∞ 43: Reunion [voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

This has been a rather boring passage of time. I can see why the others were eager to move on from this fort; there's not much here at all.

Noishe has been quiet since I began running a few experiments; he must not have--

[There some sounds of shifting in the sand, then boots on wood as Albert climbs a bit to higher ground.]

...Oh. Is that your group out there, Vyse? Welcome ba--

... ...

I think Noishe is running out to greet your group.

Comments

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

I ... I'm aware I need to get a handle on a few things. It'll be fine.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Raine.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[There is something ominous about him suddenly using her given name, so she lifts her head] ...?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

You don't need to do this alone. Let me help you.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She was expecting another reprimand, so she's not even sure that she heard him correctly.]

You... what?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There's a slight pause as he considers changing his phrasing.]

Let me help you, Raine.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She's silent for a few moments, trying to process this.]

Just moments ago you were criticizing my actions... and now you're offering to help. It's...

... Do you have something in mind?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Again, there is a brief silence. Albert's expression changes slightly.]

I will keep track of what you are doing and reprimand you accordingly until your habits improve. Your thoughts?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... "Reprimand accordingly"?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Indeed. Either that or have you confined to quarters for full monitoring.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Monitoring?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Correct. Your thoughts?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... You aren't serious.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

I suppose you won't know until you confide in me, will you?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

I... suppose you have a point.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Let me see your injury.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

...? My injury?

I ... suppose I need to check on it again, myself ...

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He's going to stand there patiently, Raine. Don't disappoint him now.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She slips the robe off -- the one she had been wearing during the fight was damaged, so that one is like new, and loose on her besides. Her hand hovers hesitatingly above her shirt buttons for a few reasons, the main one being that she's hiding multiple injuries.] ...

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert turns his head slightly, looking back towards the stairs they had climbed.] You didn't tell anyone, did you?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... No. I didn't. I have a feeling some of them could tell, but it didn't seem the right time to elaborate on the details.

[She finishes unbuttoning, just enough to slip her left arm out of the sleeve, keeping herself mostly covered. Her arm is mostly wrapped up, but the visible skin seems slightly reddish.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He approaches now, kneeling so he can view the bandaged arm.] You were out here for two weeks with these injuries. When would have been "the right time"?

[He's not happy at this sight one bit.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

I didn't expect this trip to take that long, honestly ... I was going to say something later, after we got back.

And besides, they're almost healed by now.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Almost healed?

[Well. You asked for it, Raine. Albert reaches out to grip your bandaged arm.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Yes, it's -- aah!

[She winces, sharply drawing in a breath]