Millard Fillmore campfire, Thursday lunchtime

[future_sandworm]

The fire was lit, and Leto was heating water for spice coffee while chewing on some bread and dried fruit. It wasn't much of a meal, really, and he did consider finding something more filling in a while. Still, sitting here and watching the flames was comfortable enough, and soon the cinnamon scent of spice mingled with that of coffee, which always reminded him of home.

[open!]

Comments

[bitchprince]

"He's from Reno's world." Not that that was a problem, per se, but it was... interesting.

[future_sandworm]

"Yes, I noticed." Leto smiled. "He has experience of desert environments too." And drugs that made your eyes blue, which had been an interesting coincidence.

[bitchprince]

"And he's a decent man in combat," Arthur continued. "I wonder if Reno knows him."

He wasn't a complete idiot. He was well-aware that if he was going to keep dealing with Leto like this, eventually, he was going to stab his own eyes out. Or Leto's, depending on his mood.

[future_sandworm]

"You haven't contacted him and asked?" Leto replied. "If Reno does know him it would be useful to find out."

To Leto it seemed the best way at the moment, but then Ghani would probably say that he did inspire people to violence.

[bitchprince]

And Arthur didn't generally need a terrible lot of inspiration to get violent, even if he prided himself on his control.

"Not yet." ...He was still figuring out the details of the whole phone thing. "But if he continues to perform as he has, it might be useful to apprentice him to the reserves..."

Smooth, Arthur.

[future_sandworm]

"Apprentice?" Leto asked.

[bitchprince]

"It might be nice to have a third on hand," Arthur said, off-handedly. "In case things get too spread-out for us to keep an eye on."

[future_sandworm]

This required a moment's thinking. But Arthur did have a point. "It might," Leto said finally. "And Zack seems to have experience. Is there anyone else we should consider, though?"

[bitchprince]

"So far, I haven't met anyone," he said, "But we'll mention the idea to Reno, see what he's got to say on it, and keep an eye out for anyone else."

[future_sandworm]

"That is a good plan." he paused. "Elspeth might be an option." She had the training and probably some experience with leading people.

[bitchprince]

"We'll consider the options," Arthur repeated, somewhat neutrally. "There's got to be more out there we haven't met yet."

Also, he really, really liked Zack.

[future_sandworm]

Leto noticed that Arthur really, really liked Zack. He wondered a little exactly in what way. "We'll consider the options," he agreed. "What do you know about Zack?"

[bitchprince]

"He's a SOLDIER, second class," Arthur said, after a moment's thinking, "Which isn't exactly the highest rank in his military, from what I can gather. He's more than passingly familiar with gryphons and other destructive beasts..."

Beat. He bit down on a date.

"He could also easily take Dinah in a babbling contest."

[future_sandworm]

And that made Leto burst out laughing. "Now I picture a babbling duel and it's all your fault. Does he hunt?"

[bitchprince]

"My fault, but it made you laugh," Arthur said, with ever-obvious modesty. "I've yet to ask."

[future_sandworm]

"I'm glad that you take the time to keep me entertained," Leto replied. As for hunting, he had meant it in an euphemistic way, but decided to drop the subject.

[bitchprince]

Arthur took killing things very seriously. The euphemism had kind of gotten lost over time. "Just a happy accident," he continued, smirking at him. "Don't flatter yourself too much."

It may have been too long since the last time he had an actually civil conversation with his roommate.

[future_sandworm]

Being able to talk like this again was indeed a relief. "I never flatter myself," he replied, emptying his cup of coffee.

[bitchprince]

"Of course not. How could I forget," Arthur said, dryly, and stole yet more of Leto's dried fruit. What? It was there!

[future_sandworm]

"I have no explanation for that," Leto replied, watching the fruit disappear. "Have you made any other new acquaintances?"

[bitchprince]

"I'm glad to hear you admit that for a change," Arthur said, freely, chewing thoughtfully. "Lady Elspeth hasn't turned out too bad," he said, even if he was wary of letting her near the top spot in the reserve. "But no, I haven't met too many of our new inmates yet."

[future_sandworm]

"Yes, she is quite skilled." He smiled a little. "I guess I haven't exactly socialised either."

[bitchprince]

"Mmm. I'm positive you've got several of the 'newbies' convinced that you're a gifted hermit who writes poetry on the walls," Arthur said, gracefully. You know, the kind that would give his attention only to them ever.

[future_sandworm]

"Are you implying something?" Leto raised an eyebrow.

[bitchprince]

"Merely wondering if I can get any of them to sing your praises for a good laugh," Arthur told him, amused.