Caspian X | at the stables, in the bar

[the_seafarer]

It has been some time since his last sojourn here at the end of the Universe, but when Caspian enters from his cabin on the Princess Royal, the place looks quite the same as ever. 

A few new faces, and the lack of some old ones, but that same warm feeling is as present as he recalls.

And it's spring – better still. Moments after he arrives, he makes his way to the stables, where he spends a good deal of time cosseting his old friends. Who is managing the place now, he's not certain, but the horses and creatures seem well cared for. It gives him a pang to see Susan Allgood's once bustling stables so quiet and still, though, and he makes himself a promise that he'll come back more frequently to care for them as they deserve.

The horses he turns out, letting them stretch their legs in the warm spring sun as they frolic around the paddocks. Once they're set, he turns his attention to the problem of the Hope, waiting patiently in the stall where he'd set her to winter. The little boat needs plenty of work, but it'll be hard work to move it out into the fresh air by himself. He draws open the stable doors as wide as they can go, then begins setting wooden rollers on the ground.

Later, towards the evening, he may be found at the bar proper, a cup of tea at hand as he pens a letter.

... it is passing strange, to look about this place and not see those I expect. It feels rather as though they are simply just out of the corner of my eye, waiting for me to look at them so they can tease me for my long absence. And, of course, it is not the same without my raven girl, wind in her hair and the spring sun shining down upon her. The wildflowers are blooming, Marian. I wish you were here to see them.

Do come say hello.

Comments

[the_seafarer]

"I had quite a bit of time on my hands when I first arrived here," Caspian tells him. "And I have always been happiest on the water. So it seemed a fitting project."

[nerves_of_ice]

He thinks that over, given everything that Caspian’s said about his Narnia, his old life, the world’s end, and nods slowly.

“I can see that.”

[the_seafarer]

"But this is enough for today, I think," Caspian says. He'll work on mending the lines by the fireside later, he thinks, setting the coils neatly beside the overturned boat.

"Would you like to get started on that pen, or shall I help you another time?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Another time, I think," Bucky says. "There's no rush. The goats aren't going anywhere."

Besides, he wouldn't feel right pulling Caspian into another task so soon, as though he expected it in return for helping with the boat. He doesn't know how to express how much he'd enjoyed the work.

[the_seafarer]

"Very well. I shall be happy to attend you whenever you like," Caspian tells him. "If I'm not here, only leave a note with the bar."

He smiles at the other man, warmly sincere. "I've appreciated both your help and your company today, Bucky. Should you ever wish to offer both again – or your company only – I would be delighted to take you up on it."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Same goes," Bucky tells him, offering his hand to shake. "On all counts."

[the_seafarer]

Caspian meets his hand with a will and shakes firmly. "Capital," he says. "Then I shall be certain to look for you the next time I'm about."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I will, too," Bucky tells him.

"See you around, Caspian."