[Eraserfield] Another turn of the wheel

[ooeeooahah]

[ Mayfield General Store, early afternoon of the 19th ]

[ Ilsa seems to be looking at the dinner taper candles, with at least a dozen in her basket, and seriously considering the remaining stock on the shelf. Going to ask why? ]

[ 1490 Kramden, late afternoon of the 19th ]

[ Ilsa is sitting at the dining room table, polishing what seems to be

Comments

[velesdonnersen]

[Tarvek, dressed in his good coat, fedora, and proper pin-striped lawyer-suit, knocks at the door of 1490 Kramden.]

Hello? Is anyone home?

[ooeeooahah]

[ Ilsa answers the door, smiling a little at her boss. ]

Hey, Mr Sturmvoraus, this is a surprise, come on in.

[ She doesn't lead him to the kitchen, that would be too informal. She leads him to the living room. ]

Can I get you some tea, or perhaps something stronger?

[velesdonnersen]

[He's polite, and very Euro-sober.]

No, no. I'm not staying long, Mrs. Spengler. I don't want to intrude on a family celebration. I just came to drop off your holiday bonus. [He holds out a plain envelope on office stationary, with her name on it in fancy copperplate, clearly written with a fountain pen.]

[ooeeooahah]

[ Her smile fades, and she looks slightly confused. ]

Thank you, Mr Sturmvoraus. I...

[ She takes the envelope from him, her fingers tracing the script, stopping when she realizes the ink isn't quite dry. She raises her eyes to meet his, not quite asking the right question. ]

There's nothing wrong is there?

[velesdonnersen]

[He doesn't want to distress her, and there's nothing "wrong" she can fix. He just misses her, worries about her, and wants to do what little he can to make her feel safe and secure this terrible Christmas/Hannukah.]

No, of course not. I just wanted to be sure you received appropriate remuneration and appreciation for all the help you provide during the year. You're...a good secretary. You've earned the recognition.

[ooeeooahah]

[ She twitches at the "secretary" comment, but there's a part of her that knows it's not quite as it seems. ]

Recognition, well. Thank you again.

[ She shifts her weight, seemingly unsure of what to do next. Turning the envelope in her fingers, she frowns, trying to think why he's radiating sadness. ]

[velesdonnersen]

[The two-way bond still sings in his heart. He can feel her uneasy misery. It's so very much not what he wanted. He stands, and bows, reverting to pure Olde World Gentleman, just barely resisting clicking his heels.]

Very good. Have a peaceful, joyful holiday, mein freund. Have faith. Have hope.

[He moves inexorably back toward the front door, slipping his fedora back on, and hunkering low in his coat.]

I wish you all the best, Ilsa Higa Spengler. The best, and nothing less.

[ooeeooahah]

[ She knows there's something wrong, but Mayfield has blinded her in so many ways. Ahe walks him to the door, the anxiety he causes by being just slightly off is warring with her desire to comfort him. She gently touches his sleeve while opening the door. ]

Bright Solstice to you.