[console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

[edgeoftheknife]

[Hi there, Keeliai. Remember this guy? It's been a while.

He's sitting in what looks like a cafe out in the city. For those who don't remember him from his previous stay, he's beautiful, with striking eyes that unfortunately have some pretty dark circles under them. He looks like he hasn't slept well in ages. He's wearing a three-piece suit and cradling a cup of something in his hands--lid on, because his hands shake.

He's... seen better days.

When he speaks, he's got a pronounced Irish accent.]

Right, I... I'm back. Surprise. [He smiles and his face lights up for a moment before the smile slips.]

I don't know how many of the people I knew are left. I know... I know we're missing some. [Studiously going to avoid mentioning Anton, thank you very much.] If you're still around and we were friends, or... talked, maybe drop me a line? And hello to all the newcomers. I know I've spoken with a few of you.

I'm back at the shelter, so. I mean, Brigid and Sonja are doing the real work, the paperwork and all that. I couldn't keep paperwork straight these days if I tried.

[The thought trails off. He looks a bit lost.]

If anyone happens to spot a talking skeleton, let me know, will you? He's got another punch coming if he shows his face again. And... if anyone happens to spot a tall, skinny redhead with an accent like mine, please tell him I'm looking for him.

Comments

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[inkulcation]

[Surprise indeed. China sees few enough people come back, let alone people she knows. She'll have a brief debate with herself later, over the upsides and downsides of no longer being the only person from her world remaining.]

[She'll also have a word with her contacts about how she missed him previously.]

I suppose we have talked, now and again, haven't we?

[There's no smile.]

Such a pleasure to see you again, darling.

[edgeoftheknife]

[Erskine manages to keep his expression carefully neutral, but he certainly doesn't seem overjoyed to see her. His mouth presses into a thin line for a moment before he replies.]

I suppose we have.

[No smile? You're breaking his heart here :( ]

Hello, China. A little bird told me you were still around.

[inkulcation]

If you've found birds that speak intelligently, we really must talk a bit more.

[China runs through people who might be birds, comes up with possibly Yorda and possibly Pepper, and does not grimace though the impulse is there.]

[She regards him with a pretty sort of cold neutrality.]

Do you know, my dear, I can't quite decide whether to be pleased to see someone from home after that long, or fling up my hands at the sight of a Dead Man. What do you think?

[This is not at all a query about China's state of mind, and more about Erskine's intents, going forward.]

[edgeoftheknife]

[He ignores the first part; China knows perfectly well what he meant by that, and he's trying not to be overly vicious right from the get-go. He doesn't have the spoons for it right at the moment.]

If you'd fling your hands up at the sight of one of us, how did you ever survive with three of us here?

[China might be prodding but that doesn't mean he has to be helpful.]

[inkulcation]

By barring you from my sight as often as possible, naturally.

[Ah, yes. Even slightly disconcerted, Ravel is as vexing as any of them. China rests her chin in her hand and taps long, elegant fingers in a short staccato pattern against her cheek.]

You look like something chewed you up and spat you out, darling.

[At least he hasn't been attacked by a tree. China can arrange to render him unconscious if he needs it, anyway.]

[edgeoftheknife]

Funny, that's how I usually feel about you, China.

[He's not actively trying to be nasty, but something about her just brings it out. Or everything about her, maybe.]

...that's actually not far off, in a manner of speaking. But thank you ever so much for pointing it out. Was there something I can help you with?

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[isochrone]

Welcome back, unless... well, I suppose unless you didn't want to be back, then it might not be welcome. But the sentiment remains nonetheless!

Pardon my asking, but... are you well?

[edgeoftheknife]

[He does manage a smile at that first part.]

Thank you. It's good to be back.

[It certainly beats where he was before, anyway, although he's not going to offer that part. At her question he nods, maybe a little too readily.]

Fine, yes. I'm fine. I just... haven't been sleeping well. [He hesitates, in what amounts to a noticeable pause in the conversation.] I'm sorry, have... have we met before?

[isochrone]

[ Well, he doesn't seem fine, but it's hardly her business to pry. Especially when he points out that they don't even know each other. ]

No, we haven't. My name's Elizabeth.

[edgeoftheknife]

[He almost looks relieved at her answer.]

Alright then. I just... wasn't sure if I'd forgotten. I would have felt bad if I'd forgotten you.

In that case, it's a pleasure to meet you Elizabeth. Erskine Ravel, former Grand Mage of Ireland. Have you been here long?

[isochrone]

[ she blushes a bit at that; also because Erskine is very pretty to look at ]

From everything I understand, lapses in memory in this place can hardly be blamed on people. 'Grand Mage' sounds like such an important title, Mr Ravel.

[edgeoftheknife]

Yes, it's... a bit disconcerting, coming and going like this.

[He has so many other reasons for his memory problems, but it's a convenient excuse to latch onto. At the second part he smiles a little and gives a half-hearted shrug.]

I suppose it was, yes. It was also a lot like babysitting at times. Being in charge of every idiot sorcerer in the country isn't as much fun as you'd think.

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[denyamenti]

I haven't seen the khaikheben -- Pleasant -- since he disappeared. More than a few of you left at the same time.

[ And the thief misses perhaps more of them than one might guess. ]

[edgeoftheknife]

So I've heard. I suppose I should just be grateful I came back at all.

How've you been? Still looking for a bookkeeper at the Dojo?

[Sometimes Erskine barely remembers to put socks on, but Bakura's bookkeeper situation is eternal and unforgettable.]

[denyamenti]

Even if you're lax in your gratitude for it, others will pick up that slack.

[ ie; more people missed him than Erskine might realize ]

No, for the moment I'm set. Penny returned recently, so he's resumed the job. Looking for something to occupy your time?

[edgeoftheknife]

[He's pretty sure he takes Bakura's meaning, and--] Then I should be doubly grateful I'm here and not back home. [And even though it's tired, that's a definite smile.]

No, no, I'm fine. You wouldn't want me doing the books anyway, even if the job were open. I don't think I can be trusted around paperwork anymore. [A pause, and he frowns a little at the camera] Penny? Do I know him?

[denyamenti]

You're not setting things aflame, I hope.

It's possible you don't. He arrived not long before you left, but he keeps to himself.

video;

[purered]

I wish there is more I could say about the absence of Mr. Shudder, Mr. Wreath, and Mr. Pleasant.

Still, for all it's worth, I am glad to see you again.

[edgeoftheknife]

[Erskine musters up a smile for Klaus, though he shrugs at the mention of the others.]

I don't know that anything needs to be said. It is what it is, as the kids say these days.

Thank you. And I'm sorry I've been so bad at keeping in touch these last few weeks. How've you been? How's the Hotel?

[purered]

It's in good shape - the part Mr Shudder brought with him vanished when he left, but the building itself is structurally sound and just needed a bit of cleaning.

And please, don't apologize. I've been just as bad at keeping up with things. I think being in such a peaceful place has left me a bit lazy.

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[lasergrenades]

[Rather than get on the video, Pepper decides to text. Erskine might prefer not to talk to her publicly, since they've basically not spoken since she visited at the Healer's Guild. He still looks a wreck, and it's worrying.]

Hey. Glad to see you're out of the Guild. Mind if I come by the shelter? Or... wherever it is that you are, I can't quite tell from the feed what sector you're in.]

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[edgeoftheknife]

[There's a delay of several minutes before the reply text comes back.]

I'll be back at the shelter soon. I don't mind.

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[lasergrenades]

Okay, I'll be over in a bit.

[And sure enough, within half an hour or so Pepper is there at the shelter, sporting a nervous smile and carrying a batch of scones that Marie had made. Erskine never seems to eat enough.]

Hey. [Hopefully, Erskine will notice that there's no real hesitation in her; she's not avoiding his gaze or trying to keep too far away from him except to allow him space if he wants it. She's certainly not looking at him like something aberrant, either.] I brought you something. Our new housemate is thinking of starting a bakery and we have way too much to eat ourselves.

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[edgeoftheknife]

[Erskine wasn't really sure what to do with himself when he got back to the shelter to wait for Pepper. He's expecting company, yes, but the last time they spoke it... didn't go so well. He's a lot more nervous these days than he used to be and he doesn't want to sit around for however long, worrying about the impending visit. That's just going to make it worse.

In the end he decides to work at his loom for a while in the antechamber just off the main entry, to keep his hands busy and to keep himself calm. He's there when Pepper arrives, and he stays sitting at the loom when she offers the scones.

He does offer up a smile, at least, in response to the gift.]

Thanks. It smells wonderful. [He pauses] The girl from the network, you mean? I spoke to her a bit.

perma-action;

[lasergrenades]

[There's something about seeing Erskine at the loom that just fits, like he belongs at the seat. She places the scones on a table and moves a little closer, examining what he's working on.]

Yeah, she was asking about what people might want out of a bakery. Marie's been staying in our spare bedroom since she got back. It's been kinda nice to have her in the house. [Pepper sighs quietly. Beating around the bush won't help here.] I, um-- I'm sorry I didn't come see you before now. Really. I just-- wasn't sure what to do. [She's still not sure, honestly.] I don't-- I don't hate you, for the record. Mostly I'm just worried about you.