Braxiatel's Inbox

[becauseichooseto]

 Irving Braxiatel. Terribly sorry, but I am far too busy to answer the phone just now, but please do leave a message. Don't reverse the charges. Thank you.

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[Text] Morning of 416 (backdated)

[beforethewar]

[Brax actually gets a text, since he's the absolute least likely to follow Eight out of the city or try to talk him out of leaving. Besides, he needs a little understanding from his big brother right about now.]

She's gone, Brax. And yes, I did wait to make sure it wasn't simply a freak, one night disappearance like last time. She may be gone for good.

I'm leaving Asgard this morning to spend some time alone with my thoughts in Utgard. The others have been left notes, and Clementine's been told that if she needs anything, everyone in the houses will be perfectly happy to help her. Only you and Eleven have been told of where I'm going, though I'm sure the TARDIS will guess. I just need to be...away. They mean well, and I love how much they're all very invested in trying to fix what's bothering other people, but I don't want to be fixed right now. I need to put some distance between myself and everyone else, and it helps that the network doesn't work outside of the city.

I'll be home in a few days.

Re: [Text] Morning of 416 (backdated)

[becauseichooseto]

[Brax's hearts sink a little at this news but takes it in stride as he doesn't doubt the Doctor expects him to do.]

Understood. Try not to get into mischief, Thete.

['Thete'. The only sign he's worried about him, the childish nickname that he only used on the Christmas presents and never out loud; the full stop signalling that he doesn't expect a reply; both belying the chiding nature of the words themselves which only grants the Doctor the luxury of ignoring sentiment.]

[beforethewar]

[He doesn't reply, as he doesn't really need to. Brax knows how grateful he is for that measure of fraternal affection shown in the use of that nickname from their childhood. It gives him enough warmth and willingness to put one foot in front of the other to last him to Utgard.]

Day 427 | Video

[bythewaves]

Master Irving? I... apologise for any actions I may have taken in the last week. And the previous, when you yourself were under similar straights. Also I... saw your post about the Lady Romana. I am, of course, always available to help at the station if you need an extra set of hands there, though I fear you may need to explain quite a bit initially. However, if you wish for company - that, also, I would be honored to provide.

Day 427 | Video

[becauseichooseto]

I hope you're all right. I suppose we were lucky it didn't happen at the same time, weren't we?

As for Romana, I'm certain I shall see her again, this is just time that will have to pass. [He's not happy, but he is practical about it.] I can handle the station running! You needn't concern yourself with that.

[bythewaves]

Fortunate indeed! If you need any aid, the offer will stand.

And I am well enough. I fear more what damage I may have done - I was very rude to the Lady Kate, and I know not what poor Alice must have thought. [ he shrugs ] Hopefully nothing too serious.

I will hope that you have not overly long until you can see her again.

[becauseichooseto]

Much appreciated.

Well, my apology went down well enough, if you'd like to do the same?

[He's a little more solemn.] I can be patient. I have been.

[bythewaves]

It might be wise. [ he nods ] Fortunately nothing worse than harsh words were exchanged.

Indeed, you could teach many that lesson. [ he quirks a smile ]

You were...less so when younger.

[becauseichooseto]

I was. I had always wanted to leave [No, correction] escape Gallifrey. It was even more stifling then than when I'd last been. No offworlders, no interest in exploring, because it had already been done, you see? Filed away in data chips and libraries.

It hadn't been enough for either me or the Doctor. I went the establishment route, you see. Be the best student, study hard and get a good political position, become the most Time Lord I could be. Then they would trust me to leave, to be them on the outside, and I would be free.

The Doctor took the arguably quicker route. Upset the wrong people and they threw him out. Either way, we both got off, in the end.

[bythewaves]

Even then you were more patient than he, I note. His route might have been the swifter, but yours the more sure, I suppose? I have lived the fugitive life and tis not a kind one.

Your homeworld lost a great deal by stifling souls such as yours. We thought the same in our youth, but the more I learn of other worlds the more I realize how truly fortunate we were.

[becauseichooseto]

We both had our paths. I wonder, sometimes, which was the kinder.

That's why I gravitated towards teaching, I think. To spare what souls I could. And how I ended up a bleeding hearts liberal, come to that.

[bythewaves]

Only the two of you could answer that I guess.

I am glad that the young ones have a mentor who will let them reach their potential, now. I would guess that you remain something of a novelty - the teacher who encourages!

[becauseichooseto]

I'm afraid so! There are a few allies, thankfully.

[bythewaves]

Like the Lady Romana? [ have a tease ]

But that is good to hear. Hopefully you and your brother will soon no longer be the exceptions to the rule.

[becauseichooseto]

For example.

Oh, I'm sure they'll be more somewhere.

[bythewaves]

'There is always a remnant' eh? Well, either way. I imagine your classes are either those most highly sought after or those most avidly fled from.

[becauseichooseto]

[Irving laughs.] Now, now, less of that.

[bythewaves]

[ have an amused twinkle in return ] More sought than fled, then I will take that to mean!

I can see you as a teacher, however. You have both the patience and the heart for it.

[becauseichooseto]

[Irving doesn't answer that beyond a smile, which turns more seriously touched with his following statement.] Thank you, Maglor.

[bythewaves]

[ have a small tip of the head in acknowledgement ]

I speak only what I see my friend.

[becauseichooseto]

You've a lot to teach people as well. I regret your circumstances don't allow it at home.

[bythewaves]

Lessons learnt the hard way, I suppose. [ a shrug ]

Once they said that I was the second greatest bard in all of Elvendom. My songs are still sung, and will be, so long as I live to sing them. That, at least, I can do, to make sure that our lessons are heard and hopefully, learnt.

[becauseichooseto]

We do what we can.

[bythewaves]

It is all we may do, in the end.

[becauseichooseto]

True.