IC Inbox

[goingtobeunwell]

[IC threads, messages, etc. go here]

Comments

[Slightly backdated]

[hugdadandwin]

Ah, excuse me?

Is this the message box for Francis Crozier? This is Zagreus, your temporary warden.

[goingtobeunwell]

[There's some static as Crozier keeps turning the communicator on and off]

--ow the--

--oodly thing, won't stay on--

Ah, there it is! Zagreus, lad, can you hear me?

[brushoff]

You don't have to respond to this. [ There's a pause before Dorian lets out a little laugh. ] Hell, I wouldn't respond to this if I were in your shoes. But I might as well say this anyway.

That man I saw in your realm, that corpse who I dragged along with me? His name was Tobias Matthews. I loved him. I loved him more than I thought I could love anyone. And then...well, he died. And for a long time, I wasn't well. It was the sort of unwell where I did take an axe to my brain—didn't stick, of course. It took me a while before I could feel like myself again, before I could do something like smile and not have it be faked.

[ That's only half the story. But the other half...well, Dorian's just keeping that to himself for the moment. ]

I know you didn't plan to make one of those corpses in your little hell zone look like Toby. But you did and he was there and even though it lasted only a few minutes, I'm so damn happy I got to see his face again. So...thanks, I suppose.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier doesn't respond, he can't just yet, but in a few days he does leave his cabin to visit Dorian's. He isn't certain why he's doing this; the loss certainly struck a chord with him, the way he'd bared himself after, or perhaps it's the part of him craving a connection with someone.

He knocks on Dorian's door before he loses his nerve.

[friendsfordinner]

[ When Hickey speaks, it's in a calm, measured tone...that very much sounds like someone who's trying to keep a calm, measured tone instead of sounding like someone who's a little nervous. ]

Whenever you want to talk about what I told you, I'll be ready.

[goingtobeunwell]

[Crozier's reply comes a little later. It's difficult to tell just what he's feeling.]

I'll visit you tonight, after dinner.

[voice]

[corkscrewed]

Hey. This is Martin Blackwood, your warden for the next, uh, twenty-eight days.

[voice]

[goingtobeunwell]

Oh. Afternoon, Mr. Blackwood.

I have to say, I'm surprised. It's been...well, a year or so for me, hasn't it?

[riseunparalleled]

Francis, would you be willing to offer advice on a subject I've been thinking on?

[goingtobeunwell]

Advice? I suppose I could, aye. What do you need, my friend?

[major_rawne]

Is there anything you require of me, as your warden?

[goingtobeunwell]

As a matter-of-fact, yes. I'd like more access to the Enclosure, and to help in the library. I wasn't certain if I needed to make a formal request.

shortly after the library chaos

[mycitynow]

Yo, Gramps, gimme a call. You're in one piece, right?

[ there's a hint of worry in Kyoko's voice that she is desperately trying to suppress. ]

audio

[goingtobeunwell]

[His reply is quick -- he's also worried as all Hell, and isn't afraid to show it.]

I wasn't in the library. Wasn't anywhere near. Were you?

The last day of the flood

[lieutenantsteward]

[There is a note by Crozier's cot, folded neatly and written in tight, precise handwriting.]

Captain,

It has brought me much joy to meet those who know you. Those you have formed relationships with. Those who have seen you through times that I do not understand, nor do I wish to be a part of. You have formed a comfortable existence here, but that was never to be your fate.

The journey is long and terrible. We have lost so many, but it is you they turn to. It is you who carries them through it. It is you who takes their hands. You must return to them, to your men who would and have followed you through to oblivion.

We cannot do this without you.

I am dying, Captain. I feel it in my skin and in my teeth and in my soul. I am not long for this world. Eight years we have been together, with me by your side. It should be the same in my final moments. In the final moments of every man you have carried.

Come home, Captain. Come home to the men who adore you.

Yours,

Lt. Thomas Jopson

[goingtobeunwell]

[Continued from here!]

He lets out a soft groan and raises his hips up into his hands. He likes it this way, careful and slow, but he's also getting to be a little impatient. He waits until his trousers are opened and then throws Dorian onto his back, moving over him to kiss his throat and shoulders.

[brushoff]

Dorian lets out a laugh of happiness as Crozier throws him to the bed. Oh yeah. He likes this. "Don't stop," he murmurs, grinning as he adjusts his position for perfect kiss potential.

[brushoff]

Can I steal you for a moment or two when you're free? I'm going to make you live up to that counselling job description.

[goingtobeunwell]

You may. I'm taking a brief respite from being bitten by insects and chased by dinosaurs.

Counseling office?

Video

[riseunparalleled]

This is exciting, isn't it.

[Xie Lian's tone doesn't hit 'wry', but there's a certain edge of humor he allows to show with people he's close to that can come close.]

Re: Video

[goingtobeunwell]

[Xie Lian will be met by a very tired-looking, deadpan sort of stare.]

Oh, terribly. Love living in interesting times.

Do you think the threat's real?

[goingtobeunwell]

[Dated to shortly after this happens on the Brig]

Crozier stands at the rail at the bow of the Brig, arms behind his back, surveying this new and deeply troubling turn of events. The sails are one thing, but the barrier makes his heart drop down to his feet.

He leaves the deck and slips down into the hold, finding Jonathan Strange and gripping his shoulder. He shakes his head.

"Rest now, there's nothing more to be done."

[kingsroads]

He can do this. He has to do this. He is Jonathan Strange, he is one of the greatest magicians of the age. This is a problem that he has to solve.

But as he stares at the barrier, tired, weary, going on his third day of very little sleep, Jonathan Strange finds himself at a loss for what to do. Crozier's voice shocks him out of his mind. He looks over at the man before shaking his head.

"My Novice caused all this. Tim Stoker—of the Barge. He's the one who set the explosion that started this downward spiral. This is my responsibility so I will find a way to fix this."

And he starts to cast a different spell, staring at the barrier with bloodshot eyes.

audio

[riseunparalleled]

Hello, Francis.

Ah, It seems that my cabin has been... restored. I wondered if you would like to come over for a cup of tea?

Re: audio

[goingtobeunwell]

Ah, how fortunate you are, to finally have a place to sleep instead of settling for the middle of the corridor.

I'd love a cup of tea. After supper?

backdated a hair to literally the last day of port

[mycitynow]

Hey. Can...look, I know I haven't really gone out and done much, but d'you think we can go out to the port together just for a little bit? Just like, one hour? There's something that I wanna get for someone.

[goingtobeunwell]

[He's a touched surprised, but loves the change of heart.]

We can -- what did you have in mind?

Private | Voice

[neverwaitslong]

Hello, I'm Ulla.

Dracula told me that you might be able to talk to me about addiction. One of the unpaired inmates I'm looking after this month brought it up, and I have no personal experience to draw on.

Are you willing? I can meet you wherever you'd like.

Re: Private | Voice

[goingtobeunwell]

Evening, Ms. Ulla.

I do have considerable personal experience, and would be happy to speak with you. Is the deck comfortable enough? I'm about to head up that way for a pipe.

[mycitynow]

Oi, Gramps!

[ Kyoko's voice sounds...better? It sounds whole again, not raspy, the loud sort of brash voice he's used to dealing with. ]

I figured out how this stupid flood works! So you and me are gonna talk about why you've been walking around weird all week, okay?

[goingtobeunwell]

[Awh, hell.]

I've come to the same conclusion. Did anyone talk about the marks around your neck with you?

~11/09 | Text

[just7seconds]

Can we meet somewhere?

Re: ~11/09 | Text

[goingtobeunwell]

Of course.

Where would you feel most comfortable?

Private

[riseunparalleled]

Good morning, Francis.

I believe congratulations are in order.

Re: Private

[goingtobeunwell]

Afternoon, Xie Lian.

It has been a week worth celebrating.

[brushoff]

Two things. One, I'm afraid my inmate, Father John, has left so you and Kiryu get to rope in somebody else to work the counseling office.

Two, mind if I steal you for tonight? We haven't hung out in a while and I need a distraction.

[goingtobeunwell]

My condolences, Dorian. [All these people suddenly disappearing; it certainly makes Crozier feel some kind of way.]

Not at all. I'll come to yours. [He's feeling a little lonely in his cabin as of late.]

[tarakan]

It seems we have been paired.

[ Which is...nice? Honestly, Crozier seemed like a decent man in the breach. If this Crozier is even halfway a decent dude, Hilbert isn't worried. ]

How do you wish to do this?

[goingtobeunwell]

[Oh. How...industrious of his new inmate.]

It would seem so. Let's meet; where are you most comfortable?

left at the end of the flood

[no_innocents]

[ Attached is a list of all of the supplies found in the Speakeasy for medical use which was clearly Hilbert's station, along with what he took from said supplies and a few notes. ]

If you'd like the dangerous supplies, I can deliver them.

Re: left at the end of the flood

[goingtobeunwell]

Please. Thank you for this.

[And we can just assume this lovely shipment of goods was delivered!]

upon Sheehan-sempai's arrival

[lone_horse]

Crozier-san,

Are you sure?

[goingtobeunwell]

Gomen-nasai, Kiryu-san, I should have discussed it with you first.

But you are the one who must stay. There's a need for some people to hit first and talk after.

After Sheehan's arrival - video

[abrightboy]

[After being surprised by Sheehan's presence in Crozier's office and talking to him for a bit, Malcolm leaves the Counselling Offices and finds a quiet hallway to make a call.]

Francis? Is everything okay?

Re: After Sheehan's arrival - video

[goingtobeunwell]

[Crozier answers looking fairly well. He does look a little bashful when he realizes who it is calling him.]

Ah, Malcolm, afternoon. Yes, everything's quite well. I'd intended to contact you after giving my key to Dr. Sheehan, but I see you beat me to the punch.

[goingtobeunwell]

[[Continued from here]]

Xingchen's got his head cocked slightly towards the bookshelves, but he's got the spirit.

"Ah, yes, I'd rather not have to stop halfway because I'm being prodded in the back."

He'd have to take his hands off of him, untangle himself from him, stop kissing and caressing him long enough to move to the bunk. No, no, an interruption would be unacceptable.

Crozier goes in for another kiss, a brief one considering the table isn't very comfortable and he's eager to get them into his berth. He pulls back, allowing Xingchen up from the table, and laces their fingers together so they can make the short journey together.

[brightmooongentlebreeze]

The table would be fine as far as he's concerned. But he doesn't mind this chance to be a bit of a coquette. He draws Crozier's hand close to him as he follows, stumbling a little because he really should keep his attention on his feet. He'd rather raise Francis' knuckles to his mouth, doing his best to approximate the rapt gazing he can't do.

"Francis?" This time he sounds a little more confident. It's a bit forced. But he'll believe it if he pretends hard enough. He reaches back, loosening his hair again, though it's not the performance it was last time. "A... Token is customary. Between cultivators, sword tassels and pendants, usually. But unless you haven't mentioned a sword in your possession..."

He reaches out and tucks the ribbon into Crozier's pocket. It's far from graceful, of course, but he manages after two tries.

There's no shoddier lover's gift imaginable than a length of tatty ribbon, but Francis will understand.

voice

[tarakan]

[ Like ten minutes after this post goes up, ]

I am asking you to do wardenly duty. Please come to my room and talk me down from breaking something or starting fight with child.

[ There's no hiding that Hilbert is PISSED and not even trying to hide it ]

Re: voice

[goingtobeunwell]

[While normally he wouldn’t condone breaking things, in this case it might be beneficial.]

Yes, yes, on my way.

[He’s there within minutes and knocking at his door.]