Case 8

[unnaturalpause]

[You know there are just some things one does not expect to wander down and see. Though perhaps that has as much to do with the fact that he likes to live in something like denial (really bad idea that in a sentient magical castle) as it does the fact that tends to forget such things.

Which he really shouldn't do because weird things happen in this castle and he knows that.

So why is he surprised to find a cat in Helen's room with no sight of Helen (he had gotten worried when he hadn't seen her in the clinic or around and thought he would see if she was up for tea or otherwise busy).

Oh great. How long is this going to go on?

And because he's a polite man he's not about to just pick her up and carry her off to his room (because somehow he doubts she'd appreciate that), and instead he just sits down and takes out his journal, giving a look to the cat.]

You are going to worry so many people Helen, and I do hope you realize that. [Or he's completely wrong and it's not Helen but a cat she got recently. Wouldn't that just be embarrassing?

But before he goes on he writes in a few relevant filters.]

[Nikola Tesla]

...I do believe we have a small problem. [And he's mentally wincing at his words.]

[Maladict]

What's your opinion on cats?

[River Song and both Doctors]

[He had himmed and hawed on who to write this filter to and had decided on all three of them.]

I am sorry to say that unless this is a short loss Helen may not be able to attend your ceremony if she was to be invited.

[Galadriel]

I was wondering if at some point soon you would be willing to have a talk? Perhaps over tea or something stronger? I find I am in need of someone willing to listen and sadly my usual conversation partner can not share her opinion with me.

[Filters done he reaches over to hesitantly try and scratch Helen's ears before saying anything over an open journal.]

Does the castle choose animal losses depending on personality or is it arbitrary?

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

Such resentment need not be spoken to be felt. [Maybe you should work through this issue before you think about getting together...]

[He might be surprised how old she feels sometimes. Not in a physical way, nor in any way that he might easily understand. But in a very Elven way, she sometimes feels very old indeed. She is...worn.] I pray you are a patient man.

[unnaturalpause]

And she avoids it nonetheless. [It's what he wants really...]

This would not be the first time I have waited for her, even when she was mourning the loss of my best friend, her fiance. [He could understand, to some extent. Not all of his feeling is just physical, mentally he's tired and while not feeling old like she does it's something.] And I am friends with Nikola and have been her second in our work for years, patience is rather needed.

[inafadingcrown]

I do not blame her. [If someone resented her that much, she would avoid them too.]

You seem to have your answer, then.

[unnaturalpause]

No but I can hardly imagine you would ignore my point about asking why save the others and not myself. [He's never been good at avoiding people, even when he resents them. Unless you're John.]

It's not one I wish I had to rely on however. [No he was rather hoping someone would suggest something else really but he'll go with this for now and hope for the best.]

[inafadingcrown]

I might, if it caused enough offense. [And, she'll just ignore the second point, since her entirely logical suggestion of "talk to her" doesn't seem to be cutting it.]

[unnaturalpause]

[Again stop making sense. He shakes his head and gives her a look.] What would you have me say to her? Because I know what you say would be for the best, is to talk as you said before.

[inafadingcrown]

I am not the habit of settling lover's quarrels and it seems to me that she would much rather have your words than my own. Yet I will advise you to arrange them carefully and to give the matter some thought before hand.