[ Whereas Strange, still in the past, is simultaneously trying to parse out what happened to Childermass in the future, what happened to him in the future, and why he'd seek Norrell's help in the future in the first place (as he's still 100% unaware about the Black Tower and the gentleman with thistle-down hair). It's piecing together a puzzle, but you find yourself missing a few pieces—a maddening sensation, but one that Strange (to his ever growing annoyance) was starting to find familiar.
But oh look, a breeze. Venice is certainly a lovely city but all that water means all that humidity, and it's rather nice to be in a different climate. Strange pause for a moment, taking a breath of the air, relishing the lack of taunts from the mirrors...before realizing that wait, Childermass is going in a different direction, best to follow him. It only takes him a few seconds, but he manages to catch up. ]
I have a feeling the reasons you're thinking of are different from mine. [ which boil down to something along the lines of "Gilbert Norrell is a buttface who's scared of properly exploring English magic and is a jerk about my book." And wait. The book. Strange remembers his last conversation with Childermass. Before he left, before he heard of Norrell trying to halt the publication of his book. There will always be two magicians in England.
And oh, that is like being dunked in cold water. His pace slows and his demeanor calms as he asks, ]
Your leaving Norrell around the time of our supposed fight seems purposefully convenient. Tell me—whatever it is, whatever we are doing, do you believe that one of us shall not survive? [ a small pause, before ] Does Norrell?
no subject
But oh look, a breeze. Venice is certainly a lovely city but all that water means all that humidity, and it's rather nice to be in a different climate. Strange pause for a moment, taking a breath of the air, relishing the lack of taunts from the mirrors...before realizing that wait, Childermass is going in a different direction, best to follow him. It only takes him a few seconds, but he manages to catch up. ]
I have a feeling the reasons you're thinking of are different from mine. [ which boil down to something along the lines of "Gilbert Norrell is a buttface who's scared of properly exploring English magic and is a jerk about my book." And wait. The book. Strange remembers his last conversation with Childermass. Before he left, before he heard of Norrell trying to halt the publication of his book. There will always be two magicians in England.
And oh, that is like being dunked in cold water. His pace slows and his demeanor calms as he asks, ]
Your leaving Norrell around the time of our supposed fight seems purposefully convenient. Tell me—whatever it is, whatever we are doing, do you believe that one of us shall not survive? [ a small pause, before ] Does Norrell?