You didn't ask to be whisked away and beaten within an inch of your life.
[She holds him there, stroking his back. Her throat goes thick a moment. She coughs, coral and ginger petals caught in one hand, and quickly disposed of.]
[She pulls him more tightly to her. He's much older than she, and more battered. Wiser in every way that counts.
But it's nice, to be able to lend him some strength. She's borrowed so much of his in the two months they've been adrift in the stars.]
It's the very least I can do. [She tucks her head down, nose to his hair. With her standing and him seated there's a not-so-even reversal of height. Just enough to allow her leeway.] Would you like to tell me what happened? It's okay if you'd rather not.
[ it is still strange for him to be so openly embraced. he has never been one to crave physical touch, and yet there's no denying the comfort that comes from rosamund, briars and all, and the closeness she brings.
he closes his eyes, resting there. ]
I am happy to share my tale with you, though it is difficult to make sense of it. [ as per usual ] I can tell you that we were taken to Master Dahut and Scien's home, where a series of murders were occurring.
I am unsure what I was meant to do... I eventually became embroiled in a fight with the Royal Guard—Sicen and Diluc were also there—and we all perished in the fight before awakening once more.
To participate in a tournament to kill one another.
[That's a twist on what Eunhyuk had told her. She draws a breath, eyes darting over the garden's winding vines. It's dreadful to imagine. She hates to think about living it.]
[ his expression is sympathetic, as though pained that he has to share such a gruesome story with her ]
Yes. We were all killed prior to our return here, and it seems those fatal injuries carried over.
But I am being genuine in that I believe I am less... full of self-loathing than some of the others might be right now. It is merely fatigue that plagues me.
[She wets her lips, thinking hard. Yes, she can imagine it would hit any of them quite grievously. She'd been torn up the second she realized what she'd done to Diluc.
To share in that delusion together, en masse, after having their minds pressed through a sieve...she doesn't envy their lot one bit.]
Then you should rest. [She pulls back, brushing his hair into place and taking his hands.] Come. I'll walk you back.
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I...thought I should be asking you?
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You needn't worry. These hardships are wont to occur.
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[A long sigh.]
I don't care how common they are. You all came back on the brink of death. You expect people not to worry?
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[ he just looks tired ]
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Then draws near, holding both sides of his face in her hands.]
That's what happens, when you're so dear to us all. I'm afraid you'll have to keep putting up with it.
[And she'll place a kiss on top of his head.]
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he smiles, letting his head fall to her shoulder ]
I wish to ease you of your burdens, not contribute to them.
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[She holds him there, stroking his back. Her throat goes thick a moment. She coughs, coral and ginger petals caught in one hand, and quickly disposed of.]
I'm just sorry that it's happened to you again.
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You are correct, we are helpless in the face of this. But truly, I... [ he pauses ] I am not alright, but your presence is most effective balm.
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But it's nice, to be able to lend him some strength. She's borrowed so much of his in the two months they've been adrift in the stars.]
It's the very least I can do. [She tucks her head down, nose to his hair. With her standing and him seated there's a not-so-even reversal of height. Just enough to allow her leeway.] Would you like to tell me what happened? It's okay if you'd rather not.
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he closes his eyes, resting there. ]
I am happy to share my tale with you, though it is difficult to make sense of it. [ as per usual ] I can tell you that we were taken to Master Dahut and Scien's home, where a series of murders were occurring.
People killed with their hearts torn out.
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[Or were the victims not Relievers, but regular people in the wrong place at the wrong time?]
Were you supposed to catch the killer?
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[ frowns ]
I am unsure what I was meant to do... I eventually became embroiled in a fight with the Royal Guard—Sicen and Diluc were also there—and we all perished in the fight before awakening once more.
To participate in a tournament to kill one another.
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[That's a twist on what Eunhyuk had told her. She draws a breath, eyes darting over the garden's winding vines. It's dreadful to imagine. She hates to think about living it.]
Is that why you all came back so terribly hurt?
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Yes. We were all killed prior to our return here, and it seems those fatal injuries carried over.
But I am being genuine in that I believe I am less... full of self-loathing than some of the others might be right now. It is merely fatigue that plagues me.
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To share in that delusion together, en masse, after having their minds pressed through a sieve...she doesn't envy their lot one bit.]
Then you should rest. [She pulls back, brushing his hair into place and taking his hands.] Come. I'll walk you back.