i_speak_softly | Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

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Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[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.]

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

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

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.]

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

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

[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.]

[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.

Noted. Are there any particular matters you wish for me to accomplish while you are gone? [Other than the things he'd already be doing.] And what of maintaining the plants in your room?

[He holds up a hand.]

The plants are yours. I just keep them company.

[Robert smiles a little nervously in response.]

... I mostly am not certain... whether I should modulate the systems in your absence.

[The tropical plants would probably prefer to be warmer...]

The systems are yours if you want them. Otherwise I'll shut them down for the summer when I get back.

[Considering the place is basically being a pseudo-greenhouse anyway, Robert's glad for the extra warm space to raise his plants. ~~It might make moving back into the winter room next winter a chore, though.~~]

I am more than amicable to running them myself... your ingenious systems are quite simple to understand.

In any case, it will be some time before the paopu saplings will need... proper replanting, even though they are much larger than they were. [It's been quite awhile, after all. Even if it doesn't feel like it...]

[Don looks at the growing young trees.]

I liked having them around.

... It is possible the room could support one, were it... to be modified. [Though that would require retooling the roof.]

In any case, though... I also enjoy the indoor greenery. It is... enjoyable, to tend to them... and they make the house seem more... lively.

[Following the train of thought, Don directs a calculating look at the ceiling, then simply nods. Project accepted.]

[This is a nice thought.]

It is... a project to consider for later, yes...?

... At any rate... [Another glance at Don's packing.] Shall I... assist you, or... is there anything else you would rather I do...?

[He wants to spend a little time with you before you leave, Don.]

Mm.

[He glances up, and their gazes cross before he quickly looks away again.]

Just - stay right there.

Certainly.

[As he usually does, Robert follows this direction exactly - he stands in the exact same place, without moving from the spot, until whenever Don wants him to move.]

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