Five Second Scribbling on a Dirty Napkin

Lux

There is a phonecall; it comes from an unlisted number sometime in the wee hours of the morning when it is still dark.

Kragen

It might be surprising to find the number still active, more so that the ringing is actually answered. With that smooth sound in his voice, and the sound of some TV show playing in the background Kragen Kingsmith answers warmly.

"How may I help you?"

No names, no specifics, the phone might be as secure as possible. But Kragen wasn't feeling all that cocky at the moment, or perhaps...he was simply far more paranoid then usual.

Lux

"Hi there!" He might recognize her voice; he might not. There's a certain cool invitational quality to it across the airwaves. "I don't know, but I sure have some ideas, dependent on a thing or three. Would you still describe yourself as bored?"

Kragen

Kragen chuckles when he hears the words come across the phone, he does not quite recognize the voice, but then how often had he really met Lux? There is a shifting heard as Kragen either sits up or stands up and his voice seems more attentive, more focused as he replied.

"I would indeed, I am a busy man, but I am so rarely tested these days." He offers the man almost lamenting over his lack of true tests.

"What did you have in mind miss?"

Lux

"Rarely tested," she says, as if testing the words. "Mm. Have you lately written a poem for your muse? Should it be with your muse? I can't decide - for or with. I suppose I'm just not a wordsmith."

Kragen

Another chuckle, this one deeper, richer infact, as if the man was desperate for some kind of conversation, for banter and mental repartee. He doesn't even hesitate before saying. "With of course, for what is an artist without their muse?" He both asks and states in the same breath.

"That being said, I cannot say that I have tried my hand at poetry of late, so distracted by more immediate concerns as I am."

Lux

"That's no good then," she says. "Must've been a copycat who got his work all clad in black and white -- like a zebra," says she, deliberately; it's an old (bad) joke about newsprint, isn't it? "I wanted that guy."

The next pause is also invitational; perhaps because he seems so desperate for conversation - an invitation to express those immediate concerns. So hard to tell over the phone.

Kragen

"A simple demonstration of what can be done on a moments notice. I would never call that poetry my dear, it is more akin to a five second scribbling on a dirty napkin then an epic poem to one's muse." There is some satisfaction in Kragen's voice, pleased he has been noticed by appropriate parties, but at the same time...something else all together.

"But with the proper time and planning, oh the heights of creativity I can reach." Its said like it was a promise, an absolute certainty she would not be disappointed.

Lux

Pause.

"Why'dja grab at that napkin?" Then: "I guess you're not still clinging to what's her name, the lady in red."

The Red Queen, she means.

Kragen

Kragen laughs this time and she might swear she could see him shaking his head. "Why? I'm afraid the why is confidential my dear, but suffice it to say it's purpose was accomplished quite proficiently."

He seems to consider for a moment before answering the second part. "The lady in red? Nooo no, she is a fine woman, a dangerous one at that. But I have no infatuation with her. It is obvious she is another's and I've little interest in a quarrel with that one."

Lux

"Hmm. I guess I'll believe you; are you courageous?"

Kragen

"I have faced my share of danger head on and seen it through to its bloody, fiery end my dear lady. I assure you I am no skulking assassin, no hidden rogue who will never face his enemies. I am no knight in shining armour, but I am many things better, and far more efficient."

Lux

"So where's a good place to meet up with a many things better and far more efficient kinda guy?"

Kragen

"Mmmmm I am afraid my dance card is quite full at the moment my dear lady. It may be a week or so before I can make any face to face meetings to discuss just how efficient we might be together." His tone one of distress and displeasure, he makes it sound like he truly wishes he was able to meet her this very second.

Lux

"Ah well. Maybe later."

- click.