91st moon [the 4th Wall of Jericho]

[paladinlost]

[Ah, it's that time of the year again. And unlike last time, Cecil wakes up in his own bed (even though he'd been on his way back from Saffron when he fell asleep), surrounded by his own Pokémon (and Grimers, but at this point they're almost part of the family), and with his own belongings exactly where he left them (except for his left sock, but he's long learned to expect that).

He's safe, he's in a good mood, and he intends to stay that way for the rest of this madness. And this time, he's even in a position to share the joy with any visitors!

Which is why he's now grilling all sorts of food on a fire pit in his yard, while his Pokémon are bringing chairs and large cushions outside. That they manage to do so while linked to each other with duct tape is somewhat impressive, but he's too busy not burning a steak to admire their efficiency.]

Comments

[dragoon_pride]

I have no doubt that you can back up those words of yours, Cecil.

[paladinlost]

If not, I'll go down doing my best, at the very least.

[dragoon_pride]

I would expect nothing else of you but your best.

[paladinlost]

I'd be insulted if you expected any less.

[dragoon_pride]

You know I would never have it be otherwise.

[paladinlost]

If you ever did, I'd greatly worry about your health and state of mind.

[dragoon_pride]

Well. It would hardly be the first time I was in the wrong state of mind...

[paladinlost]

But not in the same manner, and not without outside intervention.

[dragoon_pride]

No, I suppose you're right, there are some slight differences... Anyway, you have nothing of that nature to fear.

[paladinlost]

I'm glad for it, though not surprised.

[dragoon_pride]

I'll spare you any surprises this time, then.

[paladinlost]

Much appreciated. Surprises are only pleasant in moderation.

[dragoon_pride]

I fully understand that. I'm trying to do less surprising things these days.

[Surprise backstabs with a side of kidnapping and suddenly stealing crystals tend to be bad things]

[paladinlost]

Surprising us with a visit or two would be welcome, however.

[dragoon_pride]

You know I would come to visit if I could...

[paladinlost]

I know, I know. I did say it would be a surprise.

[dragoon_pride]

A rather large surprise, indeed. But I cannot justify it just yet… I’m not truly ready.

[paladinlost]

That's fine. We'd not want to undo all your progress.

[dragoon_pride]

I'm not sure that I've made much progress at all, so... all the more reason not to undo it.

[paladinlost]

It'd be a shame to have wasted all that time, wouldn't it?

[dragoon_pride]

Indeed it would… I like my efforts to have meaning, to lead to something in the end...

[paladinlost]

Who doesn't? Especially after investing as much energy as you do.

[dragoon_pride]

Yes… I’ve devoted my entire life to it, after all.

[There’s never such a thing as half-assing anything for Kain. He gives his all to his causes, always, and this is especially important.]

[paladinlost]

Up until now, but I do hope you'll someday have the chance to enjoy a relatively peaceful retirement.

[dragoon_pride]

You know me, I'm hardly one to settle down... even if I should accomplish what I've set out to do now, I'll find something new to accomplish next.