∞ 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]

[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]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

When will you stop lying about your health? Do you want to be bedridden again?

[Albert doesn't release his grip on Raine's arm. He looks at her sternly all the while.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Of -- of course I don't! It's not going to happen. It -- It'll be fine in a few more days.

[She grits her teeth in between sentences, still wincing. That hurts.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He finally releases Raine's arm, his expression terse. He doesn't say anything.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[closes her eyes, taking a steadying breath.]

... that... that was hardly necessary...

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Sometimes we need a physical reminder to get the point across.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

...

Perhaps so...

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

You have been wearing yourself out these last two weeks. Traveling with these wounds, collapsing at that temple -- just what will it take for you to realize you shouldn't push yourself too hard? No one wants to see you break something in your weariness.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

It's... strange, when you put it that way. It's... it's almost as if I --

[She stops speaking abruptly, shaking her head]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Almost as if you...?

[He's not going to let that go, Raine.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

I -- no, it's nothing.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Are you going to sit there and pass off something else that may be of import?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She slips the arm back into her sleeve and starts rebuttoning her top again]

Why would it have been anything important?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

If it concerns you, it's important.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She's still looking down, away from his watchful gaze] It was just... a foolish thought, really.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Don't dismiss it so easily. I want to hear it.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... "I can't stop".

There, are you satisfied?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There's only a slight pause.]

No. I'm not.

It's a lifestyle doomed to kill you quickly.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

...

I suppose it must seem that way. I've found that... I've begun to feel somewhat uneasy when not being busy... it's silly, really. [Her tone is a bit distant.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

There are other ways to distract yourself other than wearing yourself out working.