un: dagwood | text

[oftheletter]

Name: Near
Date: 5/29
Format: text

I understand this has been an interesting month for some.

I'm curious as to what new permanent changes there might be among the populace.

Comments

text; un: Linden Tailor

[hearthebell]

[L's been a little scarce for reasons that are probably clear to both of them. Some conversations are difficult to follow up on, casually or in grave and energy-sapping seriousness.]

I performed a phylax spell, and now I always have a companion.

Space is another story.

[His phylax can change size, condensing to what could be a small stuffed animal. She seldom does.]

[oftheletter]

[...Near will have to read up on this particular spell.]

Is there a reason you considered that necessary?

[Says the man who bought a hyena dog on a whim.]

[hearthebell]

My curiosity was plenty, on its own. Most people would want to know what their soul looked like, after learning of their existence.

Aside from that... it's a layer of protection and backup I can only benefit from. She can perform spells on my behalf.

[oftheletter]

And what does your soul look like?

[hearthebell]

You could see it for yourself.

Now that everyone can, it hardly seems appropriate for my Bonded to be one of the last.

[oftheletter]

I could. I thought I might be amused by your description.

Would you like to show it to me, then?

[hearthebell]

It might amuse you to know that a sizable duck pond has been installed behind the cottage, and a duck has never landed on it.

She's usually there, at rest or play, when I'm at home.

[oftheletter]

An aquatic animal seems like it would be a difficult familiar to bring anywhere.

[hearthebell]

We all make allowances for the difficult creatures in our lives, wouldn't you agree?

[oftheletter]

I wouldn't have accepted a bond with you otherwise.

[hearthebell]

I'm well aware of what this Bond exists, in spite of.

[Did you forget that you needed a witch, and your options were limited? He speaks as one who hasn't settled into the dutiful role of Watari's successor to his own; his temperament is wrong, his life was never meant to extend to this strange and stretched-out point.

Near has two other witches now. No real need for him any longer. Is he just hanging on to a piece of the puzzle for a more complete picture? Or is it amusing to him to create situations where L is tempted to lash out, take the cheap shot, and destroy their rapport on petty terms that serve neither of them but are a strange kind of relief, anyway?

He elects that it won't, at least, happen today. Whether or not Near appreciates the olive branches L scrapes the bottom of his own limited supply for, he'll offer them as long as there's still even a twig remaining.]

Come around back before dark, sometime. She doesn't have to eat, but she seems to appreciate fish.

[oftheletter]

I suppose I'll have to, if just to sate my curiosity.