[ Following her discovery of this post, Alayne mulls over the possibility of contacting the supposed "Mr. Gold". Given their first meeting, she is not (on the whole) surprised, though her curiosity prickles uncomfortably throughout the afternoon. ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Dear Mr. Gold, Tis I, Alayne Stone who writes you now. I am the girl who kept the company of wolves, if the name fails to jog your memory. Though we are still newly acquainted, I find myself thinking upon our first meeting. How fair you in your settling aboard the ship?
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:Dear Ms. Stone, Lovely to hear from you. Thankfully, I'm not one to forget a name and yours rings clearer than most. You make quite the impression. Or perhaps you just remind of me of things long past. At any rate, given the circumstances being less than ideal, I think I'm managing well enough. I trust you're faring well.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Dear Mr. Gold, You flatter me with such generous estimation, though it is my hope that things long past do not ring with too melancholy a note in remembrance. As for me, I have made search of the ship and its passengers — all to no avail. The odd soul has offered up advice or assistance and, on occasion, a word of comfort. But, as perhaps you well know, such comfort can be meager when lacking the things of home.
I have heard that you have faired better in such respects, that things from home follow you — even here. I cannot express the depth of my jealousy, though I beg you will not begrudge me the sentiment. I am certain it will pass with time.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:Indeed I do. But as I said in our previous encounter, you have nothing to fear. That which is lost always has a way of returning to us.
Ah. So you've met the good doctor, then? Or perhaps Belle. I had half a mind to predict that you two might meet.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Dear Mr. Gold, Does the lost make a habit of return? I fear I have not always been so fortunate, though my time here is still young. I shall reserve judgment then, as well as hope.
Neither a doctor nor a Belle. A captain, or so he claims. One of personal acquaintance. He spoke of your past accomplishments with much enthusiasm.
—Alayne Stone.
Let's just pretend that I didn't forget the formalities in that last tag.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:My Dear Ms. Stone, In my experience, yes. Perhaps it might be different here, but I have faith. It might take years, but rarely does that which is lost remain so.
In that case, remind me to introduce the two of you.
-G
[It might seem as though he's ignored the last part of that message entirely, but shortly thereafter, another message follows with none of the formalities.]
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:Tell me, dearie. Was this captain missing a hand?
[ Alayne answers the messages in sequence, responding to one first and then the other after a similar pause — whether the pause itself is genuine or affected isn't clear over the device. ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Dear Mr. Gold, You must be a man of extraordinary patience. Perhaps with time I will learn a modicum of your virtue. But to be young means to think a year, a lifetime.
At your leave, I would be happy to make your Belle's acquaintance.
—Alayne Stone.
[ Then, a short while after: ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Mr. Gold, So the two of you are of acquaintance.
[ It is not candor (she wouldn't dare expect such a thing from the likes of him), but it feels something of a victory. A seam through which Alayne might peer. ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Briefly. But to the ship entire. I take it you have not seen it, then.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: That you are not what you seem. That we should not find ourselves ever in your debt. And that you've another name. One other than Gold.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: He does not seem the trustworthy sort. I knew a Hook once, whose tongue had taken far better to gilt than his. Any other matter and I would have no choice but to give pause for thought.
[ Which is essentially a yes, but in not so few words. ]
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE: That's because he isn't to be trusted.
But he has a grievance with me and I, him. And I see little need to spin tales to ensnare the hearts and minds of those on this ship for the sake of favor.
[Meaning he doesn't care what Hook says. Telling the ship his true name is the worst sin the man has committed, but telling them not to make deals with him is a fruitless task- they will become desperate enough. And they will come to him. They always do.]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: So he is the liar and you are the honest man. Will you peddle your wares nevertheless?
[ Honest being qualified, of course, not to mean anything resembling good. But in his answer, Mr. Gold has at least proven some semblance of truthful. He does not attempt to gild his words, nor does he sing for Alayne's benefit. ]
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE: Contrary to what he might tell you, Ms. Stone, I don't make it a habit to lie.
People come to me regardless of what they think they know about me and what I do, so I needn't worry. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but life's full of disappointments, and I'm adaptable to circumstances.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: It must come as quite a comfort to know there will always be need for what you have to offer. A man with such power would have no need for lies. Least he took pleasure in them, of course.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE: Indeed. And, in the end, Hook's done little but spoil my afternoon. Thank you, Ms. Stone, for bringing him to my attention.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE: And you, dearie, have earned your father's pin. Consider it a gesture of good faith if you'd do as much for me- I'd be the one in your debt.
[Typically, it doesn't work like this, but having her in his pocket might serve him well. Hook would never suspect an innocent girl of being a spy and if he moves against Hook, he'll just come back to life. And Belle will be cross with him, of course...]
[ She wonders if Petyr would be proud of her. She wonders if she should be proud of herself. ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: I can think of no greater compliment to be paid, Mr. Gold. He was a very helpful man and was of good use to a great many people. It is my daughterly duty to aspire towards the same.
As for your Hook, he is looking for those versed in magic. Transport and the healing arts.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:I'm certain he'd be proud.
So the captain's looking to escape. Ambitious as ever. Thank you, Ms. Stone. I trust you can keep a watchful eye on him and sing out if you hear anything more. Though, I hope the cur's tongue hasn't offended you any. The man's known for being of questionable morals in general, but his attitude towards women is particularly noteworthy. I'd avoid finding yourself in his presence if at all possible. Considering failing to keep his hands to himself was what lost him a hand, you'd think he'd learn, but alas, he's not the type.
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net MESSAGE: Funny you should make mention of Captain Hook's attitudes towards the fairer sex, Mr. Gold. He has only just invited me to dinner. And on the pretense of offering more of your story, as well.
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net MESSAGE:How very thoughtful of him. I won't tell you not to go. You're more than capable of making that decision yourself, though I'd keep the cutlery in reach. Just in case.
[He's not concerned about the story Hook spins- true though it might be in his own words. His best weapon is nonchalance, pretending he has absolutely nothing to hide. He hasn't lied to the girl yet.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
( x v i : d 3 )
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Dear Mr. Gold,
Tis I, Alayne Stone who writes you now.
I am the girl who kept the company of wolves, if the name fails to jog your memory.
Though we are still newly acquainted, I find myself thinking upon our first meeting.
How fair you in your settling aboard the ship?
Sincerely,
Alayne Stone.
Re: ( x v i : d 3 )
MESSAGE: Dear Ms. Stone,
Lovely to hear from you. Thankfully, I'm not one to forget a name and yours rings clearer than most. You make quite the impression. Or perhaps you just remind of me of things long past.
At any rate, given the circumstances being less than ideal, I think I'm managing well enough. I trust you're faring well.
-Mr. Gold
no subject
MESSAGE:
Dear Mr. Gold,
You flatter me with such generous estimation, though it is my hope that things long past do not ring with too melancholy a note in remembrance.
As for me, I have made search of the ship and its passengers — all to no avail.
The odd soul has offered up advice or assistance and, on occasion, a word of comfort.
But, as perhaps you well know, such comfort can be meager when lacking the things of home.
I have heard that you have faired better in such respects, that things from home follow you — even here.
I cannot express the depth of my jealousy, though I beg you will not begrudge me the sentiment.
I am certain it will pass with time.
Sincerely,
Alayne Stone.
no subject
MESSAGE: Indeed I do. But as I said in our previous encounter, you have nothing to fear. That which is lost always has a way of returning to us.
Ah. So you've met the good doctor, then? Or perhaps Belle. I had half a mind to predict that you two might meet.
no subject
MESSAGE:
Dear Mr. Gold,
Does the lost make a habit of return?
I fear I have not always been so fortunate, though my time here is still young.
I shall reserve judgment then, as well as hope.
Neither a doctor nor a Belle.
A captain, or so he claims. One of personal acquaintance.
He spoke of your past accomplishments with much enthusiasm.
—Alayne Stone.
Let's just pretend that I didn't forget the formalities in that last tag.
MESSAGE: My Dear Ms. Stone,
In my experience, yes. Perhaps it might be different here, but I have faith. It might take years, but rarely does that which is lost remain so.
In that case, remind me to introduce the two of you.
-G
[It might seem as though he's ignored the last part of that message entirely, but shortly thereafter, another message follows with none of the formalities.]
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net
MESSAGE: Tell me, dearie. Was this captain missing a hand?
your wish is my command n__n ;;
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Dear Mr. Gold,
You must be a man of extraordinary patience.
Perhaps with time I will learn a modicum of your virtue.
But to be young means to think a year, a lifetime.
At your leave, I would be happy to make your Belle's acquaintance.
—Alayne Stone.
[ Then, a short while after: ]
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Mr. Gold,
So the two of you are of acquaintance.
—Alayne.
no subject
CONTACT: mr.gold@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Of a sort, yeah. I take it he's spoken of me.
no subject
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Briefly. But to the ship entire.
I take it you have not seen it, then.
no subject
MESSAGE:
He must've shut me out. What is he telling the ship?
no subject
MESSAGE:
That you are not what you seem.
That we should not find ourselves ever in your debt.
And that you've another name. One other than Gold.
no subject
MESSAGE:
And do you believe him?
no subject
MESSAGE:
He does not seem the trustworthy sort.
I knew a Hook once, whose tongue had taken far better to gilt than his.
Any other matter and I would have no choice but to give pause for thought.
[ Which is essentially a yes, but in not so few words. ]
no subject
MESSAGE:
That's because he isn't to be trusted.
But he has a grievance with me and I, him. And I see little need to spin tales to ensnare the hearts and minds of those on this ship for the sake of favor.
[Meaning he doesn't care what Hook says. Telling the ship his true name is the worst sin the man has committed, but telling them not to make deals with him is a fruitless task- they will become desperate enough. And they will come to him. They always do.]
no subject
MESSAGE:
So he is the liar and you are the honest man.
Will you peddle your wares nevertheless?
[ Honest being qualified, of course, not to mean anything resembling good. But in his answer, Mr. Gold has at least proven some semblance of truthful. He does not attempt to gild his words, nor does he sing for Alayne's benefit. ]
no subject
MESSAGE:
Contrary to what he might tell you, Ms. Stone, I don't make it a habit to lie.
People come to me regardless of what they think they know about me and what I do, so I needn't worry. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but life's full of disappointments, and I'm adaptable to circumstances.
no subject
MESSAGE:
It must come as quite a comfort to know there will always be need for what you have to offer.
A man with such power would have no need for lies.
Least he took pleasure in them, of course.
no subject
MESSAGE:
Indeed. And, in the end, Hook's done little but spoil my afternoon.
Thank you, Ms. Stone, for bringing him to my attention.
no subject
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
Do you have need to know of whatever else he might say?
He seems quite fond of talk.
no subject
MESSAGE:
And you, dearie, have earned your father's pin.
Consider it a gesture of good faith if you'd do as much for me- I'd be the one in your debt.
[Typically, it doesn't work like this, but having her in his pocket might serve him well. Hook would never suspect an innocent girl of being a spy and if he moves against Hook, he'll just come back to life. And Belle will be cross with him, of course...]
no subject
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
I can think of no greater compliment to be paid, Mr. Gold.
He was a very helpful man and was of good use to a great many people.
It is my daughterly duty to aspire towards the same.
As for your Hook, he is looking for those versed in magic.
Transport and the healing arts.
no subject
MESSAGE: I'm certain he'd be proud.
So the captain's looking to escape. Ambitious as ever. Thank you, Ms. Stone. I trust you can keep a watchful eye on him and sing out if you hear anything more.
Though, I hope the cur's tongue hasn't offended you any. The man's known for being of questionable morals in general, but his attitude towards women is particularly noteworthy. I'd avoid finding yourself in his presence if at all possible. Considering failing to keep his hands to himself was what lost him a hand, you'd think he'd learn, but alas, he's not the type.
no subject
MESSAGE:
Funny you should make mention of Captain Hook's attitudes towards the fairer sex, Mr. Gold.
He has only just invited me to dinner.
And on the pretense of offering more of your story, as well.
no subject
MESSAGE: How very thoughtful of him.
I won't tell you not to go. You're more than capable of making that decision yourself, though I'd keep the cutlery in reach. Just in case.
[He's not concerned about the story Hook spins- true though it might be in his own words. His best weapon is nonchalance, pretending he has absolutely nothing to hide. He hasn't lied to the girl yet.]
no subject
CONTACT: alayne.stone@compass.net
MESSAGE:
He would not be the first brute I have encountered.
Nor the first Captain Hook.
(no subject)