chikaidestroyer | ∞ 30: A foolish child | record unhackable after the fact

Gregminster? Who's talking?

What in the world is going on here?

...Er.

We aren't anywhere near Gregminster. It's too ... woodsy to be Gregminster.

Obviously.

So where do you think we are, stranger?

That's not very nice.

I don't know. If I did, I would tell you. ...Since you seem to be from Gregminster, too. ...Sir.

[That last word is said with just a hint of sarcasm.]

Well, that's generous. Yes, I'm from Gregminster, but if you sir me again I'll find you and beat you senseless, wherever you are. You sound small enough that I could do it.

I wonder if there are others?

So you would beat up on those younger than you? The last thing I need now is a ... bully.

You're the only other person who seemed to know the city. Unfortunately.

Writing would make a little more sense.

If they're not tougher, sure. Leave it to the soldiers and would-be heroes to pick fights with those tougher than they are. It's not bullying if you deserve it, you know -- or at least that's what my big brother seemed to want to drill into my skull. Just consider it a free lesson, from one scrawny kid to another. At least, you've got the sound of a scrawny kid.

Then it seems we're well and truly screwed, unless I can get in touch with my allies.

Edited 2008-08-04 06:58 (UTC)

[Hey, Caesar? You know what? I think the priggishness is hereditary.] I am not a scrawny kid. And I am not some low-ranked noble's brat. Stop talking down on me like you think you know what you're talking about! My family isn't to be taken lightly!

...Your allies?

But we're talking to each other at the moment. You can't say this isn't more useful than ... not talking to each other.

I bet you're a scrawny kid; only the scrawny ones feel the need to demand otherwise, you know. If you weren't, you'd not bother; you'd be able to prove it, and then who'd care what I think? You're obviously some kind of noble brat, and I know all Gregminster's noble brats, for better or worse -- mostly worse, but that's what happens when you're afraid of tainting pure blood with strangers, I suppose.

I jus-- Prove it? Who do you think you are? And-- what kind of obscenities are you making about the nobles? The Silverbergs are hardly a "pure blood" family.

I am not a source of amusement, sir. Do you act this way towards all your betters?

Oh, really now. Not only are you a mouthy little brat, but you're a liar, too. Oooh, tell me -- are you George, Leon, or Mathiu? Those Silverbergs won't suffer to hear of unannounced bastards, you know.

I am not a liar! And I am not a brat! My name is Albert, and you need to stop mocking my family.

[totally doesn't seem to realize he's yelling at a book]

Edited 2008-08-05 19:35 (UTC)

I tell you what, kid, I'll make you a deal. I'll stop disparaging your family, if you'll stop lying about being a part of mine. Runes, if you're going to pretend to be someone, you could at least pretend to be someone the same age.

Albert's in his twenties; not some kid.

I'm not lying. Stop saying I am! You're not much of a fake Silverberg, making stupid assumptions like this.

I don't know any other Alberts in my family, so your history must be off. Jerk.

Assumptions? Please. Silverbergs only make educated assumptions when they don't have facts -- which I do.

Albert Silverberg, my brother, may be an ass, but he's not half as stupid -- or as young -- as you, brat.

Educated assumptions... Hmph, based off of what? You're just a loud jerk who picks on kids.

Brother... I don't have any brothers, let alone loud and obnoxious-jerk brothers.

Well, obviously you can't be Albert, then, are you? Of course not; Albert's off in the Grasslands, directing the armies of Harmonia and being a general nuisance.

Hey, look on the bright side -- at least you share that much in common with him, eh?

Why would I be in the Grasslands--? Harmonia--?

...Stop talking as if you know me! For all you talk about knowing and being a Silverberg, you sure don't act like one. And you must be old enough to be out at Soledt already. They should have taught you manners.

Who are you, anyway!?

I don't know why you would.

I don't know you -- but I know my older brother. Soledt? Been there, didn't want to stay; I've got my natural talents and Apple, so I can get the necessary training without the ridiculous Harmonian propaganda.

Who am I? If you really were Albert, there would be no way you'd forget your adorable little brother, would you?

Apple--? Harmonian propagan--

[He's trying to keep up with Caesar's ranting, and those last two sentences trigger a terrible silence. The voice that speaks up a moment later is strained with incredulity and timidity.]

...Caesar?

Of course. It's not like we have any other siblings.

Game's up -- nice try, though. Might have worked if you'd picked a different family.

B-- but-- [All the anger is giving way for confusion. Lots of it.]

But Caesar is just a baby. A little baby... Mother and Father have been spending all their time with him.

...

Sure, I was a baby fourteen years ago.

[A looooong moment of silence, followed by a shaky breath.]

Grandfather? Ah-- uh...

Grandfather came back from Highland recently; he was working as Highland's strategist for awhile. He said he was going to go back to Kalekka in a few weeks... He came to see me and the new baby.

Caesar?

Runes, that would have been, what, the year 460?

This ... doesn't make any sense at all.

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