∞ 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

[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.

[wise_maiden]

I'll help you down the hall once you've finished. Do you still want to take a shower?

[chikaidestroyer]

[He has to debate how to answer that question.] I should. I likely will not be getting out of bed for awhile once I get there.

[wise_maiden]

It's better to go to bed clean and comfortable, if it can be managed. [And she knows that he's been able to in other conditions. The aftermath of that jungle draft comes to mind, as well as her recent experience with the mines.] There are clean towels already in there.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He takes another sip of his tea.] Then it's just a matter of getting to the shower. [He eyes his new slippers, wondering if he should take them into the bathroom at all.] Will these soak up water?

[wise_maiden]

There should be a protective layer in there that would keep them from soaking right through. [Meant to be practical and comfortable. As long as he doesn't wear them right up to the shower door, it shouldn't be a problem anyway.]

[chikaidestroyer]

Good to know. [He nods contemplatively, shutting his eyes as he focuses on finishing his tea. He should try to get standing as soon as he could so he wouldn't be tempted to fall asleep.]

[wise_maiden]

[Raine nods and waits patiently, but watching to make sure he doesn't drift off too much again.

She might be able to rest easier herself, once all is said and done.

And then gently, once he seems to be finished:]

Ready, Albert?

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert sets down his tea cup and shifts on the couch, setting his feet on the ground and pushing himself, slowly but surely, back up. He holds on to the arm of the couch as he ensures that his knees won't buckle after being so tense and then being relaxed by Raine's spells.]

I should be fine.

[wise_maiden]

Just try not to exert yourself. Is there anything else you'd like me to get ready while you're in there? [Though she still intends to assist him down the hall, watchful of that ankle.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He shakes his head, taking a few small steps around the coffee table and holding on to the armchair as he adjusts to standing and walking again.]

I should be fine. [He repeats. It takes him a moment to realize he's said the same thing, so he comments on something else.] ...My things. They should be brought back to my room.

[wise_maiden]

I'll take care of it.

[The coat is already hanging to dry, the other wet clothes can be deposited in the hamper pile. If he's left anything else by the door, it would be checked for and returned to his room.

His repetition is noted, and she's still watching carefully.]

It really is... good to have you back.