knight's move (iris message)

[masterofmystery]

[In his time at camp, Ron's probably used iris messages less than half a dozen times. He's not really interested in them, so for any older campers it might come as a surprise when he appears through the rainbow being made in front of Cabin 6. He makes a face before considering.]

Seeing as there's loads of summer campers, I've a question for you. Normally, I don't go home, but I decided it might be alright. [A beat. It's been nearly three years, but it still prompts the question.] Any of you found ways to get back that are--er-- not just walking thousands of miles? [Cause he has to get to Nebraska and no.]

[Letting that settle in he continues.]

And since summer's letting out soon-- No offense, but most of you are dead awful at chess. Aside from Capture the Flag it's about the best game there is-- so I was sort of thinking, Fred and George told me about it once. Two people play the moves on a board and then they get enough people to be actual pieces. The pieces act out knocking each other it. S'a bit weird in a brilliant sort of way, so I was thinking it might make for some fun and practice. If anyone's interested.

[Then he smirks and shrugs.] Or you can just come get beat in a regular game. Doesn't bother me any.

Comments

[sometimesinsufferable]

And how exactly is that going to work? [She knows exactly how it'll work. Ron had tried to explain chess to her years ago, and though she understood the game she never really cared for it. However, the explanation was asked for if only to keep the redhead talking.]

[masterofmystery]

Exactly how it sounds. [That is just kind of blunt. He'd be like this normally, too, but it's a little-more short than usual and he scowls.] It's chess, but with people.

[sometimesinsufferable]

People aren't pawns, Ron. [And if the words come out a little sharper than she meant, well, oh well. She's still keeping her attention off of him directly, focusing on watching some of the Poseidon kids in the water.]

[masterofmystery]

Oh, yeah, sure, because I go around using people. You're missing the point.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Then enlighten me to the point. Or is it just as a training exercise?

[masterofmystery]

Took you that long to figure it out? Maybe it's about having fun, too. What's it to you, anyway? You hate chess.

[sometimesinsufferable]

[She's taken aback by that, suddenly unsure of what to say. He has a point, again, but...

...she just closes off, resuming her professional manner than she usually adopts when they're arguing.] If you're involving the whole camp, I'm sure I'll hear about it soon enough. I prefer to get information directly from the source.

[masterofmystery]

You've already heard about it. And you're the bright one-- [Is it said almost sarcastically? It is, welp.]-- I think what it is should be obvious. Don't worry, I'm not the sort to let people go and get hurt in something like this. [...undertones much, ron.]

[sometimesinsufferable]

[Yes, she picks up on that very clearly, thank you very much.]

I'm aware. You're...good at strategy. [Did that compliment really hurt you that much, Hermione? Considering you're floundering in this conversation, it seems so. She's mostly trying not to jump right into what she really has to say.]

[masterofmystery]

[Normally, he would take anything for her to compliment him. Even if it still feels him with some warmth he snorts and points backwards.]

Wouldn't have noticed. Thanks.

[sometimesinsufferable]

[Oh my gods, Ron. All right fine. Last ditch effort, ready, go.]

Are you really leaving at the end of the summer?

[masterofmystery]

No, I'm just asking this for fun.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Stop it.

[masterofmystery]

Stop what? You're the one asking questions you already know the answer to.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Actually, the last one I didn't know the real answer to.

[masterofmystery]

Funny, you're the first one I told I was going home to. Or did you not understand that, either?

[sometimesinsufferable]

I didn't think you were actually serious!

[masterofmystery]

Shows what you know. [A snort.] Bill's supposed to be getting married, really expect me to miss that? [Because first and foremost, family is number one for him.]

[sometimesinsufferable]

Well of course not, but do you have to go away for the whole year just for that?

[masterofmystery]

No, but I haven't seen them for going on three years. Stupid me for not forgetting about my family.

[sometimesinsufferable]

I haven't forgotten about my family either.

[masterofmystery]

[Another small snort.] Course you haven't.

[sometimesinsufferable]

I haven't! What makes you think that I have?

[masterofmystery]

Exactly when was the last time you contacted them and how long'd it been since the last time? Eh?

[sometimesinsufferable]

...I wrote to them at Christmas. You know that.