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[leitstern]

Travel is good for the soul, I hear.

But why?

When I was only twelve I was bestowed by the good grace of my sire an education in a delightful city thousands of miles from home. Dare I have a pleasant outing, you ask? The majesty of the finest library in the world seldom shielded me from the opposite of being in heaven; nursing frostbitten fingers and sleeping alone in the dark.

No, travel is the most dreadful punishment. For the fiercest soul is made to pine for the comforts of home. Where one is free to laugh and stroll amongst friends.

… I miss mine dearly.

Forgive me for occupying your valuable time with my musing but I must ask:

Do any of you pine for your world left behind? Is home something you miss?

[Do you feel homesick, Avalon?]

Comments

[leitstern]

"If"? Are you not optimistic of our mission?

[Not that he especially regards the mission as his.]

[colchismagecraft]

I don't trust that His Majesty has any intention of following through on his promise to us...I think it more likely they are exploiting us for their own ends.

[leitstern]

Forgive me for such comment, but you seem likely to suspect everyone of exploitation. Whether it comes from the sovereign of this land or those of us drawn to it, does it matter the source?

[Those rare few who she trusts and holds close aren't who he means.]

[colchismagecraft]

I would sooner treat others with suspicion than trust people who would use and betray me.

[Not even denying that. She was certainly one who held others at arms length.

...Also she's not sure how he made his text do italics like that, but right now is hardly the time to ask.]

[leitstern]

It is the smarter decision. Too many reveal themselves a fool.

[colchismagecraft]

I'm glad you understand. There are far too many here who seem to think that we should all trust each other and work together...so naive.

[leitstern]

Well, why the Devil not let them work together? It keeps them out your hair if nothing else. If they discover anything useful regarding our circumstance, it shall be public information soon enough.

[colchismagecraft]

True enough. If they want to be that open to the world then so be it, they are the ones who will ultimately be harmed when they are betrayed.

[leitstern]

Humans are dull creatures. I doubt they have the insight to realise when they are betrayed, honestly.

[colchismagecraft]

[Well that was an interesting remark...]

You say that as if you are not human yourself.

[leitstern]

[And that was an interesting answer.]

That confession of suspicion implies you are familiar with the supernatural, does it not? Who is the peculiar one here, I wonder?

[A yes but not in so many words. Trust and suspicion and all. Isn't that what they've been talking about?]

[colchismagecraft]

'The supernatural' can mean many different things. Whether that is simple superstition and rumour, or whether it is magic, spirits or even Gods.

You said yourself that I was a suspicious person by nature.

[That would, in some ways, suggest the former...or she could be trying to get more information on wha 'supernatural' meant to him.]

[leitstern]

And so I did. Luckily, I am suspicious myself.

I find it better to trust myself than to start trusting anyone.

["Including you" goes unsaid.]

[colchismagecraft]

I think that is something we can agree on.

["I don't trust you either", was also left unsaid.

...Perhaps these two were more alike than she expected. ]

[leitstern]

Good. It makes our vacation here simple, a friendly relationship.

Now if you will excuse me, I would like to enjoy the rest of the morning by myself. Our own company becomes people like us, does it not?

[Early morning at 2 am or early next morning at 8. Whatever works.]

[colchismagecraft]

...Yes, of course.

[But for all her paranoia, her voice seemed a little quieter than it had been earlier. Deep down, she was lonely, and that initial message had reminded her just how far away from home she was- how alone she was.

Not that she would ever admit that she wanted to distract herself talking for a little while longer.]

But first, what shall I call you?

[leitstern]

Jasper.

[It is a name he has never shied from. People from home might also share - best to get in there first.]

And what should I call you?

[colchismagecraft]

Jasper, hm? Caster.

[Her class name, rather than her true name, of course.]

A pleasure.

[leitstern]

Indeed. Let us meet again in passing if nothing more.

[colchismagecraft]

I'd like that. Well, enjoy the rest of your morning.

[And with that, she'll end the call.]