milliways_bar | (no subject)

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Eric had certainly enjoyed Cubefall (even if the whole thing was pretty ridiculous), but it suited him just fine that things seemed to be back to normal now.

So there is a vampire in the bar tonight, casually lounging in a booth. People watching.
Or, you know, pulse watching.

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And so he sits, smiling at them both.

"How are you today, Oriens?"

Sinric dips his eyes in a small nod, "Well, thank you Athelstan." His fluttering heart is still racing but the distraction at least gives him time to school his expression.

"Good", he says with a smile, watching Sinric regain his composure.

Eric watches the exchange with a small, sardonic smile.

Sinric isn't hiding behind Athelstan but his body language is definitely turned trustingly towards him. "I take it you are acquainted?" The question is carefully asked to be answered by either.

"Oh, we are," Eric answers.
"Quite well in fact. Athelstan has known me for years."

"A number of years", Athelstan agrees. "Though due to Milliways being strange, for longer than Eric has known me."

Sinric frowns. "I don't understand."

"Not long ago", Athelstan tells him, "the doors from my world vanished for all of us who come here. They didn't return for four years, while only a week passed here."

"I was locked out for a couple of hundred years myself," Eric adds.

"So the door can close against people?" He frowns and grows thoughtful. Perhaps not safe to leave his treasures there, if he can't return himself.

"It can", Athelstan agrees. "But it did return, and we found nothing changed."

"And sometimes, it disappears while people are her and then they can't go home," Eric adds.

"But if it cannot be found when it's needed... I think I'd rather be stuck here than not be able to find my way."

Athelstan nods.

"It's different for each. Some people can't stand to be trapped here."

Eric is quiet.
And while he may look somewhat bored, really he is thinking about when he was trapped here.
After Dallas.
When Godric burned.

Sinric notices Eric's silence and wonders at it but doesn't ask.

"But if time does not pass outside, does it matter how long one is here?"

"Not in that way", he tries to explain, "but some just don't do well being confined, even in such a large place. Or things at home weigh on their minds."

Eric's face stays still.
He doesn't speak.

"You have found it so, Eric?" He asks softly, still a little troubled by the man.

Athelstan glances to Eric, not certain if he'll answer.

"I have no love for cages," Eric answers, and while he tries to sound detached there might be a note of something in his voice. A hint of the pain the memory of being Bound brings.

Sinric lowers his eyes. "Nor do I." Eric's pain reflects his own and he finds himself sorry that his question brought it out.

He rises slowly. "If you will forgive me." He bows to Eric. "It was nice to have met you."

Athelstan nods to Sinric.

"I'll see you soon. Eric and I have some business to continue first."

The word 'continue' was purposely chosen.

Eric turns his full attention to Athelstan, seemingly forgetting whatever he was thinking about just seconds before.