beautifullies

[Someone leaving Wonderland was bizarrely like someone dying, and yet not. There wasn't that finality, that certainty that came with death, but it was almost worse in some ways that way. When a friend or loved one left, there was always that lingering hope they might return, or that you might leave to join them... But one could never really be sure, and that grief of loss paired with a feeling of not knowing whether you were going to spend the rest of eternity without them was a heavy weight to bear.

Of all the words that could describe Claire, 'strong' and 'brave' were certainly high on Caleb's list, but if there was ever a time to offer a safe moment to stop being so strong and brave, this was it. So he'd gone and fetched a few things - a good bottle of madeira and the tastiest apple cake he could think up - and headed off to find his friend.

He made it to her room and knocked on the door before calling out for her, his voice gentle.]

Claire?

[ It's been a hard few days to say the absolute least.

She'd woken up to Jamie gone; not unusual because he was an early riser. But as she'd sat up, she immediately realized every touch of his in their bedroom was gone. All of his things, every trace of him. For a moment she'd simply stood in the middle of the room, unsure how to process it before realizing she had to tell Brianna. So, she'd opened the door and gone through the living room to Brianna's bedroom door only to find it gone.

The entire space had ceased to exist, and that was how Claire found out she was completely, utterly alone again. She'd fallen to the floor and sobbed, feeling a grief similar to how she felt the moment she was back through the stones, separated from Jamie. She'd wrapped her arms around herself and cried then, too.

After a while --days-- she sends a message to a private list for easy access; she doesn't realize names once deleted are returned when the person re-arrives as well. Finally, she stands up, trying to pull herself together somehow.

The voice she hears on the other side of the door as she's pouring a drink isn't what she expected, having lost Caleb long ago. When she opens the door she's a mess; hair loose and eyes red. But it's him, and she could cry all over again, pulling him into her arms in a tight hug without saying a word.

She does let out a sob, though. ]

[Waking up in Wonderland again was a strange feeling, but Caleb couldn't deny he was happy to see his friends again. He'd been about to go out in search of them when he noticed he'd gotten a message - From Claire! He was thrilled, but immediately felt his heart sink into his stomach as soon as he read it, so it's no surprise she looks miserable when he sees her.

He wraps his arms tight around her, hoping to be some comfort. He remembers the loss he felt when Ben left, even knowing Ben was alive and at home... He holds her close and rubs her back fondly.]

I'm sorry I ain't Jamie, but I thought I might stop by and try to cheer you up a little.

[ Claire shakes her head; he's comforting and she'd missed him so terribly much. As soon as she can pull herself together, she steps back a little to look at him. ]

...How do you remember everything? You were gone for so long, Caleb.

[ She probably shouldn't question it, but Christ, she's just so glad to see him. ]

[Caleb shrugs at that, at a loss for how to answer. It's not unheard for people to disappear and return remembering having been there, but it's usually a short period, isn't it? It's been years at home... Just how long has it been here?]

Can't say I know, but I'm grateful for it. It's sure good to see you again.

You too, Caleb.

[ She ushers him further inside; it's still the same with no modern amenities, and there are candles lit to keep the room bright. ]

What year is it for you? And would you like a whiskey?

[It's nice to see her room again, just as it had been before. It all feels far more familiar than it should, given how long he's sure he's been gone...]

1781. [He smiles at her, a hint of pride glowing in his chest. A lot has happened since they last saw one another, and he's still struggling a little with the effects of his time in captivity, but a great many things have certainly improved.] We've just taken Yorktown. War's bound to be finished soon enough.

A whiskey'd be fine, though I did bring something of my own. [He reaches into his coat and pulls out the Madeira, holding the bottle out for her.] Though - I don't know, maybe today does call for somethin' stronger!

[ She can't help smiling at the gesture and takes the Madeira. ]

How about this to start?

[ She pours for them both, then sits after handing him a glass. ]

I did have the chance to meet General Washington. In Wilmington. Jamie and I are settled in North Carolina now, but the war hadn't even started yet.

Open

an open post, you say :3c

caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaleb :3

claaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!

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