The Learned Society of Nexus Geographers

[conjuredskies]

Felix wasn’t strictly untruthful to Verity, and perhaps that’s good enough.

He is, after all, free. It’s just that rather than waiting to be sent off-duty, he waits until Stratos disappears into their home portal, then scribbles a note to say that it’s been six hours(!) and he needs food. He leaves it pinned beneath a rock at his desk.

How could that possibly backfire?

He’s delved into the streets of the Nexus before, but as usual it’s an education in architecture – and food, and commerce, and the entertaining arts. His map holds him true though. Aside from a bit of shock when he learns what an Escher bridge actually is, he makes it safely to the Fox and Crozier. It’s a surprisingly pleasant place, opening onto a tree-shaded yard of its own. The clink of glasses and murmur of pleasant conversation drift through the open doors. Rather impressed, Felix glances around the lane to check if Verity’s waiting outside before he heads in.

Comments

[conjuredskies]

Felix is going to have to make some profuse apologies after this, not to mention express his gratitude that Verity isn't giving him away. He really was hoping Stratos wouldn't do this to him.

"I did leave you a message, sir," he says, while Stratos is hesitating in his response to Verity. "Since we had no provisions, and it was so long since you left, I, er, took the opportunity to scout a possible source of safe meals. With the help of Miss Willis, here." All of which is true. In some fashion. Stratos still looks at him as if trying to discern the game.

"Yes, I found the note. Auxiliary, I don't think you understand yet the discipline I expect of you, or the penalties-" ...He lies. But he glances at Verity again, the book of maps on the table, and sighs. "If you'll excuse us, miss." Felix gets a look. "I'll speak with the auxiliary outside."

[brave_heart_verity]

What is there to give away? As far as she knows this is just lunch and a pleasant conversation. But yes, he'll have to find a good way to apologize.

"Okay. Bye, Felix." He gets a smile before he goes. Then her gaze slides to Stratos before dropping to the table. "Try being honest. He might respect that."

Who knows which one she was talking to. Maybe both of them. She's a troublemaker sometimes.

[conjuredskies]

Unaware of her ability, Stratos raises his eyebrows a little - if she has his brother's number down, he'll give the young woman some credit.

Or she's speaking to him, but surely that's- unlikely. He gives Felix a sidelong look, slightly disconcerted despite himself. He bows his head to Verity once more and takes a couple of steps back, looking a bit more like a scolding parent than a ticked-off superior.

"I'm so sorry about this," Felix says, with a duly sheepish smile, and a proper bow. "I'll settle the bill with our hosts before I go, of course. And thank you - this is still the most enjoyable meal I've had in months."

[brave_heart_verity]

Good luck with that, Stratos. She's an open book. But that book is a Choose Your Own Adventure and most people read straight through instead of following the prompts.

So long as he's properly apologetic he'll get an answering smile. "No no, my treat. Let me know when they let you come back and we can do it again." She's always down for this kind of troublemaking.

[conjuredskies]

Stratos never did like those books.

Felix looks relieved; if she's not mad at him, that's one front he doesn't have to worry about. He grins back, all the more so because of the frown she just elicited from Stratos. "I look forward to it. We still have so many maps to trade."

[brave_heart_verity]

Making Stratos frown is fun. She'll have to thank Felix for teaching her this game later.

"I'll show you more of my... magic pictures." Or maybe that's his thanks. Unless it does actually get him dragged out by the ear because he shouldn't be flirting while technically on duty.

[conjuredskies]

Next time he'll teach her how to score twitches.

"And I'll be your willing admirer."

"Felix." Fifty points!

"Right behind you, sir." He gives Verity a farewell grin and follows in Stratos's wake as the older mage strides out. There's an awkward and rather unpleasantly silly argument ahead. Maybe one of them will actually take Verity's advice. But probably not willingly.

[brave_heart_verity]

Oh, that is fun. It's hard to tell if the twitch or the tone sets off the giggles. She'll have to think about that.

They can argue whenever, wherever, and however they want. She'll take the side exit so she doesn't have to witness it. If they take her advice, great, and if not, more of the same right?

[conjuredskies]

Honesty is a difficult thing for them at present. But the row is saved for when they're back in their own world, so at least Verity will be spared whichever route she takes.

Scene?

[brave_heart_verity]

((That was a lot of fun, thank you. :D))

Sure!

[conjuredskies]

(( And thank you! XD Stratos had better beware of that sport catching on. ))

[brave_heart_verity]

((At least Ravari still likes him? You know, as much as she can?))

[conjuredskies]

(( Is there a rule against making fun of good customers, he'd like to know? It's... er, strategically important to his ego. ))

[brave_heart_verity]

((Absolutely!

Never do it where they'll hear or how they'll figure out.))

[conjuredskies]

((He can accept that as a substitute for respect.))

[brave_heart_verity]

((Good to know.))