Mun considering picking things up again.

[bybell]

Taking the first step has always been the hardest.

Comments

[bellbound]

Especially when the destination is somewhere unpleasant. As I assume it is.

[bybell]

There are rather a lot of places to look through. [And they're all so strange.]

Not to mention putting in the work to get there, but that's a matter for her to work through - hopefully without getting caught up in worrying about doing to the point where nothing gets done.

[bellbound]

And what of your work? The Dead won't wait for you to return.

[bybell]

The Dead don't wait for anybody. There's still more work to be done to fix the damage done at the Wall.

I'll just have to do as much as I can before I'm called away, and try and get back to it quickly.

[bellbound]

I'll be sleeping, if you need me. Which I hope you won't.

[bybell]

I'll find you, if there's a need. But a lot of that depends on her, and not even the Clayr could predict the workings of someone's mind.

I'm sure that I couldn't get into too much trouble, even here.

[bellbound]

Does past experience tell you so? In my experience these writers cause nothing but trouble.

[bybell]

They can be persuaded to idle, that's one strategy that's worked before.

[But yes, the plots that get brought up are hardly ever pleasant.]

[bellbound]

It's either trouble or boredom. [He yawns. Such wonderful options.] Still, I am used to a life of such tribulations. You seem quite resigned. Or... are you looking forward to a time away from your duties?

[bybell]

It's not the first time this has happened.

[Being tugged in and out from her world is... annoying. But this time she at least has the knowledge of later events to call back on.

It can't be said that she's used to it, though she has come to terms with how little she influence she has on any final decisions that are made.]

I would, of course, much rather be home.

[bellbound]

A shame that so few of us get what we want, isn't it. Your beau will be distressed.

[bybell]

We just have to make the most of what time we do have.

[She hides a smile when she thinks of Touchstone. Traveling around the country after Kerrigor has been better with him by her side.]

I wouldn't want him to be caught in a similar situation.

[bellbound]

A great comfort to him, I'm sure. I'll tell him that when he realizes you're missing. See if it improves his temper.

[He's trying to needle her, as usual. Frankly he has no intention of risking Touchstone's temper being directed at him.]

[bybell]

And you'll be able to tell him that how?

[You're stuck here as well, Mogget. There was no way she could have forgotten that little fact.]

[bellbound]

Speaking usually does the trick. He'll come to Abhorsen's House sooner or later. [Which is where Mogget resides when he's not, y'know, here.]

[bybell]

[Maybe it is different for other creatures, she might not remember these spaces when she's home, and she'd assumed it would be the same for everything else.

She breathes out noisily through her nose, lips pressed into a thin line.]

You don't have to worry him unnecessarily.

[bellbound]

[He's just a touch amused.] Not unnecessarily, of course.

[bybell]

[She gives him a look of the extremely frustrated, she's not here to entertain him.]

Mogget.

[bellbound]

[Totally innocent over here.] I'm only looking out for you and your family, Abhorsen. As ever, your loyal servant.

[bybell]

Your definition of 'looking out for' is oftentimes very odd.

[She's putting it nicely. It's downright infuriating.]

[bellbound]

And yet it has saved your life on more than one occasion. What would you suggest?

[bybell]

I doubt that anything I could say would have any effect, I'll save my breath.

[She shakes her head. Mogget's not contrary, at least.]

So I assume that you're not in any of the games?

[bellbound]

Correct.

[bybell]

That does make things a little simpler. [Though it would explain the boredom.]

There are still a lot of choices regarding what one could do here, without a formal play area. And my mun finds it easier that way.

[bellbound]

Yes, mine has thankfully given up the habit of trapping me in elaborate game pens. She finds her play elsewhere.