∞ 100: Silent night [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Backdated to the late evening of December 24.

He is not surprised to find it snowing when he returns to Luceti and climbs out of the tunnels. The snow had proven to be irritating while he was outside of the barrier, and he is looking forward to getting inside before heavier snow begins falling.

He walks with a slight limp and stops once in awhile on the snow-covered streets, looking at the pale lights decorating various houses as he catches his breath. In the artificial light, the dark bruise across his left cheekbone may be visible.

Despite his frequent pauses in the snow, he walks with purpose. He'd like to sleep in his own bed tonight.]

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

To the bone... [Albert snorts a little at that, but sets the damp towel aside so he can reach for the tea cup. He holds the cup in his hands for a short while, simply taking in the warmth from the hot drink, before taking a small sip of tea.]

[wise_maiden]

Mm. [She'll allow herself a seat for a moment, so she can take in her own tea with a considering sip.] ... It's Christmas Eve, did you know?

[chikaidestroyer]

I ... tried to keep track of the days out there. [He takes another sip of his tea, contemplating.] At least their timing for my 'release' was fortunate enough.

[wise_maiden]

Yes... the timing is fitting. Although from the look of you, It seems as if they must have kept you busy the entire time.

[chikaidestroyer]

Perhaps not how they had intended. There were a few skirmishes with the Third Party.

...Though I suppose that comes as no surprise, outside of the barrier.

[wise_maiden]

[She takes another slow sip of the tea as he speaks, then sets the cup down.]

I'll do what I can for the bruises. Are you still cold?

[chikaidestroyer]

Not too cold. Better than before. [He sighs, again trying to comb a hand through his tangled hair. His hand lingers before he takes another sip of his tea.]

[wise_maiden]

I see...

[She moves closer, closing her eyes so she can concentrate for the magic. Internal damages take a lot more focus, even if it's just to accelerate the process at which they heal.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There is a faint discomfort at first, but Albert soon relaxes under Raine's spell. He sighs, carefully holding his tea but not drinking it. Once Raine is finished, he sets down his cup.] Thank you. ...Not how one should spend a holiday.

[wise_maiden]

[She withdraws her hand, and takes a step back, needing a moment to gather herself. Using that particular brand of magic since a certain incident had an intensity to it that wasn't as easy to shake off.]

... You're welcome. For now the most important thing is to focus on your recovery, anyway. We can find a way to make up for the holiday after.

[chikaidestroyer]

There is ... really, not much to recover from. [He shakes his head wearily.] It's just bruising. Nothing serious. [Besides, you know, the lasting chill.

...] Ah. I landed on my ankle wrong before I returned, so it's somewhat sore. [Might as well get that out of the way before Raine scrutinizes him for downplaying the limp.]

[wise_maiden]

There's enough.

[She tilts her head at that next revelation though.] I see. Mind propping it up so I can take a better look?

[chikaidestroyer]

[He nods faintly at the question, frowning as he moves over on the couch to lift up his leg. The swelling on his ankle isn't nearly as colorful as his face, but there is noticeable discoloration on what would otherwise be a very pale foot.]

I suspect I will be staying off of it for awhile, now that I'm back.

[wise_maiden]

Indeed. [She moves in closer once more to take a better look at it.] I can speed up the healing process, but sprains are trickier than outright breaks. By the looks of it, you were on it for a while as well.

[chikaidestroyer]

No rest for the weary. [...Well, to be fair, they were given some time to recover when the Third Party attacked. It seemed they were trying to keep the missions humane.]

Nothing broken, fortunately. Small favors.

[wise_maiden]

Hopefully these next few weeks will be quiet, then.

[She closes her eyes for a moment, focusing some of her magic onto the sprain.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He twitches his foot in reaction to the magic, then leans back on one of the throw pillows as muscles seem to relax. After a few moments of the healing magic, he shuts his eyes and seems to doze.]

[wise_maiden]

[When he starts to doze, and after she has a moment to recover from the casting, Raine will take a moment to gently slide the new, comfortable slippers onto his cold bare feet.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He stirs when he feels the slippers being slid onto his feet, and he looks blankly at them for a moment before raising his gaze to Raine.]

Where--?

[wise_maiden]

They're custom made. [Soft, lined, covering the entire foot. Knowing his size, having once been in his shoes.] They should keep your feet warm around the house.

[And then, a small smile.] ... Merry Christmas, Albert.

[chikaidestroyer]

Ah... [He looks somewhat embarrassed, caught off-guard by the gift and its delivery. He moves his good foot experimentally.] Thank you, Raine.

[...] I'm afraid my own gift is a bit out of my reach at the moment.

[wise_maiden]

I understand. ... Besides, I did have something else properly wrapped, but we could always properly exchange later, once you've rested. It just seemed easier to gift them like this.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He gives a faint nod, looking at the slippers another moment.]

...I'm suddenly glad I did my shopping early this year.

[wise_maiden]

Who could have predicted that you'd be sent on two missions so close together. It is lucky. [She gives a shake of the head, and lifts up his cup.] ... Here. Have some more tea, Albert. You need to warm up a little more.

[chikaidestroyer]

Two missions in two months. It would ... probably not be as concerning if it wasn't this particular month. [But he takes back the tea cup, holding it for a short while before taking a slow sip.]

...I may end up falling asleep here at this rate, you realize.