grand_lotus | Twenty-five

[JUST A MOMENT]

[GETTING OVER BEING MORTIFIED BY THE COME DOWN OF THE LAST FLOOD]

[NOT THINKING ABOUT YOUR ~NOBLE BEARD~]

[ANNNNNNND OKAY NOW HE'S READY TO PRETEND IT NEVER HAPPENED.]

I... I've heard other people mention it, but no, I've not been granted access, myself.

[MAN YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO GET OVER HOW NOBLE THIS BEARD IS.]

I suspected as much. This afternoon, then?

[Brief pause.]

Wear something that will allow for movement.

Ah, this afternoon would be fine. Where should I meet you?

[Something that will allow for... NOT THE DRESS! Valmont sounds happier already.]

Yes, I'll be sure to dress quite appropriately!

[Because a lime green suit and Italian leather shoes are exactly the attire to be facing the great outdoors in.]

[That dress would be right at home on almost anyone Iroh knows from home :c]

On deck would be best, I think. Let us say two-o-clock.

[Flamboyant and evil looking. The national style of the Fire Kingdom :c]

I'll see you in a few hours then.

[And sure enough, come 2:00 Valmont had taken to the deck. He'd actually had a fairly quiet morning up to that point.

There'd been some minimal arguing with Shendu around breakfast time, then some frank discussion regarding their warden (No, not their warden. His warden, remarkably, the old man appeared to be the one thing in his life that Shendu was tentatively consenting not to commandeer from him.) A brief debate over what constituted "something that will allow for movement", which eventually been settled as most of their debates were settled.

The ceremonial robe wafted around him, as he waited for Iroh to arrive.]

[Apart from some slight dismay over the fact that he knew Valmont would be put out from having clearly lost an argument with Shendu over wardrobe, Iroh was more or less unsurprised to see the robe. He had yet to really internalise that it was peculiar to the man's time and cultural background, because apart from the colour it looked like something he himself might have worn to a court event in his younger years. He beamed and waved, producing a tightly-furled scroll from within his robes as he came to the above-decks door.]

Good afternoon! I hope you are well, Valmont? [He touched one cap of the scroll to the doors and they opened; he ushered his Inmate inside.] Please, after you.

[Valmont turned towards Iroh with a measured smile. The mix of misgivings he felt from the combination his previous behavior towards the other man, and his failure in the daily battle regarding what to wear, still didn't approach how happy he was to get some time in the guaranteed absence of the dragon.]

As well as could be expected, I suppose. [He replied, crisply, before moving to step through the doors ahead of the older man.] Thank you. And I suppose your morning has gone well?

[He glanced up as he entered the CES, taking a moment to work through the cognitive dissonance at having stepped from the deck of the Barge out into a mountain pass. The landscape was beautiful, at once familiar, in a vague sort of way, and unknown to him.]

Well enough, thank you. It has been strange to see the ship so quiet.

[He looked around as they passed through the door and into the Enclosure. The warmth and the lush grass felt like home, but the mountains weren't immediately recognisable; it could have been one of a number of islands in the Fire Nation's archipelago. There was a lake ahead of them, as the pass dipped down lower, and it seemed like as good a destination as any. He started to walk, but he was looking at Valmont for the most part.]

How have you been using your time since you arrived here?

[Valmont kept his eyes on the path ahead of him, as he progressed alongside Iroh, not looking too directly at the other man. He wasn't enormously accustomed to having to give anyone his full attention, and it didn't occur to him to do so now.]

Keeping to myself, mostly. I've spent a little time in the gym, but other than that, my chief concern has been to keep my head down.

I would not worry about that so much if I were you. It is the way of people here to be quick to anger, but slow to act, if they act at all.

[Because it wasn't as if Valmont's file read like the life story of a man who was going to die alone or anything. Iroh saw shades of his brother in Valmont, more than he had in Facilier - a thirst for esteem drawn from destructive places, a hunger that would isolate and ultimately destroy him.]

You would not be putting yourself in any danger if you were to put yourself out a little more - which brings me to something else. It is required of all Inmates here that they work in a job of some kind.

I'm quite sure of that.

[Valmont replied dismissively. He really wasn't worried about the prospect of being harmed by the other inmates. He knew how to take a beating, and more than that, he knew how to deal one out. His reasons for avoiding the other inmates was less humble than that.]

It just seems like a bit of a waste of time, to be honest. I mean, it's not as though I could do any useful networking here, It's not as though any of us are here to make friends.

[At the mention of having to take a job, a thread of indignation crept into his voice,]

Yes thank you, I have been to prison before, believe it or not?

[He paused then, and let out a slightly resigned sigh,]

Although admittedly, none quite to the same specifications as this one. I don't suppose I'd be printing license plates then?

[The talk of license plates threw him for a moment. He barely had a grasp on what a license plate was, but he hadn't realised that inmates of prisons contemporary to Valmont were expected to do that sort of labour for the outside world.]

No. Inmates here are expected to work for the rest of the Barge - in the kitchens, or the Infirmary, or in custodial services.

[He half-smiled.]

...and you must forgive me. I too have been to prison before, but all I was expected to do was waste away and perhaps die. There was little opportunity for gainful employment.

[Valmont turned his head slightly, glancing towards Iroh at the comment about his own time in prison. He didn't actually know anything about the other man's background.]

You're Asian, aren't you? Where were you imprisoned?

I am not Asian. Although I have been told I look and sound that way. [And, inexplicably, he'd found he could read and write what most people on board would call Chinese.] There is no 'Asia' where I am from; my world is not the same as your Earth. It is divided into four nations, four peoples. I was born in the Fire Nation, and eventually imprisoned on one of its islands; a place not unlike this. [He gestured with one hand to the mountains on either side of them.]

[Valmont nodded, multiple worlds, multiple dimensions, multiple universes, none of it seemed as strange to him as it would have done once.]

What was your crime? You'll have to excuse me if I'm being presumptuous, but you don't exactly project an air of menace.

[Iroh smiled at that. It was always nice to know he seemed unthreatening.]

Treason against the throne. My people were engaged in a war of conquest, and myself and some others attempted to prevent a foreign capital from being overthrown. We were unsuccessful, they escaped, but I... [He smiled and shrugged.] It has been a while since I would have been able to run fast enough.

[Huh. Well that was interesting.]

Were you opposed to the entire war? Your entire government? Or was it just that particular invasion you objected too?

[Valmont didn't really care about politics. When he was younger he'd considered himself to be a stalwart conservative, but once he'd embarked upon his life of crime and decided to never pay taxes again regardless of who was elected? He'd found his political passions wane away more or less entirely. Still, keeping one eye on the state of other worlds couldn't hurt.]

The war. And the succession of tyrants who were its driving force. [Iroh raised a hand.] But we can discuss my world another day. We are getting away from the subject: something for you to be doing with your time.

[Valmont gave a slight nod, and let out a breath:] All right. I don't suppose you had something specific in mind?

As it happens, I did. The kitchens are most in need, and the evening shift most of all. Paddy is a good man; I am sure you will do well there.

[And unlike almost every other job going, this one will force him to cooperate with other people on a regular basis. Maybe even talk to them occasionally.]

The Kitchens?

[Valmont asked incredulously, making something of a show of his displeasure. It wasn't entirely genuine, mind. He rather enjoyed cooking, and perhaps if Shendu forced him to wear the robe, he could 'accidentally' ignite the sleeves and work on destroying it, piece by piece, so reallly, he didn't have any problem with--

Valmont spasm'd painfully, before straitening, and rounding on Iroh with glowing red eyes.]

Good afternoon, Shendu. [Iroh gave a genial little smile and tucked his hands into his sleeves.] I am afraid it is in the nature of the Barge to offer tasks you might consider below you. However, there is nothing about cooking that is more menial than shelving books or scrubbing floors, and this at least offers some variety. And in doing nothing at all, you would simply stagnate.

[Shendu replied disdainfully.]

[Iroh raised his eyebrows.] I do not believe that is how the your shifts would work. You would have as much time to read in the library as you would to eat in the kitchen. But, if it is distasteful to you to have a job on which the entire crew of the Barge will depend, then perhaps you could...not pay attention for those few hours?

[Shush, he's never had a job before.]

That was not my intent. It was...simply a suggestion as to how we might proceed from here. Surely you can take a few hours a day off exercising your control?

[Iroh was silent for a moment.] Lord Shendu. We have agreed that in exchange for your eventual freedom, you will allow me to do the job that the Admiral has given to me. I ask now that you trust me to do that job as I see best. There is nothing about this situation that is to your disadvantage.

[Valmont gave a derisive snort.]

I expect that having a job will give his days here some structure and variety. No purpose is served by him spending his days alone and doing nothing of value.

[Buuuuut... he doesn't really have grounds to keep arguing, he's got no major investment in Valmont not having an embarrassing, demeaning job.]

[Shendu folds his arms, looking out at the mountain ranges, as he waits for a respectful acknowledgment of his benevolence.]

[Iroh wasn't going to point out that really, whether or not Valmont complied was ultimately Valmont's decision - at least, now that this particular hurdle had been jumped. But he gave a respectful nod all the same.]

Thank you, Lord Shendu: I am honoured by your munificence. May I speak with him again?

[There was a moment of silence, as if Shendu was considering saying no... but this was really just for show, and a moment later, Valmont's shoulders sagged slightly. He took a half a step forward, steadying himself, then glanced at Iroh, checking briefly for confirmation that nothing drastic had changed in his absence.]

...We were talking about... cooking, wasn't it?

[Kitchen work. Let's talk about the kitchen work and not the demon who just took over his body to douche about in.]

Yes. [He wanted to ask if Valmont was alright, concerned about the strange blackout he must have just experienced, but if the younger man wanted to skim over the fact he'd just been overtaken by his passenger then Iroh was prepared to let him.] I understand that the kitchen might not be a workplace you are used to, but Paddy and Una are very good to their new recruits. [And so was he, but he wasn't going to brag.]

[Valmont gave a brief, sagely nod. Yeah, he was feeling pretty out of sorts thanks to the stupid posession, but he could just be focused and rushed and it'd pass.]

All right. I don't mind a little cooking. [He paused for a moment, then added:] My preference would be to do a breakfast shift, if possible.

[Iroh considered this. He had rather intended to nudge him carefully in Una's direction, but given that Valmont was new to the role and Shendu's disapproval still had to be measured and tempered...perhaps a probational period of sorts would be safer.]

Very well. Tomorrow at six, then.

[They had reached the shore of the lake. Without a breeze in the air, the surface of the water was as still as glass.]

If I may, there was something else I wanted to ask about. You said that you had been spending time in the gym - I wonder, have you found a sparring partner?

Hmm? [Valmont glanced from the lake, back towards Iroh.] No, no I've just been practicing the Kata. I wouldn't like to... [He wouldn't like to risk making a friend. Or act like he wanted to spend time with anyone anywhere ever :c] ...impose upon anyone else's schedule.

[Maybe the tiniest hintette of a knowing smile here.]

That is very considerate of you. However, since my schedule is intended to revolve around you, how would you feel about the occasional session - a few times a week, say?

[Valmont hesitates for a minute, because how does he politely accept without accidentally letting on that sparring with Iroh a few times a week would just be the MOST EXCITING THING EVER OMG.]

Well, I suppose if you had time free either way... I wouldn't object.

[SMOOTH.]

[Iroh beams because this is lovely.]

I'm pleased to hear it. Perhaps we could start here?

[He makes a broad gesture to the lake shore.]

[Valmont... takes a moment to try not to look like the happiest man on the Barge, before giving a slight nod.]

Smashing, I'd be thrilled too.

[Iroh nods back, then moves a respectable distance away. It's been a while since he fought an opponent on anything like even terms - his fight against Coyolxauhqui's brothers was desperate, explosive and ultimately he was beaten rather badly - and he's looking forward to the exercise. He takes a pause to breathe deeply, then bows.]

[Valmont mirrors Iroh's stance, pressing his knuckles lightly into his palm to return the customary bow. It's a gesture he's not performed in some time, since he stopped formally competing in martial arts tournaments, but unsurprisingly perhaps it's remained second nature to him. He assumes a loose fighting stance, and waits for the warden to begin.

He doesn't really intend on opening the full can of whoop ass which he's quite certain he possesses on a man who must be twice his age, but he's still looking forward to a little friendly practice.]

[Iroh doesn't often take the offensive even in sparring sessions, but since Valmont is waiting, he'll do just that; he moves in, holding back his strength as he throws a series of light blows to feel out Valmont's speed and style.]

[Valmont moves to block the blows with one sweep of his forearm, going to counter automatically with the other, aiming a blow towards the side of warden's ribcage.]

I suppose I will turn up and help, comrade. If I must.

Excellent! The lunch and dinner shifts are in greater need, I think. Thank you for volunteering.

If communal efforts are necessary, comrade, then they are. I'll go to lunch, comrade Persson is there.

Twenty-five

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Derp, first comment also Private

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Private into spaaaammmmmm

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gah, he has these issues with ALL of you.

And Iroh will cheerfully ignore them like a boss.

good man!