Among the trees

[onceaviking]

Eric seems to have a very specific tree in mind, steering Athelstan down paths invisible to the human eye.

The tree turns out to be an oak, widespread and solid.

Comments

[onceaviking]

"I'll make sure she has a good time," Eric says. Confidently.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Are there good shops there?"

[onceaviking]

"There are. And a spa at the hotel. And the hot springs outside the city."

He is obviously looking forward to it.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Hot springs!" He smiles slightly. "Those are really a wonder of nature."

[onceaviking]

"Yes," Eric agrees. "Especially if you don't have to breathe."

[athelstanthescribe]

"You find a deep one and explore it completely?"

[onceaviking]

"And just stay down. Drifting."

Again, a practically genuine smile.

[athelstanthescribe]

"That sounds... really very relaxing, without the need to breathe."

[onceaviking]

"It is. Very much so even. I'm sure she'll enjoy that too."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It would be like a bathing pool, but completely natural."

[onceaviking]

"And classy. She likes that."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes, nothing less than elegance for Pam."

[onceaviking]

"I think it'll be a good trip," Eric says, sounding quite pleased with himself.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods. "And I'm sure both of you would welcome some time away."

[onceaviking]

"Yes. We both need that," Eric agrees.
"And with Sookie's house off the market and The Authority off my back, we ought to be able to enjoy it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"What's happening with Sookie's house?" he asks, confused.

[onceaviking]

"Her idiot brother out it up for sale. So I bought it," Eric says, matter of factly.

[athelstanthescribe]

"But isn't she living in it?"

[onceaviking]

He looks away.

"She's gone missing," he says.
Casually.

.... well, not really.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And her brother... decided to sell her house?"

[onceaviking]

"She's been gone for a while. And - as I said - he is an idiot."

Eric shrugs.

Then he adds, "I can't feel her. Anywhere."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Is there a limit to that connection? Of distance?"

[onceaviking]

"Yes. She's either very far away or in another place entirely."

Or dead. But he is not going to say that.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Are there - other places she could be? Places like Milliways?"

Clearly she's not actually in Milliways.

[onceaviking]

"She's part fairy."

That explains everything.