[55] - [Voice]

[doctor_j_crane]

To all you new folks in town, I'm the veterinary surgeon here. I'll fix up your animals if needs be. For a price, of course.

[Town/old people filter]

Same cost for you folks. But don't be telling the new people if I change the prices for them. They're just passing through, you can't count on them for good business. So we've all got to do what we've got to do.

[New people/outlaws and ruffians]

I'll fix you up too, if you're willing to pay. Just don't be expecting prime doctor service and I won't be expecting doctorly prices. Just don't be asking my brother about those sorts of things if you see him in town. If you do that we'll all end up with lawmen involved.

I also have a few things stronger than drink if necessary. [In case some of you have a burning desire to use horse medication or something.]

Comments

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Don't be flattered. It's the truth. [Pause. Such a long pause.] I have. But a man's got to know when it just ain't possible.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

I don't really understand how something that can steal your breath and make your head swim can crush your chest like it does. I'll do you the favor of not asking who, but has it gotten any better over time?

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

No, it has not. [Sigh.] I imagine it will, eventually.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

I couldn't risk my reputation, not when it might be necessary to save the town one day, but I've wondered what it would be like to steal a kiss. Just one. I believe I could survive a lifetime off a single kiss, or a lingering warm hand, fingers laced between my own.

Ah. The violence of war seems to have reduced me to romanticism.

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

You don't want to be doin' that. Do that to the wrong lady and her family might chase you outta town. That's not worth a kiss.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

[Ooooooh he is so lucky he didn't use any pronouns there or he might have slipped up. He reminds himself to take care.] You're a learned man, sir. Have you read much about chivalry?

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Not a great deal. You been thinkin' about it?

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

I'm named for one of the knights of the round table, a man of Authurian legend. A knight was a product of war, but he wasn't to be warlike. He was to give service without expectation. And in love, he proves himself to the woman, through acts of sacrifice and nobility without expectation of illicit fornication as a result. Only the confidence that she knows she holds his love, and she is deserving of that love.

Strange then... I believe that she [he] knows and I have proven my adoration. I have succeeded in my knightly duty and defended my Camelot. I've even seen the fall of my King. Yet sometimes I fear I would embrace the chance to be unscrupulous. I am too cowardly to abandon my principles and pursue what I wish for.

It does help to know I'm not alone in this.

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

You might be readin' a little too much, but I know what you're meaning. Your lady should be happy that she has such a respectful admirer. Maybe you ought to tell her.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

My lady has many admirers, each better suited to her tastes than the last and I wouldn't wish to cause her offense. [He switches on video, so that Crane can see the newly acquired facial scars he got in the war. They're not horrible, but there are prettier men]. I could say the same for yours.

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

You look like you've been through the wars. [Crane pauses before continuing.] The subject of my interest has other commitments.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

Tell me about her. Even if she has other commitments, that doesn't mean she isn't a person to be celebrated, and we've both made it quite clear to one another should we learn the subject of one another's interests that we've no cause to damage them through our adoration.

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Adoration might be a mite too strong. She's a good woman. Clever.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

Clever enough to read?

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I haven't asked.

[Private]

[truth_is_cold]

Maybe you should.

[Private]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I suppose I ought.