2.3 ✞ written & dictated.

[bloodsugar]

[filter to: GALADRIEL]

[there are a few hesitation marks on the page, here; he had been mulling over what to say to her in return for the words she'd written for him -- ones he'd read over and over again along with Lilith's letter. in the end, he fails to produce half of the eloquence either of them possessed.

so, he goes with what's from the heart, instead.]

...Thank you.

[filter to: NANAKO]

Hey... Nanako -- are you maybe up for some ice cream? Maybe in town? I kind of feel like taking a walk, if you want to go with me! [not like he needs a reason to spoil her, but... you know, he has a feeling she could use it, too.]

[filter to: JOSHUA CHRISTOPHER]

[this takes a while to write as well, if for different reasons than the others before it. but eventually, the words find their way onto paper.]

Are you up for that game of chess?

[filter to: THE FREELANCERS; dictated.]

[well, it's a little late -- but Caterina had sent him on a mission, and he still had a job to do. so! he sounds cheerful and amicable, maybe a little sheepish as he starts talking:]

Ah-- I'm sorry for how random this must seem, but... my name is Father Abel Nightroad, and I'm a friend of York and Delta's? I'm sending you this message in hopes that we might be able to talk about Agent Maine's situation, as well as the issue of the armor. I know things are... rocky, at best right now -- and so I appreciate your taking the time to talk with me in advance.

[filter to: CATERINA, visible to TRES]

Caterina... are you in the mood for a walk? Tres, too.

There's something I want to show you in town.

[ooc: apologies for any slow tags in advanceeee]

Comments

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

That's right.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

I can fix that easily enough. We can wish for a new one, you know?

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

But I shouldn't be there. You said so.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

And I'm asking you to come, now. That must mean I want you here, right?

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

You're feeling better?

Don't lie.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

...I still... miss her.

But she'd never forgive me if I sat around and forgot my promise to her. Don't you think...?

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

I would be disappointed.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

I hope that means you're coming. You don't want me to end up moping on my lonesome, do you?

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

[ After some thought, Joshua sets the pen aside and dictates. ]

Okay. When?

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

Whenever you're free? I can meet you wherever you'd like! [he'd suggest further from the castle since, you know, he is still a wanted criminal and all, but it's up to him.]

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

[ Except that Joshua is reluctant to suggest any place that he might occasionally use as a hide-out... And it's more fun to be difficult. ]

The church.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

[if that's what he wants, then... he'll humor him. today, he needs Joshua on his side.]

The church it is.

[and if anyone were to stumble upon them, then... he'd do what he had to if it came to that.]

Father Nightroad

[ofhope]

[ Hm, he's a little bit surprised. And actually suspicious all of a sudden. Abel did so much to try to keep him away from there previously. He may feel like being difficult, but not reckless. Does he still suspect a trap? ]

I changed my mind.

[ He writes down an address of a house in town. This one Joshua doesn't mind giving up so much, since he only used that spot in emergencies previously. ]

Wish up a chess set and meet me there later tonight, after the sun sets.

Joshua Christopher

[bloodsugar]

[probably not that kind of suspicious that he thinks. but Abel can see that's where his mind has probably gone; he can't blame him considering the events of the past.]

I'll be there.

See you then, okay?

[ofhope]

[ As agreed, Joshua will already be there by the time the sun sets. It doesn't actually matter when Abel shows up after that, since he will just be making himself at home for the evening. ]

[bloodsugar]

[Abel meanders his way through town -- it doesn't take long, since he was there already. he's knocking just to be sure he's not walking in on someone uninvited -- you never know, before the door creaks ajar. the priest has a chess set folded in a case under one arm.]

...Joshua?

[ofhope]

[ But it's not an empty house! Surprisingly, a young brunet boy actually pulls the door open before Abel can enter himself. He doesn't look too surprised to see the tall priest standing there, craning a neck up at the man while holding onto the doorbell.

He then steps back and points down the hall of the small house. There's the smell of food coming from the kitchen, and obviously someone moving around in there, but otherwise the house is quiet. Calm. ]

He's in the room at the end... He said a friend was coming for dinner. Do you like pork?

[bloodsugar]

[--ah.

this was... not what he expected, and for a moment he's taken aback, blinking at the child in front of him. Joshua...

but soon as he gathers his wits, he's crouching down and giving the boy a grateful smile -- digging into his pocket to offer his thanks and give him one of the candies he's always got on hand.]

Pork is just fine by me...! Um-- don't mind me, alright? I'm sorry for intruding. I won't be in your hair too long.

[ofhope]

[ The boy seems pleased with the candy, and waves the man the rest of the way in before shutting the door. ]

He's never had someone over before. I don't mind. I have to go help my mother, though! Dinner should be ready soon.

[ He waves again before turning to head into the kitchen.

The door the boy mentioned previously is open, and Joshua's sitting in a chair and reading. Answering doors is boring. ]

[bloodsugar]

[Abel steps in cautiously, not feeling all too good about intruding in someone's house... he isn't sure how Joshua conned his way in, considering most of the townsfolk hate Travelers. did they think he was one of them?

he pokes his head in the door the boy had mentioned, and spotting Joshua, he knocks.]

...Joshua?

[ofhope]

[ At the knock, Joshua looks up, shutting the book. He'd heard them out in the living room, but he was too darned comfortable to move. The room itself is plain, with a few nicknacks and books here and there. Nothing of Joshua's, though. ]

You came alone. That's good.

[bloodsugar]

Did you expect otherwise...?

[he steps in properly once Joshua puts the book away, and takes the chess set out, giving it a little wiggle.]

I brought this, too.

[ofhope]

Well, I thought you might be setting some sort of trap like before. You're so blatant about wanting me to stay away.

[ He leans over to try to get a better look. ]

You really came out here to play chess?

[bloodsugar]

I'm not trusted, hm... [he supposes that's justified, considering. Abel is unapologetic for what he had done in the past, for once. if nothing else, he is sure that he had been doing what was right when he had tricked the boy and removed his horns, back then.

still, he isn't foolish enough for a repeat like that. he rests the chess set down, before pulling up another chair.]

To play chess, and to talk. And check up on you, too, I suppose... I don't know what you've been up to, Joshua, but it seems you're doing well enough for yourself in the end. [a family in the town...? he didn't see that coming.]

[ofhope]

I only stay here when I feel good and the noise doesn't bother me.

[ He's already setting up the chess set, letting Abel have the white to start off this time. ]

I met Alex last year when I lost my horns. He plays on the outskirts with his friends a lot, and sometimes I join in. When I told him the castle residents no longer welcomed me and it was snowing, he told his mother and she said I could stay here whenever I like.

The only catch is I have to get the groceries if I eat over. You know, I'm not very good at it. She should learn. But her cooking is pretty good, even with bad ingredients.