8th Howl

[fatefullfriend]

[Phone]

...I wonder if this is what it feels like after a long week of drinking alcohol. I've never had any before, but I've read that blackouts are common when one binges. Anyways, I seem to have lost some time, so I apologize to anyone [she attempted to jump into the lap of as if she was a chihuahua instead of a wolf] I acted... unusual toward.

I do have a question for you all. How many of you consider yourself kin to canines? Dogs, wolves, foxes or the like...

[She then chuckles.] And Garviel? You don't count for this purposes of this call. But I'd like to see you.

Comments

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

Aside from having no idea what I was doing for the last week or so, I'm fine. I wasn't for a while, when I finally revived, but I shook free of the weird feeling after a few days.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

... I'm sorry. This was my fault, because of my Hubris.

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

Garviel... I was with you. I didn't stop you. I didn't take pause either. It wasn't just you. Please remember that.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

[ There is just a long silence. ]

After you... died, I saw what they had done to Rin.

She was.... a machine. Like a servitor. I couldn't do anything to ease her pain, except for tell her stories. I couldn't even hold her, the infection made doing so agonizing.

Every person I cared for in this town died or was in agonizing torture because of what happened.

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

...and we are all well now. You made a mistake. A painful mistake, yes, but a mistake. Remember, you aren't omniscient. You are but a man, Garviel. And I hold nothing against you for what I suffered.

And if you had not destroyed the machine, someone else would have. There's a human saying I heard once on Earth. Hindsight is 20/20.

: [voice]

[captainofthe10th]

I know, Arf.

But you wish to see me... where would you like to do so?

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

I don't have anywhere in particular in mind. We should go do something fun. [You know... together.]

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

[ Garviel hesitates. Clearly stumped by the idea of fun. He is so bad at fun. ]

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

...you can't be serious, Garviel.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

I am always serious, Arf. I never really had time for play in the 2 centuries I spent in the Crusade, bringing worlds to compliance. That was my life.

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

Then we need to find something you find fun. Play is essential to the health of the pack. It's why the pack omega exists.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

I have found I enjoy music. I believe blade practice would be inappropriate.

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

What kind of music? And blade practice is inappropriate since I don't have a blade.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

I haven't really settled on a genre yet. I just listen to what is available. It all becomes mathematics to my mind and ear, I enjoy that. There is a logic to it.

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

Is there a place here that plays music?

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

... I hadn't thought to seek one out, honestly.

[ He pauses, then says. ]

Should I just come visit?

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

I'd like that.

[voice]

[captainofthe10th]

Is coming over now acceptable?

[voice]

[fatefullfriend]

If it wasn't, I would have suggested another time.

[voice to action]

[captainofthe10th]

Stay where you are then.

[ He doesn't take very long at all to reach her, the thunderous motorcycle screaming along the tranquil lanes of mayfield, and he almost storms to her door, lightly armed (for him), only his chainsword belted to his waist, his helm held at his hip by a magclamp. He knocks quietly. ]

[action]

[fatefullfriend]

[Arf could hear that motorcycle coming from a long way. Maybe she'd show Garviel Fate's car; he'd probably appreciate it.

She opens the door and looks up at him with a warm smile. She'd missed him... So without warning, she wraps her arms about him there in the doorway and rests her head against his chest.]

I'm sorry I was gone for so long. I've been told I was droned not long after I finally revived.

[captainofthe10th]

Shhh. It is all right. [ He looks down at her, saying quietly. ]

This was unfair, I was planning to surprise you by embracing you, Arf. [ He rubs her back lightly with an armored hand, an affectionate gesture. ]

[fatefullfriend]

[She chuckles, tail swishing a bit, as she closes her eyes.]

That would've been a surprise. A very nice surprise. I'm sorry I ruined it.

...you'll just have to hang onto it for another time.

[captainofthe10th]

Another time, yes. I'm glad to have you back. I had faith you'd return. Faith in you.

[fatefullfriend]

I can't leave Fate here alone. I can't leave you here alone either.