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[agnes_nitt]

Time is a thief, Agnes thinks to herself when she comes into Milliways. A thief that steals itself.

She and Carlos had barely seen each other for more than a few hours at a time in months. Their respective duties had seemed to conspire to keep them apart, giving one of them a crisis just when the other's had finally been resolved.

The only redeeming factor had been that at least their respective timelines were in sync. A day in her world was a day in his, so neither was leaping ahead of the other.

So while she could hope to see him today, there was no reason she should expect to. Instead, she just goes to the bar, orders a pint of scumble, and tries to enjoy her small reprieve anyway.

Comments

[ostro_goth]

There are many others she would see in this place, even if she hasn't met them before.

Like the man wearing black that is sitting on a couch by the fireplace, playing an ancient Greek lyre.

And with a little grey cat sleeping on his foot.

[agnes_nitt]

Agnes sits with her back to the bar and just listens to the music. It's been a while since she's heard anything musical other than Nanny Ogg singing, and that's nothing anyone should be subjected to.

[ostro_goth]

This music is, though -- something that any would wish to be subjected to, even if it is by its nature somewhat mournful, quiet, and old-fashioned.

When he stops playing, the man with the lyre nods to her who has been his listener.

[agnes_nitt]

Agnes nods in return and claps softly.

[ostro_goth]

"Thank you," the man with the lyre says, gravely. "And greetings, lady!"

[agnes_nitt]

She bows her head again. "No Lady, I assure you. The usual form of address is Mistress Nitt, but I don't bother with that here. I'm just Agnes."

[ostro_goth]

"Mistress Nitt," he says, briefly bowing his head. He has no problem with formality, as a sign of the respect that exists between different people, and a reflection of customs in manny different worlds.

"I am Teja, son of Tagila; I was the last king of the Ostrogoths in Italy and died in battle, on the slopes of fiery Mount Vesuvius, in the year 552 of Christian reckoning."

[agnes_nitt]

She recognizes 'Italy' and 'Christian' from conversations with Carlos, but the rest is a jumble of names to her. He did say 'king', though, and that's enough.

"Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

[ostro_goth]

"I was king but for three months of desperation and defeat," he says, to forestall expectations of royal grandeur and and splendour.

Pause.

"What trade is it that you are mistress of?" he then asks. He would not normally ask that of a woman, but this is a woman who shows signs of a very independent pride in her station in life.

And one that would not wave swords and claim full equality to men, either.

[shufti]

A boy of about three comes over and looks at her, in possible recognition.

[agnes_nitt]

"Well, hello," she says with a gentle smile. "Where's your mommy?"

[shufti]

"Mummy with Leah." Jack says, grinning back.

[agnes_nitt]

"She's going to be wondering where you got off to, you know."

[shufti]

"Never let him out of my sight." Shufti says. "Not for long anyway. Hi Agnes."

She has a five month old girl in her arms, clearly mixed race, unlike her brother.

[agnes_nitt]

Agnes nods a greeting. "Hi yourself. Jack's getting huge. Has it been so long since we talked?"

[shufti]

"Apparently so, he'll be three in a week." Shufti says. "This is Leah, my daughter, she's five months. You were around for my wedding weren't you?"

[agnes_nitt]

"I don't believe so," she says with a frown. "I've been pretty distracted myself lately."

[benloserz.livejournal.com]

It has been a while, but he remembers that woman. "Agnes?" The smile is polite and nice, even if he does not expect her to remember him.

[agnes_nitt]

Witches don't forget faces. It's a thing.

"Hi, Ben! Been a while. How are you?"

[benloserz.livejournal.com]

"Yeah." He smiles and nods. "I am okay. How are you?"

[agnes_nitt]

A slight shrug. "Very glad to have a break. It's been a hectic few weeks."

[benloserz.livejournal.com]

"It has been a few months for me, since I saw you last." He nods.

Hm, the skinny geek is an athletic young man.

And he has a new... well, a new glow of self-confidence. It is something that happens when you start saving people's lives on a regular basis.

[agnes_nitt]

"Looks like you've been doing well for yourself in the interval," she observes.

[benloserz.livejournal.com]

"Hmm... yeah. Working, trying to get my own place, finishing school, preparing for college... keeping myself busy."

[agnes_nitt]

"I wish I had the choice to be busy or not. As it is, I've barely had a chance to rest at all lately."