chikaidestroyer | ∞ 72: Observing the white season [written/action]

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∞ 72: Observing the white season [written/action]

[written]

I don't suppose anyone has measured just how deep the snow is now? There haven't been long enough breaks in the weather to allow the snow to melt significantly.

It had been an early worry this season that some residents may be snowed in with the very cold weather we've had. Hopefully everyone is being careful about keeping an eye out for New Feathers and returning abductees.

[action]

[Albert has been spending less time in the house lately, for a variety of reasons -- exploring the new community building next to the house, taking care of his horse with the snowing continuing to pile up, and other things exposing him to the elements.

Today, Albert is in the bar, tucked in one of the booths with his journal and some wine. Perhaps he's hoping to get another Kanakan bottle from the bartender. Or he just needs the din of noise to help him think. Or perhaps he's waiting for something to happen.

Later, he'll arrive back at his house in the dark, in the early evening.]

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[Fortunately, or unfortunately, whichever Albert prefers, Raine isn't in the sitting room by the time he returns. The plants are still on the table, but Raine is not there, having gotten up to empty the watering can. And then remained in the kitchen to at least heat up the food a little and set some dishes out.]

[Albert slows a little as he hears the shuffling around in the kitchen, watching for a moment before commenting.] You don't have to trouble yourself, Raine; I can do that.

[Raine places a spoon next to the bowl on the counter, and turns to look at him.] ... I just thought I would save you an extra step. It'll probably take some time to heat up, anyway.

[He frowns wryly as he looks over at the stove.] I don't mind the wait.

Well, at least you weren't starving. [Not that Albert ever really seems in a particular hurry to eat. Raine starts to move away from the counter, but pauses, not really seeming certain of what she should do.]

[He raises a brow at the comment.] Did you think I wasn't eating?

Hm? No, not at all. ... Are you going to take a seat?

[He doesn't move for a moment, as if trying to figure what had brought about the starving comment, then takes a seat at the island counter to wait.]

[It was one of those comments that was meant to be some sort of joke but falls flat due to ... awkward. She takes a seat on one of the stools as well. Since she's still over there and all.]

[He might shift a little on the barstool. He's been sitting a lot today, and mostly at attention because ... well, he ended up meeting with several people.]

How was your day?

It was... quiet and uneventful, I suppose. I've mostly spent the time reading, until it got too dark for it.

How was yours?

Distracting. [A few particular conversations stick in his mind as he sums up his day.] I'm reminded why I prefer to stay away from unnecessary conversation.

[An odd thing to say while initiating a conversation, really.]

I ... see. [...] You have been staying out a lot. I suppose it's good that you've been socializing, distracting or not.

[It could almost be veiled hint, should one look for an insult. But there's nothing derisive towards Raine in Albert's tone.]

Even if it's 'good,' it's still not something I want to make a habit. I dislike being asked questions I cannot provide answers for, and that's what becomes of those conversations.

Edited 2010-01-09 11:23 (UTC)

[But it's Albert, which means to expect it. ... It's conversation, at least.]

Surely they can't all have been that bad.

No, not all. [tersely] The recent events have led to some asking me about Yuber.

[... Oh. That explains a lot. Raine has been attempting to put the demon out of mind, but it's not as if his recent activities can really be ignored.] It must have been frustrating for you.

There isn't much I can tell them that they haven't already seen. I believe someone gave them the wrong idea, or someone believes I know how to defeat that demon. [Which is just preposterous, and his expression shows just what he thinks of the questioning.]

Do you have any idea how someone could get that impression?

Considering it's my job to analyze strengths and weaknesses on the battlefield, someone must be under the impression I know what to do because I know about Yuber. [While this would usually be true, this is the Black Knight they're talking about.] Do they not stop and think that, if I knew how to rid this place of a threat, I would do something about it?

[She's quiet for a moment, frowning slightly.] It's... likely not the first thing on their minds, in face of such a threat. Or they're used to someone else doing the thinking for them.

[There might be a vaguely disdainful snort from Albert, but he remains silent after his minor rant.]

[Silence breeds silence. For a few moments, anyway.] It really must be troubling you.

[His voice is back to a neutral tone when he replies.] I suppose I shouldn't expect residents to not underestimate me. Especially the newer ones.

The newer ones have had less exposure to you and your abilities, especially considering the amounts of newcomers we've seen brought here after the battle.

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