Thieves

[beshackled]

Sender: Erichthonios
To: Everyone
Subject: Avaricious harriers

Pray tell, has anyone else been having trouble with small creatures attempting to make off with your belongings?

They are getting to be remarkably b----

[The b terminates in a long, curved line, as though the writer was startled in the middle of writing.

Sometime later...]

brazen.

Comments

[beshackled]

As much as I would hesitate to accept such a description for myself, I cannot deny that my friends are remarkable people.

Would that they were here with me, but whatever it is that has grasped a part of us appears to have not taken hold of them.

[crouching_sin]

Well, who knows? My cousin showed up - maybe your friends will as well.

[beshackled]

Mayhap so. I imagine they would be curious about this place.

My thanks for your kind words.

[crouching_sin]

[It takes a moment for him to respond. Him? Kind? Heh. If this person wants to see it that way, then fine. He certainly doesn't think of himself that way, however.]

Of course. There's much to this place - it holds many mysteries for us to discover. Including how people are drawn here, and who's chosen.

[beshackled]

Aye. I look forward to learning more about this place and its connection to us.

[crouching_sin]

As do I. It's been some time since I've had something wholly new to explore.

[beshackled]

Mayhap you can do so with your cousin. T'would give you an interesting adventure to share, I think.

[crouching_sin]

True, if I can get him to do so. He's very much got his own agenda. ... And even the version who followed my plan seems to have a sore spot. Which I suppose I can't blame him overmuch for.

[beshackled]

You could do something he likes now and then, too.

[crouching_sin]

I can try. Though one of the things he likes is teasing me mercilessly.

... I only have myself to blame on that one, in retrospect.

[beshackled]

I trust in your ability to endure. Or to tease in kind, if you so wish.

[Maybe the cousin likes verbal banter?]

[crouching_sin]

Heh. Indeed. He's strong. He can take it.

I think it's how he shows he cares. Probably again, my fault. But I'm sure he's picked up several bad habits from me.

[beshackled]

Pray try to share a good habit or two as well.

[crouching_sin]

If I can find any in myself, yes.

[beshackled]

I fear I shall have to start worrying about you.

[crouching_sin]

You don't need to worry over me. I end up making it out somehow one way or another.

[Just not always the pleasant way.]

[beshackled]

[See that just makes him inclined to worry more.]

Pray do not lose sight of the good in yourself.

[crouching_sin]

[Unfortunately, he lost that long ago. It takes a minute for him to respond.]

The same to you.

[beshackled]

I shall try.

[A feat easier said than done until recently, but he will continue to work on it.]

'Tis time I get some rest.

Fare you well. May we write again soon.