3. 'cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone [Dictated]

[pompous_today]

I cannot find my sister anywhere. I feel like I have searched the entire castle at least twice.

Meimei, if you see this, please just let me know that you are safe. I'm worried about you.

Comments

[heloise]

Shall we meet... by the duck pond?

[pompous_today]

Yes. I will be there shortly.

[heloise]

[ She will get there soon enough, armed with bags of sweets! ]

[pompous_today]

[And Simon will be non-talkative, but still very appreciative of the company.]

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia greets him with the widest smile before toning it down as she comes nearer. She hands him most of the sweets and keeps the M&Ms to herself. ]

Would the good doctor recommend sweetness as the cure?

[pompous_today]

[Simon has to smile at the kind gesture, choosing the sweetest-looking thing and biting into it.]

I don't indulge often, but it is a good cure for loneliness. Sharing it with company is even better.

[heloise]

[ She just watches him for now. ]

Are you lonely?

[pompous_today]

[Simon then has to look away.]

... Yes. So much of my life is... was... consumed with caring for my sister... I am not quite sure what to do with myself now. I am not well-acquainted with many people here yet.

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia reaches to hold his hand. What is personal space even. ]

You will be. Here is one and two is plenty.

[pompous_today]

[Simon is surprised by the gesture and almost pulls away, but forces himself not to. It's a little odd, coming from a near-stranger, and yet... he realizes that Lucrezia reminds him a little of Inara. So kind and accepting and caring right away, though she barely knows him.]

It is a very good start already, this is true. And I cannot hide away from the rest of the world forever.

[heloise]

[ Only she is the farthest thing from Inara, at heart. Lucrezia pulls back to stand up and pace slowly around. ]

I have a friend who would tell you it is time to find a good pastime.

[pompous_today]

[Simon actually looks thoughtful at that.]

I do want to put my skills as a doctor to use; it would be a shame to let them go to waste. My profession is my passion.

[heloise]

We may have need for medics soon. Have you heard of the expedition?

[pompous_today]

[Simon shakes his head.]

No, I have not. What are they planning on doing?

[heloise]

Discover what lies beyond, I suppose.

[pompous_today]

[He gives a half smile at that.]

I am glad that some are courageous enough to take that task on, then- I'm sure it must not be that easy.

[heloise]

Maybe they will find a door that leads back home, and you will be reunited with your sister.

[pompous_today]

I can only hope. It hasn't been very long and I already miss her terribly.

[heloise]

Were you never apart before?