xxiii. dictated

[heloise]

Spike
He came home.

What terrible months we have seen, before even the dog days arrive!

I say we put an end to it, at once. The Castle drinks our joys as greedily as it feeds on our sorrows; we might show it that happiness is what we seek. Happiness beyond bound, which we would gladly offer as payment for our borrowed time, and no more tears.

Summer brings music and merriment to the streets of Rome, gypsies and pilgrims alike dancing together. We can do similarly here.

Comments

[gottaknockhard]

I'm running out of answers for that.

[heloise]

I had hoped you might.

[gottaknockhard]

Run out?

[heloise]

Yes.

Would that be unkind?

[gottaknockhard]

That would depend on your motives.

[heloise]

I wish to know you better.

[gottaknockhard]

I guess my book hasn't been published yet.

[heloise]

Would you have me look through the library to see?

[gottaknockhard]

[That's a chilling thought...]

They'd probably get the details wrong.

[heloise]

I think so too.

If ever you stumble upon my books, never tell me.

[gottaknockhard]

[Thank you, Lucrezia.]

You won't have to worry about that.

[heloise]

But you must promise-- [ What, exactly? ]

To never pity or fear me.

[gottaknockhard]

[That's not what you say to get someone not to look.]

You seem to think I'm afraid of a lot of things.

[heloise]

[ She only doesn't want to think about the possibility of outliving her family. ]

Are you?

[gottaknockhard]

... Maybe one or two.

[heloise]

Tell me it does not include me.

[gottaknockhard]

You're worried the coffin was too traumatizing?

[heloise]

Or my singing.

[gottaknockhard]

I've heard worse.

[heloise]

Joshua's?

[gottaknockhard]

... I guess it wasn't bad enough to remember.

[heloise]

[ She snickers. Yep. ]

One day you might hear him.

[gottaknockhard]

Warn me if you see it coming.

[heloise]

[ She just smiles to herself, because it's special and maybe one day Spike will earn it too. ]

What else do you fear?

[gottaknockhard]

Aside from bad singing?