[The aroma is of incendiary cooking, but there is no need to fear. Val is situated in a large overstuffed chair very near to the stove--sat sideways, barefoot and in repose, his legs slung over the arm of the chair close to the stove. If he stretched his leg out, he might be able to push the pot off of the burner and prevent destruction. Or make destruction worse.

He is reading, a book in one hand, a stalk of wild carrot in the other. He twitches the flower in Richard's direction in greeting without looking up from the book.]

I am a demolitionist. The two sometimes cross, but I detest those that make a claim to some knowledge or expertise that they do not possess. [Still reading, he tips his head back a bit, directing this next part over his shoulder--] Veronique, come out and see your friend! He is here for you.

[There is a rustling under the armchair. The fringe of its upholstered skirt acts like a kind of curtain, but Veronique will soon make her appearance.]