tushanshu | IX. To get back one's youth, one has merely to repeat one's follies.

[When the camera switches on there's only a view of Lord Henry Wotton's desk chair and his little library. Then a burst of laughter offscreen—familiar laughter to anyone who knows him, but brighter, lighter somehow. And then there's a blur of motion and a young man of twenty flings himself into the chair. He's got a handsome, boyish face, bright brown eyes, and a small, neatly trimmed moustache, and he's grinning hugely.

It's Lord Henry. Who has somehow had twenty-some-odd years shaved off and who looks exactly as he did when, as a young man, he took a First in Greats at Oxford without ever seeming to pick up a book. And he's loving it.]

Who is it that I must thank for this extraordinary turn of events? Has an elixir of youth been introduced to the wells of Keeliai? [He runs a hand through his hair, in which there is no more grey, and laughs again.] I used to say that the repetition of one's youthful follies is the surest way to get back one's youth, but I never expected that to be true.

[Serious? Not at all. He's just giddy.]

Ah, to have the gold of one's days paid back with interest! I must be careful not to waste it.

[OPEN ACTION: Over the course of the event, Henry may be found anywhere in Keeliai (particularly in the pleasure-houses, restaurants, and drinking establishments of the Fire sector). Wherever you find him, he will be in an excellent mood. Feel free to start a thread or ping me to request a start.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A graceful welcoming gesture with his hands.]

At your convenience, dearest lady.

Then I'll be there momentarily!

[And after disconnecting, it's no more than five minutes at most before she knocks upon Henry's door. It can't be surprising she's eager to see him in person when he's been so altered.]

[Only a lifetime's habit of restraint keeps Henry from bouncing on his heels as he opens the door to Bryn.]

My dear girl, come in, come in.

[As he closes the door behind her, he greets her with an energetic kiss.]

[Henry never seemed old to her, but she can't help but notice how young he seems in comparison, especially with the greeting he gives her. She responds to the kiss, pulling back after a moment because she hasn't nearly looked her fill yet.]

If I'm a dear girl I'm going to have to start calling you young man, Harry. I'd ask how you're feeling but I think the answer is obvious enough.

I have never felt better—for when I was twenty, I did not, in the carelessness of youth, appreciate what it is that I had. Come upstairs.

[He takes her by the hand and leads her up. She might be forgiven for thinking that he simply intends to bed her right away, but his mood and energy are that of someone about to present a gift, not to ravish.]

As you like.

[Delighted by this surprise, she lets him lead her upstairs to his room. After the kiss, she wonders if he intends to put his youth to good use right away, but she's perceptive enough to note that there's something in his tone or mannerisms that seems not quite in line with that goal. So, curious, she follows him up to wait and see what he has in mind.]

[The door to his bedroom is closed; he turns the handle and lets it swing open, standing aside to let her through first.

And once inside she will see Henry, sitting in an armchair by the window.]

[Bryn steps into his room, not without a curious, questioning look, but when she steps through she sees his surprise in the chair. Stops. Stares.]

Harry?

[She turns back to look at the Henry she'd been talking to. Then to the one in the chair once more.]

But how?

[Both Henrys grin at her; the one in the chair rises, and the one in the door steps into the room. They meet in the middle, and now there's just the one again.]

It appears that the alterations in effect are not simply a matter of age or sex.

[Bryn quietly sputters a moment as her brain readjusts. It's one thing to see Henry so young, but seeing him use her gift is definitely new for her.]

But that's...but my gift...

[She pauses a moment, still staring at him, and tries to split. She can't. Her brow furrows a moment with the effort.]

It was transferred to you. Deities, I've been without it before but I've never seen anyone else with it. How do you feel?

[He remembers how distraught Bryn was when she'd lost her gift before and he sobers. A bit. He steps toward her and puts his hands on her shoulders, his forehead beetling slightly in concern.]

I feel splendid, but I should ask, my dear—are you all right?

[She takes a deep breath, settling herself, before offering Henry a smile.]

I'll be fine. It came back to me last time, and it will again. Besides, if it had to go, I can't think of anyone else I'd like to enjoy it as much as you.

[Her smile grows more certain.]

Have you decided what you'll do with your new youth and ability? If you're to have Jhirem's gift you had better do him proud and make the most of it.

[He grins, and tilts her chin up slightly to face him.]

Have no doubt, Bryn, I shall give your deity absolutely no reason to be sorry. One of me is visiting Alcuin as we speak, leaving me at liberty to dally with you as you wish.

[Bryn can just go with this. Henry is young and enjoying her gift, what's not to like about the tables being turned in this situation? There's no mistaking the gleam in her eyes as her tone lowers, because after all, she might as well enjoy things to the fullest.]

Perhaps we ought to see who can wear the other one out first. Think that one or two of you is up to the task?

[He laughs, and separates again, the other stepping behind Bryn to place his hands on her hips.]

I think between the two of us, we have the advantage, my dear.

You know, I don't mind the switch up in the least. Give me a challenge, hm?

[She's more than willing to distract herself from another temporary loss of her gift with fun and games with a pair of younger Henrys.]

Prepare yourself, my dear.

[He smiles, and Bryn will now get to enjoy the sensation of being kissed by two Henrys, both in the flower of youth.]

IX. To get back one's youth, one has merely to repeat one's follies.

video;

video; --> action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

Re: action;

action;

action;

action;

Re: action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action; fade out?

and a grand time was had by all. :D