I. First Canto | Auditory

[eats_the_rude]

[A soft, dull whisper directed itself into the receiver with a metallic tinge, scratchy as though tired and overused.]

Mason, we do enjoy our little games, don't we? I must say this particular tactic of yours does not quite speak with the same chicanery as our usual correspondence. Your people have shown a surprising amount of courtesy, though why

Comments

[possiblycantdie]

[ She has no idea why she's replying, not really. Something's piqued her curiosity and not on the usual ways ]

What a... curious first request.

[ And either he's been silent in all the time she's been here or he is in fact that, and her memory is rather impeccable thank you ]

[eats_the_rude]

[...Clarice? No. Far too European an accent to be Clarice.]

Hello?

[Very observant, my dear lady.]

Who am I speaking to?

[possiblycantdie]

[ She prides herself on that, also ]

My name is Mina Harker.

[eats_the_rude]

[Have a small smile, even if you can't see it. 1990's cell phones are...A little limited in that respect, alas.]

Hm. Mrs.? Or Ms. Harker? Or do you even prefer a title? I myself do not.

[And before you ask...]

But to address your previous comment one might say I am a little 'peckish' after a long journey, madam.

[possiblycantdie]

[ As are 1899 journals :c ]

Mrs Harker. [ Mina does serve the purpose also, but not for him ] And you are?

It is possible that there is a location suitable.

[eats_the_rude]

[Oh? Where was Mr. Harker, then?]

There's a Mister Harker then, I presume?

Doctor Fell. I apologize. One can find themselves...Disoriented after a sea voyage, wouldn't you say?

[Was it coincidence that there were...New arrivals brought by boat only recently? Who could say?]

Oh? Do you know of one, my dear?

[possiblycantdie]

[ Oh God, you meanie. There's a slight - but barely noticeable unless you're good - pause before she speaks ]

There was.

It is a likely outcome. I have known others to be.

Not personally, although there is much here to accommodate us.

[eats_the_rude]

I see. [A widow? Oh, dear.] I'm sorry to hear it.

I've just acquired a rather promising recommendation...The Gray Line, I believe.

It would be a pity to eat at such a fine establishment alone. Would you like to join me?

[Come now. Be a good sport and humor an older gent?]

[possiblycantdie]

[ She'll be skipping over that part. She's discussed it as much as she's willing to ;; the paaain ]

Unfortunately I have to decline. [ Older gent? Oh really. Also, she only eats to hide from her boys and... well that ] I ate a short time ago.

[eats_the_rude]

[Ah, well. That's quite all right. He has a spark of determination all his own.]

Perhaps another time then. Tell me, Mrs. Harker...Do you still wear your veil?

[If you do indeed still wear your mourning veil you'll know what he's talking about. How long has dear hubby been deceased, hm? Yes, he's prying and awful at times. But don't mind him. He's just feeling his way around.]

Im sleeping, honest.

[possiblycantdie]

[ she is taking a chance answering this ] I do. [ he is completely awful, but no more so than she's dealt with before. Though which type of surprise would it deal him to learn quite how many years it has been since his passing, hmm? ]

Suuuuure you are.

[eats_the_rude]

[That's all the answer he needed. But don't mistake him: It's not out of meanness or vulgarity. He just was wanted to know.]

Yes, I thought so.

[Why else would she have been so hesitant to say..?]

I too know what it is like to lose someone dear...But I can tell this is somewhat uncomfortable subject for you.

I'm all tucked up in bed :)

[possiblycantdie]

[ oh it is. While she loved Lucy dearly and the circumstances were similar she finds it easier to talk of her. But Jonathan... Even to her dear boys it is hard to discuss ]

It is. I loved him dearly. [ and still do. And forever really is true ]

LJ ate my post, baaaw. : (

[eats_the_rude]

A heavy burden to bear I should think. To grieve in silence is never a custom that I've favored.

It reminds me of a poem I once read. I think you'd take comfort in the words, as I did.

"Tears of the widower, when he sees A late-lost form that sleep reveals, And moves his doubtful arms, and feels Her place is empty, fall like these."

[In Memoriam A.H.H. by Lord Alfred Tennyson. Arguably the greatest poem of the 19th century and a great favorite of Queen Victoria, coincidentally, after the death of her beloved Prince Albert. She'd taken much comfort in it, as did many of that era. It was perhaps better known for these few famous lines: I feel it when I sorrow most: 'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.]

I believe Tennyson may strike a chord with you.

[Was he too implying that he'd suffered such a loss? Difficult to say, though he did sound sympathetic. After a moment he continues:]Well, Mrs. Harker, I'd not think to intrude upon your time further. Perhaps, if they've a copy in the library I could

/whacks it

[possiblycantdie]

I wish to pass my grief on to no other. [ Suffer in silence, ;; And she wishes to burden no other with her pain, lest not her boys ]

I know of it. [ And it is one that she enjoys. She knows its history well, and thinks of it more often than other pieces ]

Perhaps, one day. [ But that is not a sentiment filled with promise. Oh, you've stirred her emotions deeper than anyone has reached in some time. Though, it is likely she will seek you out again, just in mere curiosity ]

[eats_the_rude]

[A small sound of assent. He knew that course well.]

I should like that very much, if and when that day should come. I'll leave my number, if you ever care to call upon me, Mrs. Harker.

[He'd leave her his number, as well as frequency, and carry on as always. It was never too late to make new friends, hm?

In the likeness of many writers of long past, Hannibal was one to demonstrate he was in fact a profound anatomist of feeling in the manner which he dissected a woman's heart.]

Until then. Ta, ta.

['Click'.]