Library [29.02]

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Unlike the last time Karal had opened the library during a school break, this time he actually knew it was a break.

But he was beyond sick of sitting in his room, and there was still a lot of work to be done. So, after feeding Trenor, Karal gathered up a stack of notes and scrolls, and Altra Jumped them to the library.

He wasn't expecting anyone to stop by, but the library was open, with a very engrossed Karal occupying one of the tables.

[ooc: No OCD, but it is totally open]

Comments

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

Liir didn't know it wasn't usually open. He only knew that Karal was here on Fif-Fridays and that it was his job (and yes, he saw it as one) to bring lunch for his big brother and his "professor".

Today it was just a simple lamb chop with some vegetables and a fresh roll added on Karal's plate, but he hoped it would serve. He really did have to make sure he bought some recipe books while he was at work today.

"Good morning," he said as he walked in. He looked as he usually did, well dressed for work, though the wide strap of his bag had a small addition in the sense of a pocket. Inside the pocket was another addition: a tiny fluffy baby rabbit.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra oozed off the table and twined around Liir's legs, looking at the rabbit with distinctly predatory interest. :You brought lunch.:

Karal took a few moments to surface from his notes, and he blinked in surprise at Liir. "Liir, you didn't go to Mexico?" he asked, brain not quite here enough to realise it was an incredibly stupid question. "And you have a pet?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"I had no reason to," he told Karal rather stiffly, "as I did quite enough traveling and Altra can tell you how much work I have before me."

He looked down at Altra.

"And that had better be interest in the bag of food I'm holding."

His tone was perhaps harder than Karal had ever heard it, including when he'd first come to Fandom. Liir's hand was over the rabbit, stroking his little head with two fingers.

"The rabbit happens to be Andrew. Quote 'Fandom Weirdness' unquote."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra flicked an ear and started grooming his whiskers. :He's very fuzzy.:

Karal just kept blinking at Liir, trying to shake off a head full of magical theory and storm patterns and endless failed experiments. "Did I do something to offend you?" he finally asked.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He relaxed, almost to the point of collapse, and leaned on the counter as he shook his head. The food was placed there as well.

"No. I'm just a bit nervous with Andrew as he is. And, I will admit, a touch, well, cranky as well. You've been wonderful, as always."

His hand stayed on the rabbit.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad I didn't upset you," he said, shaking his head at the compliment. "Andrew..." It finally registered and he stood, stepping around Altra who chose to roll onto his side, looking very amused as he watched the rabbit, for a closer look. "That is Andrew?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He nodded, not pulling the rabbit from his pouch but moving his hand away.

"Yes, it's Andrew. I found him like this the other night.

"I'm only glad I know how to care for rabbits," he said with a faint, wry smile. He was trying to be good. "Though it is him in there, of course. He's very well behaved."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Glory!" He leaned back on the table. "I've never known someone who turned into a rabbit, but in this place that kind of weirdness is not uncommon. It will pass."

Karal made an effort and pushed everything he'd been reading to the back of his mind, turning his attention fully on Liir. "He will be all right, Liir. These things pass in time."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"So I've heard," he said, though there was something uncomforted to his tone. "That doesn't mean I like it right this moment, as adorable as he is."

The little rabbit cooed and Liir reached down to scritch him under the chin.

He would have commented on how he was having trouble sleeping, but he didn't want either Karal to worry or Andrew to feel badly and he knew he would. Those comments would be for when the bunny was asleep or he'd keep them to himself.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"No, it is not easy. Fandom weirdness can be unkind while it lasts." He flashed back on a particular memory, one that involved Andrew - not as a rabbit - and he winced. And changed the subject. "Thank you for bringing me lunch."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He smiled then, a bit of sunlight on a cloudy expression.

"Of course."

He walked over and slipped towards Karal for a careful hug.

"I have to make sure you're both well fed for work today."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal was grateful for the hug and he returned it, just as carefully.

It was something he needed right then, but he was careful not to show it. Liir carried enough burdens as it was; he wouldn't add his to them. "You take very good care of me," he said lightly.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"From what I've been taught," he said, a look at Karal indicating that most of Liir's 'lessons' had come from him, "we're supposed to care for each other. Though"

He smiled.

"not as any kind of commerce. My notes are very specific on that."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

And Karal started to laugh, giving Liir a quick bow. "And so I am told!" he said, shaking his head again. "I am still permitted to thank you, though. That is allowed."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"And I am permitted to tease you a little," he said in reply.

"And let you know that I'll probably stay in Andrew's room while he's a rabbit, if only so he's got a familiar den."

And so that I can sleep since the pillows still smell of him.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"You are, at that," he said. "And that is good to know." For once, he didn't blush when thinking about Evey. He just smiled. "Liir, would you object to having a plant in your room? Possibly something with some flowers?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He blinked.

"Why should I object to that?"

He shook his head.

"No. To be honest, before this all happened, I asked Evey if she'd mind if I got a pet. The Mice in the palace have got me feeling a bit homesick in one respect anyway."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I didn't think you would, but still, I needed to ask," he replied. "A pet would certainly bring some life to the room."

Altra perked up his ears. :I like those Mice.:

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"I grew up with more Animals and animals than people around," he said. "There were all manner of beasts and Beasts that came to Kiamo Ko. The only people were the soldiers and I wasn't permitted to spend much time with them, considering."

He smiled, a little apologetically, at Altra.

"Furry or fluffy or feathered faces are familiar."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra snorted, but rolled to his feet to bump his head against Liir's shin. :Practice, and I'll be happy.:

"Aravis has a dog," he offered. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you came to meet him, and you're always welcome to visit Trenor."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He looked down at Altra.

"I practiced last night and I'll practice again after work. I don't have much else to do."

He smiled.

"And it would be nice to meet her dog. Any dog. It's been years since Killjoy."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I'm caring for him while Aravis is away. You'd be welcome to come and visit him," he offered. "Though I don't know how he would react to Andrew."

:Good.: Altra jumped back onto the table and put his head on his paws. :I can watch Andrew while you meet the dog.:

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

Liir shook his head.

"I can wait till after Andrew's better," he said. "I've been well enough without a dog so far. But thank you, Altra, for the offer."

He was an odd child; he took a strange satisfaction in turning down pleasures in favor of his duties. To Andrew, this time.

"And you, Karal."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra simply flicked his ears while Karal said, "You're welcome. he is a nice dog, just large."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He smiled.

"That's the best kind. Killjoy wasn't that big, but he could knock me over with his enthusiasm."