02

[desertdaggers]

[He's too shaky to trust himself in audio or video, so this messages goes out as text.]

Has anyone been able to make sense of the past week or so? Are there any signs of people other than us?

Comments

Alas, poor Hawk

[luministimods]

[if Hawk happens to look on his ankle, he'll find a drawing of the sun made with an ink that is difficult to wash off, almost like henna but not.

also, he might have a flash of a person with long hair shining in the sunlight.]

[collector]

Not much. I collected some notes from Resarci's on the poison from last year and its antidote.

[desertdaggers]

From then? Is it possible there was more to be used at a later date- now?

We found a vial of something at the Chrysalis, you see.

[more thinking, I'm really sorry.]

[collector]

Might I borrow it? I have, ah, procured some equipment. [stealing from Resarci, hell yeah]With this data, I'd be able to confirm if it's the same.

[desertdaggers]

Sure, that's not a problem. I wouldn't know how to do that on my own. [and he's not about to try it on himself.] Would you be coming here, or should I bring it to you?

[collector]

Would you mind coming by? It will be easier on the equipment.

[desertdaggers]

[considers for a moment…] No, not at all. Where are you?

[collector]

The pavilion, presently.

[text]

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, Hawk. I should have brought myself to talk to you again sooner.

Things make even less sense than before. Perhaps when everyone shares what they've learned, it will. But for now... it's such a tangle.

I've seen a librarian come back, but she's mostly interested in the preparations for the festival.

If you like, perhaps you could come talk with me? I'm at the library, in the open reading area. (Somehow, it feels really... comfortable here. Like it's the only relaxing place left in the world. ^.^)

[text to action]

[desertdaggers]

No, I think I understand. It's fine.

I hope so.

The festival… so that's still going ahead. It'd be hard, without anyone attending or holding stalls.

…I could do with some relaxing right now. All right, I'll see you there.

[and after another round of checking over himself that everything's all right, he heads out and to the library's reading area.]

[action]

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

[On the second floor, the reading area is bright and open, looking out over the town square. On one of the plush couches Fuu is curled up with her journal. Although there are still dark circles under her eyes she looks relaxed. And as Hawk enters the area he will feel so as well, as if his stresses have melted away.]

[She looks up at his approach - few other people have been around, after all. She smiles welcomingly and gestures for him to take a seat on the couch beside her as she puts her feet on the floor.]

I'm so glad to see you, Hawk. And- I cannot apologize enough for... what happened at the Chrysalis. It was... my worst fear. In more ways than one...

[desertdaggers]

[It's much better than staying in the townhouse- there's still the smell of burning, even after opening the window. Hawk relaxes a little, shoulders dropping, body language becoming less guarded, though his steps are still cautious as he comes over and sits down, as though everything else could drop away too. He only really relaxes on the couch after a minute or so of sitting on it and being sure it's there.]

Don't- don't apologise. It wasn't something you could have helped. I'm just glad you're all right. [reaching for her hand and grasping tightly.]

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Thank you... [Blushing, she squeezes Hawk's hand. Then, she looks into his face with concern.]

Has something... happened to you, too?

[desertdaggers]

[Under his fingers, her hand is warm, and if he puts his fingers against her wrist he'll feel her pulse- proof that her heart's beating, that she's alive. He breathes- he can, it doesn't hurt-, and raises his gaze to meet hers.] Yes.

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

[Looking at his face, she recognizes her face from when she'd first woken up. Haunted, disbelieving.]

I'm sorry. If you can - if you want - you can tell me. But you don't have to.

[ text ]

[painlessfighter]

Who is us?

[ text ]

[desertdaggers]

Those of the residents here drawn here from other worlds.

[ text ]

[painlessfighter]

Oh. Okay.

I saw someone in a shop! But that's it. Why? Are they coming back?

[ text ]

[desertdaggers]

No one remarkable? It looks like they're starting to…

There's been a bit of trouble.

[ text ]

[painlessfighter]

Trouble???

[ text ]

[desertdaggers]

One of the townspeople was murdered.

[faithga.livejournal.com]

I... I'm afraid not. But is there any way I can help?

[desertdaggers]

Well. That should limit the possibilities, at least.

Are you new? Maybe a fresh view of the town will help.

[faithga.livejournal.com]

I see...

[after a short pause:] Yes. My name is Naminé.

I hope so.

[desertdaggers]

Nice to meet you, Naminé. I'm Hawk.

What do you make of it so far?