Are you a morning person, or more of a night owl?
Like most nobles, I've always woken up early and gone to bed late. Increasingly, I've found myself in situations where I've had to stay awake far later than I would comfortably choose to, which makes waking up for court even more intolerable than it would be under well rested conditions.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them?
Watching how they react when my rabbit inevitably introduces herself has actually proved to be a pretty good indicator of a person's character.
You see a huge spider in your room, what do you do?
Huge spiders could be spies or familiars, so you can’t be too careful. I’d probably try to usher them out as painlessly and politely as possible.If you could go back and change one decision you made in the past, what would you change?
I had a... friend that my family disapproved of. If I could go back I wouldn't give up that friendship so quickly.
Tell me about your first kiss.
Well, officially it was to the girl who is now my sister-in-law. And according to my parents that's the less shameful answer.
Do you give people second chances?
When they deserve them.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Hmm, closer to a dog person than a cat person, anyway.
Do you think you’re attractive?
I have the ability to be as attractive or as unattractive as suits any particular moment. But in my natural form, I’d say I cut a dashing figure.
What’s your worst habit?
I seem to have an infuriating talent for getting myself tangled in events that draw the attention of the Bakerstreets, which is never a comfortable position to be in.
When was the last time you cried?
When I was sixteen. I don't really want to talk about it.
Are you a good liar?
I try to be good and I try not to be a liar. But when sticking to exact truths fails me, I'm generally skilled enough to lie convincingly.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
The aristocracy. Although, perhaps somewhat ironically, I also get infuriated by those who harm innocents in the name of bringing down the aristocracy.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
I think I’m more of a heartbreaker, to be honest. But… yes. Yes I have.
Are you more likely to use your fists or your words in an argument?
Both can get a person into trouble. Words are better at getting you out of it.
What’s something you’re naturally good at?
I'm a very fast runner; some might say impossibly fast. And... well, don't tell my father, but I'm also actually quite quick at arithmetic.
What’s something you had to work hard to be good at?
Blending in. Both at court and when I'm trying to hide my connection to the court.
Can you tell when someone is flirting with you?
Sometimes, but I try to ignore it when they do.
Do you think money can buy happiness?
Do you think happiness can cost money?
Do you believe in destiny?
Whose destiny?
Are you a good cook?
I am ashamed to say I have never actually tried to cook a meal in my life.
What do you think happens after you die?
I used to believe that I would go to the Garden Beyond the Stars if I led a good life. These days I'm not so sure the Eight would even let me in. Mostly, I just don't want to end up back in that tooth dimension.
Did you have to grow up fast?
I don't know anyone in this cursed city who hasn't had to grow up fast… except Cody, I guess. And maybe some of the elves.
Who do you look up to?
There's a certain illicit sky rabbit who I've recently started looking to when things feel particularly bleak.
When you go to a tavern, what do you order?
A pint of their finest ale… I don't even really like ale.
What do you like most about yourself?
I'm trying to be a good person.
What do you like least about yourself?
My family. Or, if you want something more personal, then I guess, I dislike that attending certain recent court proceedings has frightened me quite as much as it has…
Do you want kids someday?
Only if I can bring about a world where I can have kids who aren’t expected to hide their identity and where other kids aren’t starving in the street as mine eat more than their little stomachs can handle.
Are you a planner or more spontaneous?
I'm definitely a planner, maybe even a bit of an overplanner. And even so, all of my plans have a tendency to fall apart as soon as I try to implement them.
Can you keep a secret?
I wouldn't be here if I couldn't.
Do you like being the centre of attention?
Only if it's voluntary.
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
I'd gift Connie to Cassiopeia where hopefully she'd be kept safe and could enjoy the stars. Then I'd raid as much of the noble court as I could and reveal everything to the Undergazette. And I would stop holding Lindie back from all the assassinations I know she's been itching to carry out. And after that had been taken care of, I'd reveal my true form to the entire court - if I'm going to die, I'm taking my family down with me.
Do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
It can be fun, but mostly it’s an obligation.
Where do you feel safe?
I'm not stupid enough to ever feel safe. But I do feel a bit less anxious the further away from the noble court I am.
Do you love or hate being alone?
You are never truly alone in the second court.
What’s the last nightmare you remember having?
Um… I'd really rather not talk about that one. Suffice to say it was highly disturbing, probably magically implanted and seemed to be based on some pretty awful erotic literature. In terms of more natural nightmares, there's a recurring one where I accidentally transform before the court and get imprisoned alongside my entire family. Imagine, being caged for eternity with the four worst people in existence.
Do you admit to mistakes when you make them?
I try to. It isn’t easy sometimes, especially at court where every mistake is ammunition that can be used against you.
Do you want to grow up to be like your parents?
Oh, stars no! ...I fear to grow up to be like my parents.
How do you deal with being sick? Are you stoic or super whiney?
I’m a bit of a wimp, but when I get sick, I’m normally left on my own to burn it out, so I’ve learned that whining doesn’t actually help anything. Instead I get this sort of nervous paranoia. Probably a result of being stuck inside... or being stuck on my parents' estate.
What did your parents expect from you when you were born?
To be the obedient spare son and carry on the family lineage.
Do you have a strong sense of style?
I have carefully cultivated a layering effect where I can instantly hide the more illicit aspects of my outfit and appearance without forfeiting fashion.
Would you rather camp outdoors or stay the night in an inn?
I wish the former were true, but I have to say I’d prefer to stay the night in an inn.
Is there a food that most people like but you absolutely hate?
Since I met Connie, I can’t really stomach rabbit anymore…
Are you more of a hoarder or a minimalist?
I’m not sentimental about my possessions, but I don’t like to throw away things that might be useful…
Are you superstitious?
I'm not even really sure what that means anymore.
Are you the kind of person who remembers people’s birthdays and pet’s names and stuff?
These are important aspects of diplomacy, so I have learned to focus on such details. I confess these days I rather rely on Connie to keep track of the birthdays, but I still set aside time to study the Peerage each morning, especially if I'm expected to attend court.
What do you do to feel better when you’re sad?
Sometimes I talk to Connie or Lindie. Occasionally I've talked to the rabbit star, "Bramble". Most of the time, I just try to ignore it and push on until it goes away.
Is it hard for you to trust someone?
I am always suspicious of nobles, but I’m maybe a little too trusting of everyone else?
Are you susceptible to peer pressure?
I care a lot about what people think of me, even though I try not to. So, while I try to be principled, I can fall to peer pressure more easily than I’d like.
If you decided to stop adventuring and settle down, what kind of job would you take?
I don't really think that will be an option anymore; my current path is one that will likely end in my being killed by the nobles at court, or by the rebels who keep attacking the court, or by an outright apocalypse.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a paladin. I had this childish impression that since they were holy warriors, they must protect everyone in Palimpsest regardless of their wealth or station. I suppose, as a Rose Warden I still try to do that, just without the official title or training.
