(no subject)

[bloodyrockgod]

Charlie is still in the bar, though he is no longer at the piano. He is sitting near it, though, his feet propped up on a chair and his eyes closed.

There are a few empty glasses on the table next to him. He has Joe's letter on his chest, under his folded hands.

Comments

[alas_alas]

Echo starts to draw him, then instead decides to go over and sit on the floor next to him.

"Charlie?"

[bloodyrockgod]

He starts, opens his eyes, and then smiles at her. "Hey. Echo."

[alas_alas]

She smiles back at him.

"Are you okay?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"I . . . am perhaps a little tipsy.

"Did you know Joe? The cowboy from the Old West of America?"

[alas_alas]

Echo shakes her head.

"No. Tom told me that he died. I take it you knew him?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Yes. He was a good friend. And. Yeah." He tries to smile and fails utterly.

[alas_alas]

Echo gets on her knees and give him a big hug.

"I'm sorry."

[bloodyrockgod]

He hugs her back tightly. "Thanks, love."

[alas_alas]

She starts to pet his hair, then sees the letter.

"What is that?"

[mnt_mike]

Mike bounds over, sort of like a puppydog, but in an ex-turtle sort of way.

"Are you sleeping?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"Not anymore." He opens his eyes, and then blinks a few times at the puppyboy young man. "Erm. Sorry, I thought you were someone I know."

[mnt_mike]

He just grins.

"Do me a favor and shut your eyes. I promise not to pull anything. Just do it."

[bloodyrockgod]

"Oh . . . kay." He closes his eyes, bracing himself for . . . well, whatever.

[mnt_mike]

"BABY!"

He squeals.

"Ring any bells?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"MIKEY!?"

[mnt_mike]

"Got it in one. I'm impressed. Would you believe that some people around here actually believe I'm Tom Cruise?"

[bloodyrockgod]

"You're better looking," Charlie says honestly.

[blue_ajah]

*A white-clad Moiraine notices him, and inclines her head in greeting.*

[bloodyrockgod]

He nods back and adds a small wave.

[blue_ajah]

*She glides over, carrying her own letter.*

Good evening, Charlie.

[bloodyrockgod]

"Hi. You know about Joe, I'm guessing?"

[blue_ajah]

*With one hand, she indicates her attire; with the other, she holds up her letter, having noticed his.*

I have heard, yes.

[bloodyrockgod]

"Oh. Is what you wear when you're mourning?" He plucks at his black t-shirt. "We wear black, where I'm from."

[blue_ajah]

*Moiraine nods again.* White is the color of mourning for me, yes.

Grief and honor, both, for those who have gone to shelter in Light beneath the palm of the Creator's hand.

[bloodyrockgod]

Charlie sighs slowly. "That's pretty. I like that a lot.

"I miss him, Moiraine."