redjacketthief | Appointments

[Following along Sabriel can't help but relax once they're in the shade of the house.]

I was still rather new when I started and I thought it would be a good way to familiarize myself with the people in the village. At the very least I can keep a visual tally of the people I see often at the restaurant.

But aside from that, I was bored and wanted something to do. And it also means I can bring home dinner when it's my turn to cook.

That makes sense. Everyone adapts to this place differently.

[He places the meal she brought for him in the fridge and pours a couple of glasses of sweetened iced tea for the two of them. It was refreshing, had something in it for when he didn't feel like eating, and it was an excellent summertime treat.]

On that matter, what do you think of this place so far? [He was genuinely curious, and there were no barriers of pride or history between them as of yet. It was clear space.]

[Accepting the glass with a smile she hums thoughtfully as she takes a sip of the cold drink. It was sweeter than how Adele prepared it and a little...different. But it was refreshing all the same.]

It's different in so many ways from what I'm used to but I've been adapting. When we're left alone it's not so bad at all but...

[But then come the kidnappings, the disappearances from the enclosure and the penalties.]

I suspect there will be aspects of this place that I will never get used to.

Unfortunately, they're never going to leave us alone for very long. Thus is the nature of this place.

[He takes a sip as well, and joins her on the sofa. While he knew that he would never fully get used to Luceti, there were aspects that he didn't want to trade.

The friendships he's made, for one.]

At least the people are nice, and we have time in between Shifts. Normally.

You're right. The friendships have been worth the trouble the Malnosso have tossed our way.

[So many odd and unexpected friendships...so many people she still didn't fully understand.]

It's almost strange, having such a variety of friends. But it's a good feeling.

It is, but...

[He trails, contemplative.]

I dunno. Sometimes the friends I've made feel almost worth the trade offs.

Normally I don't think I'd have the chance for even this much. In Ancelstierre the girls and I usually kept to ourselves and in the Old Kingdom...well, people there aren't exactly warm when it comes to Abhorsens.

People probably just don't understand how important your role really is in your world, Sabriel. They become afraid when they don't get it.

...we should probably just take the good things in this world and enjoy them while we can.

Our presence either heralds dark times or is the result of dark times on a place. I cannot blame them for that.

[She shrugs, taking another sip of her iced tea before giving a murmur of agreement.]

There are quite a few things to be fair. The variety of food, the exchange of cultures and histories...music.

Dark times always come, Sabi-chan. Whether they involve the dead or not.

[He sips on his tea thoughtfully, feeling a little sorry for the sweet young woman. Sabriel shouldn't have to deal with unkindness, especially with how important her role is.]

They just tend to be darker when they do.

[It wasn't so much a measure of unkindness but outside of the Great Charter families, the Abhorsens were viewed with fear. If she stayed too long in one place her presence would only gather more of the Dead; and no matter how grateful the residents, her welcome would be short.]

It wasn't always so bad...but I can't help but wonder what the Old Kingdom must have been like in its prime.

But without the darkness, how will you know when there's light?

[It was a simple question, and one that he felt needed to be asked. Sabriel's kindness was such that he didn't like seeing her melancholy, even though their association at that point was still minimal. He smiles thoughtfully at her question.]

Who knows? It sounds like your Old Kingdom must have been a very interesting place.

[That brings a small smile to her lips as she gives Lupin a glance that clearly says 'touche'.]

There used to be many more towns and villages than there are now. Just...more people in general, more happiness and levity. The deterioration has been happening steadily for a while now but even when I was young it was still much better than it was now.

Then again I don't remember all that much from back then.

Sabi-chan, do you think that's because of the magic?

[It was beyond his scope, but he had to ask.]

It is. The descent of the Kingdom is because of one of the now Greater Dead. He had been the Queen's son but he betrayed his family, his people in the search for power. He's been fighting the Charter, and the Abhorsens for over two centuries and his army grows with every person in the Old Kingdom that dies by his hand.

When I return I will find him and bind him.

[It's not a goal said with rage or overemotional vehemence but a quiet truth. It was fact to Sabriel because Nomi Sunrider, through Luke Skywalker had seen it in her future. She would defeat this evil.]

All I need to figure out is how.

He sounds like some kind of magical dictator...

[It was his first thought--a ruler of the worst kind who would destroy anyone and anything that dared question him. Such leaders in his world were never able to last near that long because of the limits of the human life span, but the effects of their actions were still being felt in many countries across the globe.

Lupin gazed at her thoughtfully, trying to wrap his mind about how anyone could handle such a burden. Luke was the same. Such a life can't have been pleasant.]

You'll figure it out. You're smart, and strong. Pity that we can't do it here, because we have so many talented people that everyone as a group should be able to figure out something.

I'm not completely alone in my mission. I have the last of the Royal line fighting beside me and we were about to meet with the other Great Charter bloodline, they Clayr before I was brought here.

[But even then they had run into trouble. Sabriel had been shot by the Scavengers' arrow and then next thing she knew, she had wings.]

I would not want to risk so many people for such a battle, but...it would be nice to face him with my friends by my side.

...It's good that you have friends in your world then. A few is better than none at all.

[He smiles for her, happy to hear at least that much.]

I'm sure your friends here wouldn't mind a chance for a good fight either. Even with the Shifts, it's too quiet here.

[Sabriel gives Lupin a smile, a little bittersweet as she chuckles.]

I can think of a few that would be very interested.

[coughViralcough.]

It would be nice to at least have a radio, we used to listen to dramas during the summer when there wasn't anything else to do.

Have you thought of doing a few missions, Sabi-chan? You can get points to trade in for radios or other nice things from home--that's how I got my viola. You should be able to get a record player and a bunch of vinyls if you did one.

...also, I'm keeping this quiet because it's a favor for a friend, but I have been working on setting up an outdoor film projector and screen. That way we can watch movies under the stars on these warm nights.

I have done one already, although most of the things I would first seek to get would be professional in nature.

[Like the little silver ring with the ruby nestled on her finger. Between the ring and the sword, she'd rather the ring should Mogget ever appear. The mention of the projector catches her interest.]

Oh? What sort of movie?

That makes sense. It's usually best to go for the important goods first.

[He grins at her sudden eagerness.]

Tell me, Sabi-chan. Do you know anything about the works of Shakespeare?

[It's easy to get all muddled up in magic and the Dead from the north, so any mention of novelties from the South is bound to get her attention.]

Ah, yes! We studied his work in our literary class.

Oh--sweet! Then you're familiar with A Midsummer Night's Dream!

[He was more glad to have someone who hailed from a world that was very different from his and yet still understood these basic things.]

[Sabriel chuckles as she nods.]

That is always a popular one among the younger girls.

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