The Lambert House, Planet Denver

[Manticore]

// Time has passed here since the last interaction at the house. Consider the scene reset, and back to invited parties only.

It was already dark outside when Lambert made it back home. As had so often been the case over the course of his career, what was supposed to be a routine patrol in New York had turned into a long nightmare.

The hostile Nomad was long gone, but he still felt on edge. As he stumbled out of his Guardian and down the walk towards the house, he tried to clear his mind. It was tough, considering everything that had happened.

He crashed through the back door, the blood splotched on his uniform and a few places on his face making him a grisly sight. Inwardly, Lambert thanked his lucky stars that Pita wasn't present to see him in this state. He wasn't sure where she was at the moment, maybe in her room.

He went upstairs, making a beeline for the shower. He'd have to hurry, for his guest would be here at any time.

---

The doorbell rang just as Lambert was getting dressed. The shower had helped, but he still felt strange. The shadows in the corners of his dimly-lit bedroom all seemed to contain threats, monstrous shadows ready to rip at his weakened mind...

He shook himself, trying to snap out of it. He was glad his guest had arrived, for he didn't think he could handle being alone another minute.

Fingers flew over the last few buttons of his burgundy shirt, and he retreated from the room in a hurry. He hurried down the stairs and through the living room to answer the front door.

As expected, it was Chloe. He was somewhat surprised to see that she'd managed to clean up and change as well, into an olive green sweater and black pants. Almost against his will, he smiled when he saw her. Despite everything that had happened out in space, they'd both made it here. To this safe place.

"Please, come in. Make yourself at home." He uttered the time-honored words and ushered her into the living room. It was cold out, with hints of what might be an oncoming snow. It would be a cold night.

She came in and offered her a seat on the couch. He quickly lit the fire, warming the room a bit and adding a great deal of comfort. He then went to the kitchen.

"Want anything to drink? I have some nice wine, though it's not a Gallic vintage." As he spoke, he searched in the cabinet until he found a particular bottle of whiskey. Harris 791, an old relic from his days as a Bounty Hunter. His go-to "I almost died today" beverage. Sadly, it was almost empty. Sighing, he poured himself a glass while he waited for Chloe to answer.

---