♕ 09 - Shrinking

[wishmadeinfire]

[In the lobby there is a child. A familiar child, perhaps to some, and to others a stranger. He's sitting in one of the singular chairs, back straight, feet dangling a bit above the floor. He's dressed in red shorts and a red tank that's cut to show his belly, but he has a white wrap that cuts across half his body in a sort of semi-toga, belted at

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[i_barnabas]

[Barnabas is just walking through the lobby, when he sees the child. He certainly looks like Ashura. He's sure Ashura would have mentioned a son. Perhaps, this is one of those temporary losses he's heard about?

Up to now he's been standing across the room, observing quietly. He approaches the boy and speaks hesitantly.]

Ashura?

[i_barnabas]

[Barnabas wishes for the tea and pour a cup of Ashura, setting the rest aside. Normally, he would have made it himself-he still doesn't entirely trust the magic of the castle-, but right now he's busy thinking of what to do with child!Ashura. He can't exactly let him wander around by himself, but he certainly wasn't the most capable or able babysitter.

He's just silently watching Ashura with an expression of weary anxiety.]

[wishmadeinfire]

[Ashura sits down and takes the cup, just right for his small hands (he's a bit on the small side for an eight-year-old given his race's slower rate of maturation). He sips the tea and looks up at Barnabas.]

So what now?

[i_barnabas]

[He was wondering the same thing. He sighs.]

Are you tired? You have your own room here. I can take you to it, if you wish. And I'll tell you where my room is in case you need anything.

[That still leaves the problem of tomorrow. He couldn't be out during the day. He wished he knew more of Ashura's friends. Perhaps he'd send something out over the journal later.]

...Do you know other people here? I'm afraid I'm not around much during the day. I won't be able to help you then.

[wishmadeinfire]

You're the only one I've seen here.

[He continues to eat the cookies, though at a more docile rate now, peering up at Barnabas with the childish faith in a grown-up all children possess.]

[i_barnabas]

[...Most of his dealings with children in the last century have been trying to keep cousin David out of his house and coffin room. The rest have been with his ghost!sister. He is so far out of his comfort zone now, it's not even funny. That look of faith is not helping. He sighs deeply.]

I'll see if I can't find someone to check in on you during the day.

[Then, he remembers what it's like to be an eight year old boy.]

Not that you'll need it, I'm sure.

[ooc: Is it okay if he sends out a little journal entry to Ashura's friends? 'Cause, he Gave His Word he would protect him and all. Not that he's concerned or anything, noooooope.]

[wishmadeinfire]

Where will you be? [Have a fierce little frown. It's fierce.]

[ooc: And yeah, that's fine xD]

[i_barnabas]

[Well, little!Ashura obviously didn't remember what he had told adult!Ashura. That's probably for the best. Resisting the urge to laugh at that fierce little frown.]

I will be indisposed.

[wishmadeinfire]

[Have a worried face and Little!Ashura scrambling over to you, cookies and tea forgotten.]

A-are you okay?!

[i_barnabas]

[Oh, wow. He wasn't expecting that. He thought that was rather a non-answer answer.]

I'm as fine as I ever am. It's rather a chronic condition.

[wishmadeinfire]

[Have a little boy hugging you.]

[i_barnabas]

[Awwww.]

Don't worry. I'm fine, really.

[wishmadeinfire]

You promise?!

[i_barnabas]

[Well, there was something he could honestly promise, barring any sunlight, stakes, or crosses.]

I promise. At the moment, I'm more concerned about you.

[wishmadeinfire]

[He held out his pinky finger.]

Pinky promise me!

[i_barnabas]

[...just roll with it Barnabas. He holds out his pinky, hoping the child will take the initiative.]

Pinky promise.