tfln open post

[byanyname]

***

either leave a message (or set of muses) for one of my assholes, or request a message from one of them. choose messages from the classic source, from your own skull, or whatever you may please.

Comments

[lostyourheart]

Mother says I was an uproar from the moment I was born. I see no reason to change my behavior when it has worked so well for me until now.

Can you imagine it, if I were some sort of frail and shrinking little thing?

Like Venetia!

Likely I wouldn't be married to you, but rather some young and dull man in Sleepy Hollow How terribly bored you would be with me.

[loyalless]

Venetia? Lord. You know as well as I that I don't fizzle into 'um's nearly often enough for her taste. Nor do I know or care the first thing about ships.

There's also the fact that I've passed into the no-man's land of my forties. As I was so recently reminded.

In any case, I don't believe I would be aware we shared the same house. I'd know I was married only by rumor, and by Wallace's insistence that yes, there IS another living being dwelling with us.

[lostyourheart]

Speaking of Venetia, Cassandra witnessed a spectacle between Dorothea, Permelia, and that Beatty fellow that resulted in wine being thrown directly on the poor dear.

Not that I care for the gossip mind you, but we have been in this house 'mourning' for so long that even hearing the tale second-hand is a breath of fresh air.

If I do not have some diversion soon, I shall go mad.

I shall become a gossip.

[loyalless]

Please. You haven't the unflagging malice required of a chronic gossip. An amateur gossip I might believe, but that can be cured easily enough.

Have Wallace take you for a walk, if you're so direly in need of fresh air. Not that the air here is particularly appealing.

Cassandra. Remind me, she's the one who...?

[lostyourheart]

The new one. Short, with grey streaks in her hair.

She's a friend of D

She and I have mutual acquaintances.

[loyalless]

I have a vague recollection.

I assume we met her at one of those godforsaken parties.

[lostyourheart]

You did, yes. I met her elsewhere.

She's a lovely girl, and new to Manhattan.

And she hates Madeleine. You'll warm to her.

[loyalless]

The same way I've warmed to so many over the course of my life?

Despising Madeleine is a mark of good character, but it's no guarantee I'll find this Cassandra acceptable.

[lostyourheart]

Well, suit yourself.

I like her a good deal. She is unlike the rest of them.

[loyalless]

If you're so eager to be out of the house, why not pay her a visit?

You'll take Wallace with you, of course.

And update me as you go.

[lostyourheart]

What?

Why on earth should I do either?

...

No, no - I didn't mean to sound contrary. I shall if you think it best, but -

Why not Johanna? Why would you not wish Wallace to remain with you? Why do you wish me to update you

[loyalless]

It's [ ... ... ] only a precaution.

[ Ha ha he'd been hoping she wouldn't ask, just accept it and move on, only when has she ever been so obliging? He doesn't want her leaving without an escort (lord, as if Johanna could count for anything of the sort). He also doesn't want to dwell on the fact that yes, he'd be willing to send Wallace with her, which means that he'd be willing to remain in this house unprotected and alone for the sake of—

Well. He has wine, doesn't he? That's as good a protection as anything. ]

[lostyourheart]

Against what?

Are you -

Worried about me?

[...]

Treavor, the fate that befell your family is obviously - obviously - not going to befall me. Or you, for that matter.

[loyalless]

I'm no simpleton, Katrina. I know THAT.

Lord, I'm not worried about you falling to your own poison, and I'd certainly hope you wouldn't

What I'm concerned about isn't.

[ You know what? When he tries to put it into words, it sounds ridiculous. Improbably.

But not. But never impossible. ]

In the event that they haven't died, I'd rather they not converge on you alone.

1/???

[lostyourheart]

...Wh

What?

2/????

[lostyourheart]

I thought you were truly concerned ab

3/???

[lostyourheart]

...My god.

4/5 ok

[lostyourheart]

My god, you're serious.

5/5

[lostyourheart]

Treavor, what the devil is the matter with you?

I know you were well drunk, but you were there when we buried them.

Coffins and all.

They're dead. What is this? They're -

Of course they're dead.

...They are, aren't they?

No, I'm not

Jesus

FOR FUCK'S SAKE.

[loyalless]

[ Well drunk and reeling, yes, the entire affair had been a blur, which does nothing to quiet his fears, which only opens more avenues for worry. ]

Do we know they were in the coffins?

Do we know nobody exhumed them after? Or that they didn't claw their way back out?

Mock me if you like, but if anyone is capable of feigning their deaths and making a calamitous return, it's my family.

[lostyourheart]

[ ...He...

Makes a very compelling point, actually.

She never actually saw the bodies.

(Think of the Hessian, that rider in his unquiet grave, always returning to search for his head. Would not the Pendletons come back in much the same manner, seeking revenge?)

(...No, that's. Stupid. That's stupid! Old Dutch wives' tales and Treavor's paranoia.)

(And what about the Hushman?)

Nnnnnnn. ]

...I.

I suppose I.

Perhaps it isn't the worst idea-

Oh, for heaven's sake! There was enough poison in that tart to kill twenty men. They're dead.

Send Wallace with me if you like, but I won't be drawn into this madness, myself.

If it sets your mind at ease.

[loyalless]

You forget; they're not precisely men. They're monsters in their own right, capable of everything that shouldn't be possible.

[ The more he dwells on this, the sharper the possibility seems. He's been drinking steadily throughout this back-and-forth. He's going to down another drink now. Just. Just. Push it all away for a while, dull the fear's edge and make it something more manageable. Keep the fear from becoming a devastating presence. Christ, he could use more wine. ]

Dismiss me if you like. But Wallace will be accompanying you.

[lostyourheart]

I am not...dismissing you. And of course I'll comply with your wishes.

[ Better to be agreeable, better to just set his mind at ease until he adjusts to the idea that his tormentors are dead. Surely, he'll come around in a day or two. This madness (grief? fear?) will pass.

If nothing else, she thinks she ought to be flattered he's worried for her safety. ]

Perhaps I will simply refrain from paying calls for a time. Another week will make no difference.

And if I may say so, I much prefer your company. If you would allow me to cause trouble now and then.

[ ...He really. Seems like he shouldn't be alone right now. And he will be doubly alone if she takes Wallace anywhere. ]

[loyalless]

[ Sure. Sure, absolutely, a day or two. Just a day or two and it'll be fine all roses no problem no worries no more deeply deeply fearful Treavors here.

Ha ha.

Ha. ]

It WOULD be less risky for you to remain.

I might be convinced to suffer your presence.

Particularly if you would be so kind as to bring by a fresh bottle.

[lostyourheart]

[ The lack of argument is unsettling. Or maybe it isn't the lack of argument. Maybe it's just that this entire situation is terribly upsetting, and not at all healthy.

But. She'll bring him his wine if he wants it. If it's the price of being welcomed to stay with him and keep watch over him. ]

Of course.

Have you eaten? I'll -

You should eat.

I'll bring food, as well.