Verse 07 -- Voice

[poeticverses]

[The feed's just a voice one today. Jehan wants it to be quick and to the point]

I apologize for this announcement, as it could not possibly come at a worse time, but I feel it is my duty as his friend to let others know. If you knew Grantaire, he is no longer here. It is possible that his disappearance is connected to the rapid decay of Asti in these last few days though I do not think that is likely to be the cause.

[Still, you never know.]

It would not hurt to keep in contact with friends here, should this illness lead to more disappearances.

Comments

action

[poeticverses]

[Jesus Christ, that should be illegal. Jehan melts under Alcuin's attention. His stress is nearly gone]

A shame. That your beauty was a commodity, that is. It sounds terrible, though I imagine it simply sounds worse than it was. You don't seem bitter about it, after all.

action

[virginprice]

[He's just glad to help!]

How could I be bitter? I paid my debt to Anafiel and helped him fulfill the oaths he had sworn. I cannot imagine doing anything else, though the work was more difficult than I had thought.

[He hated it, most of the time. He was not blessed by Naamah, to respond to the desire of others with desire of his own, but he's moved past the bitterness he had for it.]

action

[poeticverses]

I know several men who repay their debts and are left sad, bitter creatures. I am glad that did not happen to you.

[He's not sure he knows the whole story here, but regardless]

action

[virginprice]

I did it for love of him, and he never asked it of me. I think that makes the difference.

[Besides, Alcuin is made of sweetness and light. Getting him to resent anything is a herculean task.]

action

[poeticverses]

[He smiles]

You are a wonderful and noble man, Alcuin. If only the world could be like you.

action

[virginprice]

[Alcuin turns red.]

Now you are flattering me unduly. I must assume it is due to your lack of sleep- you should rest, my dear.

action

[poeticverses]

I disagree that it is undue if for no other reason than you are far too good with your hands.

[He laughs just a bit]

But I will stop if I am making you uncomfortable.

action

[virginprice]

And you have not even seen the greater part of my skill.

[He chuckles wickedly.]

But truly, you look as though you could use some sleep, and you are welcome to my bed.

action

[poeticverses]

Do I really look that tired? I'll admit to sleeping poorly these last few days...

action

[virginprice]

You do, dearest. I'm sure you need more rest than you've gotten.

action

[poeticverses]

Then I believe I shall accept your generous offer. A short nap should do for now, I think.

action

[virginprice]

[Alcuin pulls him up to lead him up to his bed on the second floor. It's as plain as everything else, but there's still an indefinable touch of elegance to the arrangement.]

I won't wake you. Sleep as much as you need.

action

[poeticverses]

[He smiles and nods, easing out of his waistcoat and boots before sitting down on Alcuin's bed.]

You are most kind.

[When he lays down, he falls asleep almost instantly. He really hasn't been sleeping well lately]

action

[virginprice]

[Alcuin tucks him in comfortably and then sits in the windowseat, reading, nearby in case Jehan wants anything.]