the last voyages // 5. video. open.

[truemask]

Curious. Has anyone ever tried requesting one of these deep sleeps purposely? I can see how it might be useful during certain periods of time, and I won't pretend that Christmas in a prison would not make the shortlist.

My other question is if anyone of importance has proceeded to leave or graduate in my absence. Do consider that qualifier.

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Comments

[impure_tale]

Welcome back, Lucius. I had rather worried you might fall asleep and then disappear.

[truemask]

Common pattern, is it?

[ Private, in case he displays distress. He doesn't outwardly, at the moment, unless you count the switch of filters. ]

How long was I asleep?

[Private]

[impure_tale]

A couple weeks. It is just shy of Mid-December.

[Private]

[truemask]

[ Oh. Eyebrow raise, short silence as he takes that in. It could probably be worse. ]

I might have preferred to wake in the new year, whatever that happens to be.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

I...had not celebrated Christmas, truly, for at least a decade before my passing. Having it rise up to meet me in such a strange manner as in this place was somewhat jarring at first, I will admit.

[Private]

[truemask]

I imagine you wouldn't have, no. It is traditionally a celebration one has with family.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Or if one counts themselves a member of the faithful.

...But I imagine my misgivings are not your own. You miss your wife and son.

[Private]

[truemask]

[ Visibly considers denying that or at least downplaying it to a shrug-worthy irk, but that would be stupid. ]

Astute of you. And yes, I recognise that I am equally detached from them dead or in Azkaban, so do spare me any lecture you have building.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

I wasn't preparing to lecture you, Lucius. I am very sorry that you have to feel homesick for them whilst in my care, but I also want to remind you that the work you do here will mean that you miss a Christmas with your family so that you may enjoy many more that you otherwise would have been denied.

[Private]

[truemask]

[ Some bridling at accusations of such sentiment, but what can one do. He listens, and looks vaguely unimpressed, but has no real argument. ]

Speaking of work, I trust the Barge's infrastructure has not entirely collapsed in the absence of completed chores.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Not at all. Maintain your shift in the kitchens; you can forget about the custodial work.

You've more than shown me you're willing to put forward the effort. [once you've kicked up enough of a fuss about it]

[Private]

[truemask]

Too kind, Marquis. [ Hesitates; totally was about to nag about ~magic~, but bites it back for whatever reason. ] An end in sight does make these tasks easier to tolerate.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Then you already have one over me, mon ami. You have something to return to.

[A beat]

And it's not Him.

[Private]

[truemask]

No.

[ The reminder almost has the effect of being tiring, Lucius glancing off somewhere else. ] No, not him. Which does not prevent him being there regardless.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

[That's somewhat encouraging]

Wars can't go on forever, Lucius.

[Private]

[truemask]

But I think you'll find that neither can I.