91. blame plurk.

[lamb_of_gold]

[So Mu is standing somewhere fairly busy. At his feet is an ordinary cardboard box. He is staring into this box with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

The box, or something inside it is mewling.]

Well, you lot have certainly made today an interesting one, I must say. You're all making me feel terribly old.

[On the side of the box, in abhorrently poor writing, is "KITTENS".]

Comments

[lamb_of_gold]

So we are.

[Mu is still awhile, feeling around himself - the familiarities and the differences. There's less of him in the tower now, and more of Kiki's own presence. It makes sense, but it's a sobering feeling.

Mu opens his eyes and breathes deeply. The smell and taste of the air are unchanged, and that's enough to set him at peace.]

A home now, and no longer a refuge, hm? I can't say I disapprove.

/edit

[not_a_lamb_nor_ram]

[ Out of the chill and into the warmth of the tower, it is almost like nothing has changed. It is the same structure after all, with the same tools, scrolls and books, except for the way they were arranged. ]

It's the only place I call home.

[ Set on the floor on a rug is a low table upon which is set a cloth, and surrounded by cushy pillows. He really feels he should say something... just something different. For the time his Master had been gone for him, he's here again. For a place that felt so empty to him for close to a decade, and practically resigning himself to never seeing a certain form in it again... ]

I don't think I have to say, "make yourself at-home", huh?

[ That didn't sound right either. On the table is food -- chicken sauteed in herbs and spices, topped over grains native to the region, fruits and nuts -- and joining them is the thing that Kiki had taken out of the oven earlier. Sheepishly, facing Mu again: ]

Happy Birthday, Master. I'm happy you're here.

[lamb_of_gold]

[The interior was nostalgically familiar - odd, he thought, since Jamir was easily accessed in his own reality. Yet this felt almost like a trespass. Understandable, given how old Kiki was by now.

The spread was impressive. The meat was a bit of a surprise - Mu was a vegetarian out of habit, but this would be a lovely treat.]

Thank you, Lamb. This looks wonderful.

[not_a_lamb_nor_ram]

Thank you.

[ He's pretty proud of his handiwork.

As far as this Lamb is concerned, this is the most welcome trespassing to ever happen. Kiki smiles happily and casually motions to the table and pillows. ]

Have a seat!

[ He then uncovers the concoction he made: orange rum cake. ]

The sugar's kinda burnt but I hope you like it.