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

[chikaidestroyer]

[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.]

Comments

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[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.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[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.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

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

Surely they can't all have been that bad.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

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

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[... 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.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

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.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

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

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

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?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[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.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

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

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

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

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[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.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

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.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Exactly. Thus why getting annoyed by it isn't necessary. [And that's that. No more annoyance.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Oh Albert.] No, I suppose not.

Although it is interesting, just how that number has been increasing lately. To the point of having these new buildings put it. Not exactly subtle, are they.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

It's been awhile since they have put in new buildings. I have to wonder if they only expect to fill in those two buildings this year.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

They'll likely make modifications as needed.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course. [Lapsing back into silence now.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Silence, silence. Raine looks toward the kettle.] ... Should I start boiling some water for tea?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[...He probably should have something. He had been drinking a lot of wine today.] If you wish. I could use a glass of water right now.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Oh, just plain water then? All right. [And she moves over to retrieve a cup. ... It's a wonder the pipes haven't frozen in this weather]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert waits patiently for his water, and will take it quietly whenever Raine returns with it.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Raine will slowly hand the glass to him, a bit frustrated with the silence, but not having much to add herself. She seems a little distracted, though.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert is comfortable with the silence and not noticing of Raine's distracted behavior; he really wants to sorta zone out right now after his discussions earlier in the day.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[He can get away with zoning out for now. She checks on the stew, and sits right back down in the silence with him. ... At least it's not an awkward silence.]