∞ 49: After the mission [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Turn down a few torches. We'll rest here for now.

[Albert's voice echoes as he calls out to the rest of the group to stop. It's been a steady walk away from the warehouse even though they had been told by their Malnosso co-conspirators to leave the tunnels quickly. Extinguishing several torches, as they had been every time they rested, would help keep the amount of smoke down.

He takes out one of the sunstones that Sigmund had brought along, activating it and taking a seat against one wall. He then pulls out a notebook and begins writing, keeping an eye on the others moving around in the semidarkness.

Really, the silence following their success was rather unsettling.]

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

Very good. I would rather not have the dinner table being used for sleeping anymore.

[wise_maiden]

... You don't have to worry about that anymore.

[chikaidestroyer]

I hope not. Though it must be convenient, waking up to the smell of breakfast or dinner.

[wise_maiden]

Well, it's ... familiar, in any case.

[chikaidestroyer]

Are the neck aches familiar, too?

[wise_maiden]

...

After a while, it's just... normal, honestly.

[chikaidestroyer]

You don't worry about developing a hunchback?

[wise_maiden]

... Oh honestly. It's not that bad.

[chikaidestroyer]

Until your bones start complaining.

[wise_maiden]

[Not that being down here is helping. It's easier to feel the stiffness, and she's been wincing ever so often.]

Then they'll just have to deal, like everything else. A little soreness never hurt anyone.

[chikaidestroyer]

Not getting proper rest lowers your level of efficiency.

[wise_maiden]

I'm working to change that. You know this.

[chikaidestroyer]

I know. But a reminder once in awhile doesn't hurt. [It's not like he reminds you every single day. He has restraint!]

[wise_maiden]

Heh. You really like your reminders, don't you? ... But I suppose they do serve their purpose.

[chikaidestroyer]

Reminders help refocus the mind. You can't really deny it.

[wise_maiden]

[Leans back against the wall, sighing a little] ... No, I suppose I can't, especially with my track record here.

I see you've been socializing.

[chikaidestroyer]

You will get back in control of your schedule again. Slowly but sure.

Is that what you would call it?

[wise_maiden]

I should have managed it better to begin with... but regardless, I appreciate the support.

...

You rarely talk to anyone, if you can help it. It's not as bad as the time you hid yourself away for a month, but in order for you to gain more contacts, you need to speak more directly with them.

[chikaidestroyer]

I don't see the need to talk to others. And I certainly don't need to gain more contacts -- especially when you are around.

[wise_maiden]

You make it sound like I'm around for convenience.

[chikaidestroyer]

Well, I won't deny that your assistance makes my job easier.

[wise_maiden]

I'm usually not this social if I can help it. But it would be to your benefit to gain other contacts, besides the few you allow yourself.

[chikaidestroyer]

I don't see the point of putting myself out there for whoever. If I see someone who catches my attention with their actions, I will contact them.

[wise_maiden]

I never said it had to be something like that.

Hmmph, and of course you've rationalized it.

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course I've rationalized it. Are you really that surprised?