Twenty-four bells: [Action]

[simplestgift]

[Luceti. Even the name is beautiful.

It's quiet here, but not silent. No cannonfire, no stomping feet or shouting men. No bars or guards or grey stone walls. Everything is lovely and serene and everyone is pleasant. Well. Nearly everyone, but that's okay.

In Hornblower's company, Kennedy stops by the bakery and selects, for some reason, cheesecake. He's never had it--not that he can remember, at least--and it is absolutely the most beautiful thing he can imagine. Chocolate cheesecake, smooth and rich and flavorful with a drizzle of raspberry syrup. He tastes it and doesn't just eat it.

They visit the tea shop and he is floored. They visit the clothing shop and he finds a new linen shirt, already made. They visit the library and...

And...

O the glory of the library. It's as if this town was created for his rehabilitation.

Hours are spent in the library until he learns he can take books out. Even then, he very nearly doesn't leave.

On the way home, he asks to be alone for a moment. When given the chance, he walks the woods close to the village. At twilight, he sits at the fountain, staring into space with utter blankness because he knows the pleasantness of this day is going to end.

He doesn't realize it when the moon rises and he's still sitting alone in its pale light.

OOC: Kennedy's replies will come from babymid_archie. Meet him absolutely anywhere during the day or at night. Depending on when and where, Horatio will tag in as well, so remember to specify when/where in your tag. Share his rapture or cheer him up. Possible triggers--character is hella post-traumatic.]

Comments

[picobartender.livejournal.com]

[Eep! They're addressing her. Ginia gives a shy wave and rocks a bit on her feet, not sure what to do next, before taking a deep breath and gathering up courage. She'll take out her little notepad and pen and walk over with a degree of bravery to present her message to them.]

Is that cake?

[unneeded]

Cheesecake. [He breaks off a piece and holds it out to her.] Would you like some?

[captainhornblower]

[Writing it down. Curious. But, well. Perhaps it was some manner of shyness. Horatio knew a thing or two about that in a child, so he smiles, faint though the expression is, and nods after Archie's offer.]

[picobartender.livejournal.com]

[She looks shyly at the piece being offered to her, knowing she probably shouldn't take food from strangers. But everyone had been so nice so far and they had wings too so they also belonged here. After some more thought, Ginia takes the piece and eats it, face lighting up with delight. Delicious!]

[unneeded]

[He watches her enjoy it with vicarious pleasure on his face, then smiles at Horatio.]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio, too, has to smile, more from the sight of the smile on Archie's face than anything else.]

[picobartender.livejournal.com]

[Ginia licks any crumbs off her fingers and beams happily, giving a tiny little curtsy. Odin pads closer to his warn and flops onto the ground with a big sigh, watching the two men with his one good eye, almost daring them to try anything.]

That was delicious, thank you! Where did you get it from?

[unneeded]

The bakery over there. [Big dog coming closer. Archie remains aware of the potential threat.]

[captainhornblower]

[Hornblower, too, seems to have one eye on the dog and one on the girl. The gambler in him would lay money that the dog was docile, if it followed a young girl around, but the protective friend would not allow that bet to be made fully.]

[picobartender.livejournal.com]

[Ginia looks over at the bakery, then back to smile at the two men. Noticing the looks they're giving Odin, she beams and gives her companion a pat on the head.]

This is Odin. Don't worry, he's friendly.

[unneeded]

[Friendly to her, at least. But he nods, pretending to be satisfied, still glancing at Horatio.]

[captainhornblower]

He's very lovely. A good protector, I'm sure. [Diplomatic. But it conveys his thoughts well enough. The dog is still to be watched carefully.]

[picobartender.livejournal.com]

[Ginia frowns slightly, but children will be children and she barrels on to the next topic.]

Are you two also new here?

[unneeded]

I am. He isn't.