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[wolflord_andain]

There comes a time in the life of a Lord of the andain where one has to make a choice.

That is why Galadan is currently dressed like a Rim-dweller from River and Gabriel's world. The andain of Fionavar are now in the good hands of Kevin -- Ceridwen's son -- just to set the fox (or in this case deer) in amongst the hens, and he is, perhaps for the first time in his entire existence, a free --

Let's call him a man.

The Tacitus is waiting just on the other side of the door. So one more drink, and then he'll take his leave.

Comments

[gabriel_tam]

"I'll look forward to it. We both will."

[wolflord_andain]

"I cannot say I'm displeased."

[gabriel_tam]

His slanted smile holds unfeigned warmth. Over the years, he's come to hold the Wolflord in high esteem - and to trust him as a friend, as well.

(There are those who would think this mad beyond belief. There always will be, he supposes. But then, more than most men, Gabriel Tam has reason to believe in second chances.)

"I'm glad to hear it."

[wolflord_andain]

All change has to start somewhere.

"We seem to be suffering from an overabundance of gladness, just now."

It's shocking.

[gabriel_tam]

"Well, I suppose it's better than discussing the latest security arrangements and campaign planning. I'd been considering retirement, you know, given ... everything."

There's a bit of an amused sparkle in the look he directs at Galadan.

"Don't worry. I won't ask you to come out of your own retirement -- yet, anyway. Or free agency. Whatever you'd call your plans."

A beat.

"What would you call it, for that matter?"

[wolflord_andain]

What Galadan would call it leaps immediately to mind, but mustering the will to say them out loud is --

Harder.

Not impossible, but --

[river_meimei]

Luckily, as of a few minutes ago, there's somebody in the rafters.

(Galadan probably already knew that. Okay, definitely.)

Gabriel, however, might not have realized it until a very familiar voice floats down:

"Call it an ally to the White. He can stand."

She's smiling, small and warm and real. Visibly, and audibly.

[gabriel_tam]

His head snaps up, and his own answering smile is bright with real pleasure.

"Hello, băobèi."

His glance goes back and forth between his daughter and the Wolflord.

"Well, then. I think that sounds like a very good thing indeed."

[wolflord_andain]

"Currently I am sitting," Galadan allows, a small smile creeping into the corners of his mouth.

"You might consider joining us. I'll spot you a celebratory mead."

Only now does Galadan put his shields back up, because River has clearly picked up everything she needs to.

[river_meimei]

Yeah, guess how much attention River is suddenly paying to things like mead. (Which she doesn't drink anyway, and Galadan knows it perfectly well.)

She's still for a moment; then she's scrambling down out of the rafters in a sudden flurry of motion, nearly clumsy in her haste. She avoids the table top, which is probably a good thing for the drinks on it, but lands on a chair, wide-eyed gaze fixed on her father.

[gabriel_tam]

Who is still smiling at her, the slant of his scarred expression no hindrance to its warmth.


"You can tell, can't you."

[wolflord_andain]

"There are times," Galadan says, very dryly, "that I am very much an open book."

But he also does not look at all displeased.

[river_meimei]

"Always."

It's hard to tell which of them that's to. Maybe both!

She slides off the chair, takes two steps, and leans into her father's shoulder.

[gabriel_tam]

"That'd be quite the surprise to a lot of people, I'm sure."

He puts his arm around River, drawing her close.

"Wŏ ài nĭ," Gabriel murmurs. "It's all right now."

[wolflord_andain]

"Only the ones that don't matter."

Galadan's mouth is still curved in a faint smile.

Because on the whole this is really a very excellent day.

[river_meimei]

"You're biased," River informs Galadan, with about a tenth of her attention.

You think three people in the entire multiverse matter, Galadan, so whatever.

Mostly she's leaning into her father, eyes closed, tears just starting to dampen her lashes.

[gabriel_tam]

"It's all right," he repeats.

To them both, he adds, "I'm the luckiest man in the 'verse."

As far as he's concerned, that's been true for a while.

[wolflord_andain]

"Speaking of bias," Galadan says, voice dry.

(There's affection there, too, and not buried as deep as it used to be. Much.)

[river_meimei]

"We'll allow it."

Her voice is soft and choked, but she's smiling, smiling.