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[holyposition]

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t.laughlin

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[holyposition]

I know you had a lot weighing on you, but you always seemed happy to see me, at least.

I'd be grateful to wake up next to you anywhere. But near the beach would be the cherry on top, wouldn't it?

[mygoodsir]

It was difficult not to be happy around you.

Oh, yes. We could walk along the shore after coffee.

Tim, have you ever seen the shell of the abalone?

[holyposition]

I was smitten pretty quick, too 😇

Yeah, they've got the little holes in a row. Never live ones, though.

[mygoodsir]

I still don't understand why. But I'm so grateful.

Do you find them beautiful? The inside of the shell, I mean.

[holyposition]

You were a breath of fresh air. You still are.

Where it's all pearly? Yeah, I guess I do. Why? Adding them to your museum?

[mygoodsir]

Oh, Tim. You are truly my light.

Oh, yes. I wasn't sure modern folk were still impressed by such things.

[He lies, like a liar.]

I suppose it's silly to ask if you find any minerals particularly lovely?

[holyposition]

I wouldn't know, you would need to ask them 🙂

What are you fishing for?

[mygoodsir]

You are modern!

Oh, you've caught me out. I'm trying to feature a few items that you personally might like.

[holyposition]

I'm at least fifty years out from most of the house! Don't lump me in with people who say "rizz"

At the museum?

[mygoodsir]

To me, you are modern indeed.

Of course.

[holyposition]

I'd like any exhibit if you're the one telling me about it.

[mygoodsir]

You're so sweet.

But you must realise that I would like to hilight something especially for you.

[holyposition]

Maybe...something with birds?

[mygoodsir]

Do you enjoy birds very much? I could taxidermy some!

[holyposition]

I used to go bird watching with my dad. It might be nice. It's been a long time since I've been home for Christmas.

[mygoodsir]

We could watch birds here. Tomorrow morning, even. I can get us binoculars.

[holyposition]

It's getting cold, we'll have to bundle up. If you find some binoculars, I'll make us some hot chocolate.

[mygoodsir]

Tim. I'm an Arctic explorer. A failed one, but still. I can bundle up like no-one else.

Did you know that the people of that region would wear animal skin clothing with two layers? Hair facing in for the under layer, and out for the outer layer. It was ever so much better suited for the climate than our layers of wool.

[holyposition]

And that's exactly why I want you nice and warm, so you're not doing that again!

I've seen photographs. It's interesting the kinds of conditions people can adapt to, isn't it?

[mygoodsir]

You are too good to me. Very well, I shall wrap myself in a scarf and welsh wig.

Oh, it really is! Human ingenuity knows no bounds.

[holyposition]

I have something more festive for you.

Did the expedition pick up any of their tricks?

[mygoodsir]

Tim! This is delightful!

Oh, no. No, I'm afraid our cross-cultural exchanges were very poor indeed. To put it mildly.

[holyposition]

You can have the reindeer. I'll take the tree!

I guess you did tell me your group accidentally killed a guy. Sorry.

I bet we could find you a modern version. A fleece-lined coat or something.

[mygoodsir]

Oh, yes please. Thank you.

Yes. And then one of us murdered a whole family.

It may be too warm for English winters.

[holyposition]

The guy that I heard in your memory, right?

Really? I'm freezing already.