(voice)

[likeboudica]

I have not been to the library today, and yet I seem to carry the smell of books, of old pages and ink, with me wherever I go today.

Strange, perhaps, but it makes me think of long days in the library with a heavy book in my lap and sunshine barely filtering through the windows. The scent reminds me of peacefulness and thoughtfulness and— maybe even contentness. So it is not wholly unwelcome, truly.

Are others experiencing the same? Is it a curse, then?

Comments

voice

[candothat]

Yes, I would like that. He actually has a few things on his mind that are bothering him, and Tessa is his closest friend in the City...]

Buffy? I have not met a Buffy, but I have spoken with Mr. Morgan outside of classes. He is very kind.

voice

[likeboudica]

Will you come to the Youth Center, then?

She is another one of the instructors for the self-defense classes, together with Mr Morgan.

voice [apologies for all of the typos that keep happening!]

[candothat]

Of course! I will be there after work? It will not be late in the afternoon.

Is she also kind?

no worries bb :3

[likeboudica]

Of course. I shall look forward to it.

She is very nice, though I do not know her as well as I do Mr Morgan.

<3

[candothat]

I will, also.

Sometimes, Tessa, I think that you know everyone in the City.

[likeboudica]

I hardly know everyone. I believe there are many people that I do not know at all, and very few that I know well at all.

[candothat]

But you refer to so many people! I would think that everyone in the City is your friend.

[likeboudica]

[ There are few people she would call her friends in the City, and Tim and McCoy, likely the two people who meant the most to her other than Will, are gone and have been for a while. ] Is that truly your impression?

[candothat]

[Oops. He led this direction the wrong way, didn't he? Cautiously:] Yes. ...But I am incorrect?

[likeboudica]

I know of many people, perhaps. I believe it comes from having been here for a while. I do not think that I would call many of them my friends, though.

[candothat]

Ah, yes. There is a difference between a znakomyj and a drug. [English doesn't have any words that fit those exactly.] Eh... someone you know, even enjoy the company of, and someone who is truly a friend.

[likeboudica]

Acquaintances and friends, perhaps? [ A little softer: ] I have many acquaintances, but not many friends.

[candothat]

Acquaintances... that is close. [It's also a word that he should consider not using often; it comes out sounding rather tortured.] Friends are not so easy to come by.

[likeboudica]

No, friendship is slower to develop. [ Though she hopes that she and Pavel will become good friends indeed. ]

[candothat]

That is true. Fortunately, they are quick to begin.

[likeboudica]

Yes, that is sometimes the case, and it is quite fortunate indeed when it does.

[candothat]

[Perhaps this is too forward, but...]

We are working towards being friends, yes?

[likeboudica]

Yes! [ A little more quietly. ] I would like very much to be friends with you.

[candothat]

I hoped so. I have never had a friend so near to my age, and you are very kind.

[likeboudica]

I am glad that you think so. [ a beat. ] Tim was my age, I believe, but he is no longer here.

[candothat]

I am sorry you have lost friends, Tessa.

[likeboudica]

It seems to be the nature of this place. [ Maybe it is the price she has to pay for the relative peace she enjoys here. ]

[candothat]

It is the nature of all places, but it seems that the rate at which people come and go is accelerated here.

[likeboudica]

Far accelerated, as compared to what I know. [ And she hopes as compared to what he knows, as well. ]

[candothat]

Perhaps, with time, you will become accustomed to it? [Chekov was usually the one doing the leaving at home--going off to this school or that academy, going into space. And, of course, people do die. Anyway, he's sure he can cope.]