[ Before they'd known exactly how dire things were last month, Claire'd promised to be available in the Horizon for anyone who wanted to learn (or continue learning) the ins and outs of medical care. Whether it be human anatomy and learning how to treat minor wounds, herbal medicines, or honing surgical skills.
Lallybroch is open to everyone, as it was always meant to be. On the days people have specifically asked for lessons, she makes herself available. Other days, she sits outside drinking tea and reading, welcoming visitors. Everyone receives a friendly smile and her full attention, standing to greet them. ]
[ It doesn't take long after being home for the desire to roam to kick in. Normally it'd be the sort of restlessness he'd take for a stroll through Cadens or out into the deserts surrounding it, though given recent events: Claude's not all that eager to risk it. Not yet.
The Horizon, however, is a convenient way to solve some of that feeling. On this day in particular he's not inclined to stay within his own domain, and sets out on a familiar enough path he's wandered before with eyes roaming over familiar sights from those he knows. It's how he also spots a new structure he doesn't recognize, which is all his curiosity needs to approach. It resembles something from Fodlan though also not quite, but there's enough similarities to it tugging around the edges of his mind as he goes right ahead and invites himself onto the grounds by walking through the archway. Claude's still studying the building as he goes.
This is also how he misses that he's not alone until he glances to one side and sees a woman there who must be the owner of the space, or so he assumes. ]
Ah - [ He has the grace to look sheepish there for a second before waving a hand to encompass the building with a smile. ] I didn't recognize this as something I've seen before, and intrigue won me over. Hopefully you don't mind that I waltzed right on in here, though I'm taking the lack of anything to chase unwanted visitors back out as a good sign.
[ He's kidding. Hopefully. Just in case there are wards meant to prevent this. ]
[ Claire has made the space nice for outdoor sitting; an outdoor hearth keeps water going for tea, with comfortable lounge seating. Old-fashioned and a bit of new. ]
Please, Lallybroch is always open to anyone who needs it. Whether it’s for medical advice or tea. Both, if you like.
[ And she wouldn’t mind company either, as evidenced by her slight nod to come in further if he wants. ]
I'm Claire. In my world, this is home.
[ No need to focus on the fact that she never got there. Nor does she need to remember John’s words just now, that she’s living in the New World. She doesn’t know that version of herself yet, and she wants to be in the home she was meant to share with family. ]
I could go for tea if you don't mind. Whatever you're having is fine, unless you'd like a tea exchange?
[ Thank goodness for the creation magic within here which makes it easy enough to conjure up a couple pouches of loose tea from home as he walks forward with a nod in acceptance of her invitation. Doubly fortunate there's also the ability to swap out the kinds of tea at will based on what someone's tastes are, because - ]
There's a couple other Summoned I do that with in the name of sharing things from home, and I'll never say no to trying something new. And I'm Claude. It's nice to meet you.
[ He has questions about the medical advice mentioned since he's wondering if that's something he's missed, but Claude turns his gaze back to the building for a brief moment in acknowledgment of this being her home now residing in the Horizon amongst so many other well-loved places to those who made them. ]
It seems most of us end up creating something based upon what we've left behind in one way or another. I wandered over to yours because it's not exactly like what I know but it's quite similar. I don't suppose you've heard of Fodlan where you're from?
[ That his name is said with recognition gets Claude to pause, one eyebrow raised slightly as he's wondering how she's heard of him, but the answer certainly becomes clear enough at the mention of Hilda. It's not but a second later that his face breaks into a smile. ]
You were, were you? I suppose I have Hilda to thank for that.
[ Said with nothing but considerable fondness behind it - well, that and some appreciation for someone he hadn't known up until right now also being worried on his behalf. That's enough to turn away from the buildings for good for now since Claire's answer is intriguing. ]
Outdated in that it's older even where you're from? [ That's possibly the most confusing way to ask that even with how he's learned over time of the different placed fellow Summoned are from, so Claude shakes his head. ] I should add the reason I'm asking is because I've learned where I'm from seems like it's... some time behind others' worlds.
[ To say the least. That's something that can be addressed in a moment as tea's infinitely more important, and he offers forth what he'd conjured. ]
There's two kinds here. One's a pine needle blend I'll be the first is a bit of an acquired taste though it's one of my favorites, and the second is bergamot. It's a little more of a standard option.
[There is something that draws him into the Horizon. Every morning, every night, every time he can get away with it. The allure of visiting what people create is enough to keep him busy for days, weeks, months. Imagination and innovation are important to a man like himself - and he finds himself wandering between one world and the next, between one representation of the psyche to another.
The old English castle looms before him. Rustic, pleasant and foreboding all at the same time. He can both imagine a banker or businessman living there as well as a wealthy aristocrat from the old days. He keeps his distance from the woman he sees, reluctant to get close and engage until she stands and offers her full attention. The friendly smile doesn't hurt, either.
His eyes turn down to her tea and he tilts his head.]
As a born Brit, I must say that question hurts my soul. Loose leaf. The answer is always and only loose leaf.
[ Claire's laughing, though, all in good humor. ]
I did need to adjust when I lived in America. This is a black tea blend I've made myself.
[ Being able to get all she needs in the Horizon, it's easy. Lifting the jar she holds it out for him to take and smell if he'd like. ]
Pea flower, elderberry, hibiscus, blood orange, clove, and nutmeg. Could I make a cup for you? I have other blends as well if this doesn't interest you.
[Relief brightens his eyes; lips parting as his face relaxes. He is not the kind to laugh without reason but he can see the irony stirring this situation.]
Americans do plenty of things well. Tea is sadly not one of them.
[Fingers close gently around the jar. One deep breath and he inhales a floral scent, tinged with the sharpness of clove and nutmeg. He holds it back out, sharing not his disgust but his curiosity.]
I can do that just as easily. Please, make yourself comfortable. And I won't argue your point about Americans, I've seen for myself; Boston was home for some time.
[A hearth with a kettle kept warm is surrounded by comfortable furniture. She begins to prepare his tea, everything easily within reach. ]
I have shortbread if you happen to enjoy that as well. And milk and sugar if you prefer, for the tea.
[Crane approaches one of the single armchairs, seating himself with poise and grace. His hands together in his lap. Fingers slide together and clench gently. He looks relucant to accept more than what he is expected to be given.]
[ Even if Hilda hadn't had a reluctant, but blossoming, interest in trying to learn more about medicines, she still would have wandered from Garreg Mach over to Lallybroch. Besides it being quite literally a stone's throw away from her shared domain, she hadn't seen Claire since the proverbial calm before the storm in Nocwich. There had been so much chaos surrounding the return of the Summoned that she'd barely had a moment to check in with the woman before she had rushed off to ensure that her friends were being properly cared for.
There's no denying that the whole ordeal has been enough to kickstart an otherwise dormant necessity (as if war hadn't been enough of a reason?), but that doesn't mean she's any less anxious about starting on this endeavour. What if she's awful at it? Sure she knows how to tell a foot from a hand but that doesn't mean she knows the first thing about squishy, internal organs that make her queasy if she thinks too hard about them.
None of that shows however when she breezes into the courtyard that day rushing to give Claire a big hug. A Horizon hug, she's quickly learning, is the next best thing to being able to actually hug someone. ]
[ Claire's concern brings about an unexpected bubble of laughter in her chest along with a wave of appreciation. The fuss also makes the tips of her ears flush in embarrassment. ]
Of course I'm okay! Why wouldn't I be?
[ It's mostly the truth, and she's glad for the illusion that the Horizon brings. The various bruise, scratches and scrapes she's collected over the course of the last week are tactfully hidden under clothing and make up, but a part of her has a feeling that Claire would be able to sniff out her little white lie. Mother's had that uncanny ability. ]
Are you alright? I haven't seen you since we had to go back to our territories.
[ A burst of nervous laughter immediately flutters from her lips at the scolding, trying to remember when the last time she had scolded been. It must have been years at this point; her own parents did more doting than scolding.
As odd as it is to think, it feels kind of nice. ]
Both of them are safe, sound, and being headaches. [ She rolls her eyes jokingly. ] You'd never think that anything happened to either of them, although there was a close call towards the end there with the - [ The realization about what she almost revealed dawns on her. Immediately she swallows the word 'avalanche' and replaces it with something else. ] portal.
[ Since being in the Pit had made connecting to the Horizon so unstable, it's been a while since Sylvain's been able to spend any reliable time here. Even if several of his bandages have shown up with him, no matter how much he tries to imagine them gone. Which is a little annoying, but he's dealing with it.
He'd actually been leading Nova out into the pasture behind the stables when he realized he could see the towers of another stone structure that was definitely not part of the Monastery or Claude's domain, either.
Curious, he decides to investigate, and Nova needed the exercise anyway (probably? he doesn't want to think too hard about what a possibly imaginary horse actually needs and just stuck to old routines instead) so he ends up wandering over in that direction, leading the curious gelding who is still trying to poke his nose into everything on the way.
He's not expecting to find someone outside the large structure enjoying the morning with a book and some tea, and it has him coming to an uncertain stop, looking a little sheepish. ]
Oops. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you, I didn't realize anyone was here. [ ...Which actually sounded worse, once he says it out loud, causing him to wince. ]
[ He gets the same smile as everyone else, and she puts aside her book, rising. ]
No, by all means come in. I can show you to the stalls, if you’d like yours to make a friend?
[ Claire’s wedding gift from Jamie, a pure white mare to match his night black stallion. At least if she’s here on this star, she can do things to make herself feel at home. Even if her horse was lost long ago. ]
good because you gained a whole gang of new kids along with hilda >.>
[ If Claire ever gets to see the stables at Garreg Mach, she'll find a matching black stallion to match Nova, although considerably moodier. He'd needed different mounts with different training, when he was fighting as a dark knight or a paladin, his partner in those fights required for different purposes. Nova was solid and steady, startling at nothing and aiding in his role as a bulwark of protection for those around him. Erebus, however, had an attitude larger than he was and a temper more volatile than Sylvain's fire magic.
Sylvain just grins and reaches up with a bandaged hand to stroke the nose of the gelding walking at his side, who was already eyeing Claire with curiosity. ] I'm sure he'd enjoy that, if you don't mind? He's been cooped up too much while I was... away. [ Said with a grimace, because that was the most tactful way of summarizing the last few weeks. ] I didn't remember seeing this here, before, and I was curious who popped up close by.
[ With warmth in her eyes, Claire gathers her skirts and leads the way around the side of the house. ]
I don’t mind at all, Lady takes well to new friends.
[ And there she is, chewing oats happily, tail swishing languidly. ]
I wanted to be close to Hilda, she’s a good friend. Do you know her?
[ She assumes it’s possible, since he must have been from around someplace close to notice a new home. A small castle, at that. His remark doesn’t go unnoticed, and she assumes he was one of the taken. There’s no need to call attention to it and so she simply files it away as information. ]
[ The place really does remind him of something he'd find back home - in Faerghus specifically, even - which is a little odd to discover but nostalgic in its own way. He follows her around to the stables and lets Nova nose his way forward to investigate, even as he gives the mare an admiring glance. ]
Lady, huh? [ The horizon is handy, since he can just reach into a pocket for a treat and just pull one out, even if there hadn't been one there before. The mare is offered a sugar cube in greeting, and then Nova gets one by default when he headbutts Sylvain's shoulder in demand. ] She's gorgeous.
[ At the mention of Hilda, however, his head comes up and he glances over in Claire's direction with a blink of surprise and then a soft laugh. ]
Pretty well, actually. [ He chuckles to himself for a moment before letting Claire in on the joke, his lips curving into a crooked grin. ] We grew up together, sort of.
[ He jerks a thumb back over his shoulder to where the tall spires of the Monastery can be seen over the trees, even from here. ] We were both sent to the Monastery for schooling early in our teens and spent several years there together. There area few of us here - all in the Free Cities, fortunately for us - so you might get more curious people poking their noses in over here at times.
[Claire is expecting him, but Michael's appearances in the Horizon are as sudden as they are outside of it. There's his signature sound of heavy feathers beating the air and within the space of a blink, Michael is standing in the grass a few feet away, eyes on the worn stone walls with something like curiosity. The architecture's not exactly unfamiliar, but this style of building is a little antiquated from his point in time.
He turns to look at Claire.]
Is this where you're from, or somewhere you imagined?
[Some Summoned recreate places from home, and others put together entirely original creations. Michael himself lacks the creativity to do the latter, but he does like to know where those he's met fall.]
[ Claire knows now, what that sound is, and she knows he's arrived. What they're getting up to is around the back of the house instead of in Plainview so as not to scandalize the neighbors. ]
This is my husband's home, his father built it. We'd planned to live here together, once.
[ Her smile is small and a little sad, but she doesn't dwell on her emotions. ]
It makes me feel closer to him. Since you and I last spoke, someone from home has arrived, though not a person I'm very well acquainted with yet.
[ She's certainly not as intimately familiar, in any case. ]
[Evidently, they'd never had the opportunity. Michael thinks of the apartment Adam had sometimes mused on settling down in, the hundred or so middle of nowhere diners he'd wanted to visit, and all the little things that fell between. So many plans they'd made and never had time for.
(There was never any rush; they were meant to live forever.)
He feels a rare pang of sympathy for Claire. It's an underdeveloped skill of his, but he feels it most easily for those whose pain mirrors his own.]
I understand the sentiment. Heaven was built on pleasant memories.
[The Horizon allows its population greater freedoms than human souls ever had back home, but there's a familiar feeling to it nonetheless.
Michael takes a step closer, ready to follow Claire to wherever she set up for the day's lesson.]
Oh? Are they in Solvunn?
[There are one or two new faces in the Commune, from what he's noticed. Somehow he doubts she's talking about the shark.]
[Heaven was built on pleasant memories strikes her as beautiful, but she doesn't say so, keeping it to herself. She'll be thinking about that for a long while. ]
No, he's in Thorne, but we were able to meet briefly when I was helping in the square, in Nocwich.
[ Under a sheet is the shape of a body, laying on a table about the right height for an operating table. ]
His name is John Grey, and he's from nearly a decade in my future. He knows things, and I'm trying to decide if I want him to tell me.
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HORIZON
Lallybroch is open to everyone, as it was always meant to be. On the days people have specifically asked for lessons, she makes herself available. Other days, she sits outside drinking tea and reading, welcoming visitors. Everyone receives a friendly smile and her full attention, standing to greet them. ]
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The Horizon, however, is a convenient way to solve some of that feeling. On this day in particular he's not inclined to stay within his own domain, and sets out on a familiar enough path he's wandered before with eyes roaming over familiar sights from those he knows. It's how he also spots a new structure he doesn't recognize, which is all his curiosity needs to approach. It resembles something from Fodlan though also not quite, but there's enough similarities to it tugging around the edges of his mind as he goes right ahead and invites himself onto the grounds by walking through the archway. Claude's still studying the building as he goes.
This is also how he misses that he's not alone until he glances to one side and sees a woman there who must be the owner of the space, or so he assumes. ]
Ah - [ He has the grace to look sheepish there for a second before waving a hand to encompass the building with a smile. ] I didn't recognize this as something I've seen before, and intrigue won me over. Hopefully you don't mind that I waltzed right on in here, though I'm taking the lack of anything to chase unwanted visitors back out as a good sign.
[ He's kidding. Hopefully. Just in case there are wards meant to prevent this. ]
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Please, Lallybroch is always open to anyone who needs it. Whether it’s for medical advice or tea. Both, if you like.
[ And she wouldn’t mind company either, as evidenced by her slight nod to come in further if he wants. ]
I'm Claire. In my world, this is home.
[ No need to focus on the fact that she never got there. Nor does she need to remember John’s words just now, that she’s living in the New World. She doesn’t know that version of herself yet, and she wants to be in the home she was meant to share with family. ]
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[ Thank goodness for the creation magic within here which makes it easy enough to conjure up a couple pouches of loose tea from home as he walks forward with a nod in acceptance of her invitation. Doubly fortunate there's also the ability to swap out the kinds of tea at will based on what someone's tastes are, because - ]
There's a couple other Summoned I do that with in the name of sharing things from home, and I'll never say no to trying something new. And I'm Claude. It's nice to meet you.
[ He has questions about the medical advice mentioned since he's wondering if that's something he's missed, but Claude turns his gaze back to the building for a brief moment in acknowledgment of this being her home now residing in the Horizon amongst so many other well-loved places to those who made them. ]
It seems most of us end up creating something based upon what we've left behind in one way or another. I wandered over to yours because it's not exactly like what I know but it's quite similar. I don't suppose you've heard of Fodlan where you're from?
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[ His name is immediately familiar (never mind that there could be more than one) and Claire finds herself smiling brighter. ]
I'm Hilda's friend. I was quite worried about you. Come in further, please.
[ As he looks, she finally goes back to the tea. ]
I would love an exchange, I create my own blends here.
[ Claire begins going through her teas to try and guess what the young man might like. She does pause and glances up at his question. ]
No, I'm sorry. I'm from a planet called Earth. Though this sort of style is a bit outdated, mostly.
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You were, were you? I suppose I have Hilda to thank for that.
[ Said with nothing but considerable fondness behind it - well, that and some appreciation for someone he hadn't known up until right now also being worried on his behalf. That's enough to turn away from the buildings for good for now since Claire's answer is intriguing. ]
Outdated in that it's older even where you're from? [ That's possibly the most confusing way to ask that even with how he's learned over time of the different placed fellow Summoned are from, so Claude shakes his head. ] I should add the reason I'm asking is because I've learned where I'm from seems like it's... some time behind others' worlds.
[ To say the least. That's something that can be addressed in a moment as tea's infinitely more important, and he offers forth what he'd conjured. ]
There's two kinds here. One's a pine needle blend I'll be the first is a bit of an acquired taste though it's one of my favorites, and the second is bergamot. It's a little more of a standard option.
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some of my tags apparently wound up in an au inbox somewhere i'm sorry!
no worries at all!! also i'm so sorry about the unfinished sentence IDK I EVEN DID THERE
fkaljfdlf IT HAPPENS!
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a wrap up soon, perhaps?
absolutely, it's a wrap!
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The old English castle looms before him. Rustic, pleasant and foreboding all at the same time. He can both imagine a banker or businessman living there as well as a wealthy aristocrat from the old days. He keeps his distance from the woman he sees, reluctant to get close and engage until she stands and offers her full attention. The friendly smile doesn't hurt, either.
His eyes turn down to her tea and he tilts his head.]
Loose leaf or bag?
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[ Claire's laughing, though, all in good humor. ]
I did need to adjust when I lived in America. This is a black tea blend I've made myself.
[ Being able to get all she needs in the Horizon, it's easy. Lifting the jar she holds it out for him to take and smell if he'd like. ]
Pea flower, elderberry, hibiscus, blood orange, clove, and nutmeg. Could I make a cup for you? I have other blends as well if this doesn't interest you.
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Americans do plenty of things well. Tea is sadly not one of them.
[Fingers close gently around the jar. One deep breath and he inhales a floral scent, tinged with the sharpness of clove and nutmeg. He holds it back out, sharing not his disgust but his curiosity.]
I do enjoy a good darjeeling, it must be said.
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[ A hearth with a kettle kept warm is surrounded by comfortable furniture. She begins to prepare his tea, everything easily within reach. ]
I have shortbread if you happen to enjoy that as well. And milk and sugar if you prefer, for the tea.
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No, thank you. Tea is fine.
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There's no denying that the whole ordeal has been enough to kickstart an otherwise dormant necessity (as if war hadn't been enough of a reason?), but that doesn't mean she's any less anxious about starting on this endeavour. What if she's awful at it? Sure she knows how to tell a foot from a hand but that doesn't mean she knows the first thing about squishy, internal organs that make her queasy if she thinks too hard about them.
None of that shows however when she breezes into the courtyard that day rushing to give Claire a big hug. A Horizon hug, she's quickly learning, is the next best thing to being able to actually hug someone. ]
Claire! Lallybroch is really shaping up.
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[ Claire is so glad to see her and reaches out to wrap her up in the hug. Then, she pulls back, hands gently on Hilda’s shoulders. ]
Are you alright? Were you injured?
[ She can’t help herself and steps back, eyeing Hilda, looking for any visual damage. ]
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Of course I'm okay! Why wouldn't I be?
[ It's mostly the truth, and she's glad for the illusion that the Horizon brings. The various bruise, scratches and scrapes she's collected over the course of the last week are tactfully hidden under clothing and make up, but a part of her has a feeling that Claire would be able to sniff out her little white lie. Mother's had that uncanny ability. ]
Are you alright? I haven't seen you since we had to go back to our territories.
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[ Claire's gaze is firm yet somehow still gentle, only concerned. ]
I'm just fine, I wasn't the one stropping about in the danger. Your friends, you found them?
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As odd as it is to think, it feels kind of nice. ]
Both of them are safe, sound, and being headaches. [ She rolls her eyes jokingly. ] You'd never think that anything happened to either of them, although there was a close call towards the end there with the - [ The realization about what she almost revealed dawns on her. Immediately she swallows the word 'avalanche' and replaces it with something else. ] portal.
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when u go all caps u gotta check for typos i'm so mad lmao
i saw nothing
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fin!
sorry about the femblem descent on lallybroch >.>
He'd actually been leading Nova out into the pasture behind the stables when he realized he could see the towers of another stone structure that was definitely not part of the Monastery or Claude's domain, either.
Curious, he decides to investigate, and Nova needed the exercise anyway (probably? he doesn't want to think too hard about what a possibly imaginary horse actually needs and just stuck to old routines instead) so he ends up wandering over in that direction, leading the curious gelding who is still trying to poke his nose into everything on the way.
He's not expecting to find someone outside the large structure enjoying the morning with a book and some tea, and it has him coming to an uncertain stop, looking a little sheepish. ]
Oops. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you, I didn't realize anyone was here. [ ...Which actually sounded worse, once he says it out loud, causing him to wince. ]
SHHHH I love it
No, by all means come in. I can show you to the stalls, if you’d like yours to make a friend?
[ Claire’s wedding gift from Jamie, a pure white mare to match his night black stallion. At least if she’s here on this star, she can do things to make herself feel at home. Even if her horse was lost long ago. ]
good because you gained a whole gang of new kids along with hilda >.>
Sylvain just grins and reaches up with a bandaged hand to stroke the nose of the gelding walking at his side, who was already eyeing Claire with curiosity. ] I'm sure he'd enjoy that, if you don't mind? He's been cooped up too much while I was... away. [ Said with a grimace, because that was the most tactful way of summarizing the last few weeks. ] I didn't remember seeing this here, before, and I was curious who popped up close by.
Come, children 🥲
I don’t mind at all, Lady takes well to new friends.
[ And there she is, chewing oats happily, tail swishing languidly. ]
I wanted to be close to Hilda, she’s a good friend. Do you know her?
[ She assumes it’s possible, since he must have been from around someplace close to notice a new home. A small castle, at that. His remark doesn’t go unnoticed, and she assumes he was one of the taken. There’s no need to call attention to it and so she simply files it away as information. ]
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Lady, huh? [ The horizon is handy, since he can just reach into a pocket for a treat and just pull one out, even if there hadn't been one there before. The mare is offered a sugar cube in greeting, and then Nova gets one by default when he headbutts Sylvain's shoulder in demand. ] She's gorgeous.
[ At the mention of Hilda, however, his head comes up and he glances over in Claire's direction with a blink of surprise and then a soft laugh. ]
Pretty well, actually. [ He chuckles to himself for a moment before letting Claire in on the joke, his lips curving into a crooked grin. ] We grew up together, sort of.
[ He jerks a thumb back over his shoulder to where the tall spires of the Monastery can be seen over the trees, even from here. ] We were both sent to the Monastery for schooling early in our teens and spent several years there together. There area few of us here - all in the Free Cities, fortunately for us - so you might get more curious people poking their noses in over here at times.
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He turns to look at Claire.]
Is this where you're from, or somewhere you imagined?
[Some Summoned recreate places from home, and others put together entirely original creations. Michael himself lacks the creativity to do the latter, but he does like to know where those he's met fall.]
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This is my husband's home, his father built it. We'd planned to live here together, once.
[ Her smile is small and a little sad, but she doesn't dwell on her emotions. ]
It makes me feel closer to him. Since you and I last spoke, someone from home has arrived, though not a person I'm very well acquainted with yet.
[ She's certainly not as intimately familiar, in any case. ]
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(There was never any rush; they were meant to live forever.)
He feels a rare pang of sympathy for Claire. It's an underdeveloped skill of his, but he feels it most easily for those whose pain mirrors his own.]
I understand the sentiment. Heaven was built on pleasant memories.
[The Horizon allows its population greater freedoms than human souls ever had back home, but there's a familiar feeling to it nonetheless.
Michael takes a step closer, ready to follow Claire to wherever she set up for the day's lesson.]
Oh? Are they in Solvunn?
[There are one or two new faces in the Commune, from what he's noticed. Somehow he doubts she's talking about the shark.]
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No, he's in Thorne, but we were able to meet briefly when I was helping in the square, in Nocwich.
[ Under a sheet is the shape of a body, laying on a table about the right height for an operating table. ]
His name is John Grey, and he's from nearly a decade in my future. He knows things, and I'm trying to decide if I want him to tell me.
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