Tale as Old As Time [Finished]

[accalia]

Echo blinks at Siegfried, his eyes open again jet black, once again Echo's mind goed blank and completely unreadable, a moment later without saying anything Echo blinks again and his normal eye coloration returns. As soon as his eyes return to normal, as if a switch had been thrown in his brain it turns back on.

Echo grunts softly in pain and stands unsteadily.

"It is time and past for this one to go to sleep for the night.... and perhaps that second glass was a bad idea."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried hesitates. "If you ever need assistance.. or just someone to talk to.... do not hesitate to ask. You've already done more for Lance than I ever managed, and for that you have my gratitude."

[accalia]

"this one will remember that offer... than you"

With that Echo walks off to his room. He doesn't walk in a straight line but he isn't bouncing off anything and seems steady enough on his feet. in short order he reaches his room and collapses on the bed. Moments later he is snoring softly.

[yamikuronue]

In the morning, Siegfried has breakfast ready before Echo wakes: fresh scones, clotted cream, and jam; he brews tea as soon as Echo is up, cheerily wishing him a good morning.

[accalia]

"Good morning, have the others woken yet?"

Echo seems well rested and clean, despite clearly wearing the same suit he was wearing yesterday.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried shakes his head. "No, I understand they're each still sleeping. Did you sleep well?"

[accalia]

"Not particularly, that brandy went straight to my head. had a lot of trouble getting to sleep with the headache. Once this one was out though the night was restful enough."

Echo sits at the kitchen table but does not begin eating yet.

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried hesitates. "I would suggest....well, it's none of my business, but I suspect more was going on last night than you're aware of. If you would like, I could help you discover what it might have been. But, I don't mean to pry."

[accalia]

"perhaps, perhaps. There was a lot going on last night and this one is only one person, human and fallible as any other human. This one thinks that this one will avoid alcohol for a while, and dispose of that bottle just to be sure."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried gives a sly grin. "I'd be glad to take it off your hands," he teases.

"In truth, though, I had considered making a visit to the penitentiary today. You're welcome to come along if you like."

[accalia]

"If this one would be welcomed this one would like to come along. Such a trip promises to be most educational."

Echo places the bottle of brandy on the table, as well as a smaller unlabeled bottle of a rich amber colored liquid.

"Since you offered to take the alcohol this one will take you up on that offer."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried smiles at Echo. "Thank you," he says, as he takes the bottles to put them away in the liquor cabinet. "Is this... Amaretto?"

[accalia]

"No, not Amaretto. It is what a fine Amaretto is but a pale shadow of. This one has had that bottle for.... too long... This one should let go and move on."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried pops open the top of the bottle to take a sniff. "Well! I suspect I will save this bottle for a special occasion. I would hate to drink such a fine liquor alone."

[accalia]

"May you have cause to enjoy that drink with someone soon."

By this time Echo has finished eating, although he ate much less than he has in past days, and rinses out his dishes in the sink.