Annarchy and Ageswaps (For Viatorus)

[westfallcorndog]

"Are there any mages around?" a young girl shouts. Her voice already sounds hoarse; presumably she's been at this for a while now as she walks along the sidewalks of the Nexus. She's found herself at the edge of the crowded Downtown district where highrises and quirky restaurants are soon to give way to The Underbelly. At a loss for where she is or where she ought to be going, she simply goes. If she walks in a straight line long enough she's sure to find someone who'll help her. Right?

"I need a mage's help! Anybody?" she tries again. She looks to be about twelve with dusty blonde hair, tanned skin, large front teeth, and a look of utter confusion on her face. She wears a red plaid shirt rolled up to the elbows and a pair of canvas shorts stained and smudged long ago by dirt and grass. Her arms are wrapped around her tightly and she looks in all directions like a person expecting to be ambushed. 

"I– I can tip?" she tries, though not too loudly. Who knows what'll happen if she announces that she has money in the city?

Comments

[heirtothearcane]

Isidor smiles and Viatorus actually chuckles gently as the two of them share this moment with them. It's undeniably sweet, and Viatorus is silently glad to see his friend repair familial bonds after enduring so much.

"Speaking of talks..." Isidor tips her head to stare down her brother. "You and I need to have one too." Viatorus sighs wearily, but Isidor ignores him, instead turning to the two children. "And we've intruded enough on your privacy today."

Viatorus can see where this is leading, so he leans forward. "It has been lovely to meet you, Anna. I hope you come and visit again."

[westfallcorndog]

Anna nods respectfully to Viatorus and is glad to say, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Durant. I'll make a point to see you again when we're all back to normal." She stands then, and as she passes Isidor's seat pauses for the tiniest of half-bows, her best approximation of what a goodbye from one well-mannered lady to another ought to be. "And Isidor, it's been very nice to meet a lady like you. Hopefully I'll see you in the future, too."

Harrowheart rolls his eyes and follows his sister to his feet. As he leaves he stops by Viatorus, smiles, holds his arms at his sides to give his friend a moment's notice, then dives in for a powerful hug. Well, as powerful as a young boy's arms can be. When he disengages from the hug he points a finger at Viatorus and says, "Think about the sideburns."

Anna grunts. She takes her brother by the arm and tries to gently lead him away from the long-suffering Durants. "You're so dumb," she whispers.

Harrow laughs and follows along. "Yeah, well, that's why they like me! I'm a vacation from their usual company: Smart-asses like you." He keeps on laughing even as his offended sister swats his arm.

[heirtothearcane]

In return, Anna gets a well practiced dip of Isidor's head. "I hope so too, Anna, it's been nice to meet you."

Harrowheart's hug is unexpected. That it doesn't choke the life out of him is even more unexpected. Viatorus freezes in surprise for a split second... and then laughs, patting Harrowheart's arm. "I will."

"No you won't," Isidor mutters through a smile.

It's a charming sight to see, two siblings reunited and on good terms again. Well worth the small bill for a few cakes and hot chocolates.