234 - Backdated to 4th Wall Day

[impure_tale]

I suppose it never hurts to try: Is there anyone of interest in the ether today?

Comments

[umgekehrt]

Oh, there might be...

[impure_tale]

[Half a gasp in his voice just then.] Brachi.

[umgekehrt]

[His fond smile hasn't been beautified or softened by the few years since last he was aboard, but he bares it shamelessly.]

Donatien. Call me 'persimmon' now and tell me how it is.

[impure_tale]

Nearly the same as you left it, persimmon. Without Inmate and monumentally lonely.

[umgekehrt]

The admiral hasn't seen fit to invite me back yet. But with my deal smoothing the way I've made a place for myself. There's a world. A house. There's a room waiting.

Should you ever want to visit. [To stay.]

[impure_tale]

Oh, if I could, love. [Which isn't really a matter up for debate. Both are aware it really is ultimately his decision.] All my time I've been here I've only sent one person on with certainty. I won't leave it at that.

[umgekehrt]

Understood. [He nods, craggy face softening near imperceptibly at the endearment. He still doesn't get many of those.]

The room'll stay open. [He's never promised 'I'll wait', because he hasn't and doesn't expect the Marquis to. That was never the kind of relationship they had. But this he'll do, he'll always leave a space in his life, not large or painful, but enough that a man can step in and find himself welcome.]

[impure_tale]

I'll be in for a visit before long. [A little smile.] I've many friends but little in the way of constant company.

[umgekehrt]

I have company. I haven't got you.

I see that mad dog of yours has made his way to warden after all, too.

[impure_tale]

I had no doubt of that, though it did not happen under my watch.

[umgekehrt]

Hnn. Bureaucracy and red tape.

But that's a lousy thing to talk about on a good day. And it's a good day. Written anything new?

[impure_tale]

Oh, one or two little blurbs. Better shared in person.

[umgekehrt]

You tease; you're going to make me wait.

[It's clear Stildyne doesn't actually mind; there's a gleam of cheerfulness in those narrow eyes.]