∞ 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]

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.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... I don't need a hobby. I just need to get things done.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

To what end? We will not get out of here any sooner if you wear yourself out at every opportunity.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

It's important. I'm... I'll just have to manage... better. Somehow.

[Raine is rubbing her temples with her fingers now, starting to sound more like she's trying to convince herself rather than him]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

If it is really that difficult, I will manage for you.