#earthrunes

"I can give you referrences. Iwork for Sir Sergi with the animals and he's been pleased with my work."

"We can discuss price after you see what you think of my effort. It's not just Fiona who believe in love you know? If i lost my lady I would lose my shit.. pardon the bluntness. My heart would writhe in my chest like a wounded bird in a cage. No, the price won't be high for this. "

"Yes, Sir. That's pretty much what it's like, except it's worse. Thank you. I -do- want to pay you. I'm getting a job this summer."

"I understand. You have your pride. We'll talk price after you see my work." a nod "How fast do you need it?"

"You know what she looked like? You can remember it long enough to get it down on paper, or whatever?"

"Yes." he says "I know what she looked like."

"As long as you can remember what she looked like and get it down... take as long as you need."

A nod "I'll make a sketch of her while memory of her is fresh so I do not lose it" he assures

"Sir? Show her big. Person-sized. She was ... growing. Evolving." Adam swallows and -now- tears threaten "She deserves to be remembered that way. Being more than how she started."

A nod "I understand. there's a message in the stature"

"Yes." he wipes his eyes "Thank you, Sir. I'll wait to hear from you."

"I'll keep you posted" he says "I'd say congratulations on your sidheness coming out but..right now Iimagine that doesn't feel like a win. Sympathies"

Adam nods agreement, and wanders away. He's done the things he knew were urgent and now....

..... what?

"HEY" a voiice yells

Kylie tries again "Hey you" so much better

Adam turns. "Yes?"

"Hey" Kyle says "You know I'm.. tinkering in jewelry right?"

"Yes?"

She walks up and says "Vashti told me ..well, not sure what she told me, but this is as close as I can figure it out." She hands over a box "This is for you. Hope you like it" Nervous

If he opens it...

Adam looks stricken but says "This.... it's beautiful. Thank you but... Kylie, I can't accept this. I mean, I can't pay for it."

Her eyes narrow "Look, the materials were from the hold. So some of it was free for me anyway. Just take it already. Consider it a gift. Geez I don't want to fight about this"

"I.... thank you." He says, and stares sadly at it "This would have looked great on her. I should have given her more...."

"Stop that shit" T he nocker pokes him in the chest "She loved you. You loved her. you know how many dirtbag guys there are out there? You two were a good match, and you looked out for her. Bad things still happen and it absolutely sucks, but I knew Nab too. She SMILED around you. She talked about you. And no once did I hear her say "Adam should have given me more" " A snort "not once. You gave her your heart and your trust, and your support. You believed in her. That's all any woman can hope for."

"She deserved so much more...." he mumbles, the pendant blurring in his vision.

"Maybe. Maybe we all do. But thanks to you, she had more than many and that's not nothing. I'll be at the wake. Zing too. "

Adam pauses, nods "I hope you find it meaningful, and enjoy yourselves."

"You're going to be there right?" A look "Because from what I hear, it's not going on without you picking the date"

"I hadn't heard that. "

"Well, I have so... either you pick the date or there isn't one. " She shrugs, then "Glad you like the bling. You hang on, don't let the bitches of fate hold you from the good memories"

"This is a very kind gesture from both you and Miss Vashti. I appreciate it."

"mmph"she nods "See you around"

Adam closes the box up and, lacking a better target and unless something comes up, wanders towards his room again.

He goes into his room. Linens have been changed. Food is here.

He sets the box on his dresser and leaves his hand there a moment. His eyes well again, and overflow. He goes to his bed and sits heavily. After a moment he pulls off his boots.

"Shouldn't be like this. I'm so sorry...." tears roll down his cheeks "You deserved more time. More.... everything."

Adam lays down on his side, curling up a little. Crying is giving him another headache. Doesn't matter, though.

Out sside his door, Lily listens. There's only one thing to do. She needs to find herself a necromancer.

The food goes to room temperature. Eventually the tears taper off, and Adam doesn't sleep; he just lays there. Thoughts arise, and emotions wrestle each other. It may seem he is catatonic; in reality, he is exhaustingly busy inside himself.

And if a bit of Chronos should help literally 'pass the time' well, the healing continues

(End Scene)