By the fireside (open post)

[englishgent]

Feeling the need for a change of scenery, David has taken himself to one of the common rooms. He's lit the fire, and settled himself in front of the hearth. As always there are piles of books strewn around him, an ordered chaos to them that nobody would understand but himself. He's not reading them though, just staring into the flames looking a

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[colored_gowns]

At the sight of him, Arabella almost laughs. "Good day, sir."

[englishgent]

It takes him a few moments to be pulled from his own reverie, but when he does, he offers a polite smile. "Good day, my dear."

[colored_gowns]

This does win a laugh. "Not your dear, I am afraid, sir. Though with so many books strewn about, I did half-expect to see my husband in your place."

[englishgent]

He laughs lightly in return. "Just a polite turn of phrase, I assure you."

Her latter comment earns a curious look, "Oh is he a scholar?"

[cuddlemequeen]

Kalush comes in, holding the hand of a young girl at her side, and notices David at once, but not before Arianna does. She tugs free and runs over to David and taps his knee. "Why do you have so many books?" She demands.

[englishgent]

The sight of the small girl pulls him almost imediately from his thoughts, and he smiles, a wide and genuine smile.

"Why hello there," he chuckles. "Well I do like to read."

[cuddlemequeen]

Arianna beams. "I like books," she says. "Mama still has to read them to me, though. I wanna learn how to read by myself."

Kalush finds a chair and watches them with a smile, keeping quiet for the moment.

[englishgent]

He smiles at her happily. "Well I think that's very good that you want to read. All little girls should learn to read, don't you think? What sort of books do you like?"

[ebonyjaenelle72]

Jaenelle comes downstairs holding a book of her own and still wrapped firmly in a blanket, and sits down in a chair opposite David, looking preoccupied.

[englishgent]

He barely notices her at first. He's aware of her, of course, but for some time, doesn't look away from the flames. After a while though, he looks up, smiles politely and speaks softly.

"Good evening."

[ebonyjaenelle72]

She looks up, startled, and then smiles just as politely. "Good evening to you as well." She tilts her head at the piles of books. "Interesting reading?"

[englishgent]

"It should be, though I fear I lack my usual concentration. I may just put them away and sit a while, it would make quite the change for me."

[minaharker10_2]

*She would have just passed by and left him to his books, but he doesn't seem to be reading them. So she stops* Would you mind company?

[englishgent]

Hearing the voice, he turns his head and smiles a little, his voice soft. "Mina, how pleasant to see you. Of course not, please, sit."

[minaharker10_2]

*She does so, making her way around the books* How have you been, of late?

[englishgent]

"Well, thank you." He smiles, but it's a little tight. Truth be told he's had a lot on his mind lately, and he's feeling a little detached from himself.

"And yourself, Mina, how have you been?"

[witchof_endor]

Merrick is headed through on her way from the library, a large pile of books in her arms. But she can't help but stop when she sees David, and gives him a rather impish smile.

"Buried in books again, are you?"

[englishgent]

If any woman were likely to catch his attention more than any other, it would be Merrick, and now is no exception.

"Merrick, my dear." He smiles. "Aren't I always? Here, come sit with me."

[witchof_endor]

"So am I, for once." She sets her books down and moves to sit next to him. "You look preoccupied, David."

[englishgent]

"I'm glad to see it! What are you reading?"

He shakes his head a little, dismissively. "No, I'm all right, just thinking is all."