Family dinner

[balancingminds]

Charles spent the afternoon talking with Bar to try and figure out the best and selection of food for this meeting.

The end result was a table in his room, a menu recreated from something the family cook used to make of a lamb roast, vegetables, good wine and Raven's favorite dessert.

He knows he's worrying too much but he wants this all to work, the future all depends on people getting along.

Comments

[balancingminds]

"If we introduce her to them as a mutant then they won't. Most people have no concept of what we can do and Erik and I are near the point where we can begin recruiting. We'll just bring her in as a recruit. People see what they expect to see."

[chrysopteron]

"I also certainly have talents which rival those of the mutants of your world."

[andproud]

"Right."

She does not look entirely convinced by all of this.

"So why, exactly, can't you go home?"

[balancingminds]

Charles rubs his forehead and looks over to Iris to think of the best way to explain.

Part of the problem is that he doesn't fully understand all of what happened and he agrees with Raven,

"We don't know the capacity of mutantkind yet, Iris. We haven't really been tested."

[chrysopteron]

But that's not answering the more pressing question.

"Charles came for me at Troy. When we tried to leave, the Moirae - the Fates in your tongue - required me to choose.

"I could come here, be with Charles, or I could continue to serve my place.

"I can go back if I would like. But then I would never return."

[andproud]

" - oh."

That certainly answers the question, and definitely gives her pause. Raven takes a sip of wine.

"What, are you just planning on never going back?"

[balancingminds]

This is Iris' question to answer so he reaches over to squeeze her hand.

[chrysopteron]

"Perhaps after the lifetimes of my friends have passed.

"For the first moment in an age I am ignorant of what my future might be."

[andproud]

"Well, sorry you had to decide over this one."

She jabs a thumb in Charles' direction, hiding a wry smile behind the rim of her glass.

[balancingminds]

He spots Raven's smile and relaxes though he hadn't thought of what Iris might be doing in terms of his lifetime,

"I did show up where she wasn't expecting me."

[chrysopteron]

"In an accurate warrior uniform. Quite a bit of leg."

[andproud]

Raven holds up a hand.

"Okay, I really didn't need that mental image."

[balancingminds]

"You've given me worse."

[chrysopteron]

The lighter mood is still fragile, but it's enough to make Iris smile along with it.

"Perhaps we can progress to dinner before it gets too cold to eat?"

[andproud]

Raven shrugs, getting up from her chair.

"I could eat."

[balancingminds]

Its all a start and Charles follows to uncover everything which is still warm.

[chrysopteron]

There is something slightly surreal still about a goddess sitting down with two mortals to eat a meal together.

"I might need assistance, now and then," Iris starts after a bit, to Raven. "There are topics where I am sure I would give myself away without some talent at subterfuge."

[andproud]

"Well, it's easier when you have the mutation for it."

She shrugs, prodding at her food with her fork.

[balancingminds]

He nods at that since the two of them are adept at hiding,

"Yes, I'm certain you'll learn quickly."

[chrysopteron]

"I love you, Charles, but I hope to learn a little more from your sister about blending in than yourself.

"I do not believe I could manage tweed."

[andproud]

"I've already told him how much he dates himself."

She sighs a long-suffering sigh and then reaches for her wine again.

[balancingminds]

"Perhaps but Erik and you both happen to look far better in turtlenecks than I do."

[chrysopteron]

Iris doesn't interject.

But she is very evidently thinking something, given the smile on her face.

[andproud]

"No one said you had to wear a turtleneck."

[balancingminds]

"I know and I have worn more modern suits. It was useful at Oxford to dress more conservative as my ideas aren't and I like my suits."