IC: Backdated to shortly after vacation event

[thekingsgambit]

[Is leaning against tree SOMEWHERES, going once more over those oh so special invites from camp... He's already pushing it enough with just being here and besides he's not going to leave Nunnally and Suzaku to wonder again where he's gone, especially after the work Nunnally has gone through in attempts to rebuild her family. Besides, he still has to be prepared for whatever might happen to Kallen's own time line while she is gone...

Closing his eyes, he quickly rips the letter in half.]

Comments

[ascendthethorns]

[Not far away from this SOMEWHERES, Cornelia pushes through the barrier, worn from lack of sleep and time, yet carrying herself with a restored surety, even with the presence of her knight and home still real behind her; a trick of camp or a thin division between worlds and realities, she doesn't know, it doesn't matter, the terms she's returned on are her own. She pulls a large, ornate suitcase behind her, heavy enough to snap any sticks it rolls over.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Stick snapping earns a head-turn.]

[ascendthethorns]

[As awareness earns sighting; she begins to walk in his direction, slowing once she's recognized him.]

Lelouch?

[A pause as she notices the torn letter.]

What are you doing out here?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[While you are noticing the letter, I am noticing the suitcase and pocketing my letter pieces.]

... So you took advantage of camp's offering. I was wondering if something had happened to keep you from the cabin for a short while.

[ascendthethorns]

Then I apologize for leaving without notice. Has anything of significance happened in my absence?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Nothing worth note.

[ascendthethorns]

A relief.

[Eyes quickly to the pockets.]

Will you accompany me to the cabin, or are you waiting for someone?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Tries to fight nagging desire to ask about trip... Once an information whore, always an information whore. Though, he's fully aware it's not information he should know. The price of atonement.

Turns to the side a little.]

Ah, I finished what I came here for.

[ascendthethorns]

[Watches him turn but is too tired to argue, so she starts ahead again at a slow, lazy pace.]

How have the others been?

[The question is awkward, asked for the sake of diversion.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Diversion is a-ok right now.]

The same. Though I think Nunnally is confused by some of the disappearances. I have also heard that some have not returned from them. A possible loophole in camp's arrangements, perhaps.

[ascendthethorns]

Has she not been informed of the nature of these leaves?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I think it is the fairness issue for her since not everyone is being afforded the opportunity.

She may also be worried about some trips lasting longer than they should have.

[Pauses.]

You came back first.

[ascendthethorns]

... first before who?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Kallen.

[ascendthethorns]

I see. When did she depart?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Shortly after the letters arrived. I encouraged the trip.

[ascendthethorns]

Do we know how the duration is determined? Or is it believed to be arbitrary?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

The letters mentioned the time is based on the years of camp stay.

[ascendthethorns]

Mine did not.

[Thiiinking.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Also thinking.]

You were gone for two, correct?

[ascendthethorns]

[Shakes head.]

Correct, but I am not debating the connection. It may well be valid. Do you remember what else her letter said?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Nothing beyond explaining the offer.

Still, the Guren was in the bay when it was last monitored.

[ascendthethorns]

[Soo tired. Shakes head more.]

You have given it more consideration than that. Continue.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

. . .

Under the circumstances, it is worth checking again.

[ascendthethorns]

... Very well. I will accompany you.

[Aboooout face.]