[ Call to Stephen | Day 54 | Just before noon ]

[freedomtoleave]

[Shortly before noon, Lucifer places the call.

Ring, ring, Stephen.]

Comments

[halftheduet]

Maturin.

[There is a definite note of exhaustion in that voice. The way it's said? He's expecting the worst.]

[freedomtoleave]

[There's only a vague note of friendliness in Lucifer's voice. For him, that's a sign of good news.]

Stephen Maturin, this is Lucifer Morningstar. I was wondering where you would likely be found this afternoon, as I am ready to deliver your instruments.

[halftheduet]

Ah, Mr. Morningstar. Wonderful to hear from you.

I am still on the Empress. This... This fog has proved a deterrent to moving back to the house. [Not to mention the way things seemed to be appearing and disappearing in it.]

[freedomtoleave]

I thought it might have posed a bit of a problem. The weather generally does.

I can drop them off on the deck in a few minutes.

[halftheduet]

You're very kind.

Do be careful, sir. This fog is... unnatural.

[freedomtoleave]

I've flown through worse. I'll be fine.

Should you encounter any problems, whether immediately or after you've gotten some use out of them, let me know. I'll make adjustments, or repairs, as necessary.

[halftheduet]

...Flown?

[freedomtoleave]

Yes. Should the sight of my wings disturb you, I suggest you remain below deck until after I've departed.

[halftheduet]

...Wings?

[Does it sound strange? Yes.
A bit disturbing? Undoubtedly.

Does Stephen have to see this? Certainly.

After all, he can barely believe what he's hearing, and the naturalist in him is beyond curious.

So there's no way he'll remain below deck.]

I shall... see you soon, sir.

[freedomtoleave]

Very well.

[He doesn't mind. As far as Lucifer's concerned, curiosity's to be encouraged.]

Ten minutes, Stephen Maturin.

[halftheduet]

Of course, sir.

[freedomtoleave]

[ooc: Would you like to handwave this or log it (either action or prose is fine with me)?]