Eighth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Wednesday, 31st August

I apologize that this cannot presently be done in person. I intended to rectify that as quickly as possible. However, since this journal is capable of sending this to multiple people at once, I do not feel as though I should delay any longer.

I want to thank those whom I have served with this last "draft," as you call it. I owe a particular debt and much gratitude to those of you who served on the Endurance. Our departure was sudden, or I would have thanked you by then. You did fine work, and I would consider it an honour to serve with you again.

I pray that all of you are no worse for the wear. Or that those injuries you suffered are on the fast mend.

Hornblower

Comments

[action]

[simplestgift]

[Archie has been having an interesting time getting around the house, although he's doing better than he was yesterday. He can stand without his knees giving out, although standing or walking for too long sets the world a-spinning again. Right now, he's on the couch with a book (The Two Towers), but pauses to read Horatio's announcement. Afterwards, he glances up.]

You're welcome.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

You especially.

[For his part, Horatio is reclined on the two-seater, legs bent to accomodate his height.

He's feeling better-- sound enough to refuse the pain medication that found their way here. Even though he probably should be taking them.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

[Archie notices Horatio looks a bit pained, but can't do much about it, as drugging him requires standing for a measurable period of time. If he has to, he'll enlist Jilly to do it.]

Just doing what needed doing... [He resists the urge to add Mr. Frodo to that, and puts down his book.] Do we have anything to make a light dinner?

[It's past lunchtime, technically, but he didn't really eat, so...]

[action]

[captainhornblower]

I'm sure we have something.

[That involves standing. First step, sitting up.

...Damn. That hurt.

He's dressed the most casually one will ever see, save for when he sleeps. Trousers and shirt only, under which the bandages on his chest can be seen. There are others, on his arm, but those are less severe. To his credit, he did try to put on a waistcoat this morning...

But the thing hurt too damn much.]

I'll check.

[He chuckles.] Times like these, we need a steward.

[action]

[simplestgift]

Do we, now? Two broken old men? There's a strapping young lad somewhere about that would do just as well, isn't there?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[It's more teasing than anything.]

You would trust Mr. Wellard with cooking?

[action]

[simplestgift]

[He lies down on his back on the couch and stares tiredly at the ceiling.]

We have three options, Horatio: risk Wellard's cooking, starve to death, or resort to cannibalism. Which is it to be?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

...I suppose he cannot possibly be worse than Styles.

[action]

[simplestgift]

Of course not, Horatio, no one could be worse than Styles. [He says this like it's Very Serious.] Where is that boy? What do we have him around for if not to cater to us in our old age?

[Voice]

[boomchucka.livejournal.com]

And what about you and yours?

[Voice]

[captainhornblower]

[There's an undeniable chuckle just before he speaks, though it's quite brief.]

On the mend, at least.

And you, Miss Selphie?

[Voice]

[boomchucka.livejournal.com]

Want another hi-potion or two? I could go find you some?

Pretty good. A little healing magic goes a long way.

What about Archie?

[Voice]

[captainhornblower]

On the mend as well.

We are managing, Miss Selphie. Thank you for your concern. [He's not sure one of those... drinks... would do anything for Archie, and he's leery about the medication he keeps receiving and things that seem to be clearly magic.

He also isn't going to complain about the current lack of one midshipman, as that would contradict the "we're managing" idea.]

Do you suppose one of those tonics of yours would help Mr. Kennedy? It was suggested, I understand, that he will feel better once the feathers in his wing regrow.

[Voice]

[boomchucka.livejournal.com]

Good!

I can't say for sure but there's no harm in trying. They do help with discomfort though. Lemme head down to the item shop and see if I can find a couple.

[Which means that the good Captain is getting one too.]

I can run errands for you guys while you're both on the mend if you'd like.

[Voice]

[captainhornblower]

You're most kind, Miss Selphie. Thank you.

[Voice]

[boomchucka.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. You sound a bit tired still. I'll let you go so you can get some rest.

[Voice]

[captainhornblower]

Not at all, Miss Selphie. I'm glad to hear from you.

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[As afternoon slips towards something resembling evening, Jilly makes her way over to the navy boys' house and, only stopping briefly by the bakery to pick up some soup --It had less of a chance of being overcooked, that way. When she reaches their door, shifting her burdens carefully into one hand, she knocks softly...but she doesn't wait for acknowledgment to let herself in.

It's a careful peek at first, just to see if anyone is obviously sleeping and she should come back later, before she steps fully inside]

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Enter.

[It's not unfriendly, simply how he is used to responding to a knock when unable or unwilling to get up. Usually because he is busy with letters or does not want to be disturbed. This time, it's because he's too sore to move quickly.

He's in the living room doorway by the time Jilly peeks in.]

Miss Jilly. Good evening. Please, come in.

[He's a bit uneasy with how poorly dressed he is-- trousers and shirt only. Not the way to greet any company, much less female company...

But he can't bear a waistcoat today.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

[By this time, Archie is on the couch with brandy. It is remarkable how much better it makes him feel.] Jilly! We were just recalling the days of our youth. Many ages ago, when we could both stand up.

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

At least your memories haven't been affected. Then what would you do to pass the time?

[they both get a smile as she comes further into the house, stopping long enough to set the soup on a nearby flat surface]

Do you mind the company?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Do what any old men do when they tell stories. [He lets a bit of a smile come through.] Make them up as we go.

[He gestures to usher her in, though it's much more contained than he might otherwise have made. Lots of arm movement doesn't agree with his bound chest.]

Not at all, Miss Jilly. At least, I do not. Mr. Kennedy, though, might prove quite disagreeable. [It's light, easy.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

He's right, I do mind terribly, Jillian. [He turns a page in his book.]

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[the corners of her mouth quirked up as she moved to lean on the back of the couch]

Too bad. I guess my soup and I will have to go back home.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Now, now. Just because Mr. Kennedy is in a foul temper today should not mean I should be punished by going hungry as well.

[He chuckled faintly, flashing a small smile.]