itscurtains | Week Three

[Last week, some shit went down! Salieri's scene went off without a hitch, but the good mood didn't last. The first motive was a bit of a doozy, and yet it didn't even have anything to do with the eventual accidental death of Mumble Happyfeet! At least Sissi was already pretty much dating Death anyway, right? She's probably fine, wherever she is.

This week, new menus have been posted in the cafeteria. But, more importantly, it seems that other new information has emerged. Everyone wakes on Sunday with some new memories - or are they old ones? - floating around in their heads. Maybe there was something to your discussions of time travel after all. Maybe there was someting to the Wizard's knowledge of the future.

Regardless, you're still stuck in here. At least there's some new places to explore this week. Maybe you'll find something helpful.]

Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

(( Be sure to submit your memory regains and your AC for this week! Hester's office hours and the merch booth also remain available! ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Benjamin's thoughts are just Head Empty Only Baby right now, and so as he goes over the things on offer, he picks up the bedraggled cat plush and holds it in his hands. On closer inspection, it looks like its rattiness is purposeful, like it was made that way, not loved into being that way.

Johanna, one year old and full of laughter and light, would love it to pieces. That alone makes him want to hold onto it, at least for as long as she's frozen that age, in his mind.]

What kind of parts are you looking for? I found something in the machine, some kind of... I don't know what it is. Let me get it for you.

[He goes back to his own pile and comes back with an Old-Timey Radio: A radio with a retro exterior but state-of-the-art technology inside. Unfortunately, it still doesn't work..]

[Honestly, who can blame him? Sometimes you just have to be head empty in love for your newly-discovered child, okay. As for the plush, it seems like a perfect companion for Johanna, even if she can't actually have it in the moment.]

Oooh ho, now what do we have here...?

[The radio was not invented anywhere near to Varian's time period, but even then just the sight of the device has him immediately curious. He reaches out to take it in hand, turning it over and eyeing the screwed-shut hatch that would allow him to get inside and take a look. Even when trying to switch it on doesn't bear fruit, he doesn't seem too put-off.]

Honestly? I have no idea what it is either, but I'm going to find out. Maybe see if I can get it working again? Looks like it might play music, somehow...

[If he had to guess, framing it against the TV he saw in the library.]

Was the cat what you wanted for it?

[He doesn't know why yet, but hey you do you my man.]

[When Varian takes the radio from him, he resumes his idle fiddling with the cat toy, watching the boy turn it over in his hands and nearly start taking it apart then and there.

And then he's asked a question, and it takes him a little by surprise.]

Oh- You can have it, anyway. But... I think I would like this, if you don't mind.

I have a daughter back home, you see. She- [He pauses, then smiles.] Actually, if my age in the "yearbook" is correct, she would be about your age, now.

I don't mind! That's what it's out here for.

[Ruddiger already has two plushies taking up space in the bed, he's not sure if he can handle much more...]

Oh, you do? I gotta apologize in advance in that case...kids my age can be kindof a handful.

[That gets a chuckle out of him.]

I would say that my Johanna would never, but then, I'm rather biased. But nothing she could ever do would make me love her less.

[He smiles, almost more to himself, and then shakes his head and tunes back in.]

Listen to me, rattling on. Thank you for this. [He holds the cat up slightly.] If I find anything else that's beyond my frame of knowledge, I'll bring it straight to you.

You're welcome! And don't worry about it. I like hearing about everyone's homes and families back where they're from...I was an only child growing up, so it kinda makes me wonder how things would have been if I had a sister.

[Even more chaotic than they are now, probably.]

[Benjamin chuckles.]

My wife and I were both only children, as well. We hope to give Johanna younger siblings, but we're blessed even if it isn't in the cards.

It can be lonely, being an only child. Especially if you're set apart from your peers, as well.

Hah, yeah...that's for sure.

[Varian sure was always the weird kid.]

But if Johanna takes after you, I think she'll be just fine.

Well I hope she takes after her mother more than me.

[Look at him - he's a big dude.]

...Would you like to see a picture of her?

[Without really waiting for an answer, he takes out the ambrotype photograph of Lucy and Johanna, holding it out for Varian to see.]

She has my eyes, she has her mother's smile,
When she came into the world she cried,
And it broke my heart...

[Don't worry, he would have said yes anyway! He'll lean in close so he can see, his smile broadening when Benjamin starts to sing.]

Oh...she's so cute! And she really does take after her mom, you're right.

[It makes him...wistful, almost. He doesn't remember his mother, but he likes to think she looked kind like Lucy does here.]

I'm really glad you were able to get this picture of them back. It's a nice memory to have.

It is.

[He takes it back, traces his fingers lovingly over the edge of the photo.]

It reminds me why I have to get home. What I'm living for.

[The soft smile is bestowed on Varian as well, when he looks up from the photograph again.]

Once we see the rest of you kids safely home, that is.

[whatmakesyouhaha.mp3

Varian feels his chest tighten. Benjamin...he's of similar height and build to his own father. He just...the light he shines with when talking about his children is different.

He isn't sure how to feel about that.]

I like to think my dad would probably be glad that you guys kept me in line while I was here.

[Benjamin's expression softens, shifts slightly. No boy Varian's age doesn't have a conflict with their father.

Men his age... Well, loving his girls comes as easy to him as breathing, but he knows that some of his peers would think him strange, foolish even, to show it as readily as he does.]

I'm sure he'll be gladder still to have you returned home safe.

Week Three

Yard Sard

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