fifty-second labyrinth (backdated to the 10th)

[lord_wizard]

[He should probably have expected it. For about a week everything had been going so right. They had made progress on the wards and then he and Ashura had spent a very pleasant weekend at the tower after the others had left.

And then what? Eleven went home first, then people disappeared, Geoff's boyfriend left while he was gone, and then Yuan died - all in the space of a week or so.

Of course nothing could ever be stable here for long.

He'd been so wrapped up in everything and the increasingly dark nature of his mood that it had taken him a few days, after the chaos had died down, that he hadn't seen any sign of his houseboy.

Annoyance covering up a pang of worry, he headed down to the boy's room and spotted the missing nameplate instantly. He cursed under his breath and punched the door.

Another missed opportunity. Another friend going home to die, in all likelihood, given how much he'd seen about Dextera's home. Yes, he hated the castle a little more than normal today.

He returned to his room and flopped into a chair. He could feel that old black rage threatening on the edges. Probably best not to be alone. And, it seems, he had some matters to attend to. It was seductive, but he wouldn't give into that old anger today. Others things were more important.

Time to open the journal...]

For those of you acquainted with Dextera, it would seem that he's been sent home

[Yuan's friends]

I don't suppose there is any way to properly express how sorry I am that Yuan had to die. He was...is...a good friend.

May I ask if there will be any kind of service? I can't imagine Yuan wanting us to give into grief, but I wouldn't mind helping to arrange something in his honor.

If you all would like, that is...

[He knew he was but a footnote in that man's life, compared to the ones that knew him before. But he felt the need to offer anyway]

[Rin]

I'd like to volunteer to guard the prisoners at the outpost.

[Fenris and Geoffrey]

Given the recent circumstances, I think we could all use a drink or...several. If you'd like to join me in my quarters.

Comments

Yuan filter

[onlyanapple]

I guess that's up to the people from his world. I don't know how they...do that sort of thing.

forever

[lord_wizard]

Yes, well, that's why I asked.

[onlyanapple]

Still. It seems a bit of an empty gesture. I never really got why humans did it.

[lord_wizard]

It's not for them. It's for us. Usually.

I suppose if you knew they were hanging around in spirit form it would be.

Felix

[wolfuncaged]

That would be most welcomed, thank you. I will be there shortly.

Fenris

[lord_wizard]

Good. The door will be open.

[You know, because no houseboy to answer it :|]

Action

[wolfuncaged]

[And, eventually, Fenris makes his way to Felix's room, quietly letting himself in]

Felix. [Hi buddy, how've you been]

forevs

[lord_wizard]

[Felix is over by the mini-bar (yes of course he has one of those). He glances towards the door as Fenris enters]

Good to see you again Fenris.

[THANK YOU FOR NOT DYING TOO]

Felix;

[payback]

[There's a good delay before she responds to this post, because she has to turn back from being a bird first. But she sounds calm enough when she does run across it to comment.]

I'd be glad to have your help. If you don't mind talking to Galadriel first, that is. I'm having her vet people, sort of... [She doesn't want any repeats of the business with Joshua C.]

As for Yuan, maybe we could actually put something together for him for when he comes back.

Rin

[lord_wizard]

If you're referring to her mind-reading, I've already been through that with her. I can assure you I have her trust already.

I suppose we could wait. Yuan isn't terribly good at parties, though. Do you think he'd go to one in his own honor?

Felix;

[payback]

Have you? All right - how soon do you want to go out? The last half of this month, maybe?

I wasn't thinking a party really. We could just have some things set up to give him, or something. Something a bit quiet and simple.

Rin

[lord_wizard]

That would be fine. Just as long as I have time to prepare [And...find a way to tell Ashura. Or...avoid telling Ashura. That's always an option]

So, an inclusive celebration, just for his more immediate acquaintances?

Yuan's friends filter

[gentleidealist]

I thought we'd just leave him in his room and... hope for the best. But a service would be nice, even if it's just a memorial and not a burial. [He's a little unsure about hurting the body even more than it already is, especially considering Allen's plea, so cremation is definitely out.] I think it would help all of us.

Thanks, by the way. For being his friend. Yuan's really kind of stubborn so it's hard to get through to him. [A quiet, self-deprecating noise, like a scoffed laugh.] You probably know him better than I do.

forever

[lord_wizard]

Well, it's between than wandering the halls and weeping. Yuan wouldn't find that attractive, I think.

I very much doubt that. Most of what I know about him is his magic. I only found about his engagement recently.

[gentleidealist]

... Probably not. [That was almost funny, Felix.]

He's really quiet about that kind of stuff, so don't feel bad. I only found out he was engaged 'cause he dropped his ring and we found it.

[lord_wizard]

[He makes a thoughtful sound] I suppose I am not surprised.

How...long did you know him...before?

Friends filter

[fishy_go_byebye]

This too shall pass. Or not. Probably.

He's too old to die~

[Should she be more broken up? She should, shouldn't she. She couldn't seem to catch hold of the appropriate feeling, here. It slipped through her cracks like a breeze]

forever

[lord_wizard]

[A dry chuckle]

I'll be sure to tell him what when he gets back.

[fishy_go_byebye]

Back and forth again.

[She hums at the journal a little.]

...But don't. Or do. Don't let him be a ghost first, though. No no no~

[lord_wizard]

I don't think there's any danger of that happening, darling.

Or, I don't think, in any case. [Oh no disturbing thoughts]

Felix; Placeholder

[thetrudger]

[He's been alone for days, wallowing in his misery. So this invitation surprises him a little. Perhaps what he really needed was company.]

Several sounds nice. Where's your room again?

Geoff

[lord_wizard]

Room 626.

Yuan Filter

[selfless]

U-Um... I don't know if anything has been planned, but... yes, I think that would be good.

forever

[lord_wizard]

Do you have any suggestions?

[selfless]

I would really be fine with anything that Martel thinks is best... [it just seems right that she should decide]