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[ sam watches her during that moment of quiet, wondering if he's either struck a nerve or perhaps stumbled across something she hadn't planned on bringing up. or, what turns out to be more true, brought up something that had been on her mind. when she speaks, sam nods in that way that says he does understand, probably a little too well. ]
No, I know what you mean. It's hopeful thinking to believe this could be over, especially when you're talking about something like a cult. Ideas, whether good or bad, tend to spread the more attention they get - and they got our attention. [ there's a beat there before sam shifts, sitting up and looking at her with a little more of a furrowed brow and a little less of that easy smile. ]
You were one of the ones in her house? If it's alright, can I ask what kind of things you found? [ he knows it's a complicated situation, and there is a feeling to his request that if she said no, he would absolutely respect that too. but...god, he's so curious. and if there's something there that might help them clue into if it does happen again...
and then there's that, that almost quiet i feel lost some days, here, and sam's expression softens. ] It's hard, really hard. I've been here for...two years now? And I've had stretches where it's hard to remember why to get up and keep trying each day. Especially when this sort of thing happens.
No, I know what you mean. It's hopeful thinking to believe this could be over, especially when you're talking about something like a cult. Ideas, whether good or bad, tend to spread the more attention they get - and they got our attention. [ there's a beat there before sam shifts, sitting up and looking at her with a little more of a furrowed brow and a little less of that easy smile. ]
You were one of the ones in her house? If it's alright, can I ask what kind of things you found? [ he knows it's a complicated situation, and there is a feeling to his request that if she said no, he would absolutely respect that too. but...god, he's so curious. and if there's something there that might help them clue into if it does happen again...
and then there's that, that almost quiet i feel lost some days, here, and sam's expression softens. ] It's hard, really hard. I've been here for...two years now? And I've had stretches where it's hard to remember why to get up and keep trying each day. Especially when this sort of thing happens.
There's nothing to keep secret about what we found, as far as I know. And Jocelyn isn't exactly in a position to protest anymore.
[ Claire's lips press into a thin line at that, still unsure of her own feelings about everything that happened in the aftermath. Still, she presses forward. ] There was a severed finger in a jar, for one. A door locked with what I assume to be blood magic, and more blood stored in a cabinet. I thought it might be her own at first, but now I think otherwise. There was some sort of root in a preservative, and a jar filled with what appeared to be human molars.
[ All in all, it was a great time at Jocelyn's. Taking a sip of lemonade after her soft confession, she nearly chokes on it when he mentions how long he's been here. It's the longest she's heard so far, and she swallows heavily, wincing when it hurts. ]
Two years, truly?
[ She knows he's telling the truth, it was a knee jerk question, and she closes her mouth, blinking quickly. ]
Sorry, it's only—that's about a year longer than the average time frame I've heard from some others. I thought if I could count in days, rather than multiple years, it would be easier to get through being separated from my family.
[ Claire has to look out at the view, grateful to Sam that it's gorgeous, and feels time running away from her again. She isn't young anymore, she can't afford to lose any more of it. When she turns back to him, her eyes are suspiciously glossy. ]
Why do you? Here, I mean, what is it about here that keeps you so kind?
[ Claire is kind, but she's so angry at time. Time, Abraxas, whoever or whatever has pulled and is keeping her here. She's done a good job of not showing it, writing it out in letters to Jamie instead, but she doesn't sleep well, and she makes her days so busy that there's no time to think. ]
[ Claire's lips press into a thin line at that, still unsure of her own feelings about everything that happened in the aftermath. Still, she presses forward. ] There was a severed finger in a jar, for one. A door locked with what I assume to be blood magic, and more blood stored in a cabinet. I thought it might be her own at first, but now I think otherwise. There was some sort of root in a preservative, and a jar filled with what appeared to be human molars.
[ All in all, it was a great time at Jocelyn's. Taking a sip of lemonade after her soft confession, she nearly chokes on it when he mentions how long he's been here. It's the longest she's heard so far, and she swallows heavily, wincing when it hurts. ]
Two years, truly?
[ She knows he's telling the truth, it was a knee jerk question, and she closes her mouth, blinking quickly. ]
Sorry, it's only—that's about a year longer than the average time frame I've heard from some others. I thought if I could count in days, rather than multiple years, it would be easier to get through being separated from my family.
[ Claire has to look out at the view, grateful to Sam that it's gorgeous, and feels time running away from her again. She isn't young anymore, she can't afford to lose any more of it. When she turns back to him, her eyes are suspiciously glossy. ]
Why do you? Here, I mean, what is it about here that keeps you so kind?
[ Claire is kind, but she's so angry at time. Time, Abraxas, whoever or whatever has pulled and is keeping her here. She's done a good job of not showing it, writing it out in letters to Jamie instead, but she doesn't sleep well, and she makes her days so busy that there's no time to think. ]
After everything they had all gone through as of late, Hilda knew that being late was a habit she'd have to break at some point save it trigger anyone. But she had never been a full half hour late somewhere. At least not yet. And if she had, it certainly wouldn't be Claire waiting for her.
She looks nothing but relieved and delighted when Claire absolves her of her sin and then follows up with saying that she had already done the ordering for them. If the display on the table is any indication along with the fragrant smell of fruits wafting from the steeping tea, Claire had definitely done a good job. "I think you do. I'm so flattered!"
Being late means that the least she can do is go ahead and serve the tea. As she's pouring some into Claire's cup she looks curiously at her. "How have you been since we last spoke? Any familiar faces pop up in Solvunn yet?"
She looks nothing but relieved and delighted when Claire absolves her of her sin and then follows up with saying that she had already done the ordering for them. If the display on the table is any indication along with the fragrant smell of fruits wafting from the steeping tea, Claire had definitely done a good job. "I think you do. I'm so flattered!"
Being late means that the least she can do is go ahead and serve the tea. As she's pouring some into Claire's cup she looks curiously at her. "How have you been since we last spoke? Any familiar faces pop up in Solvunn yet?"
[ as if matching the thought, when claire presses her lips into a thin line, sam's jaw clenches. he is a bit more sure of what it is he feels about all of this, but he also knows that his frustration isn't any good in this moment. instead, he redirects his attention to the list she shares with him, a severed finger and blood, roots and human molars. sam swallows, a kind of jesus christ whispered under his breath as he sits back in his chair.
this is just...so far out of his understanding. wanda would know so much more about it, and maybe stephen too. he puts a pin in that to ask them later, his eyes glancing back to her and the tension of that information easing out at her near-choking and question. he laughs, nods. ]
Give or take a couple of weeks, but yeah- just about. [ he's not at all surprised by her shock, other than himeka he's pretty sure wanda is one of the longest standing summoned and even she came relatively late to the game. he tries to hold onto that sort of ease to his tone even as he watches the realization of how long that is settle in to her. it's not a good piece of trivia, to be fair. certainly not for those who are trying to find their way home, so sam lets claire have a moment or two to herself. ]
I'm sorry I don't have better news. [ he offers first, because he knows what it means to miss your family. to be so far removed from them you don't even know when you'll see them again, if ever. sam's done this before, which is the only reason he's got his feet under him now, but...
her question still him for a moment, because that's...really what's at the heart of it. why do you? why does he keep trying? what keeps him moving? he lets out a breath, giving her a small smile. ] That's a hell of a question, you know? [ but in the next second he appears to be really considering it, needing a moment, and then another, before he seems to settle where he's seated. ]
I don't know about your world, but back home, things weren't always great. Hell- they usually weren't, and starting when I was young, I kinda threw myself right into them. Wanted to change the world and all that. [ there's a slight almost hesitation in sam, there; like he can still hear his sister berating him, arguing with him. he shakes his head. ] For a while I got really angry because things weren't changing fast enough, or at all in a lot of ways. For a long time, that's all it did - it made me angry- that no matter what you did, or how hard you worked, it never seemed to be enough. I didn't like taking orders, I didn't like the red tape, and I don't know. It put me into a rough place. [ he gives claire an apologetic smile, like he realizes how much he's talking and he feels bad. but even then, he does continue. ] I stopped trying for a little while, but - surprise surprise - that didn't help either. And it was around that time I found some people - my people, I guess - who reminded me why it was worth trying in the first place.
I guess what I'm trying to say is- I'm still angry from time to time, and lord knows I'll jump into a fight if I need to, but I realized somewhere along the way that we've had centuries where people have been trying to fix things with force, and anger, and power grabs. And sometimes it works, for a little while. But the only thing that I've seen actually work, and really stick, is being kind.
[ there's a pause, and then sam laughs; reaching for his lemonade and taking a long sip. ]
That's a really long winded way of saying my Ma beat kindness into me when I was real young, but hey- it stuck.
this is just...so far out of his understanding. wanda would know so much more about it, and maybe stephen too. he puts a pin in that to ask them later, his eyes glancing back to her and the tension of that information easing out at her near-choking and question. he laughs, nods. ]
Give or take a couple of weeks, but yeah- just about. [ he's not at all surprised by her shock, other than himeka he's pretty sure wanda is one of the longest standing summoned and even she came relatively late to the game. he tries to hold onto that sort of ease to his tone even as he watches the realization of how long that is settle in to her. it's not a good piece of trivia, to be fair. certainly not for those who are trying to find their way home, so sam lets claire have a moment or two to herself. ]
I'm sorry I don't have better news. [ he offers first, because he knows what it means to miss your family. to be so far removed from them you don't even know when you'll see them again, if ever. sam's done this before, which is the only reason he's got his feet under him now, but...
her question still him for a moment, because that's...really what's at the heart of it. why do you? why does he keep trying? what keeps him moving? he lets out a breath, giving her a small smile. ] That's a hell of a question, you know? [ but in the next second he appears to be really considering it, needing a moment, and then another, before he seems to settle where he's seated. ]
I don't know about your world, but back home, things weren't always great. Hell- they usually weren't, and starting when I was young, I kinda threw myself right into them. Wanted to change the world and all that. [ there's a slight almost hesitation in sam, there; like he can still hear his sister berating him, arguing with him. he shakes his head. ] For a while I got really angry because things weren't changing fast enough, or at all in a lot of ways. For a long time, that's all it did - it made me angry- that no matter what you did, or how hard you worked, it never seemed to be enough. I didn't like taking orders, I didn't like the red tape, and I don't know. It put me into a rough place. [ he gives claire an apologetic smile, like he realizes how much he's talking and he feels bad. but even then, he does continue. ] I stopped trying for a little while, but - surprise surprise - that didn't help either. And it was around that time I found some people - my people, I guess - who reminded me why it was worth trying in the first place.
I guess what I'm trying to say is- I'm still angry from time to time, and lord knows I'll jump into a fight if I need to, but I realized somewhere along the way that we've had centuries where people have been trying to fix things with force, and anger, and power grabs. And sometimes it works, for a little while. But the only thing that I've seen actually work, and really stick, is being kind.
[ there's a pause, and then sam laughs; reaching for his lemonade and taking a long sip. ]
That's a really long winded way of saying my Ma beat kindness into me when I was real young, but hey- it stuck.
Claire's smile is warm, and she seems to be old enough to be his mother, which isn't a surprise. There are plenty of people who appear to look younger than her—though she's learning that isn't always the case.
"Well, I do try to make it easy by doing away with formalities. Who needs that in a place like this? It's nice to meet you, Jon."
Taking a sip of her whisky she studies his face, and then, well. A doctor's gonna doctor.
"Have you been quite alright? It's a shame with the factions we aren't able to check on one another more often." There's the Horizon of course, but it isn't the same as being able to stop in on someone who may need it. "Everything with those returning was happening so quickly for days, and then it all simply...stopped, and before I knew it, I was shuffled back to Solvunn." Without getting to check on everyone she wanted, regardless of knowing them personally.
"Well, I do try to make it easy by doing away with formalities. Who needs that in a place like this? It's nice to meet you, Jon."
Taking a sip of her whisky she studies his face, and then, well. A doctor's gonna doctor.
"Have you been quite alright? It's a shame with the factions we aren't able to check on one another more often." There's the Horizon of course, but it isn't the same as being able to stop in on someone who may need it. "Everything with those returning was happening so quickly for days, and then it all simply...stopped, and before I knew it, I was shuffled back to Solvunn." Without getting to check on everyone she wanted, regardless of knowing them personally.
[ Claire's smile is warm, and gestures to the seating around the outdoor hearth in an invitation to sit. Pouring tea for both of them, she can't help but look up at the house. Is this your home?
It should have been. ]
I lived here for a time with my husband, when we were both terribly young. It was supposed to be ours, but—[ Claire clears her throat, amazed after all this time that it's still so impactful to her. Lallybroch was where they were supposed to take Faith, it was where Bree should have been raised. ]—war intervened.
[ When she hands over the tea, Claire tries to rearrange her face into something not sad because she isn't. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. ]
It was a long time ago now, and it isn't as if the house is no longer in the family. His sister lives there with her husband and children.
[ That's enough to make her smile again, even if it's still on the smaller side. ]
It should have been. ]
I lived here for a time with my husband, when we were both terribly young. It was supposed to be ours, but—[ Claire clears her throat, amazed after all this time that it's still so impactful to her. Lallybroch was where they were supposed to take Faith, it was where Bree should have been raised. ]—war intervened.
[ When she hands over the tea, Claire tries to rearrange her face into something not sad because she isn't. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. ]
It was a long time ago now, and it isn't as if the house is no longer in the family. His sister lives there with her husband and children.
[ That's enough to make her smile again, even if it's still on the smaller side. ]
"Good," Claire says, happy that the tea is correct. How she's been, makes her face change into something a little different; confused, unsure, maybe a bit of apprehension.
"I've been alright, I finished making bee houses for fresh honey. Of course, it will take a few months to see any, but it's in progress." Now the real news. "And actually, yes. Someone from home did arrive. He's in Thorne, Lord John Grey, though I think he prefers less formality these days." Of course, she doesn't really know.
"He's from ten years in my future. I hardly know him and he apparently knows me quite well. Very well." She shifts in her seat, distracting herself by checking the tea.
"I've been alright, I finished making bee houses for fresh honey. Of course, it will take a few months to see any, but it's in progress." Now the real news. "And actually, yes. Someone from home did arrive. He's in Thorne, Lord John Grey, though I think he prefers less formality these days." Of course, she doesn't really know.
"He's from ten years in my future. I hardly know him and he apparently knows me quite well. Very well." She shifts in her seat, distracting herself by checking the tea.
Hilda is no mind reader, nor does she have any ability to sense any kind of emotion. After spending enough time around Claire however, she'd like to think that she could at least tell when someone was feeling a little less than enthused about someone's arrival from their home world.
Instead of unpacking that particular topic right now however, Hilda gives the woman a little grin as begins serving her some of the dainty little sandwiches onto her plate. "Is there anything you can't do? I'd love to try some of the honey once they do make some! Just a tiny bit though, I wouldn't want to take anything away from the other people in Solvunn."
When the sandwiches are divided, she finally turns to the other topic she had given some time to breathe. "And as for your...acquaintance? I'm guessing him knowing you well isn't a good thing from the way you're reacting." She can't jump to conclusions that he's done something awful to Claire even though that happens to the scenario she had so dumbly walked into with Blake and Dr. Crane. Besides, it didn't look like Claire was afraid or upset in that sense.
Instead of unpacking that particular topic right now however, Hilda gives the woman a little grin as begins serving her some of the dainty little sandwiches onto her plate. "Is there anything you can't do? I'd love to try some of the honey once they do make some! Just a tiny bit though, I wouldn't want to take anything away from the other people in Solvunn."
When the sandwiches are divided, she finally turns to the other topic she had given some time to breathe. "And as for your...acquaintance? I'm guessing him knowing you well isn't a good thing from the way you're reacting." She can't jump to conclusions that he's done something awful to Claire even though that happens to the scenario she had so dumbly walked into with Blake and Dr. Crane. Besides, it didn't look like Claire was afraid or upset in that sense.
Edited 2023-06-05 05:10 (UTC)
[ Galadriel's expression, one of calm neutrality, adopts a note of clear understanding, one tinged with sadness, when Claire shares the truth of what had occurred to interfere with her ability to reside here permanently. ]
It is an event I know all too well.
[ For the elves would have lived out their existence peacefully, in Valinor, had war not come to their lands as well, leading to the destruction of the Two Trees and the beginning of what would come to be centuries of battle between elvenkind and the forces of darkness. ]
But it is good, also, that there are those who will see it kept safe in your stead. To protect it. And then perhaps one day your descendants will be able to return.
It is an event I know all too well.
[ For the elves would have lived out their existence peacefully, in Valinor, had war not come to their lands as well, leading to the destruction of the Two Trees and the beginning of what would come to be centuries of battle between elvenkind and the forces of darkness. ]
But it is good, also, that there are those who will see it kept safe in your stead. To protect it. And then perhaps one day your descendants will be able to return.
[ It's probably an unfair question, putting Sam on the spot, but she gives him a small and apologetic smile, letting him continue without interruption. The longer he goes on, the more she relates. Not necessarily about wanting to change the world; she only wanted to change a small part of it, and she most certainly didn't. And then she lost all of the people she'd found and loved, hollowing her out for such a long time. She doesn't want to feel that way again. It's why she forced herself out of bed in the early days of arriving in Solvunn. ]
I could hug you. [ Claire says that first, to establish that everything he's said has hit home. But now she has to think about his words and decide how much to share. Not because it's secret, and not because she fears she'll be judged, but because it's convoluted. Finally, she lets out a soft breath and fills the comfortable quiet between them. ]
Your mother sounds like a wise woman, and I have a very good feeling that she'd be quite proud of you if she could see you here.
[ Claire would be. She is. ]
You aren't wrong, either, about the state of the world. I've lived through two world wars and served in one. Then there was Korea and Vietnam. [ It gets exhausting, the fact that there has always been and likely will always be, another war brewing at any given moment. ] I suppose I couldn't get enough and even traveled back in time two-hundred years to try and change the results of the final battle during war in Scotland. And now I'm here, in the middle of another skirmish that seems tense, even with Jocelyn out of the picture.
[ After finishing her lemonade to about halfway, she wipes her hands together, the condensation cool on her palms. ]
I arrived here after being separated from my husband for twenty years. We'd only just reunited, and so it's been a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. I do seem to have found my people here, though.
[ She glances up at Sam, giving him a warm smile. ]
I could hug you. [ Claire says that first, to establish that everything he's said has hit home. But now she has to think about his words and decide how much to share. Not because it's secret, and not because she fears she'll be judged, but because it's convoluted. Finally, she lets out a soft breath and fills the comfortable quiet between them. ]
Your mother sounds like a wise woman, and I have a very good feeling that she'd be quite proud of you if she could see you here.
[ Claire would be. She is. ]
You aren't wrong, either, about the state of the world. I've lived through two world wars and served in one. Then there was Korea and Vietnam. [ It gets exhausting, the fact that there has always been and likely will always be, another war brewing at any given moment. ] I suppose I couldn't get enough and even traveled back in time two-hundred years to try and change the results of the final battle during war in Scotland. And now I'm here, in the middle of another skirmish that seems tense, even with Jocelyn out of the picture.
[ After finishing her lemonade to about halfway, she wipes her hands together, the condensation cool on her palms. ]
I arrived here after being separated from my husband for twenty years. We'd only just reunited, and so it's been a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. I do seem to have found my people here, though.
[ She glances up at Sam, giving him a warm smile. ]
[ There's something like a direct hit to Claire's heart, and she falters for a second. It isn't anything Galadriel could have known, of course, but she isn't sure who the house belongs to anymore. Wetting her lips, her throat clears before speaking again. ]
Unfortunately, I know the future. I've been to the house hundreds of years in its future. Still standing, but the light has gone out of it. Everyone who lived here once is a ghost now.
[ Although she doesn't like to think of them as haunts very much. ]
I'm not sure I'll ever see it again, outside of here and now, honestly. All the better to appreciate whatever magic or science this is.
[ With that, she takes another sip of her tea and looks over at the other woman. ]
I'm sorry that you know that any facet of that particular pain.
Unfortunately, I know the future. I've been to the house hundreds of years in its future. Still standing, but the light has gone out of it. Everyone who lived here once is a ghost now.
[ Although she doesn't like to think of them as haunts very much. ]
I'm not sure I'll ever see it again, outside of here and now, honestly. All the better to appreciate whatever magic or science this is.
[ With that, she takes another sip of her tea and looks over at the other woman. ]
I'm sorry that you know that any facet of that particular pain.
"There's plenty I'm rubbish at. I'm sure something will come up at some point. And don't worry, once the bees really start going, we'll be overflowing with honey. We'll have plenty for you." Claire smiles at Hilda's consideration though, always impressed by her.
After a pause while gathering her thoughts, she finally admits how she feels aloud. "I don't enjoy the fact that someone now knows more about my life than I do. That isn't really all, though."
Holding a small sandwich, she stares at it as if what she's trying to say will appear like a prompt.
"He's very...familiar with me."
After a pause while gathering her thoughts, she finally admits how she feels aloud. "I don't enjoy the fact that someone now knows more about my life than I do. That isn't really all, though."
Holding a small sandwich, she stares at it as if what she's trying to say will appear like a prompt.
"He's very...familiar with me."
If this were a cartoon, there would be a distinct ticking sound as Hilda's brain processes what Claire actually means by "familiar". Thankfully, she's quick on the uptake on these sorts of things and the minute the realization hits her (this is where the 'ding!' would go), she's tries her best to arrange her expression in something that hopefully wouldn't offend Claire. How successful that is is unfortunately anyone's guess.
Thankfully Hilda has a moment to herself as Claire stares intently into the depths of her sandwich. When Claire eventually looks up her expression has probably settled into something of a grimace and Hilda lets out a long, exhaled breath. "Ohhh, I get it. He knows you like that." At least that's what she thinks Claire is saying.
"But this isn't one of your husbands, is it?" she asks. Surely not. Although, having multiple marriages over the course of a lifetime wasn't exactly uncommon where Hilda was from.
Thankfully Hilda has a moment to herself as Claire stares intently into the depths of her sandwich. When Claire eventually looks up her expression has probably settled into something of a grimace and Hilda lets out a long, exhaled breath. "Ohhh, I get it. He knows you like that." At least that's what she thinks Claire is saying.
"But this isn't one of your husbands, is it?" she asks. Surely not. Although, having multiple marriages over the course of a lifetime wasn't exactly uncommon where Hilda was from.
[ It hasn't happened just yet, that Claire has stumbled across a Horizon domain that reminds her of Boston. If she squints, the exterior has touches of French townhouses as well, but that isn't something she lets herself dwell on.
With no clue who might be there, her curiosity gets the best of her and she makes her way up the steps, lightly rapping on the door. She's no clue what she'll say once it opens, so when it does, they're met with a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look from her. The best option, Claire decides, is to simply go with the truth. ]
I'm sorry, I was admiring the outside and I suppose I felt someone should know it reminded me a bit of home. The architecture is gorgeous, truly.
With no clue who might be there, her curiosity gets the best of her and she makes her way up the steps, lightly rapping on the door. She's no clue what she'll say once it opens, so when it does, they're met with a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look from her. The best option, Claire decides, is to simply go with the truth. ]
I'm sorry, I was admiring the outside and I suppose I felt someone should know it reminded me a bit of home. The architecture is gorgeous, truly.
"I think so. At least, it seems so." That he knows her like that. Claire's forehead is a bit pinched together, and she shakes her head slowly.
"No, no he isn't. But if something happened to Jamie in the future—" Pressing her lips together, she stops that thought. "When I went back to my time, Jamie and Lord John spent quite a lot of time together. More time than I've had with Jamie our entire marriage."
She looks at her sandwich again, sad about that, she idly tears off a piece of bread.
"He calls me 'dear' which I don't mind. 'My dear' specifically is what he says. Do you think that's more meaningful and endearing or simply casually familiar?"
"No, no he isn't. But if something happened to Jamie in the future—" Pressing her lips together, she stops that thought. "When I went back to my time, Jamie and Lord John spent quite a lot of time together. More time than I've had with Jamie our entire marriage."
She looks at her sandwich again, sad about that, she idly tears off a piece of bread.
"He calls me 'dear' which I don't mind. 'My dear' specifically is what he says. Do you think that's more meaningful and endearing or simply casually familiar?"
[ While Steve has already returned to Nocwich since his time here in recovery, it's still difficult not to think of that time whenever he's here. At least now he doesn't need to be cooped up in the inn and fussed over by the (kind, well-meaning) nurses.
Despite the association, he still comes here when given the chance, always eager for an opportunity for some cross-faction interaction. In this case he isn't set to meet up with anyone in particular, though, and is merely enjoying what Oleuni Square has to offer.
Steve is more of a coffee guy than a tea guy, but tea is what this little cafe has on offer and he decides to grab a cup to nurse while he wanders. They obviously don't have to-go cups here, this isn't a Starbucks, but the werewolf running the shop says that it's fine so long as he promises to return the ceramic cup when he's done.
He promises that he will (and it's genuine), and then turns on his heel to get a move on — right when a woman speaks up from the table where she's sitting to issue a warning. ]
Oh. Right, thanks. [ It's not like a super-soldier is immune to losing his footing and falling onto his face, which would be disastrous when he has a cup of steaming hot tea in hand. ] ...Are you, uhh, speaking from experience? [ It's not that he means to call her out or anything; his expression is concerned, not teasing. If she hurt herself, maybe he could help. ]
Despite the association, he still comes here when given the chance, always eager for an opportunity for some cross-faction interaction. In this case he isn't set to meet up with anyone in particular, though, and is merely enjoying what Oleuni Square has to offer.
Steve is more of a coffee guy than a tea guy, but tea is what this little cafe has on offer and he decides to grab a cup to nurse while he wanders. They obviously don't have to-go cups here, this isn't a Starbucks, but the werewolf running the shop says that it's fine so long as he promises to return the ceramic cup when he's done.
He promises that he will (and it's genuine), and then turns on his heel to get a move on — right when a woman speaks up from the table where she's sitting to issue a warning. ]
Oh. Right, thanks. [ It's not like a super-soldier is immune to losing his footing and falling onto his face, which would be disastrous when he has a cup of steaming hot tea in hand. ] ...Are you, uhh, speaking from experience? [ It's not that he means to call her out or anything; his expression is concerned, not teasing. If she hurt herself, maybe he could help. ]
[ Claire presses her lips together good-naturedly. ]
I've no clue what you're talking about. [ And yet she can't help but smile, the corners of her eyes wrinkling a bit. ] No one would call me graceful, but I'm not a complete disaster. Well, not yet in any case. I've made it my mission today to keep as many others as possible from suffering the same embarrassment.
[ She isn't, really, although she was embarrassed. still, she seems to have a sense of humor about it. ]
Although, I suppose I should find someone who can actually fix the problem. What do you think, is there someone with magic who could take care of it?
[ She idly wonders if it's something Wanda could take care of, but surely there are others. ]
I've no clue what you're talking about. [ And yet she can't help but smile, the corners of her eyes wrinkling a bit. ] No one would call me graceful, but I'm not a complete disaster. Well, not yet in any case. I've made it my mission today to keep as many others as possible from suffering the same embarrassment.
[ She isn't, really, although she was embarrassed. still, she seems to have a sense of humor about it. ]
Although, I suppose I should find someone who can actually fix the problem. What do you think, is there someone with magic who could take care of it?
[ She idly wonders if it's something Wanda could take care of, but surely there are others. ]
The mention of something happening to Jamie immediately has Hilda worrying too. Even though Claire's quick to put a stop to the thought herself, that doesn't stop Hilda to reach reach across the table to lightly touch her wrist in support all the same. Perhaps it's needed, especially when Claire continues and the sad expression fills her face.
In the short time that she's seen her, Hilda only ever recalled seeing a look of fond love on Claire's face when it came to speaking about Jamie. She can only assume that the cause is because of the time that John had spent with Jamie instead of her. It sounds like an echo of her situation with Claude - except Jamie and Claire were actually married. She and Claude weren't anything.
The thought makes Hilda's heart clenches and she quickly brushes it aside to focus on Claire. There's a moment of hesitation at Claire's question, because she isn't certain she's asking for her opinion. After a moment though she hazards a guess that she is when there isn't another follow-up thought. "It's tough to say without knowing him that well," she starts, " But have you maybe thought to...ask him?"
Well aware about the irony of her suggesting that isn't lost on Hilda - but because of that she knows that it' something that was far easier said than done.
In the short time that she's seen her, Hilda only ever recalled seeing a look of fond love on Claire's face when it came to speaking about Jamie. She can only assume that the cause is because of the time that John had spent with Jamie instead of her. It sounds like an echo of her situation with Claude - except Jamie and Claire were actually married. She and Claude weren't anything.
The thought makes Hilda's heart clenches and she quickly brushes it aside to focus on Claire. There's a moment of hesitation at Claire's question, because she isn't certain she's asking for her opinion. After a moment though she hazards a guess that she is when there isn't another follow-up thought. "It's tough to say without knowing him that well," she starts, " But have you maybe thought to...ask him?"
Well aware about the irony of her suggesting that isn't lost on Hilda - but because of that she knows that it' something that was far easier said than done.
Claire holds onto Hilda's hand tightly for a moment, squeezing gently before letting go.
"I haven't, because I'm not sure I want to know the answer." Meeting the other woman's eyes, she knows it's absolutely ridiculous, but she's learned not to ask questions she doesn't want the answers to. Still, she wanted to talk this out with someone, and Hilda's one of the people she's closest with, dear to her, even. Who better?
"When Lord John arrived, he was badly beaten and said that Jamie did it after John confessed something to him. They're...quite close. I know for a fact that Jamie trusts him implicitly; there's an entire history there even I don't know all of. So, why would Jamie beat him?"
There are few reasons why that Claire can think of and she's afraid to examine it closely. "Hilda, I know I could ask, but please, you tell me from the information I've given you, what you would assume?"
"I haven't, because I'm not sure I want to know the answer." Meeting the other woman's eyes, she knows it's absolutely ridiculous, but she's learned not to ask questions she doesn't want the answers to. Still, she wanted to talk this out with someone, and Hilda's one of the people she's closest with, dear to her, even. Who better?
"When Lord John arrived, he was badly beaten and said that Jamie did it after John confessed something to him. They're...quite close. I know for a fact that Jamie trusts him implicitly; there's an entire history there even I don't know all of. So, why would Jamie beat him?"
There are few reasons why that Claire can think of and she's afraid to examine it closely. "Hilda, I know I could ask, but please, you tell me from the information I've given you, what you would assume?"
"It's not ridiculous." That much is said with certainty and conviction. If given the choice, she still isn't certain that she'd want to learn about her death again, but she doesn't regret it. At least she doesn't think so. The part of her still outraged about the fight she'd had with Claude rears its head. Had she been given the choice to decide whether or not she wanted to know the truth about some of her future (or one of them), maybe they would never have fought in the first place. Could have, should have, would have's were all she had now though.
Despite not knowing John, that doesn't mean that hearing news of his state upon arrival is any less concerning or shocking. Particularly when it's Claire's husband who had been the cause of it. Hilda worries her bottom lip, suddenly concerned that she's too young to offer up an opinion on this. She takes the time to formulate the response before starting, albeit a little bit hesitantly.
"Well, knowing that Jamie loves you very much...it had to have had something to do with you, wouldn't it?" And then realizing what that might sound like she's quick to amend herself. "I'm not saying that you did anything intentionally to hurt Jamie, but with all the time traveling maybe you spent time with Lord John - probably in a completely innocent way - and Jamie didn't take it in that context? There's also the possibility that something just happened between them."
She finds herself running out of breath at the end there, trying so desperately not to offend but to at least give Claire an honest opinion because that's what she deserved. "I think the only way to really find out without speculating too much is by asking Lord John," she adds looking as concerned as before.
Despite not knowing John, that doesn't mean that hearing news of his state upon arrival is any less concerning or shocking. Particularly when it's Claire's husband who had been the cause of it. Hilda worries her bottom lip, suddenly concerned that she's too young to offer up an opinion on this. She takes the time to formulate the response before starting, albeit a little bit hesitantly.
"Well, knowing that Jamie loves you very much...it had to have had something to do with you, wouldn't it?" And then realizing what that might sound like she's quick to amend herself. "I'm not saying that you did anything intentionally to hurt Jamie, but with all the time traveling maybe you spent time with Lord John - probably in a completely innocent way - and Jamie didn't take it in that context? There's also the possibility that something just happened between them."
She finds herself running out of breath at the end there, trying so desperately not to offend but to at least give Claire an honest opinion because that's what she deserved. "I think the only way to really find out without speculating too much is by asking Lord John," she adds looking as concerned as before.
Something about finally hearing it out of the mouth of someone else makes Claire feel less like she's making something out of nothing. Letting out a soft breath, she nods because Hilda's right.
"I know. I know I need to ask." She wants to explain why she asked Hilda a nearly impossible question, and she reaches back out for her hand, squeezing it in gratitude. "I'm uncertain the answer will be anything I want to hear. If I thought Jamie was dead, I wouldn't—" Now, she's holding onto Hilda just to hold on. "I wouldn't want anyone else."
Letting go, she takes a restorative sip of tea, then tries to relax her shoulders.
"I didn't mean to put you on the spot, and you are right. But once I ask, I can't unknow it. I suppose that's what I'm afraid of; to know that whatever peace and quiet Jamie and I wanted for ourselves doesn't seem to exist is upsetting, to say the least. We've gone through and lost more together than I've even told you, and it seems we're staying the path."
It makes her sad, and it makes her feel heavy. And the thought of going through any piece of it without Jamie knots her stomach. But it's the future, and she can't do anything about it—a lesson learned in the most difficult way imaginable.
"I know. I know I need to ask." She wants to explain why she asked Hilda a nearly impossible question, and she reaches back out for her hand, squeezing it in gratitude. "I'm uncertain the answer will be anything I want to hear. If I thought Jamie was dead, I wouldn't—" Now, she's holding onto Hilda just to hold on. "I wouldn't want anyone else."
Letting go, she takes a restorative sip of tea, then tries to relax her shoulders.
"I didn't mean to put you on the spot, and you are right. But once I ask, I can't unknow it. I suppose that's what I'm afraid of; to know that whatever peace and quiet Jamie and I wanted for ourselves doesn't seem to exist is upsetting, to say the least. We've gone through and lost more together than I've even told you, and it seems we're staying the path."
It makes her sad, and it makes her feel heavy. And the thought of going through any piece of it without Jamie knots her stomach. But it's the future, and she can't do anything about it—a lesson learned in the most difficult way imaginable.
slight wildcard, if this works! (if not just let me know!)
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godshattering
2023-06-12 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's been a little while since he'd ventured to Lallybroch as a specific destination. That's not to say he hasn't been by it several times - he has, thanks to roaming the Horizon and wanting to leave his own space behind first because of one disappearing next to it, and then because of what happened later. As always, going out to roam serves as some of the same feeling as going for a walk along Cadens' streets.
Now it comes with the benefit of being able to see more than streets and shops that've become an everyday sight to him. Today's trip through the Horizon comes complete with carrying a couple of heavy tomes with him: a textbook from the Academy they'd recreated between those of them here from Fodlan and another one with a bit of background information for the parts less clearly explained for those who hadn't grown up with the Church of Seiros. Like himself, for example, so it's good to have some added research to go alongside it.
After helping Kyle with some lessons he's more confident in potentially teaching someone else, and the possibility of learning more about what healing and medical knowledge Claire has is also a motivator. There's (probably) no rush to share information, but it's always good to have more of it.
Which is also why on this trip Claude wanders right in to where she'd mentioned she might be, and also wastes no time in greeting her with a smile. ]
I brought you some light - [ humorous emphasis on the light given the heft of the volumes he holds up - ] reading for when you have some time. The good news is one of them is mostly theories behind spells that'll be easier to get through than the other.
Now it comes with the benefit of being able to see more than streets and shops that've become an everyday sight to him. Today's trip through the Horizon comes complete with carrying a couple of heavy tomes with him: a textbook from the Academy they'd recreated between those of them here from Fodlan and another one with a bit of background information for the parts less clearly explained for those who hadn't grown up with the Church of Seiros. Like himself, for example, so it's good to have some added research to go alongside it.
After helping Kyle with some lessons he's more confident in potentially teaching someone else, and the possibility of learning more about what healing and medical knowledge Claire has is also a motivator. There's (probably) no rush to share information, but it's always good to have more of it.
Which is also why on this trip Claude wanders right in to where she'd mentioned she might be, and also wastes no time in greeting her with a smile. ]
I brought you some light - [ humorous emphasis on the light given the heft of the volumes he holds up - ] reading for when you have some time. The good news is one of them is mostly theories behind spells that'll be easier to get through than the other.
Hilda is quick to shake her head. She doesn't feel put on the spot in the least. In fact, she's well aware how personal of a question the one Claire had posed to her had been, and to some degree it meant that the woman trusted her - while somewhat baffling for Hilda, still meant the world to her.
"Just because I'm right doesn't mean I would be brave enough to do it," Hilda says in an attempt to lighten the mood with her own mild self deprecating half smile. She had, after all, only asked Petra because of the mulled wine and forced Claude's hand because her fear and worry had manifested itself into a beast she could no longer control. "But if you've both gone through so much, I can't see much tearing you two apart."
A thought suddenly crosses Hilda's mind and she's quick to perk up. The little gift bag that she had run in with sits at her feet and she quickly picks it up, sliding it across the table towards Claire with her free hand. "I know this won't make things better, but I did have a small gift for you." It shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Nestled in the delicately wrapped gift box is the necklace that Claire had described to her. Hilda fiddles a little nervously with her hands under the table as she opens it, but it doesn't show on her face.
Instead, it shows in her blabbering. "If there's anything you want me to change, let me know. I could get the chain length changed too if you want it shorter or longer. And I engraved the back too with your initials so that if anything happens to it, you know it's yours."
"Just because I'm right doesn't mean I would be brave enough to do it," Hilda says in an attempt to lighten the mood with her own mild self deprecating half smile. She had, after all, only asked Petra because of the mulled wine and forced Claude's hand because her fear and worry had manifested itself into a beast she could no longer control. "But if you've both gone through so much, I can't see much tearing you two apart."
A thought suddenly crosses Hilda's mind and she's quick to perk up. The little gift bag that she had run in with sits at her feet and she quickly picks it up, sliding it across the table towards Claire with her free hand. "I know this won't make things better, but I did have a small gift for you." It shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Nestled in the delicately wrapped gift box is the necklace that Claire had described to her. Hilda fiddles a little nervously with her hands under the table as she opens it, but it doesn't show on her face.
Instead, it shows in her blabbering. "If there's anything you want me to change, let me know. I could get the chain length changed too if you want it shorter or longer. And I engraved the back too with your initials so that if anything happens to it, you know it's yours."
[ It's been easy to give herself the space of her dreams to work, and she has different flora laid out an a large table. They're inside today, but the windows are open, the illusion of a bright, sunny day.
When Claude makes it to the surgery, she smiles widely at him, then huffs out a laugh. ]
Homework and you haven't even been here five seconds!
[ It's a tease as she raises an eyebrow while reaching out to accept the books. ]
These weigh more than a healthy and robust toddler. But I can't wait to dig in, honestly. Do I need to begin here before anything else?
When Claude makes it to the surgery, she smiles widely at him, then huffs out a laugh. ]
Homework and you haven't even been here five seconds!
[ It's a tease as she raises an eyebrow while reaching out to accept the books. ]
These weigh more than a healthy and robust toddler. But I can't wait to dig in, honestly. Do I need to begin here before anything else?
Hilda should give herself some credit - a fifty-year-old plus woman is having a marriage crisis and the advice was spot on. And again, she says something that Claire will remember: being right doesn't necessarily mean bravery has come along for the ride.
The necklace isn't a surprise, no, so she's already smiling in anticipation as she opens the package. As soon as she sees it, everything around her seems to come to a pause and one hand comes to her mouth, fingertips pressing to her lips as her vision blurs.
"Oh, Hilda."
Taking the necklace out of the gift box, she holds it in her palm and stares at it, as if there are a thousand little details to take in. It's because she's stunned and emotional, but she shakes her head at the offer to change anything. Looking at the back, she lightly traces the CF before taking a deep breath, letting it out shakily.
"This is identical to the necklace Bree gave me. Minus the initials on the back, I never would have been able to tell the difference. Thank you, Hilda, so much." Claire cant wait, and she puts it on immediately where it rests perfectly against her throat.
"How does it look? I only had the chance to wear the original once and never got a good look at myself."
The necklace isn't a surprise, no, so she's already smiling in anticipation as she opens the package. As soon as she sees it, everything around her seems to come to a pause and one hand comes to her mouth, fingertips pressing to her lips as her vision blurs.
"Oh, Hilda."
Taking the necklace out of the gift box, she holds it in her palm and stares at it, as if there are a thousand little details to take in. It's because she's stunned and emotional, but she shakes her head at the offer to change anything. Looking at the back, she lightly traces the CF before taking a deep breath, letting it out shakily.
"This is identical to the necklace Bree gave me. Minus the initials on the back, I never would have been able to tell the difference. Thank you, Hilda, so much." Claire cant wait, and she puts it on immediately where it rests perfectly against her throat.
"How does it look? I only had the chance to wear the original once and never got a good look at myself."
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