∞ 92: Warming weather [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He didn't send out an announcement of any kind when they returned home. Others had already announced their dead and offered any words of encouragement or frustration.

Instead, Albert spent the days following the draft ... working on his flower beds. March had brought with it a warm spell, meaning that his seeds would be germinating and eventually sprouting. This is also the time for pulling down the dried vines from his trellises.

It's a lot of work (and a lot of garden), so he'll be out and around the house until late in the day. It's as dusk approaches that he can be found sitting on the porch, watching three tiny owls perched on the porch fencing.]

...Welcome back.

Comments

[wise_maiden]

No, you don't. But instead of asking, you decided to branch into hypotheticals instead. Why?

[chikaidestroyer]

Because I find it far more interesting to compare thought processes than ask about your past when it is clear you do not discuss it for a reason. [And he leans back, returning to his food.] I have not asked many personal questions of you.

[wise_maiden]

You have not. [She picks up her roll of bread.] Most people don't. Yet you know more about me than others might.

[chikaidestroyer]

Because we live in close proximity and I can see your habits more than others. Despite living in one house, we are still strangers in many ways. [He says this nonchalantly, setting down his knife as he finishes with all the steak.]

[wise_maiden]

Strangers. You use that word often, in reference to this arrangement.

[chikaidestroyer]

Do I? [He raises a brow.] I don't recall.

[wise_maiden]

Not that we speak of it often, but I suppose it stuck to my mind. Mostly because I can't honestly ever remember you using the word friend in that context.

[chikaidestroyer]

I do not make use of the term.

[wise_maiden]

Oh...? Then what terms do you make use of?

[chikaidestroyer]

Acquaintances. I do not believe I have referred to you as a "stranger," Raine.

[wise_maiden]

Acquaintances. [She's quiet for a moment.]

If you don't make use of the term, is it because you've ... never had reason to, before? Or never a desire to?

[chikaidestroyer]

Friendship is an obligation, of sorts. An indirect promise that you will help, support, and aid another. It's a rather intimate term, in that sense.

By the very nature of my role, friendship is not a wise road to follow. Today's ally may be tomorrow's enemy.

[wise_maiden]

Similar to family, in that sense. [But then she considers the little she does know about his family. Bred to fight wars, even against one another.]

Can you say that's true of our situation here?

[chikaidestroyer]

What do you mean? That those we consider allies may someday be enemies?

[wise_maiden]

At home your role is your profession. Here it's a little different, isn't it?

[chikaidestroyer]

Perhaps a little. But not enough so to change my thoughts on the matter. What may happen in a day can very well change friendships and factions in Luceti.

[wise_maiden]

In the years you've spent here, have you observed it?

[chikaidestroyer]

I have seen opinions change quite distinctly, yes. You have not?

[wise_maiden]

Such changes are to be expected. Particularly with the number of people here.

I have also witnessed your relationship with your brother change quite dramatically.

[chikaidestroyer]

[...And he will put down his fork at that last comment.]

Your point?

[wise_maiden]

It was just an observation.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He shakes his head faintly.] Allow me to clarify. If you expected those changes, why did you ask if I have observed what you have seen yourself?

[wise_maiden]

Maybe I wanted to know your opinion on those changes. How they affect you, personally.

[chikaidestroyer]

Maybe. [He raises a brow, taking a roll to eat.]

[wise_maiden]

Why else would I ask, Albert?