Galadan-River, shortly after Galadan-Gabriel

[river_meimei]

There are three places River spends most of her time nowadays: Serenity, the lake and forest of Milliways, and her father's hospital room.

Only one of them is free of grief and guilt and strain. Free except for what she might bring, of course. It's that one she's in now: curled on a rock set a few feet into the lake, damp bare feet tucked under her skirt. Her boots wait on the shore, haphazard and abandoned.

Comments

[river_meimei]

"Likes me," she says finally. "Here." Her lips twitch slightly. "Walk the conversational balance beam."

Soberly again, "Timelines are a complication."

[wolflord_andain]

"Timelines," Galadan repeats, frowning momentarily.

"And there?"

[river_meimei]

Silence.

Then, "We haven't met."

"Did. It's in the nature of linear progression. The tenses are inherently flawed."

"I don't know."

[wolflord_andain]

"That certainly puts a different spin on things."

One that will, doubtless, be difficult to take entirely into account.

Fortunately Galadan has always enjoyed a challenge.

"You will tell me, should you find out?"

[river_meimei]

"Can't be trusted," River says softly. "Got a low line of boredom -- she doesn't pretend."

Beat.

Her eyes flick up to Galadan's. "I'll remember."

[wolflord_andain]

He doesn't smile, just nods.

"And so will I."

[river_meimei]

"I know."

There are many things Galadan takes no pains to hide.

[wolflord_andain]

"I thought you might."

He regards her in silence for a moment or two.

Waiting, perhaps.

[river_meimei]

River studies him in return.

Some of the distance is gone from her regard; the scrutiny isn't, entirely.

[wolflord_andain]

He doesn't drop her gaze.

After another few moments, one corner of his mouth curves in the barest of smiles.