inbox.

[unshut]

(crystal | written | action)

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crystal

[thereneverwas]

[a little while after the return from this, in the evening, without preamble:]

Wrote to my sister.

[unshut]

[An hour later. Two. Then—]

How old would she be now?

[thereneverwas]

Oh... late thirties. Forties maybe. [How old is he, even? It's hard to keep track.]

Probably has little ones of her own.

[unshut]

[Her hmm is a low thing, a pleasant hum of acknowledgement. Yes, probably.]

And when you saw her last? Was she just a child then?

[thereneverwas]

[He doesn't even try to hide his shame, in the moment.]

Twelve or so. [Which is to say: yes, a child.]

[unshut]

[She can hear it there—that tinge in his tone.]

You've done a difficult thing.

[+10 approval.]

[thereneverwas]

Yes.

[Strangely, he feels no better having done it. If anything, it's all worse now.]

[unshut]

It may mean very little in this moment and obviously I can't speak to what effect it may bring about, but I think that given time you will be pleased you did. Much better to have made the effort than to have been frightened away from it, no matter the effect.

[thereneverwas]

One only hopes.

[For someone who hates talking about his personal life as much as Barrow does, he's weathering this fairly well-- but he still has his limits.

He clears his throat uncomfortably. Then,]

Thank you.

[unshut]

[She doesn't laugh, but there is some element of fond humor in her voice. Somewhere, Fitcher must be exercising a smile.]

I think this is the first time I've ever been thanked for strong-arming someone into a thing.

[thereneverwas]

Cruelty, that. [The characteristic wryness is back, if a bit gentler than usual.] You can't just knock a fellow around whenever you like.

Though if you wanted to... [He's joking. Mostly.]

[unshut]

I think I'm a little old for fisticuffs.

[thereneverwas]

You? You couldn't be a day over twenty.

[unshut]

Andraste's knickers, I hope not. What a miserable age.

[thereneverwas]

...yeah, I really didn't think that one through.

[unshut]

Forty, though. I might take forty. My tits were spectacular then.

[thereneverwas]

Please, as though they’re not spectacular now.

[unshut]

Of course they are. But imagine.

[Oh, to wear a dress cut to the navel!

(As if she doesn't.)]

In any case, you'll give me the good news when your sister writes back won't you?

[thereneverwas]

[Oh, to simply talk about tits forever.]

Of course. If she does.

[unshut]

Good. There's nothing I like more than hearing news of a half dozen little nieces and nephews. I will want all their names.