Tale as Old As Time [Finished]

[accalia]

"There are things that make us all who we are, and we must respect and admire those things."

Echo finishes his tea and scones and clears the table automatically.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried smiles, sadly. "He used to be so arrogant, as well. Sure he was going to conquer the world. I envied him, when we were boys."

[accalia]

"Those days are a good memory. keep it close to your heart for it may yet be a shield against darkness."

Echo moves towards the back door slowly and stiffly.

"After the events of yesterday and last night this one desires a rest in the fresh air. would it be troublesome if this one spent some time in the herb garden?"

[yamikuronue]

"By all means," Siegfried says, smiling. "I can assure you nobody will awaken you so rudely for resting there."

[accalia]

"No fear, it was unexpected but most elucidating. Still a most restful morning would be most welcome."

With a smile echo walks out into the herb garden. Finding a clear space he sits down among the herbs with a happy, yet pained sigh.

[yamikuronue]

A few hours later, Siegfried comes out to the herb garden to check on Echo, clearing his throat. "Your courier is here, sir."

[accalia]

"ACK! What?"

Echo awakes with a start from a deep sleep.

"Oh. the courier. Right. One moment."

Echo stands and dusts himself off before following Siegfried.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried politely pretends not to notice his discombobulation, giving a small bow before he leads the way to the front hall. "Very good, sir."

[accalia]

Echo follows Siegfried to the front gate. Outside a bright yellow cab sits at the curb. A tall honey blond woman dressed in a sharp black three piece suit leans casually against the cab. A discrete lapel pin declares her name to be Sandra and she is carrying a heavily worn guitar case.

Sandra: "Package for Echo"

Sandra pauses for a long moment before letting out a long low whistle.

Sandra: "Wow, Johan said I'd recognize you as soon as I saw you but I couldn't figure out what he meant until now. Good afternoon Echo, Sign here please."

Echo walks up and takes the clipboard to sign. His signature is once again a strange mobius strip surrounding a staff.

Echo: "Thank you Sandra, is Johan feeling well? I had expected him to come himself."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried waits near the door, awkwardly, trying not to intrude or eavesdrop.

[accalia]

Sandra: He is well enough. However he was contracted to Luxembourg when your telegram arrived so he sent me instead. Is that a problem?

Echo: No problem. Tell Johan that this one  wishes him the best.

Sandra is getting back into the cab at this point having checked the signature and handed Echo the case.

Sandra: I will, and you know you can drop that silly speaking in third person bit. It's been fifty years, just let it go, okay?

Sandra closes the door and the cab speeds off before echo can respond. When Echo speaks his words are filled with pain and sorrow.

"it may have been fifty long years, but that is still not long enough for this one to forget, nor for this one to be forgiven for failing....."

After speaking Echo turns to face Siegfried, a single tear running down his cheek.

"And that it would seem is that."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried gives a solemn bow. "Would you like assistance?"

[accalia]

Echo lifts the guitar case carefully and smiles.

"No thanks. This burden is small enough."

[yamikuronue]

"As you wish." Siegfried grabs the front door for him, though.

[accalia]

Echo follows Siegfried back into the house silently, with but a nod of thanks as Siegfried gets the door for the slightly overburdened Echo.