Thanks. [ Claude gives her a thumbs-up, nodding before taking a deep breath and ducking around the corner. For a moment he considers whether it's going to be possible to just... walk on by, but that would mean leaving Kat behind and also the man addresses him before he even gets close. ]
What, Khalid? Not even a word for me, after all this time?
[ Claude grimaces, but doesn't say a thing. This isn't really him, and Claude's not going to give up anything that he doesn't have to. Kat's probably not trying to listen in, but the man's voice has a booming quality that fills the hall with his presence, and anyway who knows who else might be around to overhear? ]
It is no matter. If you do not wish to speak, then I will. [ He heaves a great and heavy sigh. ] I am... disappointed in you, and myself. I thought your confidence that you could do all you promised was measured and earned, but it appears this was not so. I should never have let you go so far from home, for a flight of fancy such as this.
[ As with the rest, the man never turns to look at Claude, but his broad shoulders droop a fraction of an inch from their rigid, regal posture, and somehow even that small gesture makes him look immeasurably tired. ]
Goodbye, my son. I am sorry.
[ And with that, he turns and exits through the nearest archway. Claude closes his eyes, fists clenched at his sides, and swallows hard. Counts to three. Opens his eyes again and glances back the way he came. ]
no subject
What, Khalid? Not even a word for me, after all this time?
[ Claude grimaces, but doesn't say a thing. This isn't really him, and Claude's not going to give up anything that he doesn't have to. Kat's probably not trying to listen in, but the man's voice has a booming quality that fills the hall with his presence, and anyway who knows who else might be around to overhear? ]
It is no matter. If you do not wish to speak, then I will. [ He heaves a great and heavy sigh. ] I am... disappointed in you, and myself. I thought your confidence that you could do all you promised was measured and earned, but it appears this was not so. I should never have let you go so far from home, for a flight of fancy such as this.
[ As with the rest, the man never turns to look at Claude, but his broad shoulders droop a fraction of an inch from their rigid, regal posture, and somehow even that small gesture makes him look immeasurably tired. ]
Goodbye, my son. I am sorry.
[ And with that, he turns and exits through the nearest archway. Claude closes his eyes, fists clenched at his sides, and swallows hard. Counts to three. Opens his eyes again and glances back the way he came. ]
It's over with! You can come out now.