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[holyposition]

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t.laughlin

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[mygoodsir]

Ah, Tim. You are so very wise. Yes, of course you are right; it is folly to learn about a people based on their excess.

I don't think you've a presumptuous bone in your body.

Quite ghastly still, I'm afraid, but luckily I was never a vain man. I thank you. I do feel better, physically. The scurvy has been treated quite effectively. The malnourishment obviously still has lingering effects, but I do believe full recovery is likely.

The mental effects I fear will be lifelong, but I suppose that's a small price to pay for a second chance.

[holyposition]

We're collected from so many different times and places, I don't think you could get a measure of us as a group at all, without any more dire circumstances. Let's pray that it doesn't come soon.

Have you thought about trimming the beard? You could be handsome underneath all that, and nobody would ever know.

I'm glad you're feeling better, though. At least physically. I wish I could wave away the rest. Just remember that you can lean on me, okay?

[mygoodsir]

Yes, that is also true. Although I am confident that even if circumstances become dire, we shall pull together.

I've cut and shaved in the manner with which I'm accustomed. You don't mean utterly bare faced, do you? Good Lord, Tim, that would look ridiculous. Next you'll have me in denim trousers.

It's the lead I fear most. I'm positive I've lost some memory, and Lord knows what other cognitive functions may have suffered. But I'm being morbid, forgive me.

[holyposition]

We worked together well when the ghouls attacked. Maybe we are learning after all.

You know in my time, facial hair is out of fashion completely? I didn’t even realize I liked them until I came here, is how few men wear beards in Washington. I’m not saying shave it all off. Just that you might blend in more with a different style.

And – you might look good in jeans. You never know until you try.

You’re forgiven. But I think you’ll recover. If this place can raise the dead, it can reverse lead poisoning.

[mygoodsir]

We are always capable of learning and growing.

Is it really? I suppose the pendulum of fashion swings throughout the ages. Before my time being beardless was apparently what the well to do preferred, but by the time I'd grown to manhood it was considered a fine masculine trait to sport one. I shall confess this to you, Tim: I fear being clean shaven would be a full time job for me. I am quite hirsute.

The very idea feels so foreign that I suppose I shall have to try.

Perhaps. And if not, that is just what I most adapt to. One can adapt to most anything.

[holyposition]

[ Noted... ]

Unless you’re hiding a big scandal from me, most people are only going to see the hair on your face. The rest can be a pleasant surprise.

I’ll come with you. I promise to only give you my honest opinion.

In a few months, you’ll be thriving, not just adapting. I have faith in that.

[mygoodsir]

Gracious no! I don't remember the last time I was in a state of undress in front of someone. Well, I suppose the gentleman Armand saw me without my coats, but I think that isn't so bad.

You are far too patient with me, Tim.

It is so nice to feel hope again. Even if I don't deserve it.

[holyposition]

Most people aren't wearing coats inside at all, that's no scandal here. I would be careful with Armand, though.

It'll be fun. I have some things that were torn up in the fighting against the ghouls that need replacing. Indulge in a little shopping with me.

You do deserve it, Harry.

[mygoodsir]

Oh? He is an extremely fascinating individual. Very helpful.

Well, if it's with you, I shall indulge.

On that we must respectfully disagree.

[holyposition]

Don't trust him. He threw his own husband under the bus in front of everyone during the killing games. And tried to do it again to me over the network. Among other very serious allegations.

[ Again, he's not sure if polite or flirtatious. He needs Lent to end desperately so he can have an outlet for all these dirty thoughts, instead of projecting them onto Goodsir. ]

[mygoodsir]

I don't understand why he would do such a thing. But yes, I shall be careful. I trust your opinion.

Tim? You do know you mustn't worry about me so much, yes?

[holyposition]

To rob him of his agency. For what purpose, I don't know. But Louis is my friend, and I know it hurt him.

I'm a worrier by nature. I can't turn it off. But you can tell me if it's overbearing. I won't be hurt.

[mygoodsir]

It must be terribly difficult to dislike the partner of a loved one.

I do sympathise, being a champion worrier myself. And I understand, too, that I must seem quite pathetic in many ways. But I am not a lamb being led to slaughter, I promise you.

[holyposition]

Not to be a gossip, but I don't think they're together any longer.

No, not pathetic. We all need help. And your home being so close to mine, but so far away from this one, I thought I was in a good position to actually be of service. God knows I can’t relate to some of these people enough to know the first thing about helping them get acclimated.

I’m really sorry, this must seem so patronizing. I can’t stand when people do it to me, and here I am breathing down your neck.

[mygoodsir]

Well. A little gossip is natural, in closed quarters. I can't begin to tell you how gossipy sailors are.

Bless you, Tim. You have the kindest heart.

You needn't apologise for your good intentions. But I don't want you worrying yourself sick over an old man who has, I promise you, seen at least some of the world.

[holyposition]

I imagine you run out of other things to do before too long. I've been here from the start, as far as anyone can tell, so I've seen and heard some things. 😇

How old are you? Far from the oldest here, I'm sure.

[mygoodsir]

Precisely. Although certain acts are technically forbidden, there was still an awful lot of rumour about who was frigging whom in the orlop.

Thirty-seven. An ancient.

[holyposition]

What a scandal. Was anyone caught? How does that work when you're stuck at sea and can't be kicked out?

Nowadays they'd say you're perfectly in your prime. If not for the years of malnutrition.

[mygoodsir]

No, not to my knowledge. Oh, you'd be flogged.

Really? How times have changed.
I am improving, though. Not quite so emaciated.

[holyposition]

That sounds humiliating.

Not to fuss over you, but I’ve noticed. Give it a few months, and you’ll be asking me why some pretty young person is calling you daddy.

[mygoodsir]

Oh, it is. We did have one group flogged, but not for buggery. I did not witness it, as it was aboard our sister ship, the Terror.

Good Lord Tim, I'm not impregnating anyone!

[holyposition]

[ Remember 2 seconds ago when he said he didn’t want to be a gossip? Ignore that. ]

For what, then?

Oh, it’s not literal. It’s an endearment for an attractive older man. Even if he isn’t actually a father. The implication is more... “you could guide me and take care of me.” But eroticized.

[mygoodsir]

Ababdoning their posts to kidnap a Netsilik woman. Lady Silence, we called her. I miss her terribly.

Oh, I see! Well, I'm not certain I'd be particularly good at guiding anyone outside of very specific situations.

[holyposition]

Oh, no. They didn't...?

Are you the kind of person who prefers to be guided?

[mygoodsir]

No. The men were terrified of her, by and large. My dearest Lady's story is one for another time, but rest assured I'd have done anything to keep her from harm's way.

When you put it that way, I suppose if I had to choose I would prefer to guide after all. If only because I do enjoy sharing any knowledge I have.