Fourteen Bells: [WRITTEN/ACTION] Forward-dated to morning.

[simplestgift]

I understand that Twenty-Six isn't any different from Twenty-Five, and that birthdays are no accomplishment, but I find myself especially grateful for this one. I didn't expect to spend it thinking about being thrown into the lions' den tomorrow, but one can't have everything.

Kennedy

[Archie will be about the library, the grocery store, and Good Spirits today, looking strangely neutral. Catch him pretty much anywhere. Horatio is permitted to tag along wherever, so responses might come from both.]

Comments

2/2 Why can't I pick a tense and stick with it?

[simplestgift]

[His face changes quickly upon seeing the medallion--deeply moved, solemn, and a little wary. Horatio has never been one for symbols, and neither, really, has Archie. But something that can be seen and touched, a reminder of protection...

He picks it up to examine it further, blinking rapidly.]

St. Michael.

Because I'm just as bad?

[captainhornblower]

Figured it couldn't hurt.

[He's almost smiling, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.

He prefers to put his faith on what he knows. The wind, the tides. They may give out at any moment, but he knows them, can see and feel them and can change his plans accordingly.

But this is an exceptional situation. Exceptional action can be taken.]

[simplestgift]

[Archie fingers the pendant, then slips it on over his head.] I'm surprised you found one in this God-forsaken place.

[Except that God, to him, just might be closer here than He was back home.]

[captainhornblower]

I didn't expect to find anything like it myself.

[Horatio chuckled faintly.]

But happened to be browsing and just... there it was.

[simplestgift]

It's very fine. [Kennedy continues to examine it. It's not cheap at all, but sturdy and solid craftsmanship.] I...thank you.

[captainhornblower]

Damn well better work.

[His voice is lower, and the chuckle that leaves him is dry. It's the threat of every battle, yes, but he feels it far more keenly than he'd like this time.

Then, a bit more of a smile.]

But if I can't trust an Archangel, who can I trust?

[simplestgift]

I would say your lieutenant, but that would be a bit blasphemous.

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio sighed but nodded.]

I do trust you, Archie. I... just rather like the idea of someone watching out for you, too.

[simplestgift]

...So do I, Horatio.

[captainhornblower]

You'll be fine, Archie. I know you will. Probably come back with a few cuts and bruises, but... Nothing wrong with a few new scars.

[simplestgift]

So long as it doesn't lead to blood poisoning. [But it's spoken lightly. He places the lid on the empty box.] I will be all right.

[captainhornblower]

You will be.

And when you get back? We'll drink this town dry.

[simplestgift]

Do you swear it?

[captainhornblower]

You have my word.

[simplestgift]

I'll hold you to it, then. Perhaps we'll have a chicken to cook at the end of it.

[captainhornblower]

Oh God. [A laugh.] I'd prefer not to repeat that part, if it's all the same to you, Archie.

[simplestgift]

The chickens are further south, anyway. In the farmlands where we fought last time.