Journal the Fourth

[theabjectauthor]

[the journal picks up the sounds of rustling, creaking, and other hubbub - a phrase which here means hustle and bustle. Lemony is in the process of packing himself a trunk, and dictating as he does so]

My dear residents ... [ahem]

I do apologize for dictating to you thus, rather than my usual written discourse, but I have something to prepare for, and I have lost quite a bit of my preparation time due to having been - [cough.] - terribly transmogrified into a cantankerous caterpillar for the last few days. While I appreciate a literary allusion as much as the next well-read, open-minded individual, I must admit that sitting on mushrooms for such an extended period was neither a comfortable nor recommended pastime.

[cough cough] And neither, of course, is the constant inhalation of mood or mind-altering stimulants, no matter how harmless they may be in a nonsensical situation. I certainly hope that I did not form any lasting first impressions on any of you during that time. While I do enjoy the occasional dose of nicotine, I am hardly such a wanton imbiber under normal - [COUGH.] - circumstances. ... Good heavens. Castle, might I have another pitcher of lemon water? ... Thank you.

[there's a pause as he takes a sip] That being said, I hope that some of you found enjoyable circumstances in recent days, and that no one was terribly injured by that terrible, manxome creature.

[general reparations having been made, he sets to folding up the laundry he'll be taking along, and starts in on the bevy of filters he's been intending to make for a short while now]

[Kalinda]

I have not heard from you recently ... I hope you've been well?

[Jane Crocker]

When would you like to have that cooking lesson in the kitchen?

[Dr. Gregory House]

Sir, I apologize for contacting you out of the blue, but may I have a word?

[Spike]

I have located that book on knids, if you are still interested!

[/Filters]

Comments

[theabjectauthor]

A favorite actress of mine said it best, once: "Life is hard. After all, it kills you".

[waterproofed]

That's cheerful.

[theabjectauthor]

I believe the context was meant as a tongue-in-cheek remark, but the gravitas of it remains, just the same.

[waterproofed]

Were they skipping in a field of flowers, too? [snark is how he deals with depressing topics]

[theabjectauthor]

I cannot recall. I would have to locate the film again.

Speaking of fields, however, I do have a favor to ask of you... if you'll forgive such a blatant segue.

[waterproofed]

Sure, of course! Just name it.

[theabjectauthor]

I am going on a trip in the near future, out past the area known as the Dead Zone, to help a friend... and though I know Violet is fully capable of looking after herself, it would make me feel much better to know that there was someone who could contact me, in case of any emergencies.

[you see where he's going with this, yes?]

[waterproofed]

If you're going out there, be careful. I'll keep watch over the castle.

[theabjectauthor]

Thank you, Percy. And try not to worry too much: I would never go alone. There will be a sizeable group of us.

[waterproofed]

Worrying about people I care about is my thing.

[theabjectauthor]

And it seems you do it admirably. .... Thank you, Percy.

[waterproofed]

[b'awwww] Heh. Anytime.