Darkside went to Cali this weekend with his parents. Since I'm the communications hub, I badgered and bullied and glared and connived until Dawn managed to call Darkside (well, it was probably his mom) to communicate directly and arrange to hang out.

Dawn, Darkside, ralmathon, and I are college buddies of long standing, and tend to gravitate in each other's direction when we're local, just from the high levels of gaming potential attracting other beings of high gaming potential, along with other certain esoteric factors.

I see Dawn whenever she stops through, and I wound up at her wedding a few years ago. (Wow. Was that January 2003?) But ralmathon, Dawn, and Darkside have just been missing connections with each other left and right, not the least because neither of the men is good at communication.

So now Dawn and Darkside will get to spend some decent time together, and she and I will be able to giggle over it after the fact. (It's Darkside. There's going to be giggling.)

Next weekend, it's my turn. I've got to create time somewhere in there...

It's also all kinds of reassuring to hear from Dawn that yeah, Darkside's there, with his parents, having fun. I'd have been in the No Communications place if not for the relayed news. And secondhand news (probably thirdhand, actually, because I'm sure Darkside's mom and Dawn have instantly bonded) is much better than none.