pc catchall for jiji.

[agleam]

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[agleam]

The gift shop, a couple weeks ago.

[unsaid]

[ . . . ]

I will hold onto it for a time, but I would like to teach you additional self-defense in exchange.

[agleam]

[he laughs]

I'm not going to be good at that, but - sure, if you want.

[unsaid]

... my dear Rupert, if you are not familiar with self-defense, why are you giving me an item that will ensure your self-defense?

[agleam]

I feel like I kind of already explained that...

[unsaid]

No matter what danger I may or may not be in, that does not mean that you ought let your guard down.

[agleam]

[he shakes his head]

That's not what I'm doing. I'm going to be careful no matter what.

[unsaid]

[ . . . he just frowns a bit.]

It feels as though I am accepting something at your expense.

It does not sit entirely well with this old man.

[agleam]

Is it really at my expense when I'm telling you I'll feel better if you have it...?

[unsaid]

It is.

[he reaches out to place a hand atop rupert's head]

For I would feel better if it remained in your possession.

[agleam]

[affection week...

after a long moment:]

You're absolutely sure?

[unsaid]

[he would have done this even without affection week this is his grandson]

Mm, I am.

And I still intend on instructing you to defend yourself. Take heart - it is not often that I give lessons.

[agleam]

...Okay, but keep in mind I really wasn't kidding when I said I'm not going to be good at that.

[unsaid]

It is precisely why I believe you ought to learn.

[agleam]

Because I'll be bad at it?

[rupert]

[unsaid]

Because it is best to be equipped whenever possible to defend yourself.

[agleam]

I mean... It's not like I want something to happen. I just think it's more likely to happen to someone who's having, you know, contact with people who used to be here.

[unsaid]

[he shakes his head]

It is but one bouquet.

Should I properly believe my life in danger, I will reconsider... but for now, I lack such belief. Even without such an item, I believe myself capable of defeating most who will come to claim my head.

So worry little.

[agleam]

[he huffs a little]

You should know by now I'm going to worry as much as I want.

[unsaid]

That is your kindness - but perhaps then rely on some of my confidence.

[of which he has. so much.

a beat]

... though I do possess a thought. I do not think it an impossible thing, that at least two shadows may have acted last weekend.

[agleam]

[he tilts his head.]

...What makes you think so?

[unsaid]

An individual's behavior, between trial and then afterwards.

[a tilt of his head]

Though I cannot speak more on it, I believe it well enough to suggest a warning.

[agleam]

...So you can warn me, but you can't tell me who it is?

[unsaid]

[he nods]

But... it does prompt me to think of who may have been acting differently between the trial for Alphinaud Leveilleur, and then afterward.

Perhaps it is too long ago now... but it still has not settled well with me.

[agleam]

Do you have someone in mind?