Author's Note: This chapter isn't meant to be part of a story; rather, it is a series of little tidbits stolen from scenes of B5. This is from Ambassador Mollari's perspective. This particular 'chapter' is based, or stolen so to speak, from the episode titled "Acts of Sacrifice". For those who have this episode or who have seen it, I hope you will understand why I chose to reveal this tale from his perspective. Once more, a huge thanks to Hobsonphile for beta reading these vignettes for me. :)
Wishing Well
by Blood Raven
Great Maker. Yet another one begging for my assistance. It is like they view me as a being that can make gifts just fall from the sky. I finally gain the notice of the Centaurum and now everyone sees me as some sort of genie, as in the Human tale of the boy Aladdin. Come one, come all! I'll grant you three wishes.
Lost in his thoughts, Londo stares at his drink in silence, his expression dark. Deep in thought, he sighs softly.
When did it all happen? When did everything suddenly go from being simply annoying to being so complicated? I wonder if Vir has any idea just how simple his life is in comparison. Gods, how I envy him for that. His blessed innocence, his agitating naivete... it's disgusting, but in a way, it's almost refreshing.
Londo laughs softly at the thought, which causes some of the others sitting near to him to glance over and stare. Casting them a sharp look, he curls a lip, his Centauri upbringing shining through as they quickly look away.
"Can't anybody enjoy a drink in peace?" Londo mutters softly to the sympathetic bartender, who offers him another glass of their finest. He smiles to her politely and continues to brood to himself as he waits patiently.
He said he would be here. He will be joining me. He's just busy with business of course, that is all. We are all busy with our own business. But he understands. He even knows what it is like to spend your life looking over your shoulder, to never be taken seriously... to be alone, even in a crowd.
Yet the time passes and still Mr. Garibaldi does not arrive. While the drinks continue to flow freely, Londo's thoughts become more garbled and dark as he slowly finds himself alone in the bar.
A perfect metaphor for my life, hmm? Londo thinks to himself as he glances briefly over his shoulder, taking note of the lack of visitors.
Still, it could be worse. At least now my star has risen. It is as though I am returning to the great days of the past. But it is not really like that anymore, is it? Now I am feared, not respected. Everyone still wears their mask, but I can see it now even more so then before. Great Maker, I should be happy. I should not care, yet I'm so miserable. I suppose whichever human came up with the saying "It's lonely at the top" must understand all too well my position now.
"Its late, Ambassador. We're closing up and you... you should go home."
Stirring from his thoughts, Londo stares ahead briefly. His expression is slightly embarrassed and a little disappointed as he studies the bartender for a moment, struggling to hide his true thoughts.
"Oh, were you waiting for someone?" she asks in sympathetic but polite tones. His eyes glance to the still full glass beside him. It is meant for his friend, for whom he has been waiting for some time.
So much for celebrating my good fortune.
"Yes... someone..." he says in soft tones as he rises to his feet. Without looking back, he turns to leave as his thoughts grow lonelier.
So many doors are opening for me now, but at the same time, so many are closing. Strange. Who would have thought it would be the closing doors to which I would long to return...
