Under the Sea (Open)

[poeticverses]

Characters: Jehan, Grantaire, Byrn, and everyone who wants to join them!
Date: April 23rd, midmorning to late evening
Location: The edge of the turtle!
Situation: Swimming! A picnic! A party!
Warnings/Rating: I'm going to rate this PG-13 for naked/nearly naked people, alcohol, and smoking. Also R's mouth. And apparently terrible mythological comparisons.

[Jehan has never been this happy, he doesn't think. The ocean. The blue, warm ocean. He gets to see it again, gets to swim in it with his friends, gets to enjoy it. He's so happy.

Of course, he's taking a long moment to shed anything but his coat once the group gets to the edge. It's a beautiful shade of blue and he can't not admire it.]


((ooc: go crazy!))

Comments

[epigrammatical]

I fancy Rosetti or Burne-Jones would commit the most dreadful sins to capture the colours here.

[Henry chuckles at the question.]

I have been spending quite a lot of time at a bookstore in the Wood sector, and continuing to acquaint myself with the byways of the city.

[And having all kinds of dreadful interpersonal drama.]

[poeticverses]

Which bookstore? I frequent--or did, at least, before the rationing took hold--several and never saw you!

[epigrammatical]

Have you not been to Daowei's? If you have not, you have yet to see a rather fine collection of poetry. Admittedly much is in the kedan tongue, but the books themselves are often lovely.

[poeticverses]

I never went there, no, and now I'm disappointed in myself. Hopefully he is still amicable to guests. I would love to visit now that I know it exists.

[A thought]

Does he do translations?

[epigrammatical]

He is friendlier to the foreigner population than many; we might not have become acquainted otherwise. You must visit sometime. I have only occasionally asked him for brief translations of the wares he sells—I imagine if he does more, it will be for a price, as seems to be customary.

[poeticverses]

Damn. I've a map I'd like translated, at least in part, and I am trying to find someone who might be able to do it.

[epigrammatical]

It can do no harm to ask. But a map, you say? Of the city, or of some other part of this world?

[poeticverses]

Of the turtle itself.

[epigrammatical]

Ah, indeed? Bring it to the shop; it is always possible that he may undertake the translation for the pleasure of viewing the map.

[poeticverses]

I hope so--it shows fields, I think, and ruined cities. There might be something of use somewhere.

[epigrammatical]

It would be a fine thing if that were so. But tell me, my dear fellow, how have you been keeping occupied, apart from cartographical matters?

[poeticverses]

[Jehan decides not to talk about his problems with the stress and trauma. That's not something he likes to talk about]

I've been writing, mostly, and reading. Dorian--Dorian Gray--recently gave me a flute, which I've missed playing.

[epigrammatical]

[Just as well, since it's doubtful that Henry would have much helpful to say.]

I did not realise that you were musical, or that you were acquainted with Dorian.

[poeticverses]

I am, yes, on both accounts. No virtuoso, but I enjoyed the flute much more than most of my lessons as a child. How do you know Dorian?

[Jehan is so not telling Henry just how well he knows the other Englishman]

[epigrammatical]

[As if Henry would mind. But maybe it's for the better. Henry has to laugh a little, particularly as Jehan's response offers clues for what Dorian may or may not have said. Specifically, not.]

Oh, I have known Dorian for quite some time, in the world from which we both come. Has he never mentioned that? No matter; it is certainly no great secret.

[poeticverses]

If he has, it was only in passing. I'm afraid with everything going on lately I am not as observant as I usually am. I'll admit I thought you two might be acquainted, but only because you're both Englishmnen.

[He laughs a bit]

Terrible, yes, I know.

[epigrammatical]

Oh, it is forgiveable—I have known Englishmen to ask a man from Paris and a man from Lyon if they are acquainted. But in this case you would be correct.

[A pause; Henry is not going to be the one to give away Dorian's secrets.]

Has he told you much of his history?

[poeticverses]

Some, yes.

[Jehan glances at Henry]

And about his...condition.

[epigrammatical]

[He nods, and actually looks a little relieved. That makes matters easier.]

We were introduced by an old Oxford friend of mine, when he was—

[A slight pause; he was about to say "a young man", but that seems slightly absurd; of course he is no longer young, but he still looks it. He finally concludes: ]

—younger.

[poeticverses]

I see.

[Anything else Jehan was going to say is replaced by a laugh when he spots their sunshade]

Here we are! My poem flew further than I expected.

[epigrammatical]

[Henry shades his eyes against the light reflecting off the water, seeing who's about.]

Ah! I do believe I see my friend Alcuin over there.

[He wants to ask more about Dorian, but that can wait for another day, perhaps.]

I think I shall go visit with him, if you don't mind.

[poeticverses]

You know Alcuin as well? Why have we not spoken more often!

[He laughs and starts to head for R]

I will see you later, Henry.

[epigrammatical]

We must remedy that in the future. A fine day to you, Jehan.

[And off Henry goes toward Alcuin.]