knight's move (iris message)

[masterofmystery]

[In his time at camp, Ron's probably used iris messages less than half a dozen times. He's not really interested in them, so for any older campers it might come as a surprise when he appears through the rainbow being made in front of Cabin 6. He makes a face before considering.]

Seeing as there's loads of summer campers, I've a question for you. Normally, I don't go home, but I decided it might be alright. [A beat. It's been nearly three years, but it still prompts the question.] Any of you found ways to get back that are--er-- not just walking thousands of miles? [Cause he has to get to Nebraska and no.]

[Letting that settle in he continues.]

And since summer's letting out soon-- No offense, but most of you are dead awful at chess. Aside from Capture the Flag it's about the best game there is-- so I was sort of thinking, Fred and George told me about it once. Two people play the moves on a board and then they get enough people to be actual pieces. The pieces act out knocking each other it. S'a bit weird in a brilliant sort of way, so I was thinking it might make for some fun and practice. If anyone's interested.

[Then he smirks and shrugs.] Or you can just come get beat in a regular game. Doesn't bother me any.

Comments

[masterofmystery]

Exactly when was the last time you contacted them and how long'd it been since the last time? Eh?

[sometimesinsufferable]

...I wrote to them at Christmas. You know that.

[masterofmystery]

Christmas. And it's August. Rest my case.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Just because I haven't written in months doesn't mean I've forgotten! I think about them every day, and I'm sure it's just the same for them. I don't have anything to say is all.

[masterofmystery]

It's been nearly a year. You write them about once a year and claim to "think about 'em"? Thinking about them and still associating's two different things!

[sometimesinsufferable]

...my family and I might not be as close as yours is, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten.

[masterofmystery]

Yeah? Why is it then you only talk to them once a year?

[sometimesinsufferable]

Never mind why I only talk to them once or twice a year. That's not the point.

[masterofmystery]

Sort of is since you've no idea why I'd decide to go home then stay here.

[sometimesinsufferable]

What about those of us who need you here at Camp?

[masterofmystery]

Who needs me? There's plenty of campers here after the summer.

[sometimesinsufferable]

...I do.

[masterofmystery]

Should've decided that before.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Will you stop it? You didn't give me time to think about this!

[masterofmystery]

Could've said that that then nothing at all.

[sometimesinsufferable]

Does it matter now? Sounds as though you've already made up your mind. [And judging by the sound of her voice it's killing her.]

[masterofmystery]

Not everything's about you, y'know.

[sometimesinsufferable]

I never said it was. I just...wish you'd possibly re-consider staying at home for the whole year.

[masterofmystery]

No one else has a problem with me going home. I decided to ages ago. 'm not that powerful so I'll manage just fine.

[sometimesinsufferable]

...how can you be certain?

[masterofmystery]

[He wants to say no one noticed him before meeting her, but he new that wasn't true.] Child of Athena, remember? We don't have all that fancy stuff the rest of you have.

[sometimesinsufferable]

That doesn't make you invincible, Ron.

[masterofmystery]

No, but it means they don't notice us as much as the rest of you lot.

[sometimesinsufferable]

[It's a losing battle, and she knows it. She's silent for a few moments before she clears her throat.]

Fine. Then I suppose I'll see you next summer.

[masterofmystery]

Right. You will.