(no subject)

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

Sharpe emerges from wherever he spent the night, probably a room in the staff quarters, looking slightly the worse for wear.

Without pausing, he heads straight across the room and out through the front door. Ten minutes or so later, he comes back in, dripping - apparently he felt the need to dunk his head in the trough at home.

With a brief stop at the Bar, he makes for a booth. And, slowly and with much crossing-out, he starts to write.

Comments

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"Fall in the lake?"

Faith joins him, with very strong black coffee.

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

He shakes his head, making some effort not to spray her. It may or may not be successful.

"Horse trough. Good quick way to wake up."

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

It isn't, especially.

But she doesn't mind.

"......ewww."

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

"...hey, the water's clean. Mostly."

He wouldn't make his horse drink dirty water.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"Horse drool. Ugh."

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

He shrugs. "Not much."

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"'Course, I guess I can't talk. I swim naked in the lake."

[stubborn-annie.livejournal.com]

Annie makes her way in through the back door, for her part. It was a quiet morning, and staring at the wall got old. She's likely going to do more this evening, but for now-

"Er. Get caught in a downpour or something?"

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

He glances up at the voice, and smiles when he sees her.

"Nah. Just a quick wash."

[stubborn-annie.livejournal.com]

"Ah, all right." Annie smiles a little. "How've you been, then? And little Patrick?"

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

"Both good." His smile broadens and becomes genuine, for the first time since the attack on Wellard. "Lucille, too."

[stubborn-annie.livejournal.com]

"That's good to hear," says Annie. "I.... think it was Svava mentioned your wife's expecting again, too? Or was it you? I hope you won't mind me congratulating you a second time if that's the case."

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

"She is, aye - and I wouldn't mind it at all. Thanks."

[jack_inthegreen]

An apple thumps onto the table in front of him.

"Hello," Jack says, sitting down uninvited.

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

Blink. But he doesn't really mind the company.

"...evening."

[jack_inthegreen]

"True. Hungry? I could also make pie but the apple is fresh. And very delicious."

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

Turning down food's just foolish when you're in the army. And in the workhouse. He picks it up.

"Thanks."

[jack_inthegreen]

"You're welcome."

He leans back in his seat. "What are you working on, if I may ask?"

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

"...a memoir, I s'pose. For those I'd not see forgotten."

[trurabblerouser.livejournal.com]

"Feeling wise, brother?"

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

Sharpe looks up and greets his brother with a crooked smile.

"Something like that."

He gestures invitingly at the other side of the booth.

[trurabblerouser.livejournal.com]

And he sits there a moment later.

"What brought on this wisdom then?"

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

"You met a lad here called Wellard?"

[trurabblerouser.livejournal.com]

He shakes his head.

"Not yet, Dick. I've kept to myself."

[and-far-away.livejournal.com]

Sharpe nods.

"Well, the how of it's not mine to tell, but... the lad's been hurt. Reminded me of a thing or two I thought it'd be good to get down so they're not forgotten."