The Gift
Richard's Storyline, Chapter 6.3
copyright comidacomida 2018
It was my turn to laugh. "Well, that makes us one big wonderful pile of incompetence then, doesn't it?"
His eyes glimmered Gold. "So long as we can be incompetent together, we can learn together, and in that I am content."
I held out my hand. "Deal."
Rather than taking hold of my hand, he surprised me by latching onto my wrist with his talon, gripping me by the forearm and giving it a firm shake. I had trouble figuring out whether his next statement was in jest or if he was taking me up on my earlier offer to be more overbearing himself. "So... is this where I am to try being overbearing?"
I maintained my grip on his arm and looked him in the eye. "Jack... I like you the way you are. Just be you and stop worrying so much."
His smile eased out even more and the light in his eyes intensified. "And I thank thee for that, Richard. While we are in open dialogue, I hope thou wouldst not think me forward or uncouth were I to offer up an uncomfortable truth."
I'm not sure why, but I just couldn't stop myself from responding with a likewise flowery response. "As close as we are, I would take it as a personal affront if you were NOT to share such a thing, good sir."
His ear-tufts flagged as he cocked his head, and Jack's smile only widened. "And now thou art making fun of me."
I pulled my arm toward me and, since he was still holding it, he came forward a step, as did I. Wrapping my free arm around his waist I drew him even closer. "I'd never make fun OF a friend, Jack... I'm making fun WITH you."
The Gryphon's nares reddened and his ear tufts fell bashfully. "That almost sounds sordid, Richard."
My smile widened as I leaned forward. "Does it?"
No answer was forthcoming as I pressed my lips to his beak. He was reserved, that much I understood, but every now and again the truth poked through his politeness and hesitance: he really liked me, and I was sure that I really liked him. Sure, the Gryphon was over a thousand years old, but it was obvious that he still needed some guidance. Considering I needed some direction, it was almost ironic, but perhaps I could help him find his way while I was figuring out my own.
My head swam with the surreal high the transfer of Spirit Energy gave me and, as we disengaged I think I was almost panting as hard as Jack. I eased down into the chair at my desk as the Gryphon worked his beak a few times, picking at the seam of his tunic while sheathing and unsheathing the claws of his foot-paws, alternating between left and right. He spoke up first. "Richard... I-- it... thou must still complete laundry today."
He was right, of course, but I felt as though the entire feel of the room changed with that realization. While I was with Jack the day seemed brighter, and open, and unlimited but the reintroduction of reality into my day dream brought all of that to a close. Nodding, I stood up, and gripped onto the last passing trickle of that feeling, promising myself that I would set aside enough time to get it back before the day ended. "Right. Laundry."
Aside from during my workouts I'm one of those lucky people who don't sweat much and don't really have a powerful body odor. Considering the cost savings, it just makes sense to wear some clothes more than once-- no, not socks or underwear; that wouldn't be hygienic. What that means though is that I can get by with a smaller wardrobe than most people so my laundry days are biweekly events and even then I rarely need more than two loads. Fortunately on that Saturday I was able to get by with just one.
Jack hung out with me while I waited for the washer and dryer to finish up-- I used the time to give the house a final walk-through to make sure that I'd be able to get through another week without trash, dust, or messes building up. Balam remained in the living room for the duration, keeping to myself and, for as much as I could tell, spent his morning meditating. Regardless, I got laundry done by ten thirty, folded, and put away before eleven.
What it meant was that, by late morning, I was done with my chores. I was used to having lunch around 11:30 so I took a break from everything to put together a sandwich. Bologna and American cheese were cheap but I really couldn't stomach either so I went with deli ham. It was the processed stuff, which meant it wasn't really the healthiest, but skipping mayo and having just mustard improved it a little. Then again, throwing in the bag of 25 cent chips didn't help a lot. Either way, it was sufficient and it left my afternoon completely open.
Jack immediately had a few ideas on how to fill it. "Richard, since thou art not needed by Balam until nightfall perhaps thou mayest have an interest in going out."
I shrugged. "I don't know... almost everything in town costs an arm and a leg. What did you have in mind?"
His response immediately left me feeling bad for qualifying my approval. The Gryphon let out a light shrug, his wings spreading from his back a few inches at the very top of the gesture. "I had thought a walk, or perhaps simply an errand-based journey to the grocery store-- thou hath mentioned recently that thou art low on eggs."
He was right, on both fronts and, truth be told, I didn't mind the idea of going for a walk and a trip to the grocery store would be a good way to spend time with him and finish off something I'd forgotten to put on my weekend 'things-to-do' list at the same time. Then again, I reasoned, the grocery store wouldn't really give me much personal time with him since the sidewalks would be packed at noon on a Saturday and the store would probably be filled with shoppers. "A walk sounds like fun, and I did get chores done early... but the grocery store is a good idea too."
His smile returned in spades and the fur around his beak puffed up. "Which wouldst thou prefer more? I would be honored to attend thee in either case."
I laughed, heading to get my wallet from the shelf near the door. "I was going to ask you which YOU preferred?"
Balam looked up from whatever he was doing, glancing my way. "¿A donde vas?"
He wanted to know where I was going, which was a perfectly reasonable question, and I responded likewise in Spanish. "Jack and I are going out for a little while."
The Jaguar nodded. "Of course. If you do not want to stay and study before it starts then you will return for the ritual... yes?"
I nodded and, as Jack stepped up to join me, I turned to the Gryphon and whispered quietly in English. "Do you think we should invite Balam along?"
His expression was hard to read but he offered up another shrug and stated casually. "That would be up to thee, Richard. If thou dost desire company in addition to mine then we could as easily turn this into a group foray."
It was hard to tell if the prospect upset the Gryphon but it did make me stop a moment to think. Jack had shown some signs of being jealous but, at the same time, he'd been very accommodating. Would I be pushing the issue too far if I took him up on the offer to share me or would it help cement the mutual-appreciation the Spirits had for one another. Why did going for a walk have to be so complicated?
I glanced between the Jaguar and then Gryphon and, opening the door, I--
2) -- called out to Balam. "We're are going for a walk. Would you like to join us?"
3) -- reached to pat Jack on the arm. "Let's get going. A walk sounds great."
4) -- checked my wallet one more time before saying to Jack "A trip to the grocery store shouldn't take too long... let's go."
5) -- stood there for several seconds out of indecision; I didn't want Balam to get jealous, which meant if I had errands to do I should do them alone. "Why don't you stay here, Jack? I'll be back soon."
Voting is now open and will close as of midnight (PST) on Thursday, October 25th.
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The problem is: Balam has tried to do this ritual twice and been shut down both times by others, mid-ritual. This is something very important to him.
So the question is: Does Richard really want to sh*t on Balam's beliefs a third time. Possibly sending him off for good. This answer should reflect that.
On the other hand: Why did Balam wait until now to mention studying.
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I choose 4. This is a thing that needs doing and won't take long.
I believe that (2) offering Balam the opportunity to join them on a pleasant walk would be the right thing to do. Balam may decline, if he has work to do ahead of time or simply wishes to grant some private time for Jack and Richard to share.
I get the feeling that Balam wants to be included and is fine with the trio, but when it comes to his ritual, which Jack seemed open to, it must be done as Jack suggested to Richard, directly, without hesitation. I don't think Jack would participate if he at all felt awkward with that.
I do hope these three can all play together nicely! ;)