walking down the trousers of time

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen is standing by the fireplace, cloak in hand, half-turning to go out the back door and then turning back, scanning the crowd as if looking for something.

Or someone.

Liranan, too, is practically vibrating in place.

Taking cues from your person can be a difficult thing to bear, for a mabari.

He cannot make this better!

Comments

[howtoactfereldan]

That... tends to go in one ear and out the other, because this is --

He doesn't touch it. "Is this... some kind of -- magical equipment?"

The tablet. He means the tablet. It glows. And shows images. And responds to her touch.

[freedom_is_grey]

"No. Nothing like golems, either, thank the Maker. It is powered by something like lightning, but it's science and technology all the way. Some other worlds consider them indistinguishable, but -- "

Well.

"I can tell the difference, so."

[howtoactfereldan]

"...could I get one?"

It would be useful. Very useful.

[freedom_is_grey]

"Bar is very accommodating."

She grins, quick and bright.

"We can send Liranan down to fetch one for you now. I'll just pen a note -- "

Liranan perks up. He likes being helpful!

Does Ci want to come? He can show her how best to deliver messages to Bar! Then she can be helpful, too!

"There are a few other programs it's useful to have on one of these . . . "

Like processing text documents. And creating spreadsheets in which to organize data. Including budgetary data. And . . .

[howtoactfereldan]

Ci barks, circling Liranan; that's a definite yes.

Cullen, meanwhile, is trying to process this.

"You're saying... I can have a summary of everything in the stores? And put it all side by side, and keep track of changes over the year?"

Cullen's eyes are gleaming. Ysalwen has created a spreadsheet monster.

[freedom_is_grey]

"Yes! I don't take it back with me, really, because people will pay attention to the damnedest things, but you can print out the sheets! And bring them back that way."

She grins.

"Mistress Woolsey has become quite pleased with my bookkeeping of late. For instance."

The dogs, meanwhile, are going on an adventure! Liranan has Ysalwen's note held lightly in his teeth. It is the easiest way, as long as he does not drool!

[howtoactfereldan]

"I think I have a new project," Cullen says.

He does not steeple his fingers. He sounds like he really wants to.

"In addition to catching up on recent developments in siege engines."

[freedom_is_grey]

"Shall I leave you to it, then? Once Ci and Liranan get back, I mean. I've -- got half a thousand research projects in some stage of completion, so I can certainly get lost in the stacks for hours, myself."

A pause.

"Liranan will remind us to eat. If you were worried. About that."

[howtoactfereldan]

"...you could work here," Cullen says, gesturing to the table, smile suddenly crooked.

"I understand some people prefer quiet companionship."

[freedom_is_grey]

She lets out a quiet breath of laughter.

"I have heard that, yes. If it doesn't bother you to have me breathing in your space, I think I would quite like that."

A lot, even.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I think I might be able to put up with it," Cullen says, grave. "As my gift to you."

[freedom_is_grey]

"I'll endeavor to keep my coughing down to under twelve times an hour."

She is humbled in the face of such generosity. Clearly.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I appreciate it." Cullen stretches, grinning at her. "I, on the other hand, will make as much noise as I please."

[freedom_is_grey]

"If you must."

She puts on a very martyred expression. Or she tries. Kind of.

[howtoactfereldan]

He inquires, "Have you suddenly fallen ill? There appears to be something wrong with your face."

[freedom_is_grey]

"It might be the sign of a swoon."

She reaches up to pat said face, as if to make sure it is still attached.

"Or possibly the library plague. No, don't weep for me, save yourself."

[howtoactfereldan]

"With trebuchets." There's a gleam in his eye. "As you say."

[freedom_is_grey]

"I would say more, but the plague has taken hold. These, I am afraid, will be my last words."

Horrors!

"Make them immortal for me, will you?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Absolutely not. You'll have to have better last words than that."

[freedom_is_grey]

"I suppose I shall have to live, then. At least until I figure out something better to say."

Alas.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I have faith in you," he tells her earnestly. "Do keep me informed."

[freedom_is_grey]

"Liranan will keep Ci informed, and the reverse as well, I'm sure."

Tattled upon by mabari.

Oh, the shame.

[howtoactfereldan]

"She's too well trained," Cullen protests.

[freedom_is_grey]

Liranan lets out a loud whuff at that.

She's a baby!

Ysalwen covers her mouth with her hand.

Oh dear.

[howtoactfereldan]

She's an adolescent, Liranan.

Cullen sighs, loudly. "I suppose I'll just have to find some test subjects for my siege engines. I might have some in mind already."