I Care Not Should We Freemen Die To See the Garden Flower

[lugh-thecelt.livejournal.com]

The New Church
Evening, Monday 12 October

Eris told me this morning that Brother Laurence has got a new church. He's been working on it for a while. So much for spending time at the office. This new church is right across the street.

I'm leaning in the doorway of the paper, watching Laurence moving around his new place. The laborers he hired have already left for the day as the shadows are starting to lengthen. I pull the fedora I'm wearing a little lower on one side and walk across the street.

Decided that today was a day worthy of wearing more clothing than I've deigned to wear lately. Blue jeans, motorcycle boots, a white button down shirt, and a blue leather jacket. Took me a while to do it, but I finally went through the wardrobe Ares has at the ranch.

I knock on the open front door. "Excuse me. Brother Tillerman?"

[OPEN to Laurence]

[CLOSED]

Comments

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I nod again.

"He has helped me, taking on my own pain, and helped save someone dear to me." Pain sits heavy in my chest, but I ignore it. "Yes, I am sure. If it is my time to go, there is little I can do to stop it. When?"

[lugh-thecelt.livejournal.com]

I consider Laurence's words silently for a time, looking at the handiwork that has gone into restoring the inside of this building. He is so calm, so at peace with the potential consequences. Helping Lucien is barely even a debate in his mind. His conviction is a refreshing change from all the doubt that's faced me lately. From Kaeli. From Wanda.

"When?"

My thoughts drift to Eris suddenly. Something I must do before saving Lucien. "Soon. Very soon," I say absently. I blink and turn my eyes to Laurence. "I'm grateful, Laurence, that you're willing to do this."

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

"Soon. Very soon," he says, but I can see his mind is elsewhere. Then he blinks, as if to clear his thoughts, and looks at me again. "I'm grateful, Laurence, that you're willing to do this."

I could say that it is no problem, but really, it is very dangerous. He would know that I was not exactly being sincere.

"I do what should be done," I finally say and take his hand in a firm shake. "It's good of you to do, Lúgh. Whatever your reasons." He seems worried, but I choose not to dwell on that. At least one of us must be at peace, or it may never work. "I will begin the research and preparations immediately."

[lugh-thecelt.livejournal.com]

"I do what should be done," he says finally and extends his hand. We shake-- guy's got a strong grip. "It's good of you to do, Lúgh. Whatever your reasons. I will begin the research and preparations immediately."

I smile and stand. "Thanks, Laurence." I start to walk to the door out. "And, for what it's worth, for love."

I walk out, a smile on my face. He is convicted. He has his faith. What it'd be like to have a worshiper like that again.

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I stand as he does and watch him leave, walking out the door with a smile on his face.

For love. The best reason of all.

I take a deep breath and, instead of continuing manual labour as I had planned, I lock up and head to the Smithy for my small collection of books. This truly will require preparation.