-38- [Backdated - Reaver is Industry. But He is also History]

[tatty_bye]

I don't know this place at all. Listen -- whoever bought me here, there's nothing to gain from it. I and my family are of humble means; you'll get no ransom, and I am no one of great enough skill to be made useful.

...I have pressing business. You must return me to Oakvale.

I know that someone can hear me!

Comments

[takeyouapart]

[ffffffff]

It's all right. You won't be missed - when you return home, no time will have passed.

[tatty_bye]

That'd be encouraging if it were at all possible. Who are you?

[takeyouapart]

My name's Merlin.

Nobody's brought you here. This ship uses powerful magic, and sometimes it spills over into other worlds; that's what drew you here. But it'll fade - I know the word of a stranger might not be worth much to you, but I can promise you that.

[tatty_bye]

What am I supposed to do until then, Merlin?

[a little cowed by his own impatience]

That is to say...what is usually done, for people in my situation? You say it has happened before.

[takeyouapart]

Usually people just try to stay safe, and make the best of their time here. Beyond that, there isn't much to be done.

Are you hungry?

[tatty_bye]

...A little.

[takeyouapart]

There's food here. I'll come and find you.

[tatty_bye]

Thank you.

Spam

[takeyouapart]

[Not unnaturally, Merlin's first port of call is Reaver's room. He's fairly sure there's nothing he can do that won't leave this man's later incarnation absolutely furious at him - it's probably more trouble than it's worth to treat this as a fishing expedition. Maybe. On the other hand, if Reaver's angry maybe that's better than being infuriatingly glib.

He taps on the door.]

Spam

[tatty_bye]

[The man that appears at the door is Reaver. Or some version of him. Not much has changed about the face in so much time, though his complexion is darker, unshielded by powder makeup and kissed by sunshine. His hair is a much lighter brown. More importantly, he is not so heavily dressed. His attire might even be regarded as humble in comparison to his common wardrobe. There's no pointedly perfect posture, no constant look about his face suggesting superiority. He seems almost pleased to see someone of similar age standing at the door for him.]

You're Merlin?

Re: Spam

[takeyouapart]

[The change is - honestly, kind of welcome. It's remarkable how much more approachable, how much more human he looks without the trappings of his most recent persona. Merlin smiles almost despite himself.]

Yeah. Sorry, I - what's your name?

Re: Spam

[tatty_bye]

Stephen. [He easily offers his hand.]

Re: Spam

[takeyouapart]

[He shakes just as easily.]

Nice to meet you in person. [He lets go and steps back to let him out of the cabin.] The dining room's just upstairs, if you want to...?

Re: Spam

[tatty_bye]

Yeah. [He starts on, turning briefly to make sure Merlin is keeping step with him before continuing. He notes all the doors to cabins.] There's so many rooms here. You said this was a ship?

Re: Spam

[takeyouapart]

Yeah, but it's...not really like any other ship. We're a long way from home. All of us.

Re: Spam

[tatty_bye]

[He laughs a little helplessly] I'm afraid I still don't understand.