* * *

* * *

Alright, after some quiet introspection, I have to admit: this is the dumbest idea I've ever come up with in my entire life, and that includes the fortress I built when I was five that almost suffocated both me and my brother.  This is that clever.

If Jhe h'Logos were in any way conscious, I think he'd be proud.

* * *

* * *

There is both too much and too little for me to do.

I look at the state of the Hall and I am overwhelmed.  On the one hand, so much has been done since I've left.  These Shenanigans, for instance - what a marvelous invention.  Truly useful in the way that only my Father can design something to be 'useful'.  On the other hand, well...

Well, there's Father.

* * *

Waldgrave's skin goosebumped slightly as the chill of the room pierced his clothing, but everything around him remained pitch black.  The soft whisper of cloth against skin reported the presence of at least one of his party behind him, but he dared not move without first confirming his location.  He blinked, but the absolute darkness remained.

A low chuckle rolled through the dark.  Waldgrave stood stock-still, alert to any indication of motion or direction.  Behind him, there was a slight scuffing -- he noted the sound of familiar boots.  Jackson, likely.

* * *

* * *

I drum, just like Elric told me to.  Now, I've never been much of a musician.  My family'd be the first to tell you so, and we were all raised to at least appreciate music, if not make it.  I don't really understand all those fiddly music note marks that Stevane and Daddy read when they're playing piano or whatever else, and I can't understand why my singing sounds "off-key" to everyone else.  But I do understand a beat, because I understand dancing, and I am at least good at that.  That being said, when I start drumming, it's more of a konk-konk-konk than anything else, and I wonder what Elric thinks is so special about this drum other than what it's made out of.