(no subject)

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

Gabriel Tam opens the door for Mary and ushers her inside before following her to a table.

Mary doesn't tell her father, but it's something of a relief to be back in the place where she lost her memory - she knows her home ought to feel familiar, and the way it doesn't has been putting her decidedly on edge.

Comments

[wolflord_andain]

"Now that, I'm afraid, I cannot answer. I've not been here overlong, this time."

Galadan greatly detests not knowing things. They can likely hear it in his voice.

"As to the other--I've had a run-in with him before. Raven, I believe he was?"

He pauses fractionally.

"Provided that whatever he fed you was what restored your memory, that is."

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

"I know Raven."

Mary folds her arms uneasily over her chest, scowling, and then unfolds them again, far more fidgety than usual.

"He is confusing. I did not think he should do something like steal memories, though. Or make people believe things that are not -"

She glances at Galadan, and Gabriel, and breaks off. "But I do not know."

She doesn't know what of her judgments to trust these days.

[gabriel_tam]

"We're acquainted, but little more than that," Gabriel adds.

The look he's giving Galadan now is sharply inquisitive, but he doesn't ask.

Not aloud.

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan shrugs, the movement swift and elegant, though he does not take his eyes off of Mary.

"I know very little of him, either. Only that he was the one I followed to Bran's country--"

Here his voice tightens, sharpens, and his hands clench into fists.

"--and the one who took me back out."

Galadan, it must be said, is not particularly grateful.

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

"He took you there!"

The exclamation is loud and startled. "But what does he have against Bran? Why should he have?"

She's asking Galadan - and it should be noted that, though she's wary and startled, it's not, now, directed at him.

[wolflord_andain]

"I know little enough about--him--that imagining what purpose he might have had is just that--imaginings."

He does not shrug this time. There is little need for it.

[gabriel_tam]

"Evidently that may be something that we'll need to remedy."

Gabriel's tone is very, very dry.

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

"I want to know why it was done."

Mary's face is hard.

It is stupid to feel like you've lost something when you didn't have it to begin with. Mary would like someone to blame.

[wolflord_andain]

"I suspect that particular creature is none to difficult to find."

His gaze shifts from Mary to Gabriel.

"If you would prefer me to make inquiries, of course."

[gabriel_tam]

He doesn't need to consider it very long. Gabriel glances at Mary, then back at Galadan.

He nods.

"At least a few preliminary ones, I should think."

Perhaps more.

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan's smile is predatory--and pleased, of course.

"I will most certainly oblige you. And I will tell you what I learn as soon as may be."

His gaze flicks back to Mary.

"You may rest assured of that."

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

Mary hesitates a brief moment, and then gives a short nod of acknowledgment.

"I will be grateful to know what you learn," she says, stiffly - and then, because it does not do to give the wrong impression, or to be dishonest about it, "I will check with others what you have learned, too, if I can. I do not think I can only believe you yet.

"But you are the first person to have said the truth about this - and that is important."

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan offers a half-bow, one hand resting lightly over his heart.

"So it may be, Mary. Gabriel."

He offers his employer another quick bow, and then turns to go.

"I will begin now, should you have no further need of me at the moment."

[gabriel_tam]

"Wan an, Galadan."

There's no hesitation before he adds,

"And thank you."

[wolflord_andain]

"You are both more than welcome."

And with one last bow, offered to the both of them, he turns and vanishes into the crowd.

He's had quite a bit of practice at that, of late.

It's proven more useful than some might expect.

Raven will never see him coming.

[gabriel_tam]

As the other man leaves, Gabriel turns back to Mary.

"Mary?"

It's gently said, with sincere concern.

"Are you all right?"

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

"I must go home," Mary says, and looks off towards the back door.

"I have not been to my garden - and Dickon and Colin will be worrying. I have responsibilities. I have not been taking care of them."

[gabriel_tam]

"All right."

He doesn't remind her that time doesn't pass in her world while she's gone. Gabriel's well aware that Mary needs to be home and safe, right now.

"If there's anything I can do..."

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

Mary doesn't answer; just stands, irresolute and stiff, before blurting out, "You ought to say sorry to Mrs. Tam for me."

Though she ought to have said.

There were lots of people who ought to have said.

[gabriel_tam]

"I will."

There'll be a lot of apologizing on his own account, as a matter of fact. Thinking back over the last few days, Gabriel makes a mental note to stop by a certain jewelry shop this evening.

"Regan will understand, though, Mary. Don't worry about that."

[mistressmaryquitecontrary]

The only answer he gets is a small nod.

Lots of people don't even want the children they have. Mary is not so sure that Mrs. Tam understands, but this doesn't seem the time to say that.

She has to go home.