Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[For the past few weeks, Don has spent an increasing amount of time staring out the windows of his winter room, watching for signs of spring. As comfortable as the room is, after two-plus months of living in it he really just wants to get out.]

[To that end, he has been packing for a camping trip, and today - not knowing that winter isn't yet done with Luceti - he shuts down all the systems in his room and leaves the house.]

[Anyone out and about in the village may see the Turtle, bundled in his snowsuit and carrying a duffel bag, heading out of town. He's not going anywhere in particular and isn't in a hurry, so he'd be happy to stop and talk.]

Comments

[spohkh]

[Spock blushes as he thinks about what happened between him and Professor Hastings....

...he wonders if Donatello knows.]

Greetings Donatello... how are you?

[i_speak_softly]

They certainly didn't use to.

[i_speak_softly]

It's Donatello.

[No(t much) offense taken, really.]

[musubi]

Figures. That would be too nice of them.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Camping. Somewhere.

[He notices the uncertainty, but isn't sure whether it's just Beast's usual hesitancy around people.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don tilts his head, almost as though he's surprised by this idea.]

I don't feel like I'm leaving home.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Don-a-tell-o. It's nice to meet you! [ She glances at his bag again. ] So... are you going camping?

[i_speak_softly]

[He smiles at the guess.]

Yes. Have you ever gone?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

No, but I've read all about them! All we need is a tent, and s'mores, and a campfire, and spooky stories...

[i_speak_softly]

- Read about them?

[What kind of person pony reads about camping?]

[fourthgenerationprincess]

It's served me well so far! I came in fifth in a race once because I did my research. Ooh, I know the perfect story, I used it for a slumber party with Applejack and Rarity.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

How can you not, though? It is... essentially what is happening. [Robert's tone is more curious than anything, but there's still an edge of almost-uneasiness. And it's not the first time Don's up and left before - he's not used to people just being able to get up and go from a place for an extended period of time.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don stares at Twilight with a mixture of disbelief and respect, and finally says:]

Fifth out of how many?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don shrugs, as he carefully stows more supplies in his pack.]

Luceti is my home. I'm just visiting some other parts of it.

[i_speak_softly]

[Oh, Don knows. As the Vulcan approaches, the Turtle's demeanour turns subtly but noticeably hostile.]

Fine. How are you?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard gives a sympathetic nod.]

I understand. Sometimes you just need that space, even from the people you care about.

[Action]

[tailasoldastime]

You... do not know where?

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[On one level, this logic makes sense. On another level, without the comforting confines of the household, Robert would feel ill-at-ease himself.]

... I suppose.

[The other part is how far away Don is going to be. It's been awhile since Robert has been alone like that - the last time was when Don was getting his penalty removed - and as much as he can still poignantly remember that, the new routine is hard to break.]

[spohkh]

[Spock sighs....

..yeah, Donatello knows.] I am well.

Though I believe I owe you an apology... you and Professor Hastings.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Lots of ponies! Half of Ponyville turned out. But most of them tired out before they got to the finish line, so I sprinted to the end.

[i_speak_softly]

You knew to pace yourself because you had researched how long the route was?

[i_speak_softly]

[Yes you do. Don crosses his arms and listens.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[A casual shrug.]

I haven't decided yet.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[He nods, but sadly.]

Robert doesn't get it.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Robert's obvious non-understanding makes Don uneasy, so he changes the subject to more practical matters.]

I'll call home, but not every day. When I see the full moon, I'll come back.