Libitina Burke (mortem) wrote in cultureic, @ 2016-06-28 07:57:00 |
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Entry tags: | libitina burke, ulysses burke |
WHO: Ulysses Burke & Libitina Burke
WHEN: 6/28
WHERE: Burke Home
SUMMARY: Libby comes by to congratulate her father on a job well done.
Libby loved her father more than anyone in the world, but it had been a long time since she had a reason to feel pride towards him. As she entered the room it was easy to forgive his disheveled appearance and the faint smell of alcohol that seemed to seep from his pores. He had kept his promise. He had released her friend and managed the impossible. He was the hero of the hour. “I hear congratulations are in order.” Ulysses was happy enough to just be acknowledged with anything other than a derision. He shrugged away the compliment. “I simply made a promise and followed through on it,” he said with a smile, pleased that for once in a very long time, he had not disappointed her. “Have you spoken to your friend?” he asked. “I have not, but I’m sure I will in good time. I’ll let him settle in first. I’m sure the DMLE will be watching everything closely.” Too little too late. “You did good, dad. You did really good.” She hugged him tightly, relieved at his safety and her friend’s freedom. She had been resigned to Sebastian being locked away forever. To her father following after him. “I’m proud of you.” He embraced his daughter warmly, relishing the feeling of actually having done something right by her for once. It was nice. It didn’t make up for the years upon years of disappointing and embarrassing her, but it was something. “Thank you, Libby dear,” he said, with uncommon gentleness. “Nowhere near as proud as I am of you, I’m sure, but I’m glad I could help.” The house elf came into the room, and for once, he asked it only to fetch them a snack rather than drinks. He wasn’t about to ruin this. “Tell me about your life.” Ulysses said. “What’s new and exciting? Who’s new and exciting? I want to know everything.” “My life is stable and predictable. I never found the appeal of making a big show out of things,” she said, humor in her grin. “You’ve already heard about everyone of importance.” He probably knew more about what some of them were up to than she did. Even as she thought it one face in particular came to mind. “I’ve been spending more time with Leland now that he’s back. The younger Mulciber. You know him, don’t you?” A test of sorts. Libby didn’t need verbal confirmation to know he was a Death Eater. She’d have to be an idiot to think anything else, but she was still interested to see what her father gave away. She was interested in his opinion of him. At the mention of Leland’s name, Ulysses raised his eyebrows in recognition. Then, he smiled. Leland had been an integral part of the entire prison break scheme, and had been a skilled and enthusiastic participant. “Leland is an excellent young man,” Ulysses said, a hint of fondness in his tone. “You could do far worse for company.” Libby nodded, satisfied. “I could, but I wouldn’t. The joy of having standards,” she smiled, uncharacteristically unguarded in front of the father she loved so well. “What about you? What brave and daring adventures do you have planned next?” She didn’t really want to know, but rather hoped he’d be taking it easy now that he had proved himself. “Actually!” Ulysses said suddenly, with uncharacteristic liveliness. “I was talking to your sister about booking a family trip to Italy. Relax a little, take in some sun, shop, get away from all this for a bit. I think we’ve all earned some time off. It would be a great time to cool off and uh, detox.” He did not elaborate, but his meaning was implied. Libby paused for a moment, taking in everything from his words to his demeanor. Standing before her was the father of her childhood. A proud and confident man. A mirage that would be scattered by the first hard day and the siren call of opium. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Exactly what we need.” The difference had not gone unnoticed by Ulysses, though he chose not to mar the moment by acknowledging it. It was nice, feeling a little bit more like a normal family, for once. “Splendid! Absolutely wonderful. Does start of July or mid-July work for you, dear?” he asked, just as the elf returned with a tray of bon-bons. “Mid-July. I’ll need to give work notice.” Libby grabbed a bon-bon, smiling at the thought of a family vacation. Poor Italy had no idea what was coming. “We’re going to have a fantastic time. You’ve certainly earned it.” |