chapter_behind

There were too few of them left after the battle of Troyes-le-Mont. It was a bittersweet celebration for many of Phedre's Boys, but a token to the Night Court wasn't something any sailor would squander. They descended upon the beautiful walls and landscaped gardens like the hellions they were, much to the horror (and in some cases, the bemusement) of the beautiful adepts.

James had been here before, of course. Not here, particularly, but in this scenario. His friends were very drunk and making their choice of partners, cheerful as they staggered from room to room, house to house. He followed behind them, more restrained (though no more sober) a tolerant smile on his face as they nuzzled against the necks of pretty girls.

He'd never been as desirous as his sailors. His somber nature was a part of what had recommended him to the Brotherhood in the first place, though of course he hadn't stayed. Still, he retained much of the composure he'd been taught as a child, and this kind of indulgence wasn't for him. He was here mostly to make sure no one got out of hand, nothing got broken.

Still, for all their carousing, this was a good bunch. None of them would ever dream of violating Elua's precept, and all of them had nothing but reverence for the situation they were in. Loud reverence.

[Ordinarily, if James knew Randolph was coming over, he'd make an effort to tidy things, set everything out perfectly. But tonight, he was barely holding onto his composure. He settles into one of the chairs in his cabin, holding a glass of whiskey. He hasn't taken a sip since he'd poured it. It was almost as if he's forgotten he had it. He's just waiting. Randolph said he would come -- And James just doesn't know how he feels about that. He wants to see Randolph. Wants to see him desperately, in fact. They haven't been in a room together since before it all ended. But he's terribly afraid that the moment he sees Randolph again, when he's able to touch and smell him, he'll forget himself. And it will all start over again.]

[James was as good as his word. He spent several hours with Alexia and Prudence, then returned to Randolph's door. Hesitant for a moment, he knocked on the door. Perhaps, now that he'd sobered up, Randolph had changed his mind. Maybe James should have just left --]

Locked to Buffy and Arthur

I think it goes without saying that anything I said during the virus was unreliable. I hope you didn't think I was serious. I apologize for any confusion.

Locked to Randolph Lyall

I apologize for my behavior.

[Continued from here]