Part 26 - Christmas(Agatha)

The boy02/29/2020

The days following the visit at Virgil's church had been a little uneventful, or at least for Thomas. Thomas spent his time making sure the ship was properly off loaded and sent out to prospective clients, lest he incur some sort of disdain from the deacon again. He spent a large amount of times at the docks.

This came with good and bad effects. The good came in the form of the zeeside physician where he could get his new scars melded away or at least hidden. The bad came in the form of young men and women insisting they speak to the captain about joining her crew. Thomas had to send them off, but not without a hearty lecture about why he knew she wasn't looking for more hands or convince them that he was indeed her boss.

Thomas also spent some time dropping off crates to the bandaged man. Though he seemed out of sorts, he accepted his crate without too much fuss. Thomas had to remind him that he indeed had ordered this and merely left it. He didn't much care for this sober man, though he wasn't much better drunk.

Thomas shrugged, and headed down the long stairs. He reached the bottom long after his crew carrying the crate had, taking his time. The man and woman who helped seemed rather keen on leaving as soon as possible.

they02/29/2020

A bit ahead, there is a small commotion. Nearby, in the main street of the Bazaar, there is a clamor as a voice speaks above the commercial noise.

???: Oy, do you know a man of rag? . .dah, you are useless! . . you! Do you know rag man? 'E is poor man, without backbone! . .bah! Useless! You! Do you know rag man? He has the ochki, and is student! . . bah! You! Are you useful?!

A woman walks past the alleyway entrance, evidently the source of the commotion and pushing past the group easily without resistance.

Her face is tanned, and wrinkled by age. Her forehead is covered in a small band of fabric that is folded up to a point above her head, and her clothes appear to be a strange mix between a layered bonnet trimmed with red and a dress covered in paisley patterning; between the shoulders and the arms, there is a sharp band of vermillion delineating the torso and arms.

She's stopped in front of the alleyway entrance, getting into faces of the vendors surrounding it, asking the same questions over and over.

The boy02/29/2020

Thomas looks up. Another one of that man's acquaintances? Well he's had quite enough of that. Thomas starts skirting around the woman, trying to avoid her whilst not paying her much mind. Thomas had no intention of being caught up in this.

they02/29/2020

The woman is beginning to elbow past the vendors, scowling loudly as she speaks in a strong, peculiar accent.

???: Dah, do you know him? No? Useless!

She knocks a vendor aside into his wares of wines, moving ahead to a customer in the middle of bartering.

???: You! Do you know man made of rags? No? Useless!

She pushes aside the customer onto the floor, wading through the crowd a bit more without bothering to look back.

She eyes Thomas, and, moving through the crowd grabs his shoulder, turning him around easily with one hard pull.

???: Dah! You! Do you know man made of rags? 'E is little man, with glasses!

The boy02/29/2020

Thomas sighs, annoyed. Maybe she'd leave him be.

Thomas: Aye. Up the stairs.

Thomas moves to try and leave.

they02/29/2020

The woman holds fast onto Thomas, smiling a familiarly crooked smile.

???: Ah! You know where he live! Show me to him!

The boy02/29/2020

Thomas: Yes, up there. Now if you'll excuse me..

Thomas attempts again to release himself from this woman.

they02/29/2020

The woman holds tighter onto Thomas, pulling him along as she walks towards the stairs.

???: -Irritated.- I ask for home, not stairs! If I ask you for Republic of Iron, do you show me ocean? No! You show me picture of Republic!

The woman pulls Thomas along towards the stairs, beginning to walk up and outright pushing him up the stairs as they take heavy steps that make the metal reverberate.

???: You will show me front door! Then you can go!

The boy02/29/2020

Thomas looks behind him. He was very annoyed, he'd just come down these stairs!

Thomas: Wh-...?! Ma'am please I do not have all day!

they02/29/2020

The woman keeps pushing Thomas up the stairs, walking ahead quite quickly but not lifting Thomas high enough for him to be merely carried.

???: You are little man; you have nothing to do! Show me to the house!

they03/01/2020

-----------

The walk up the stairs has been long, possibly more so now that it's coming back up. The entire time, the lady has been walking ahead feverishly without slowing down, and she's half-carried Thomas in a peculiar way that, if he didn't lift his legs, his shins would be striking the (very hard) metal stairs.

Eventually, they reach the top of the stairs, the lady staring past the windows. She's looking through the windows, apparently unaware that one of the windows is missing and open.

???: Bah! Where is little man? You will re-introduce me to him!

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas wheezes, gesturing towards the window with no glass. He stands still, trying to catch his breath before he climbs through the window incredibly ungracefully, tumbling through. He rolls to the side, laying on the floor.

they03/01/2020

The woman is holding their face against the window, holding their hands up as they try to peer inside.

The spire has a strange telescope set up in the center of the room, with a small plate of snow placed below the focusing end. The room seems tidier than usual, and the walls seem freshly re-pasted, but there's no sign of the bandaged man anywhere.

???: -Turning to Thomas.- Do you know where little man is?

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas catches his breath, sitting up.

Thomas: OY RAGS YOU ALIVE?

He shouts.

they03/01/2020

There is no response from inside the spire.

The woman gives a small huff, pushing their chest forward.

???: Bah! Still a terrible host!

The woman reels back her fist, her face knit in consternation for a moment. With a loud, guttural grunt, she swings her fist forward and smashes through the glass window to the right of the open one, glass shards everywhere and bloodying her fist.

???: -Unbothered.- Oy! Come here, or I smash your windows!

The woman climbs in through the shattered window, her clothes catching on broken glass and tearing a bit; she is unbothered, continuing inside and catching a small nick on her cheek as a stray piece of glass slides past her face. She doesn't notice.

???: -Louder, holding a hand up to amplify themselves; moving to stand on the jade-cornered desk.- Little maa-aan! Get up here, or I will take your little body into washbin!

Downstairs, there is the sound of rummaging; the bandaged man is stumbling up the stairs, wincing as they do so.

The Bandaged: -Distant.- Ack! . . .I'm. . .I'm coming! Don't steal anything, unless you really need it! Wait for me!

After a moment, and some loud stomping later, the very top of the bandaged man's head, covered with a wide-brimmed hat, pokes up from the open hatch in the center of the room.

The Bandaged: . . .oh! Hello, er. . .Able said your name was. . .Thomas! Your. . .your voice sounded different.

He doesn't notice the dressed lady behind him.

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas gestures towards the bandaged man.

Thomas: Yes, yes. Now I think this is a friend of yours?

Thomas seems fairly disinterested, taking out a flask from his inner coat pocket, taking a long swig before returning it to its place.

they03/01/2020

The lady has hopped down from the desk, moving to squat by the hatch.

The Bandaged: Eh?

The bandaged man turns around, coming face to face with the dressed lady.

???: Hello, little rags.

The bandaged man stares blankly, their eyebrows knit together.

The Bandaged: . . .rags? . .wait, is that-

Charlemagne: NO!

The brimmed hat resting on bandaged man's head wriggles incredibly violently, screeching loud.

Charlemagne: NOT YOU! LEAVE! YOU ARE TRESPASSING! YOU ARE-

The lady plucks the hat off of the bandaged man's head, smiling crookedly as they stands up, holding the hat.

???: Hello leetle Charlie.

Charlemagne: -Panicked.- LEAVE! YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED HERE! YOU ARE NOT-!

The lady suddenly bundles up the hat, crushing it up into a small ball for a moment as Charlemagne screams indiscriminately.

???: -Over muffled screaming.- Quit your crying, little hat; you are always alive, you be fine!

The lady tosses the hat towards Thomas, the crumpled ball of fabric slowly unfolding at his feet. Charlemagne continues screaming, but their voice sounds like it's continuously muffled despite the fact that he's no longer bundled up.

The bandaged man is still muttering, apparently noticing none of this.

The Bandaged: -Deep in thought.- . . .someone has called me rags before. . .you're not Able. . .Abby? . .Abner? . .Agatha?

???: -Grinning crookedly.- Ah, still a little boy after all these years!

The lady grabs the bandaged man, pulling up out of the hatch as he yelps loudly. She almost tosses him towards Thomas's direction, the bandaged man stumbling and falling onto their rear as they do so.

The Bandaged: Ach!

Agatha: Come, you still living alone? You no meet pretty lady yet?

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas picks up the hat, making a quick movement to straighten him out. He sighs.

Thomas: This seems like a lot more trouble than I needed today. What do you think?

Thomas looks down at the hat.

they03/01/2020

The wide-brimmed hat is still screaming, but is slowly trailing off into a low fluttering of leather.

Charlemagne: -Whisper-yelling.- I DESPISE THIS WOMAN. TAKE ME, I DON'T CARE, I CAN'T STAY HERE ANYMORE.

The bandaged man is standing up, stumbling as they try to adjust their (now missing) hat.

The Bandaged: I. . .hm? Oh, there you are Charles. . .I, uh. . .I've been busy studying, Agatha, I-

Agatha: Dah, you are still buried in your books? Have you gone out at all, or have you been keeping a nose into yer books! Is that why your face is dusty?

The Bandaged: No, I. . .Agatha, I just got my professorship again, and-

Agatha: -Yelling; advancing towards the bandaged man.- What!? You no tell me about this! Why you never write!?

The Bandaged: -Stepping back, holding their hands up.- Y-you never told me where you live!

Agatha: -Swatting the bandaged man's head.- You have brain! Why you no use it!?

The bandaged man winces loudly, holding on their head in pain.

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas holds the hat out, as if inspecting it.

Thomas: Hm. Hats mess up my hair.

Thomas moves to set Charlemagne on the bandaged man's desk. He then waves, moving back towards the window.

Thomas: Right, you lot have your fun, I need to go deal with Able too.

they03/01/2020

The hat screeches (though the voice still sounds muffled).

Charlemagne: NO! TAKE ME! I REFUSE TO BE HERE!

The bandaged man is rubbing their head where Agatha swatted at them.

The Bandaged: Agh. . .Agatha, you're stronger than the normal Londoner. . .you know that the vitality of the Elder Continent makes you hit harder. Please, please remember that.

Agatha: Is not my fault you live in city of smoke! You wheeze cause of bad air! Come, you live in old country! Is very healthy!

The Bandaged: -Sweating; holding their hands up.- T-thanks, but. . .I like the schools they have in London. . .besides, I'm busy working and teaching. . .oh. Oh!

The bandaged man perks up, moving to grab Thomas.

The Bandaged: Wait, Thomas, you can tell her! I teach Able!

Agatha: -Tilting her head back, holding a hand on her side.- Able?

The Bandaged: Y-yes! Their my protégé, you see, and I've been teaching them matters of intellect, and. . .and London history. . .I think we. . .did something about infernal history. . ?

Agatha laughs a deep laugh, the wrinkled wide-brimmed hat trying to shimmy away from her as she does so.

Agatha: Hah! Did you ruin this boy?

The Bandaged: -Little hurt; holding onto Thomas.- H-hey, that's uncalled for. . .

Agatha: -Laughing harder.- Hah! You are bothered too easily! I joke!

Agatha slaps her hands onto the bandaged man's shoulders, gripping tightly.

Agatha: Come! Show me this "Able!" I see how good your teaching is!

The Bandaged: -Sweating.- W-well, he doesn't. . .live here. . .oh! Uh, Thomas, you said you were going to deal with Able? Maybe you can. . .take Agatha with you, then, on the way?

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas grabs the bandaged man by the wrist.

Thomas: You are not leaving me alone.

Thomas's grip is deathly harsh.

Thomas: You're going down with me.

He suddenly perks up, pulling up his best faux smile.

Thomas: Yes. Able should be available today! Er.. Maybe. It is Sunday so... Hm. Well we'll see! Let us be off!

they03/01/2020

The Bandaged: E-er, no. . .no, I, I can't go, I have to study the snow. . .Thomas, you understand, surely?

Agatha: -Clapping her hands together loudly.- Dah! Is good, then! You will take me to this "Able"!

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas: You can make time for your student, mh? Goodness what would people say, ignoring your protégé?

Thomas grins at the bandaged man.

Thomas: Come, come, lest we miss him.

Thomas moves towards the window, sighing.

Thomas: ..Right.. Stairs...

they03/01/2020

The bandaged man squints, holding a hand to their temples as they contemplate deeply.

The Bandaged: -Muttering quietly.- . . .I remember being left alone by my teacher. . .I. . .I shouldn't put them through that too. . .

The bandaged man reluctantly follows behind Thomas, grasping their hands together.

Meanwhile, Agatha laughs loudly, doubling over a bit as she rubs her eyes.

Agatha: Hah! You are little man bothered by stairs!?

She moves towards the front, vaulting through the (broken) window and scratching herself up a bit as she does so; she brushes herself up, grabbing the railing.

Agatha: You Londoners are little babies! I show you faster way down!

Suddenly, she pulls herself over the railing, jumping up on the rail before kicking off, falling with her feet straight downwards while yelling maniacally and quickly moving out of view.

The Bandaged: -Unperturbed.- . . .I should bring them a gift. . .

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas raises his eyebrows, surprised.

Thomas: Elder continent you say? Mh. I guess she'll beat us down.. Let's go.

---------

Able was fussing with his hair in his home, he'd recently gotten a small mirror that he nicked and couldn't sell. He realized that he'd never spent much time looking at his own appearance. He wondered why no one pointed out how much his hair stuck out. He tried to flatten it but it wouldn't stay down. He sighs.

He moved onto giving his weasels an extra bowl of food, who promptly tore it to shreds. He was waiting for Thomas to bring him a new set of clothes. Able had spent a lot of time freezing, and he was done with it.

Able hears the commotion of the souless man that owned his building, and then Thomas, and then... others? Was Thomas just bringing a whole party to his home?

they03/01/2020

Outside the door, the bandaged man is following behind Thomas, wringing their hands.

The Bandaged: -Quietly.- Are you sure he won't mind us coming along? If he was just expecting you. . .er, what were you meeting up with him foR. . !

Agatha has shoved the bandaged man aside, squinting as she moves towards the door on the second floor.

Agatha: Dah! Is this where the Able lives?

She immediately pounds on the door, knocking loudly.

Agatha: Oy! The Able! Open yer door!

The Bandaged: -Through gritted teeth.- Agatha, be reasonable!

***

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas: Oh I'm here to drop off his package of winter clothing.

Thomas winces at Agatha's brash nature, but shrugs it off and follows. Meanwhile Able jumps, that sounded familiar but... not? He was confused, and moved to open the door. The weasels still eating happily.

Able: Are you on your drinking agai-... Hello?

they03/01/2020

Agatha grabs Able's shoulders, shaking him for a bit.

Agatha: Dah! You! Do you know where the Able is? I've been told he is student of friend, and I wish to see this Able!

The bandaged man pauses, their eyebrows furrowed as they pay attention to Thomas.

The Bandaged: -Through gritted teeth.- . . .wait, he's been without winter clothing for weeks? . .he. . .he could've asked from me, I would've brought something. . .

The boy03/01/2020

Able: Oy oy, that's me. What's all the fuss about?

Able grabs the woman's wrists pulling them away from him.

Thomas: Ah, he likely didn't want to bother you while on your little... snow... thing..

Thomas gestures vaguely, clearly not very interested. He pulls out his flask again, taking another swig before returning it.

they03/01/2020

Agatha chuckles, leaning forward and inspecting Able closely.

Agatha: -Looking really closely.- Ah, you are the young man my friend teaches? The Bandaged: Ah, Agatha! Please, don't. . .don't embarrass me with my student. . . Agatha: Ah, is nothing I could do to make it worse!

She's walking around Able, examining him as if he was someone on display.

Agatha: You look like very bright man! But very small! Ah, but strong! Do you have young lady? Or are you into man? I no judge!

The boy03/01/2020

Thomas snickers, moving into Able's home. He pulls out a scarf from his side bag, and wraps it around his neck. He then pulls out a large coat, pressing against him to make sure it'd fit.

Thomas: Oh yes, it looks just fine. At least now you won't be ice when you visit with Virgil.

Able takes the coat, sighing.

Able: Yes. Thank you.

Able turns to Agatha, raising an eyebrow.

Able: I'm currently not... looking for romance, ma'am.

Able didn't like being sized up. Least of all right before he was supposed to meet the deacon. He didn't need all these extra eyes on him.

.

March 3, 2020

they03/03/2020

The bandaged man peers around Agatha, wringing their hands.

The Bandaged: She, uh. . .I told her that you were my student, and she wanted to know if. . .I taught you we- Agatha: Virgil?!

The bandaged man shrieks, stumbling backwards.

The Bandaged: Ach! . .f-for God's sake, stop yelling!

The lady turns towards Able, smacking his shoulder with a strength one wouldn't expect of her stature.

Agatha: Hah! You know leetle Virgee? You?!

The boy03/03/2020

Able looks startled, and Thomas moves out of the way. Able make a half wince, but the pain wasn't anything worth crying over.

Able: Aye? The deacon right? We have meets every Sunday.

Thomas grins at this, but Able thankfully doesn't notice.

they03/03/2020

Agatha laughs, throwing her head back.

Agatha: Hah! Deacon!? Oy, I'm comin' with you; you show me to him, dah, and I meet ol' tricky Virgee again! The Bandaged: You have weekly meetings? That's nice. . . The Bandaged: -Quiet; eyebrows furrowed.- . . .I'd like. . .I wouldn't mind visits too. . .wait, why am I saying. . ? . .that's rude. . .

The boy03/03/2020

Able: I... Don't... Eh...

Able is searching for a reason not to bring everyone, he had planned on meeting at Caligula's today. He looked over at the bandaged man, who was pouting. He had been avoiding him a bit. Able grabs the coat from Thomas and pulls it on. He sigh.

Able: Ok, alright, but I do not want to see anyone causing trouble.

Thomas nearly escapes this, but Able grabs his hand, making an annoyed smile. Thomas was stuck again.

[

1:00 AM

]

--------------

[

1:04 AM

]

Able guided the group to Caligula's, and sent everyone to go sit while he waited for Vigil. At least the scarf and coat made the outdoors more bearable. Thomas leaned into the table Able sent them off to, grinning.

Thomas: Oh he gets so uppity when Virgil is coming to spend time with him. Though those two still seem to pull little pranks on us, so cruel. He's probably a bad influence.

Thomas sighs dramatically. Able stood away from the table out front of Caligula's, waiting.

they03/03/2020

Agatha is sitting at the table, evidently unbothered by the cold.

Agatha: -To Thomas.- Dah? Ah, little Virgee was always a prankster! Tell me, he is actually deacon, or is another prank? The Bandaged: -Looking around Caligula's.- Goodness. . .this is a nice, quaint establishment. . .er, how do you order?

[

1:12 AM

]

Down the street, the deacon is heading along, wearing a slightly different coat and hat; instead of the usual cleanly trimmed robe, there is a slight fur trim around the collar and the brim of the hat (though it seems largely decorative rather than insulating) to which a recent flurry of snow clings to. The deacon heads along, looking down the street and giving a small nod towards Able. However, they pause as they observe the group situated nearby, and continue walking ahead, meeting Able and lowering their voice.

Virgil: -Low; to Able.- Good evening. May I ask why that lady is here?.

The boy03/03/2020

Thomas: Oh I wouldn't know, for all I know it could be all an elaborate way to-

Thomas looks up, ceasing his talking when he finally sees the deacon. Able meanwhile sighs, looking at the deacon a bit exacerbated.

Able: Well.. I'm not entirely sure, but she was... Incredibly insistent on coming with. We can... hmm.. attempt to walk away, maybe they wont notice?

Able grins sheepishly.

they03/03/2020

The deacon stares, before heading to the usual table Able and he sit at.

Virgil: -Sitting.- I doubt that'll work; they'll follow, and we won't have a place to sit. When did Agatha get here?

The lady is sitting up in their seat, craning their neck as they stare at the Virgil. They raise their hands, waving wildly. She stands up, walking over and knocking aside the Bandaged in his chair.

The Bandaged: Ach! . .ow. . . Agatha: -Walking; very loudly.- Oy! Oyy, leetle Virgee! Virgil: -Moving to stand up.- Running is beginning to sound viable, however.

Agatha sits across from Virgil, their arms outstretched in a gesture.

Agatha: Dah, how were you? How come you no write? Are you actually a deacon? Is true? Virgil: -Moving to sit back down again.- . . .I've been fine, Agatha. I'm n- Agatha: -Faux-annoyed.- Oy, you no call me Agatha! I'm not old yet! Virgil: Agath- Agatha: -Faux-annoyed; crossing their arms and false-pouting.- Oy! What I say? Am not Agatha, I'm. . ? Virgil: -Sighing; holding their cross.- . . .Aggy, I am a deacon now. Agatha: -Chuckling; slamming a fist on the table.- Hah! You are very good, tricky Virgee! Oy, the Able! Listen to Virgee!.

The boy03/03/2020

Able sits, trying very hard not to laugh. He strains himself.

Able: -wheezing- He is a deacon.

Able covers his mouth, looking away from the deacon.

Able: His sermons are very lively.

Thomas waves over a waiter and orders some drinks, and looks at bandaged as if to see what he wanted.

Thomas: Tea with milk and...?

they03/03/2020

The bandaged man turns towards Thomas, originally staring at the commotion Agatha was making.

The Bandaged: Ah! What? Oh, er. . .just water, please.

Agatha wheezes harder, slamming fist on table again. She speaks loudly, her voice cutting clearly through the ordinary Caligula noise.

Agatha: Hah! Is true, then!? How come you become deacon!? Agatha: -To Able; gesturing vaguely.- I tell you, he is verrrry tricky tricky; last century, last two centuries, he very good at knocking them hats off the soldiers.

The deacon is clutching their cross, rubbing their temples.

Virgil: . . .Agatha, perhaps we can keep the past behind u- Agatha: -Conspiratorially; to Able.- He 'ees very good at doing upset with horse! The rose rriters, they is maaaad. . ..

The boy03/03/2020

Able laughs a bit, but glances up at the deacon. That didn't seem good.

Able: Ahh.. He's still a bit tricky, but he's a good man. He's enjoyable company.

Able looks at Agatha, but when he talks about the deacon he's always smiling. Able sighs a bit, settling into his chair.

Able: Ah, but we shouldn't tease him so much, mh?

Meanwhile the waiter makes a face and Thomas nods, saying he'll pay for it. He had some funds after all.

Thomas: Filtered please, I don't need my acquaintance here getting sick.

The waiter moves on and back into the little coffee shop.

they03/03/2020

The bandaged man looks at Thomas, their eyebrows raised.

The Bandaged: -Slightly confused.- Oh, is. . .why do you have to ask for the water to be filtered?

The lady laughs, leaning back in their chair.

Agatha: Ah, he is fine! I tell you about his tricks!

She leans in conspiratorially, holding a hand up by her face to shield her mouth from lipreading. Meanwhile, the deacon has taken off their mirrored sunglasses, pinching the bridge of their nose.

Virgil: Agatha, please, I don't need you to tell Able about my unfortunate days. Agatha: -Undeterred; low.- See, he is still fugitive of Khanates! He punch daughter of Monghe Khan! Everyone hunt him! Virgil: -Sighing.- I already apologized to the Gracious Widow. Many times over, in fact. Agatha: -Ignoring Virgil; to Able.- He fall out of pagoda; I jump out with him, and had to let him fall on me! Heavy devil, crushed my bones, but hah! Was fun!.

The boy03/03/2020

Thomas: Dear if you can't remember then maybe it's best not to think about it.

Thomas pulls out his pocket book, going through receipts. Meanwhile Able is suddenly interested in Agatha's tales, leaning in a bit.

Able: Oh goodness really? He's so tame now I would've never guessed..

Able tilts he head, a little confused.

Able: Ah.. You look good for someone who got crushed?

Able looks a little nervous now, taking little glances at the deacon. He'd guess all that weight was probably from the hard chitin under the husk. He let his thoughts wander a bit too much and got a bit flush.

Able: Ah, Well. I'm sure the deacon doesn't... hmm.. want me to know more than I should?.

they03/03/2020

The Bandaged: -To Thoams.- Oh. Is it. . .is it. . .did a pipe burst?

The lady laughs harder, pointing at Able.

Agatha: Hah! My bones grow back quickly! . .ah! Is right, you Londoners are fragile! I- Virgil: -Putting their glasses back on.- Yes, that's enough of that. Tell me, why are you back in London, Agatha? Agatha: Ah, you curious! Well, I'm here because of loneliness! Agatha: -Pointing between the bandaged man and the deacon.- Because none of you write! Why you no write!? Virgil: Agatha, I'm busy, I have things to work on lest I lost my position in the church. Agatha: -Sitting back, huffing.- Is bad excuse!.

The boy03/03/2020

Thomas: Something like that. Don't worry.

Able seems to relax a bit, watching a waitress walk up to the table.

Able: -to the waitress.- Tea please..

Able sighs, muttering to themselves a bit about something.

they03/03/2020

The Bandaged: -Quietly.- When you say don't worry, I somehow feel like I should. . .

The lady suddenly sits back in her chair, scowling suddenly and ignoring the waitress.

Agatha: You don't write for one century! I get lonely, living in Continent of Old! I just watch grass grow from rock, or bugs burst from pebble! I miss the all of you! I desire the doing of fun things!

The deacon's eyebrows soften for a moment, before they sit back in their chair.

Virgil: -To the waitress.- Tea, please. . .ah, well. . .I'm afraid that we can't have do. . .that sort of stuff anymore, but, if all you wish is to be around familiar company. . .

The deacon tilts their head towards Able.

Virgil: I don't suppose it'd be bothersome to have Agatha at our planned dinner party, is it? Agatha: -Manic; pointing at Virgil.- Aha! Is the pre-supposings! Still tricky Virgee! Virgil: -Sighing.- . . .I didn't even mean for that, Agatha..

The boy03/03/2020

Able blinks looking up.

Able: Oh! I think it'd be lovely to have more people, deacon. That way nothing goes to waste and I can make more potatoes and oh goodness we should start on prep for that...

Able seems to trail off a bit talking about planning the dinner, while the waitress walks off with their orders.

Thomas: Hm? Nooo...

[

2:58 AM

]

----

The boy03/03/2020

Able had talked about the dinner plans for quite some time, and what he wanted to prepare for the meal. Able was so distracted by this that he didn't notice Thomas or the Bandaged man escape. They seemed to leave pretty quietly too. Soon when Able was done discussing, Agatha perked up, and insisted that they go to the docks. At the docks they were met by a... terrifying sight. A... "Boat." Able didn't like it, and even though Agatha insisted it was fine and safe, he stood firmly on the dock. He didn't like the docks in general, and kept as far away from the edge as he could. The gas lamps only barely showed the dark waters.

March 6, 2020

they03/06/2020

Agatha jumped onto the boat (which is a generous name, given that it was nothing more than what seemed to be sea flotsam, wooden boards, and sticks tied together with rope) as she rummages in the half-sinking ship. The planks sink into the water, her ankles becoming drenched as she lifts her dress in a tight bunch.

Agatha: Ah, I have many fish and veggies! I brought for snacking if I have hunger, but you can use for dinner! Virgil: -Staring at the boat; clutching their rosary.- . . .Agatha, you know you could've just paid for a ticket and taken a steamboat, yes? Agatha: Bah! Is too much money! Is robbery, I tell you! Much cheaper to make boat! Ah, 'ere it is. . .

Agatha pulls up a (drenched) box from the center of the boat, hoisting it onto their shoulder with ease.

.

The boy03/06/2020

Able looks at the ""Boat"" again, and then at Agatha. He wondered what sort of nonsense she could have brought with her to bring to the dinner, or if it would even be possible to prepare safely.

Able: Vegetables? That sounds interesting. I don't usually get such things unless Thomas needs to get rid of some stock.

Indeed it would be a nice addition... if they were useable that is. Able was fairly certain they would be rotting, but it would probably be better than old stock. He steps another few inches away from the edge of the dock, staring at the darker waters.

they03/06/2020

Agatha hops back onto the dock. . .

Agatha: Hup!

. . .and the boat splits with loud crack; several boards have broken off and sink into the dark waters below, the boat sinking just a little bit more.

Agatha: -Looking behind her.- Ah. Is still good!

She drops the box onto the docks, the crate falling with a loud slam; she pries at the wood, breaking off the nailed lid with ease.

Agatha: Ah, first. . .roots!

She pulls out a small ball of. . .well, it looks like a bundle of turnips, beets, and potatoes that ended up melding together; the flesh is multicolored in dark red, white streaked with purple bands, and leathery brown, but the vegetable looks fresh.

Agatha: Is good for stew, dah? Good for many flavor!

The boy03/06/2020

Able looks horrified when he sees the boat start to break apart, stepping back a bit more. He steps behind the deacon almost. He looks at the vegetable, impressed. It must've grown fairly well.

Able: A-Ah. Roots are very good yes. Looks like its... erm... Well I'm sure its fine.. Ah..

Able looks at the water again, stepping away a bit more. He didn't like the docks. He wanted to leave.

Able: Well.. We can prep it later.. mh?

they03/06/2020

Agatha: Oy, I'm not done yet!

Agatha reaches back into the box, muttering.

Agatha: I bring roots cause Virgil likes to crunch, but is not real meal until you get meat! I have piece of meat!

Agatha pulls out a creature that. . .looks vaguely equine, as if a bunch of wax sculptures of horses got too close to a fireplace and melted together; there's several sets of legs, hooves and all, joined to a big ball of what vaguely looks like a horse's buttocks with ears and eyes flanking out of it.

Agatha: Is buried little too close to mountain, but is good meat! Will go great in stew! Virgil: -Looking at the equine mass.- . . .you should've came weeks ago. I could've used this for my new husk.

The boy03/06/2020

Able actually steps back off of the dock, a solid four feet off and on the solid ground. He makes an affirmative gesture. It's clear he's wanting to leave the docks as soon as possible.

they03/06/2020

Agatha: Dah, is bad? I have more, if you like!

Agatha stoops down into the box, pulling out another piece of meat that is unsettlingly gant like the zee; however, Virgil looks towards Able, clearing their throat.

Virgil: Ahem. Well, Agatha, we already have the meat we need for this dinner. . .though we'll gladly take the roots; I'm sure I can figure a way to cut around each section. Agatha: Ah, is good then! Ok, then I bring big roots!

Agatha drops the horse bundle back into the crate, before kicking the box with such force as to make it slide across the docks and onto the boat; the boat cracks a little more, barely floating for a moment before the whole thing begins to sink. Agatha peers over the edge of the dock, looking into the water.

Virgil: . . .ah. Agatha: -Screaming; pointing at the water's surface.- Bad boat! Why you sink!? I built you good, why did you sink!?.

The boy03/06/2020

--------

[

5:04 PM

]

Able had basically hurried everyone away from the docks as soon as he could and ushered them into his home. The weasels were mostly asleep by now in their small home. Able discussed his plans for the dinner further with Agatha an the deacon, but more so he was just nervous and didn't know what else to talk about. Eventually he had calmed down enough to stop talking, and just relax on his couch with the two other people he'd brought along, a bit hurriedly.

they03/06/2020

Agatha sits quietly, nodding her head and giving speechless grunts of affirmation.

Agatha: Ah, I see, I see. . . Agatha: -Pausing.- . . .what is Christmas? Virgil: -Sitting back in the chair.- Religiously, the traditional date of birth of humanity's saviour. Socially, an excuse for the religiously devout to drink indiscriminately in the name of celebration. Agatha: Ah! Sounds like my type of holiday! Virgil: Regardless, though, the party isn't going to happen for a few days; have you figured out where you are going to board until then?

Agatha pauses, holding their temples.

Agatha: . . .there is that old widow, yes? Virgil: . . .she's been dead for years, Agatha. Agatha: -Low; to Virgil.- Dah, then there must be some other Khans out there, yes? Virgil: -Low.- No, they're. . .they're all dead. The only ones alive are the ones you made angry. Agatha: Bah! Is old news! They can't be upset now!

The boy03/06/2020

Able watches the conversation rather placidly, not sure if he even wanted to enter. Regardless she did need a place to stay. The bandaged man was likely too pathetic at the moment, and Thomas didn't have extra rooms. Able sighed, tilting his head towards Agatha.

Able: ..I have a spare room. I can lend you that if you need it.

Able knew he wouldn't enjoy this, but she couldn't just sleep out on the streets now could she. Well. She likely could do whatever she pleased Able suspected.

Able: No extra bed, However. Though I can supply you with the couch cushions and some blankets.

they03/06/2020

Virgil: Er, Able, I'm not sure if- Agatha: Dah! You are good man, the Able!

Agatha stands up, adjusting their hat and pulling it to their chest; medium-length fraying hair falls out from the bundle, the auburn streaked with light gray barely covering their neck as if they looked like an old, frayed doll.

Agatha: No need for pillow; I sleep on rrocks during the Khanian rule! Used old clay tile as pillow! I can do wooden floor!.

The boy03/06/2020

Able: That's... You don't have to sleep on the floor, though..

Able looks a bit concerned now.

Able: I have blankets..?

they03/06/2020

Agatha: Is ok, give me old curtain! I can use instead! Virgil: -To Able; quietly.- Just put it in her room. She'll deny any sort of aid, especially since she thinks herself tough enough to survive it.

The boy03/06/2020

Able: Ah...If you insist..

Able made a note to simply put the comfort items in the room, lest she complain.

---------

March 7, 2020

The boy03/07/2020

Tea was set for the day. Able wanted to make something at least today. It had been a full day since Agatha had started staying and he didn't know rightly what she liked or wanted as food. He'd figure he would try tea, as that was popular. The teas he'd received from Thomas was still fairly full, and he could make some of that. He had sworn off black tea at the very least, as it was too acidic.

Able: Do you like anything in your tea?

Able brought down his sugar loaf and honey. He prepared his own cup for brewing, and a spoonful of honey for just snacking on the side. He would have to figure out how to purchase this reliably before he ran out.

they03/07/2020

Agtha is seated in the main room, lying across the couch and scoffing.

Agatha: Bah! I've had enough of tea! You know, those fourth city folks, they love boiling the milk and putting dirt into it, and is no good! Airag is only good drink!

The boy03/07/2020

Able: There's... I don't...

Able makes a confused look at Agatha.

Able: I don't know what tea you've been having but this has neither milk or dirt in it.

Able huffs, taking another little spoonful of honey, humming happily afterwards. He pours enough hot water in his cup to steep his tea, waiting a bit. Floral and fruity smelling.

they03/07/2020

Agatha props themselves up, sniffing the air.

Agatha: I thought you brew tea, not boil fruit? And what is with the putting of devil juices in your fruit water?

The boy03/07/2020

Able: Er..? It is tea?

Able takes out the strained leaves, placing them to the side.

Able: And it is not 'Devil Juices' it is just honey.

Able didn't want to think of it like that, but at least the deacon wasn't here to make that thought flare up like it typically would.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: Is come from devil! I don't know if it come from the groinal tube or from mouth tube, but ye might as well be kissing or doing the dirty!

The boy03/07/2020

Able: I don't think that's what that means at all.

Able regardless gets flush, but drinks his tea anyway. He didn't need that added thought on top of his other ambient thoughts.

***

they03/07/2020

Agatha sits back, scowling.

Agatha: Well, if ye wanna go mad and end up flopping on the ground, you can be drugged! I will take water, thank you!

The boy03/07/2020

Able raises an eyebrow.

Able: I don't consume mind altering things. This is just... regular honey.. I think.

Able sighs, but starts to boil some water. He'd still need to have it filtered at least.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: Is just honey? Oy, who'd ye get it from? The bees of lamp aren't kind; do you know dealer?

The boy03/07/2020

Able: Ah, no, Virgil gave it to me a few weeks ago when he was..

Able stops turning around.

Able: While he was having some trouble.

they03/07/2020

Agatha sits up in the chair, her voice screeching with scandal.

Agatha: Leetle Virgee is making honey!? I thought he would always stay big bee, not little mindless drone! Is he seducing someone? Does he feed baby of sweetheart!?

The boy03/07/2020

The weasel pile that had previously been napping jumps to attention, before they all lazily make their way into Able's bed to sleep again. Able tilts his head.

Able: A-Ah? I wouldn't know. He seems to be a very private person.

Able filters the water through some mesh filter and into a cup, setting it aside to cool. He gets a bit more flush, looking over to Agatha.

Able: Has he ever attempted... ah... romance before? I can't see him being like that with anyone.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: Ah, I no know if he does the kissing; he tried to smooch a lady, but she not into bee; ah, but he was young! The kids all want to get into each other, you see! Why-

Agatha suddenly screams, sitting up.

Agatha: Wait! He give you honey! Bees do the giving of honey to seduce for breeding! Are you the sweetheart!?

The boy03/07/2020

Able jumps nearly dropping his cup. He sets it down, wheezing. His face is bright red.

Able: Absolutely not! He's been very clear that we're just friends.

He turns around, hiding his face. That was likely not true, it was probably more of a convenience of him already being there.

they03/07/2020

Agatha laughs, leaning over the armrest as she points at Able, seemingly ignoring what Able is saying.

Agatha: Ah! Is that why you are choking like drowning fish around the devil!? Are you smitten sweetheart?!

The boy03/07/2020

Able: That's-!

Able turns around. He couldn't think of a good retort, his brain already overheating.

Able: Perhaps but that's not important. He would... Ah.. I've given that up.

Able turns back to his tea, sighing.

Able: I don't have any intention of... Ah.. pursuing it.

they03/07/2020

Agatha clambers over the couch (the manner eerily similar to the bandaged man) before falling over; she stands up, speaking as if she had simply gotten up unperturbed.

Agatha: What!? So are you dating the leetle Virgee, or are you just batting the eyes at the bee?!

Agatha steps over into the kitchen, the floorboards creaking under her.

Agatha: -Rolling up her sleeves.- Are ye just looking at the bee for the tasting, then? Do ye think it is the first time I've had to punch out leetle lady for staring at little Virgee like the stew!?.

The boy03/07/2020

Able steps back, holding his hands up defensively.

Able: What? No! Virgil is someone I respect and care about! I would never want to make him feel uncomfortable.

they03/07/2020

Agatha stops rolling up their sleeves, standing back up from their hunch.

Agatha: What? So. . .are you friends, or are you romantics?

The boy03/07/2020

Able: Just.. friends? I don't understand the confusion.

Able blinks, still holding his hands up.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: You are smeeten, like small kitten, yet you are still friends? I not understands; did he reject you, and ye decided to stay friends?

The boy03/07/2020

Able: I... Haven't told him?

they03/07/2020

Agatha props themselves up, straightening their back and screeching.

Agatha: What!? Is very obvious that you are choking like drowning when around Virgee! Why have you not told!? Are you afraid of being un' little crying baby!?

The boy03/07/2020

Able: Why would he want... this?

Able looks away, fiddling with his hands now.

Able: Honestly, it seems ridiculous.

they03/07/2020

Agatha swats the kitchen counter, the lacquer cracking but still holding together.

Agatha: Boy, you better brew fruit water that gives back spine! Ye are like rag man, too teemeed to ask!

The boy03/07/2020

Able: Well I ask and then what? He's already gotten trouble just being around me, rumor and all that.

Able backs up, sighing.

Able: I don't want to cause him any more grief, he's very dedicated to his position as a deacon.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: 'Ee's gotten in trouble, or you? Ye think the devil hasn't handled worse scandal and the talks? I don't know what Virgee does now, but he has survived the crushing of wars, and the unmentionables of many ladies!

Agatha suddenly pauses, smiling widely as she grabs Able by the shoulders.

Agatha: Ah! I have the idea! You are having the dinner, yes? You tell him then, yes?

The boy03/07/2020

Able blinks, looking up at Agatha. He looks a little confused.

Able: Ah.. At the dinner.. I... Suppose.. erm...

He looks a little more flush.

Able: I guess I could, but it won't work. I'm sure he's got better options.

they03/07/2020

Agatha: Ah, no!

Agatha swats at the side of Able's shoulder, the impact rather hard.

Agatha: You no ask like that, you will be like timid raggedy man, and you will get no response. Ye gotta be saying it strong! With flowers! And the gifting, or the kissing!.

The boy03/07/2020

Able shields his face instinctively, but is otherwise more bothered about what she was saying rather than doing.

Able: Ach! I am fairly certain he doesn't want any of those things! Well.. Flowers maybe but... still!

they03/07/2020

Agatha: No, no, you are to do the keesing, and the touching! Is ok, though, you still have time before you die!

Agatha starts pulling on Able's shoulder, pulling with enough strength to drag him along; she walks towards the door, her steps heavy.

Agatha: Is ok, I take you to his devil home! I knock on door for you, and say, "oy! Little man has thing to say!" You can do rest from there!

The boy03/07/2020

Able is trying very hard to resist the pull of Agatha, but she is strong and caught him fairly off guard.

Able: Wait! No no no! Not now!

they03/07/2020

------------------