Victorian Nocturne

Although it was his custom to rise early, Joachim found himself comfortable enough in his father's apartment to at least try lounging about in the mornings. He'd brought a fair portion of his books with him, and he would usually eat breakfast and then read if he didn't have anything pressing to tend to before afternoon. Besides, his leg made it difficult to get around, so if he should be indolent enough to stay in until noon, so be it.

The officer was in shirtsleeves, having just finished shaving, and he wiped the last of the foam from behind his left ear before putting the razor and strop away. Breakfast had been fruit and sausage, and he buttoned the third button of his white shirt while looking himself over in the mirror. His was not an unpleasant face, the dark circles under his eyes notwithstanding. If he had time later, he would step out to a bookshop. Convalescence meant time for reading, and his mind was hungry for stimulation.

The cane made noises on the hardwood floor as he made his way into the living room, then eased himself down on the couch. The damned leg was a bother, but he could tell it was healing. Not fast enough for his taste, though. He wanted to be whole again.

( Alike and Yet Different )

NPC Duncan was written by Kate