Conversation · Morell, the Cryptozoologist

There is some uncertainty in that motion, no? Smoothing the fabric like that, as if looking for some kind of confirmation...

"Let's talk about a different cryptid."

"All right." He remains guarded.

"A lavender shadow?"

"Yes. I know it sounds like we were snacking on funny mushrooms -- but I did see motion and colour. Mine is not a confirmed sighting of a cryptid, however. Much goes into verifying these things, and my account comes short of a few standards."

"A willow person. It's a long story, one non-specialists would find rather dull."

Willow people? Not at all.

"What are willow people?"

"Let's talk about a different cryptid."

"Honestly, I doubt you'd find any of it comprehensible."

"Enough tales then. Let's change the subject."

"By all means..." He coughs and wipes his mouth.

"I know the biggest cryptid -- the Giant of Koko Nur."

"That's impressive, I guess." He does not seem that impressed. "But have you seen it with your own eyes?"

(Lie.) "Yes."

"Remarkable! When?"

"I'm having trouble remembering..."

"That's what I thought. You haven't actually seen it. And I can't imagine how you could either -- the Samarskilt desert region has been embroiled in a civil war for the last eight years."

"I fear this mindless barbarism may have wiped out the elusive creature entirely. Sightings of towering luminosities have grown rare recently. While they once used to be constant..."

Yes. Sightings of mirages are constant. A mirage is a constant phenomenon that people have no time to report when a war is going on.

It remains unclear what this has got to do with you seeing it, as he was inquiring before. He was just being defensive.

"I was lying. I haven't actually seen it. I just wanted to impress you."

"That's what I thought. You haven't actually seen it. In fact, I can't imagine how you could either -- the Samarskilt desert region has been embroiled in a civil war for the last eight years."

"Have you seen it?"

"I haven't had a chance to travel to Koko Nur, no. And I likely never will. The Samarskilt desert region has been embroiled in a small civil war for the last eight years."

(Truth.) "No."

"Of course you haven't." He seems satisfied.

Layman? You always have to prove yourself with this man. Which means -- you have to provide the cryptids. Maybe he'll answer.

He eyes you sceptically. "All right -- what cryptids, precisely? I usually discuss these things with specialists, so I don't know what..."

...we would have to discuss? he wants to say, but decides against it since you've offered to help.

You need to ask him about specific cryptids -- cryptids you've heard about from Lena, or his friend Gary. He won't just talk.

...we would have to discuss? he wants to say, but decides against it.

You need to ask him about specific cryptids -- cryptids you've heard about from Lena, or his friend Gary. He won't just talk.

Gary obliviously stares at the stage -- safe in the knowledge the burning rhinoceros exists.