There she goes

[illuminescent]

WHO: Lucy Pevensie and you!
WHERE: Various places around De Chima
WHEN: The month of November, as needed!
WHAT: Catch-all log, starters provided for those who desire them!
WARNINGS: Aggressive cheerfulness!!

01; the clinic

[For someone so small, she certainly does have a lot of energy, and it shows. She's been on call - and yes, on call is the appropriate term - for the past four hours, and she has another five to go before she will go home. It's not quite what a resident might face, but this is still a part time job, for all that she runs this clinic as well as staffs it and works in it.

Again.

Energy.

But despite refusing to go home early to do the other work she does - like schoolwork, maybe? - she can be persuaded to take a break, which may be entirely necessary.

The only way she can do this is from all the help she has; between everyone who works there as well as the support from the imPort community.]

02; the farm

[Maybe you've wandered here on purpose, or maybe it's an accident. It certainly is a lot of land - swaths of it, most of the land past the politely and well-manicured fields just around the house the kind of wooly and wildness that only Virginia can achieve. It's November and even here, in what is technically the south, the leaves are turning: yellow and orange and the occasional bright and offensively brilliant pop of red.

Where the land turns to hills is up past where the farm technically ends, and she's skirting the land there too, up and around the corners. She exercises her horse in the early mornings just as the temperature is starting to lift, as the morning's damp is beginning to turn.

If she goes for long enough she can pretend it's Narnia, until she runs into someone.]

Sorry-!

[Selene (her horse) is very well-behaved. She doesn't even shy, but carefully dances, just around.]

I am quite thoughtless, I do apologize.

03; the town

[It's dusky, dimly lit, night comes so quickly and so early. Lucy isn't so much a fan of the cold, and winter is not her favorite season, so she doesn't linger as much anymore, in store fronts, looking at things that once she may have had but now she doesn't miss. Pretty jewels, little baubles, flowers-

-girlish things that remind her more of Susan than anything, girlish things she thinks do not look as pretty on her. But she really doesn't mind. She finds her way to a place near where the shops cluster by a tiny park, and sits, and thinks that maybe she's fine here. That the winter will pass and Peter will be fine, in Narnia, that Edmund will complain to no one about how much he hates snow, how Susan will throw a party-

-and Lucy will not think of it, she decides, and she settles in on a bench for a while. She's looking up at the brightly lit storefronts, all ready for Christmas (oddly soon, maybe?) and looks like she's thinking of too much all at once.]

04; wildcard

[prompt me!]

Comments

03;

[hisheartsdesire]

[Rarely does Toby ever go to De Chima, seeing as he now lives in Maurtia Falls and still has quite a few haunts in Heropa. Though that may change now, since he still wants to visit Lucy and enjoy her companionship. Her admission to wanting his friendship and liking him is also rather encouraging, especially in light of some other unexpected developments.

Speaking of which, Drew hates this about Toby so much, the way Toby messes people about by loving their company and companionship and them so very much, then abandons it all without any consideration, just to run back to Dorian and herald him as beloved. It's just so wrong. So, naturally, Toby finds himself bombarded with the cresting of Drew's hateful emotions. Though he's starting to recognize his own feelings better, he may be struggling to separate them from Drew's for a very, very long time... unless the bond is removed.

Anyway, Toby had wondered where Lucy might go after work or whilst spending time in the city, and decided to peruse the various shops. Perhaps he would find some nice gifts for... well, mostly for Dorian, but Toby keeps an eye out for things he might give to others as well. He's moving on to another shop when he sees a familiar young lady who looks like light and love...

He approaches, a gentle and sweet smile on his lips.] Good evening, Lucy. Fancy seeing you here.

[illuminescent]

[It's clear she isn't paying attention, because she looks up suddenly, surprised, almost, when Toby says hello to her. There's a little kick in her glow - just the faintest more prominence to her buzz, but probably obvious to anyone with any kind of sensitivity to light - and she smiles a bit.

It's nice to be friends with Toby again.

It's more than nice; it's lovely.]

Well I do live closeby, so truly, it's a fancy to see you here!

[It doesn't sound forced, but there is a touch of something in her voice. She gets up, presses a kiss to his cheek.]

Did you come here to see me?

[hisheartsdesire]

[He notes her surprise and thinks Lucy may have been preoccupied, her thoughts somewhere far away from here. But then she is love and warmth, and she seems to glow a tiny bit brighter. He can't help beaming when she kisses him on the cheek.]

That I did; otherwise, I have little reason to visit De Chima. [A beat.] Oh, I—God, I probably should have called you first, or perhaps sent a message. As it is, I'm lucky to have found you!

[illuminescent]

No, you have never need to call, for I will always find time for those I consider my friends, truly.

[She lopes her arm around his, easily, as if it was early days, as though she did not ever find out about Dorian Gray.]

Had you any siblings? In your own land?

[hisheartsdesire]

[In his head, Toby feels sheer animosity coming off Drew because he is so done with Toby's behavior. Playing up his innocence and kindness and shit, it's revolting. He struggles not to feel indignant right back and instead focuses on Lucy.

He blinks. A lot. To hold in some of the ferocity that he's fighting off. Humming in thought,]

No, I can't say I did. I was an only child, living with my mother. [A couple moments.] She was rather protective of me.

3

[mousquetaire]

[ D'Artagnan doesn't have much time for all the Christmas regalia. If anything, it appears to have annoyed him, given the way he has turned away from any storefront that's showing it. Gaudy lights, false snow sprayed on the windows. All these attempts at traditional authenticity that aren't authentic at all. It's insulting, more than anything else.

And it's far too early, to boot. He might consider getting in the spirit in a month from now. Certainly not when they're just past All Hallow's Eve. It's ridiculous.

He does try not to let that mood infect Lucy, though. He's been walking with her, carrying anything she buys and generally keeping her company. When she sits, he stops by her, although her pensive expression is a worry to him. After a few moments, he leans closer to her. ]

I do not think we should stay here long, my Lady. There's a chill in the air, and you've not brought your furs with you.

[illuminescent]

Then you could sit with me and share your warmth, could you not?

[She's been fussy, lately, about touching them; fewer hugs, and almost no kisses at all, ever since the swear-in last month and the disaster with Dorian. There has been little to no other backlash - she is as kindly and as sweet and as fierce as ever, simply-

A bit more restrained.

This may be the first time in a while she's suggested such a thing.]

It seems to me too early to be tiding over Christmas.

[mousquetaire]

[ So, no dice with that one. D’Artagnan sighs, and looks at Lucy’s melancholy figure with concern. He comes close, settling beside her in spite of himself, and unclasping his cape to put it around her shoulders. It’s far too big for her, but he considers that no bad thing. At least with that it will keep her warm. ]

Wear this for me, then. If you catch cold out here I shall never hear the end of it from Athos.

[ As if that’s the only concern, and everything else about this is perfectly normal. That’s all she needs to worry about – Athos being grouchy. D’Artagnan sits close, all the same. ]

It is too early. Much too early. One holiday is barely done before they seek the next. And they place such strangeness on it.

[ He points across the street, where a Coca-Cola Santa Claus is waving in the window of one prominent storefront. He’s made of neon lights, and looks altogether terrible. ]

Saint Nicholas has changed a great deal since I was a boy.

[illuminescent]

But what if you catch cold?

[She doesn't argue too much, though, because wearing his cape is almost like a hug, and she misses just cuddling up to her three guardians whenever she felt lonely or even remotely sad.

They take such good care of her. They are so careful. It is silly to let Dorian's words touch her like this, but they do, still, even with Hawke's reassurances that he was wrong.]

Oh, Father Christmas-

[She has not heard him called Saint Nicholas, really.]

I think him rather tame, in this shape.

[mousquetaire]

[ D'Artagnan thinks he looks foolish. He's barely recognisable as a Saint at all. No doubt this would trouble him if he were more religious. As it is, he just thinks it speaks to the modern idea of Christmas. He's not sure he really gets it.

Leaning back, he folds his arms over his chest. ]

I'm more worried about you catching cold.

What shape are you used to seeing him in?

01

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[The new clinic has a visitor who isn't sick or injured for once. Jacob Taylor is hanging out in the lobby area in jeans and a jacket, looking things over with an approving eye. He hadn't previously checked out the imPort community centre Ambassador Hundred set up, but clearly the space is being put to good use by somebody. He speaks out loud, to no one in particular.]

So this is the new med centre, huh? Not bad.

[illuminescent]

[She's just coming out of the back because she hears someone, her hair up in a neat bun, tied in a scarf. It makes her look a little younger than she is, which is impressive as she's only 17.]

Yes, hello, can I help you?

[She smiles when she sees him, an easy, welcoming sort of smile.]

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Lucy looks young enough that Jacob assumes she must be some kind of intern here- certainly not the person who came up with the place to begin with. Nonetheles, he extends his arm for a handshake, showing her the same respect he would an adult.]

Hope I'm not interrupting anything. I'm just looking around right now. I'll probably end up a patient here eventually- might as well get acquainted with the place ahead of time.

[The last sentence is said with a wry tinge. Jacob isn't a pessimist, not really, but he plunges into danger often enough and boldly enough that he recognizes he can expect to get injured sooner or later.]

[illuminescent]

[She takes his hand and shakes it; she's gotten very used to this greeting.]

No, I am quite between patients. My name is Lucy, and what may I call you, my future patient?

[She says that with a hint of laughter in her voice.]

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Jacob Taylor. I live around here, and I guess you could say I'm a superhero in my spare time.

[He smiles.]

So you can see why I'm interested in this place.

01.

[puppydoctor]

[George is on his way out the door when he sees Lucy, and without a second thought he heads over, refilling the styrofoam coffee cup in his hand as he does so. He holds it out to her as an offering.]

Hey, how're you holding up?

[illuminescent]

[She has grown very accustomed, and very affectionate towards, coffee. It's become something that's kept her going more than once, where she once filled her days with tea and little else.

She takes it gratefully.]

Oh, George, thank the Lion.

I am well, so much as any can be.

[puppydoctor]

It's a really great thing you've put together.

[He gives her a warm, bright smile.]

I wish I could spend more time up here.

[illuminescent]

Well, I just got more money, if you do wish to be here more often, I can now quite afford to pay you, and pay you well.

[It's a genuine offer; she knows that he deserves a real salary.]

[puppydoctor]

I got into a surgery program down in Nonah, actually, doing what I was before I came here. So I'm doing pretty well. But thank you.

[Then, his ears go just a little pink.]

Besides, I've got Sarah down there.

03;

[kingpawn]

[ Lucy is greeted by a hand offering her a steaming cup of warm cocoa, and Walt (a little shaggier than he had been as of late) offers her a warm smile. ]

It's a bit chilly out here, isn't it?

[ Things had been stressful to say the least, but Walt is glad to run into her. She's a breath of fresh air in his stress-filled life. ]

[illuminescent]

Mr. White.

[She says that with a definite perk up in her voice, like maybe she didn't expect to see him. She budges a little, so he has space to sit next to her, if he wants to.

She really is very fond of him.

She takes the cocoa from him and holds the steaming mug between her hands.]

It is a bit, but I think in a pair of months it will be near impossible to sit outside, and I should take advantage as I can.

[kingpawn]

You can always visit Heropa during those months. The good thing about Florida is that you won't get the cold winter or the snow that you get here and further up north.

Nothing will stop the days from getting shorter, though.

[illuminescent]

Is this you asking me to spend more time with you?

[She isn't teasing, she's brightening, instead.]

I would thank you for the chance!

[kingpawn]

Well, I'm not the only thing in Heropa. Not that I wouldn't love your company, of course.

But I'm sure you have a lot of friends there.

[ He really can't imagine Lucy NOT having a lot of friends. She's just so kind and goodhearted. ]