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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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Would you have run into the fire to rescue Anne, had Phillip not?
Of course. I am unsure of any brother who would not do the same for his sister, and I do not believe I’d like to ever meet anyone of the sort.
Carlyle running straight into the fire to save my sister is, perhaps, the bravest thing I have ever seen a man do. I only wish I’d had the same quick thinking he had.
I believe that was the night my relationship with Carlyle changed, and he received my ‘blessing’ of sorts. He and Anne are no longer courting, to my knowledge, but he is still a wonderful friend to her, and for that I am grateful.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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What is your alcoholic beverage of choice?
Mmm. My drink of choice is a fairly common staple, but one that’s yet to grow old. Muddle sugar with Angostura bitters, add whiskey, and garnish with a lemon peel.
I know of some who substitute whiskey for brandy, but that’s not so much for me. Whiskey, in general, seems to be a popular choice among the troupe.
Of course, though I drink quite socially, I don’t seem to have much going for me in comparison to Barnum or Carlyle. The night they met, the bartender swears they each had numerous shots — he is not sure of the exact amount, claiming to have lost count — but neither of them so much as stumbled when they walked — er, danced? — out of the bar. I imagine the morning effects were quite unpleasant.
I, myself, am a fairly steady man, it is only when I fail to eat beforehand that alcohol hits me the hardest. Even so, I have never drank even nearly as much as the two of them without stumbling around like a downright fool afterwards.
Carlyle is usually quite fancy with his drinks, though. Champagne and all that. Perhaps I will have him try my drink sometime.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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Dear Friends,
Anne and I have returned to the circus. Our family member is recovering nicely and insisted we go home. My thoughts continue to be with them as they continue to heal.
You can expect Anne and I both back at tomorrow’s show.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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Dear Friends,
Due to a family emergency, I will not be able to come back to the circus tomorrow, as originally intended. Anne and myself will be absent for a few days longer than planned, but, God willing, shall return to the circus as soon as this emergency is well and behind us.
The trapeze act shall return as soon as it can. I only hope Carlyle can continue to put up with Barnum’s antics until then.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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Dear All,
Come Saturday, I will be taking a brief hiatus from the circus. It is not permanent, I will be gone only a fortnight, and may even find the time to send letters and check up on things in my absence. Anne and I are traveling to visit old family friends, and I did not want my possible extended silence to appear as though I’ve grown tired of our audience.
Barnum has approved the trip, and I shall try to find the most outrageous top hat I can to bring back to him. Perhaps a flask or two for Carlyle — I’m sure he’ll need it, after having to put up with things on his own.
Best,
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Laughs*
Truthfully, I did not lie. You do tend to go down to the docks after a night of drinking. And, might is not a guarantee.
*Nudges Barnum before he jogs off*
Are you ready for tomorrow’s paper?
*Shakes his head as Barnum jogs off, grinning*
I don’t think O’Malley will appreciate that, but, hey, at least it ain’t me.
*Wanders off to deliver O’Malley to his fate*
*Pokes his head in and looks around in frustration* You, acrobat. Inform me to the whereabouts of your ridiculous leader. He is playing hide and seek with me like a child, I have an important article to write and I'd rather not spend any more time in this unsavory barnyard than I absolutely need to.
Well hello to you too, Mr. Bennett. Long time no see, huh?
You know, if you want me to help you, the least you could do is learn my name. ‘You, acrobat,’ is no decent way to greet a colleague.
As it happens, I’m afraid I can’t help you much, anyway. The last I saw of Mr. Barnum, he was a bit drunk and mopey. Haven’t seen him much around the circus today. He might still be in his office, or perhaps he went down to the docks. He does that sometimes when he’s battling a headache.
Best of luck.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Pokes his head in and looks around in frustration* You, acrobat. Inform me to the whereabouts of your ridiculous leader. He is playing hide and seek with me like a child, I have an important article to write and I'd rather not spend any more time in this unsavory barnyard than I absolutely need to.
Well hello to you too, Mr. Bennett. Long time no see, huh?
You know, if you want me to help you, the least you could do is learn my name. ‘You, acrobat,’ is no decent way to greet a colleague.
As it happens, I’m afraid I can’t help you much, anyway. The last I saw of Mr. Barnum, he was a bit drunk and mopey. Haven’t seen him much around the circus today. He might still be in his office, or perhaps he went down to the docks. He does that sometimes when he’s battling a headache.
Best of luck.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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Is mayonnaise an instrument?
Mayonnaise as in the... condiment?
Charles, is that you?
Well... no, I don’t believe mayonnaise could be any sort of instrument.
Please don’t let Barnum ever see this, I’d rather not try.
—WD
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Laughs at Lettie’s remark.*
Excuse me, I should have been more clear. I’ve no doubt in my mind he’s got his experiences charming the women, and other men, in this city. But, I’d bet money that not much of that was anything beyond one or two nights of lust. I’m quite certain that his relationship with Anne is — was — one of the first formal relationships he’s entered... of his own will, that is. Courting attempts set up by suffocating parents hardly count.
*He’s barely finished his talk when he’s aback by Barnum’s defensiveness. All humor leaves him, and he purses his lips together.*
I mean no harm, Mr. Barnum. I’m beyond positive you’d never intend to hurt either of them. I’m simply looking out for my sister, because I love her. As, I’m sure, you will when Caroline and Helen become of courting age.
You do not have to let Anne know of your preferences unless you wish to. I would never ask that of you, Mr. Barnum, and you have my word that I will not bring this up to her unless you decide to first, or otherwise give me permission.
*Falls silent as he watches Barnum go into his room. When the door shuts, he sighs, and looks into the flickering flames of the fireplace.*
He truly is worried about this, isn’t he? I never meant him any harm... I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt because of some miscommunication.
*Looks at Lettie.*
I’ve never seen him like this. The fire was... a different kind of stress. I hope he’s all right.
*Let’s out a long sigh, stretching out his legs and letting his head loll onto the back of the couch. Stays like that for a moment, then moves to the couch that Lettie does not occupy. When he speaks, he tries to lighten the mood a little, a teasing lilt to his voice.*
I’m not sure if sharing couches between unmarried men and women is the same as sharing beds, but I’d rather not be struck down by the hand of God tonight.
[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631541586248040448/the-tension-visibly-leaves-his-shoulders-as-they]
No concerns needed here, Mr. Barnum.
*Shrugs.*
I, personally, don’t feel much of an attraction to anyone, one way or the other, but you’re not exactly hard to look at. Anyone with eyes can see that. Any person, man, woman, or otherwise, would be lucky to have you.
*Chuckles.*
And now, perhaps, I need to evaluate the fact that I work in such a place where I can tell my male boss that he is quite handsome, and not get thrown to the curb because of it.
*Falls silent as he listens to Barnum’s tale. Hums a little at the end.*
I suppose that if Carlyle were still with my sister, I’d have to be wary of you trying anything while they were still together. But... I haven’t been explicitly told anything, but I suspect that the sun set on that quite awhile ago now,
Your secret’s safe with us, Barnum.
*Makes a move to retrieve the box of truffles. Speaks, teasingly.*
Are we to find anymore sketches over here?
*In a moment of seriousness, he hesitates a little, then cautiously adds:*
I could be over-analyzing things, so don’t take this in haste. But, I’m quite sure I’ve seen Carlyle looking at you, too.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Reaches over, as Lettie settles, to pop a chocolate into his mouth. Closes his eyes and lets it melt on his tongue.*
Mmm. I can’t tell you the last time I had real chocolate.
Lettie’s got a point, though. I’ve seen him eye you before, but it could be that he just doesn’t know what crosses the platonic lines. I don’t believe Carlyle to be dumb or slow at all, but he can have that naivety caused by his upbringing. He’s hardly to blame though, he can’t help the fact he was sheltered so much.
*Grins*
Until you came along, that is. You’ve corrupted us all, Mr. Barnum.
*Shrugs out of his jacket, draping it over the couch, and slips out of his shoes.*
I would simply... explore with caution. You’ve a habit of jumping in too soon, Barnum, and sometimes that does work... but this could blow up in your face. You’re right about not wanting to scare him off. Stick a toe in, test the waters, but don’t... dive right in. I don’t believe Carlyle capable of lashing out against you, but it’s best to be safe than to be sorry.
*Raises a brow.*
And, check how things are with Anne. I don’t have anything against you exploring a relationship with anybody, man or woman, but if that somebody could potentially still be with my sister... I don’t want to have to go against my boss because he upset her.
*Falls silent for awhile. Almost subconsciously, hardly aware he’s even doing it, he starts to rub Lettie’s feet.*
*Speaks again, almost thoughtfully and to himself, but just loud enough for Barnum and Lettie to hear.*
If things are all clear with Carlyle, and it turns out that he does harbor similar feelings as you, I honestly don’t think the age thing would be as big of an issue as you think it is.
[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631541586248040448/the-tension-visibly-leaves-his-shoulders-as-they]
No concerns needed here, Mr. Barnum.
*Shrugs.*
I, personally, don’t feel much of an attraction to anyone, one way or the other, but you’re not exactly hard to look at. Anyone with eyes can see that. Any person, man, woman, or otherwise, would be lucky to have you.
*Chuckles.*
And now, perhaps, I need to evaluate the fact that I work in such a place where I can tell my male boss that he is quite handsome, and not get thrown to the curb because of it.
*Falls silent as he listens to Barnum’s tale. Hums a little at the end.*
I suppose that if Carlyle were still with my sister, I’d have to be wary of you trying anything while they were still together. But... I haven’t been explicitly told anything, but I suspect that the sun set on that quite awhile ago now,
Your secret’s safe with us, Barnum.
*Makes a move to retrieve the box of truffles. Speaks, teasingly.*
Are we to find anymore sketches over here?
*In a moment of seriousness, he hesitates a little, then cautiously adds:*
I could be over-analyzing things, so don’t take this in haste. But, I’m quite sure I’ve seen Carlyle looking at you, too.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631541586248040448/the-tension-visibly-leaves-his-shoulders-as-they]
No concerns needed here, Mr. Barnum.
*Shrugs.*
I, personally, don’t feel much of an attraction to anyone, one way or the other, but you’re not exactly hard to look at. Anyone with eyes can see that. Any person, man, woman, or otherwise, would be lucky to have you.
*Chuckles.*
And now, perhaps, I need to evaluate the fact that I work in such a place where I can tell my male boss that he is quite handsome, and not get thrown to the curb because of it.
*Falls silent as he listens to Barnum’s tale. Hums a little at the end.*
I suppose that if Carlyle were still with my sister, I’d have to be wary of you trying anything while they were still together. But... I haven’t been explicitly told anything, but I suspect that the sun set on that quite awhile ago now,
Your secret’s safe with us, Barnum.
*Makes a move to retrieve the box of truffles. Speaks, teasingly.*
Are we to find anymore sketches over here?
*In a moment of seriousness, he hesitates a little, then cautiously adds:*
I could be over-analyzing things, so don’t take this in haste. But, I’m quite sure I’ve seen Carlyle looking at you, too.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Before Barnum snatches the sketchbook away, WD gets a quick glance at a drawing or two.*
Hey, he looks... familiar? Where—?
*Frowns, but doesn’t get a chance for a second glimpse before Barnum snatches the sketchbook away. His frown melts away and he laughs as he munches on a cookie.*
It’s all right, Mr. Barnum. Nobody’s judging.
*Can see that the man is visibly shaken. Smiles sympathetically.*
Even if you were ‘acting on it,’ nobody, at least at the circus, would care. I’m serious, Barnum. You think a ragtag bunch like us would care who or what you fancy?
*Motions toward Lettie.*
Least of all Lettie or I.
You’re all right, Mr. Barnum. None of us would dare cast you out over something as minor as this.
Besides, I’m sure you’re not the only one in our little group who has entertained the thought of... experimenting, from time to time.
[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631276542015717376/shuffling-outside-after-paying-the-tab-he-blows ]
Not... getting soft. Just... didn’t eat much beforehand.
*The cold air helps his head some and he straightens up. Still leaning on Lettie, though not as heavily as before. Still tipsy, but able to think clearly. Looks a little sheepish.*
Rarely do before acts. Wouldn’t do much good if the flying trapeze artist got sick while in midair, huh?
It just hit hard, that’s all.
*As they walk on, he becomes much less reliant on Lettie. Still somewhat woozy, but manages to straighten to the point that the only support she’s got on him is a hand in his. Smiles and brings her hand to his lips in thanks, nothing more than a friendly gesture, before letting go.*
*Listens fondly to Barnum’s words, sympathetic toward the ringmaster, but not pitiful. Much of the troupe knows how much Barnum hates to be pitied over the recent separation.*
*He starts to frown, though, as the conversation suddenly shifts from Barnum to himself.*
A lady?
At present, the only lady I’ve got waiting for me at home is Luna.
*He shrugs*
I’m sure they’re out there, I just haven’t bothered to look. Companionship would be nice, but I’ve Luna for now — and what better joy can a man be greeted with than an overly eager Labrador waiting for his return home?
*Chuckles.*
As soon as I’ve time in my life for a woman, Barnum, I’ll let you know.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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If you got a dog, Mr. Barnum, I’m sure Luna would appreciate a playmate. We’re so busy in the tent, I feel bad when she doesn’t get enough attention.
*Pauses, then chuckles.*
Of course, I’m sure I more than make up for it after hours. But, I don’t have four legs and fur.
*Pauses and smirks, nudging Lettie.*
...Hm. You think Luna’d get along with Dog Boy?
*Upon arriving at Barnum’s office space, he makes use of the invitation to make himself comfortable. He sits on the couch — then pauses and shifts a little, frowning as he pulls a crumple of papers from underneath the cushion. Some of the papers are balled up, but others are just creased and crumpled, and he reads the headlines off of them.*
*Can’t help but laugh.*
This what you do with Bennett’s bad reviews, Barnum?
*At the mention of drinks, he furrows his brow.*
...If you’re talking alcohol, I... may have to sit those out, or eat first. I was serious when I said I never had dinner, and I don’t think my stomach would forgive me for a second round.
[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631276542015717376/shuffling-outside-after-paying-the-tab-he-blows ]
Not... getting soft. Just... didn’t eat much beforehand.
*The cold air helps his head some and he straightens up. Still leaning on Lettie, though not as heavily as before. Still tipsy, but able to think clearly. Looks a little sheepish.*
Rarely do before acts. Wouldn’t do much good if the flying trapeze artist got sick while in midair, huh?
It just hit hard, that’s all.
*As they walk on, he becomes much less reliant on Lettie. Still somewhat woozy, but manages to straighten to the point that the only support she’s got on him is a hand in his. Smiles and brings her hand to his lips in thanks, nothing more than a friendly gesture, before letting go.*
*Listens fondly to Barnum’s words, sympathetic toward the ringmaster, but not pitiful. Much of the troupe knows how much Barnum hates to be pitied over the recent separation.*
*He starts to frown, though, as the conversation suddenly shifts from Barnum to himself.*
A lady?
At present, the only lady I’ve got waiting for me at home is Luna.
*He shrugs*
I’m sure they’re out there, I just haven’t bothered to look. Companionship would be nice, but I’ve Luna for now — and what better joy can a man be greeted with than an overly eager Labrador waiting for his return home?
*Chuckles.*
As soon as I’ve time in my life for a woman, Barnum, I’ll let you know.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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[Continued from here: https://askbarnum.tumblr.com/post/631276542015717376/shuffling-outside-after-paying-the-tab-he-blows ]
Not... getting soft. Just... didn’t eat much beforehand.
*The cold air helps his head some and he straightens up. Still leaning on Lettie, though not as heavily as before. Still tipsy, but able to think clearly. Looks a little sheepish.*
Rarely do before acts. Wouldn’t do much good if the flying trapeze artist got sick while in midair, huh?
It just hit hard, that’s all.
*As they walk on, he becomes much less reliant on Lettie. Still somewhat woozy, but manages to straighten to the point that the only support she’s got on him is a hand in his. Smiles and brings her hand to his lips in thanks, nothing more than a friendly gesture, before letting go.*
*Listens fondly to Barnum’s words, sympathetic toward the ringmaster, but not pitiful. Much of the troupe knows how much Barnum hates to be pitied over the recent separation.*
*He starts to frown, though, as the conversation suddenly shifts from Barnum to himself.*
A lady?
At present, the only lady I’ve got waiting for me at home is Luna.
*He shrugs*
I’m sure they’re out there, I just haven’t bothered to look. Companionship would be nice, but I’ve Luna for now — and what better joy can a man be greeted with than an overly eager Labrador waiting for his return home?
*Chuckles.*
As soon as I’ve time in my life for a woman, Barnum, I’ll let you know.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*The alcohol is taking full effect now and he lets out a full, loud laugh, fairly uncharacteristic for him.*
I didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers, Mr. Barnum. Was only joking, after all.
*Pauses to consider the mental image of Barnum with dyed red hair... and shudders.*
Stick to the red coats, please. No need for matching red hair. Though... it would get rid of those grays, hmm? Perhaps a more flattering color... have you ever considered going blond?
Hmm. I don’t trust the little devil, but maybe Lettie could help your hairdo.
*Chuckles and slaps Barnum on the back as he stands. The alcohol rushes to his head, though, and he collapses back down in his chair, nearly knocking into Lettie as he comes back down. He’d evidently drank more than he realized.*
A walk sounds nice. I’ve Luna waiting for me at home, but she can manage awhile longer. Though... how do you propose we all get out of here in one piece?
*Tilting his pint of beer towards Lettie to direct a point, he rocks back in his chair. Smug and just light lightheaded enough from the alcohol to be comfortable, he takes a long sip and continues the story he's been telling for the past fifteen minutes to his two barmates*
-So you're wrong, I didn't convince him otherwise. I subtly convinced him to convince himself. There's a difference. Can't get anywhere with the purebred lot if you try to force your ideas on them, gotta make them think that it's their idea, thats how you do it.
Anyway, I'll need some time to find a suitably sized one so he has plenty of time to come around to the idea.
*He takes another gulp of his drink and puts down the glass heavily, raising a cocky brow at WD across from him*
Let me tell you, when I get that canon we are going to be sold out for weeks. Just need to find someone brave enough to volunteer to be the canon ball. Someone already used to heights perhaps.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Snorts and rolls his eyes. When he speaks, he is absolutely joking.*
Suppose you’re right, Lettie. We all see the way Mr. Barnum looks at Carlyle.
*Narrows his eyes at Barnum’s words. Finishes his drink in one gulp and motions to the bartender for another*
Using my sister against me, Barnum? That’s low. I suppose, though, Anne would have the bravada for it. Besides, we wouldn’t expect you to manage. Can’t teach an old dog new tricks, now, can you?
*His laughter is cut off by Barnum’s last remark. Scowls as he gulps from his new drink.*
I haven’t any idea what you’re talking about, that pink washed out long ago. Charles hasn’t had the chance to attempt to touch my head again, nor will he ever.
Pink hair on you, on the other hand...
*Tilting his pint of beer towards Lettie to direct a point, he rocks back in his chair. Smug and just light lightheaded enough from the alcohol to be comfortable, he takes a long sip and continues the story he's been telling for the past fifteen minutes to his two barmates*
-So you're wrong, I didn't convince him otherwise. I subtly convinced him to convince himself. There's a difference. Can't get anywhere with the purebred lot if you try to force your ideas on them, gotta make them think that it's their idea, thats how you do it.
Anyway, I'll need some time to find a suitably sized one so he has plenty of time to come around to the idea.
*He takes another gulp of his drink and puts down the glass heavily, raising a cocky brow at WD across from him*
Let me tell you, when I get that canon we are going to be sold out for weeks. Just need to find someone brave enough to volunteer to be the canon ball. Someone already used to heights perhaps.
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askwdwheeler · 3 years
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*Speaking slowly*
You... subtly convinced him... to convince... himself?
*Tries to wait for the words to sink in, but shakes his head. Scowls at his drink — he, too, is a few glasses in and clearly it’s starting to effect him*
*Jerks his head up at the mention of cannons and human cannonballs. Squints at Barnum.*
Me?
*Blinks. Laughs in disbelief.*
Uh-uh. Besides, I would never fit. You’re better off getting someone much smaller to try. Charles is an obvious choice. Or perhaps even Carlyle.
*Shakes his head again and takes a big swig of drink*
*Tilting his pint of beer towards Lettie to direct a point, he rocks back in his chair. Smug and just light lightheaded enough from the alcohol to be comfortable, he takes a long sip and continues the story he's been telling for the past fifteen minutes to his two barmates*
-So you're wrong, I didn't convince him otherwise. I subtly convinced him to convince himself. There's a difference. Can't get anywhere with the purebred lot if you try to force your ideas on them, gotta make them think that it's their idea, thats how you do it.
Anyway, I'll need some time to find a suitably sized one so he has plenty of time to come around to the idea.
*He takes another gulp of his drink and puts down the glass heavily, raising a cocky brow at WD across from him*
Let me tell you, when I get that canon we are going to be sold out for weeks. Just need to find someone brave enough to volunteer to be the canon ball. Someone already used to heights perhaps.
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