IC contact for wethelost

[devoutish]

Solomons & Melborn
1108 Sweet Cream Street

[Feel free to use this space for letter/package deliveries as well as visits/knocks on the front door!]

Comments

[bywolves]

Yeah. Yeah, I suppose you do. [ Royce says after a moment, smiling again. ] You haven't told me much about how you liked being an elf. I suspect you may have had more ability than I do, if you were a full one.

[devoutish]

I feel much more graceful than I do normally. Light on my feet and all.

[bywolves]

Yeah. I'd forgotten how easy it was just to move, when we were in Norfinbury. [ A beat, and then he stops just briefly in order to curl up against Alfie's side again as they walk.

Alfie might notice him staring at the snowbanks around them for just a little too long. ]

Did the hearing bother you?

[devoutish]

[Alfie lets go of Royce's hand so that he can drape his arm fully around Royce's shoulders.]

Nah. Just took a bit of getting used to, that's all.

[bywolves]

[ He settles close, sipping from his coffee. ]

Ever thought about wishing for it here? Any of that.

[devoutish]

Extra senses? Can't say that I have, no. What needs would I have for them?

[bywolves]

I don't know. Why would I need to be able to talk to the trees? [ Shrug. ]

[devoutish]

Mmmm. Suppose you're right. But my hearing and eyesight are good enough for me.

[Says the guy who needs reading glasses, but.]

[bywolves]

I'd just wondered. [ Royce says. ] That's all.

It's a part of me. I can't imagine not having it.

[devoutish]

Yeah, I know. And I'm glad you've got it back.

[bywolves]

Me too. [ He says, softer. He holds Alfie tightly, and is quiet the rest of the walk.

When they arrive at the boat, Royce does, in fact, have bags ready for them. One has a change of clothes for both of them, plus blankets, and some snacks. The other has their old blow-up mattress, as well as some pillows. This time, he's managed to score a pump, too, which means they won't have to physically blow the mattress up with their mouths. Thank every god. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie immediately starts curiously picking through the bags.]

You've really arranged this well, haven't you? Food, blankets--

[bywolves]

Yeah. [ He climbs into the boat, glancing back at Alfie. ]

I just... I wanted to hide away for a few hours. I suppose.

[devoutish]

Yeah.

[He looks up from the bags, and holds a hand out to Royce, shuffling towards him along the bottom of the boat.]

Come here a moment.

[bywolves]

[ Well, okay. He's not going to argue that. Royce moves closer, taking the hand offered to him. Whatever Alfie wants him to do, he'll do. He's pliant, for the moment. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie wraps him up in his arms again, just holding him tight for a moment.]

You know I've always got you.

[bywolves]

I know. [ He rests his head against Alfie's shoulder, quiet. And then his arms slip around Alfie's waist, too. ] I - things have been weighing on me.

[ He admits. ] You are... you are what stops those things from pulling me down completely.

[devoutish]

I'm not going anywhere, mate.

[Royce will always have him.]

[bywolves]

I know. [ That is more of a comfort than Alfie will ever know. ] Thank you.

[ Deep breath. ] I want to talk through some things when we get to the island, I think. Get them out of me.

[devoutish]

Yeah.

[He gives Royce one more squeeze, then pulls away so that they can start preparing to push off.]

That's a good idea, mate.

[bywolves]

[ He feels a bit of happiness at the praise, and lets Alfie feel just a wisp of it as he pulls away to get the boat ready. A small smile, and then he's ready.

He's quiet the whole way to the island, to the one with the dormant volcano, navigating the way in easily enough, but it isn't uncomfortable or upset. He's not a huge fan of being on the open water like this, but the end result is what he's focusing on.

Royce is only a little bit seasick by the time they get there. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie isn't much of a sailor, but he follows any direction that he's given, providing back-up support as Royce navigates. By the time they arrive, the sun is just starting to set. Perfect timing.]

Here, I'll sort these out.

[Alfie says, reaching for the bags of supplies.]

You rest. How's your head?

[bywolves]

Head's okay. [ Royce says, flopping down on the sand. He looks just a tinge green. ] Stomach's the thing that's questionable.

[devoutish]

Mm. You'll be all right?

[bywolves]

Mmhm. Just need a second to let it settle. Open water like that still gets me.