
Obviously someone who had as much respect as you wouldn't dare to cross me. You wouldn't be so foolish, would you? Oh no, you are a smart little wizard after all.
Which is why you are running for your life.
Have you warded your vehicle, Rincewind?
[ Would he like to have his efforts to run away cut off abruptly? ]
[Rincewind swallows an incriminating squeak of fear and covers it with a cough. There is a very strong urge to hide under the thin covers of his motel bed. He doesn't, but the wizard does tug his hat down like he can fold himself into it.]
I'm sure this can be talked about. Talked over? Off-offerings made, perhaps?
I don't do offerings, Rincewind. That's so Old Testament. Actually, I'm not very New Testament, either. All of this forgive thy neighbour crap. I'm not really about that, either.
What I am about, little wizard, is my things, my way. And you have taken one of my things.
So tell me, what should we do about this? What would be fair?
"Taken" seems a strong word, very strong. We're not even really close, he and I, it was really almost accidental how the whole thing came about. [talking quickly now.] I doubt I'll ever even be involved in his things again, really, I've already turned down his offer to join his - his army or security group or whatever he's calling it, so I won't be of any future concern to you, I really won't. You'll probably forget all about me, forget my name even, people will be like "Do you know that Rincewind fellow?" and you'll be all "Who the hell is that?" Only, er, maybe you won't say it quite like that, I don't know if you say "hell" like that since you rule it, and all.
[...he's aware he's gotten off track somewhere. There's a nervous pause.]
But I could... give you something back, maybe? Something that is, ah, not my blood or life leaving my body.
Funny thing, I was actually thinking of staying away for a while, seeing the sights, big new world and all, but I will happily mail whatever it is you decide is a worthy trade. I'll pay the extra shipping, even.
Better throw yourself in the box then, Rincewind. It's you I want.
No, not your body and not your blood, but your obedience and your service. You won't swear yourself to Miles Vorkosigan--that's fine. You can swear yourself to me instead. It's very simple.
[but that's not something I can do, Rincewind wants to wail.
That's the point though, isn't it? Showing there are some things you can't take back. Actions have consequences - how many times has the wizard snarled that same sentiment at others?]
I could promise to keep running. Just never come back. I'm not even on the same side of the country right now, you would never hear from me again. [in Arizona, actually, although he doesn't want to say that out loud.] Wouldn't that mean just as much as whatever contract you'd have me sign or swear to?
It - it will take a few days. I don't have the money for a plane, you know, and there are various things to do first, pack and, um, take - take a shower and things.
[can he run? If he goes now maybe he can reach the Mexican border by morning, the Luggage can take him some of the way if it has to...]
Me? Run? When we've managed to reach such a bloodless agreement over this terrible misunderstanding? Wouldn't dream of it, I'm hurt you'd even imagine I would.
...But. Ah. What do you mean by that?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Rincewind doesn't trust his own voice to speak at first, it doesn't feel safe to, even with nearly half the country between them. (Or so he really, really hopes.)
But he knows it would be more dangerous not to answer.]
Oh, I... I don't think I could make the mistake of forgetting your voice again.
...And I do recognize those. [a swallow.] Mistakes, I mean.
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Obviously someone who had as much respect as you wouldn't dare to cross me. You wouldn't be so foolish, would you? Oh no, you are a smart little wizard after all.
Which is why you are running for your life.
Have you warded your vehicle, Rincewind?
[ Would he like to have his efforts to run away cut off abruptly? ]
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[Rincewind swallows an incriminating squeak of fear and covers it with a cough. There is a very strong urge to hide under the thin covers of his motel bed. He doesn't, but the wizard does tug his hat down like he can fold himself into it.]
I'm sure this can be talked about. Talked over? Off-offerings made, perhaps?
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What I am about, little wizard, is my things, my way. And you have taken one of my things.
So tell me, what should we do about this? What would be fair?
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[...he's aware he's gotten off track somewhere. There's a nervous pause.]
But I could... give you something back, maybe? Something that is, ah, not my blood or life leaving my body.
...Please.
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Are you going to turn around and come back to me, little wizard, or do I have to come and fetch you myself?
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No, not your body and not your blood, but your obedience and your service. You won't swear yourself to Miles Vorkosigan--that's fine. You can swear yourself to me instead. It's very simple.
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[cold dread sinks into him; he feels his mouth go dry.]
But I - but I'm not -
[some helpless anger sneaks into his voice, a scared show of teeth.]
But I'm not worth anything to you!
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So it's really simple. You took Miles from me, and you surrender yourself in exchange--unless you'd like to put my mark back where you found it?
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That's the point though, isn't it? Showing there are some things you can't take back. Actions have consequences - how many times has the wizard snarled that same sentiment at others?]
I could promise to keep running. Just never come back. I'm not even on the same side of the country right now, you would never hear from me again. [in Arizona, actually, although he doesn't want to say that out loud.] Wouldn't that mean just as much as whatever contract you'd have me sign or swear to?
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[ Poor Rincewind. He's dropped right in it, now. ]
I don't think you're getting the point here, pussy cat. You're mine. You fucked me, and now you're mine. It doesn't get any more simple than that.
Now are you coming to me, or am I going to drag you home by your ear?
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It - it will take a few days. I don't have the money for a plane, you know, and there are various things to do first, pack and, um, take - take a shower and things.
[can he run? If he goes now maybe he can reach the Mexican border by morning, the Luggage can take him some of the way if it has to...]
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You know that there's nowhere on Earth that you can run from me, don't you? You should.
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[he manages to make the words sound lighter than the heavy, caged feeling suddenly weighing on his shoulders.]
Right. Well. A few days then.
[he is so fucked.]
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