† 004

[mr_phale]

I do remember this one-- er, one of the nicer curses, as I recall, if a bit confusing. For those of you who've come to join us, I assure you it's not the worst place you could end up, at least for a day.

Er-- but, should anyone need a hand, do let me know. I'm always glad to help, if I can.

[ooc; please no duplicate aziraphales. pretty much anything else welcome! backdating friendly forever.]

Comments

[kataphilein]

I need nothing but a swift direction back from where I came.

[desiredhertobetheirqueen]

I would like some help, sir.

[mr_phale]

Certainly, my dear-- er, if I can, at least. What do you need?

[desiredhertobetheirqueen]

Have you seen a tall, bronze-haired, green-eyed young man surrounded by a gaggle of young women?

[mr_phale]

[Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?]

That, unfortunately, is a bit beyond me. Er, though I can promise it won't be too long before you find your way.

[mr_phale]

I'm afraid I can't say I have. That sounds a bit difficult to miss.

[desiredhertobetheirqueen]

I'm on his trail. I'll catch up, I promise.

Didn't you own the bookstore, once?

[kataphilein]

[What who him surely not.]

I have appointments that must be kept. Too long has already been and gone for me.

[mr_phale]

You're quite right-- it changed hands in my absence, however, and I didn't have the heart to trouble the, er, new proprietors.

Did we know one another? I'm afraid my memories of the City are a bit hazy.

[desiredhertobetheirqueen]

Oh, I'm sorry, then.

I used to go to that bookstore. I could never find anything.

[mr_phale]

[Now, now, the angel never forgets a face. More or less. Sometimes. Thank you-know-who he's fantastically good at being oblivious, eh?]

Well, there I can offer some small comfort-- you'll not even realise you were gone.

[mr_phale]

Oh, I'm glad someone's made a good go of it, really.

I understand it's quite organised, now. Alphabetically, if you'd believe that. A shame, really, but I suppose it's not my concern, now.

[kataphilein]

If only my own realisation were all I had to worry me.

[mr_phale]

Oh dear, you do sound troubled. Er, would you like to speak about it?

[desiredhertobetheirqueen]

Well isn't that how proper bookstores ought to be?

[mr_phale]

Some people think so, I'm certain.

[countrydoctor]

I don't know about a hand, but I could do with a drink right about now.

[mr_phale]

That is rather a common complaint, here. In fact, I might be able to help.

[countrydoctor]

I wouldn't want to trouble you.

[Unless you are going to point out a source of decent bourbon or whiskey.]

[mr_phale]

Er, well. Standing a stranger a drink ought to count as a standard act of Charity, it's no bother at all really.

[countrydoctor]

I don't suppose I can stand in the way of charity.

[mr_phale]

Indeed, I'd be quite put out if you tried.

[countrydoctor]

Well, thank you. The name's Leonard McCoy.

[mr_phale]

A pleasure. Generally, er, people call me Phale.

[countrydoctor]

The pleasure's mine, Phale. Interesting name.

[mr_phale]

It's, ah, short. Which is a bit of a long story.

[countrydoctor]

In other words, I probably don't want to know?

[mr_phale]

I've simply found, from time to time, it's simpler to take certain things on faith.

[countrydoctor]

I know a Vulcan who thinks faith is illogical. I don't mind leaning on faith a bit myself.

[mr_phale]

Well, of course it's illogical-- if it weren't, what would be the point?

[countrydoctor]

Exactly. You have a good head on your shoulders, Phale.

[mr_phale]

Ah, yes, that's a common accusation.

[countrydoctor]

Accusation? And here I thought I was paying you a compliment.

[mr_phale]

Er, just a bit of a joke, that.

[countrydoctor]

I'm afraid I left my sense of humor back in med school. How about that drink?

[mr_phale]

Of course, of course. Er. Where are you? We'll have to find the nearest bar.