going to dragonhaven

[protos]

You've finally decided that we're going somewhere, mundane?

... I don't want to be trapped there by myself. What about Asbel? Cheria? The Captain? Hubert? Pascal?

What about Richard?

Comments

[inheritedearth]

Cheer up! It's not so bad there. You'll make plenty of new friends, and we'll feed you.

[protos]

There's some things that I need to do. I can't save Ephinia if I'm in the Havens... and my friends won't be able to stop him.

... Feed me? What food do you have? Do you have crablettes?

[Because priorities.]

[inheritedearth]

We all have tasks that we've been forced to leave behind, I think. I can understand that worry. I have things I need to do, too. Right now, all I can do is try not to worry about it.

All kinds, though I've never heard of a crablette before. I could learn to make them easily, I bet!

[So much free time, sob.]

[protos]

Mm. [Frowning. She doesn't like that, not one bit.] Even if I don't worry about it, what will happen if I don't get back in time?

[She brightens at that, though, clasping her hands together. She is the crablette expert. She can teach you everything there is to know, Aerith!] It's an omlette with crab in it. Cheria always cooks them for me. Crablettes are the best food there is.

[My Zack muse wants to intervene. Sob]

[god_hand]

The dragons are jerks. The flying catbear things are annoying. Dante's brother is gonna try and kill us all again.

...

Bring some snacks for the trip.

[He's an ass, don't mind him.]

[protos]

[She nods to bringing snacks, but as for the prior... explain, Nero.] What are "dragons" and "flying catbears"?

[inheritedearth]

I don't know. I'd like to know that, myself. I wish I had a better answer for you.

[She seems genuinely sympathetic, but she, too, brightens when Sophie does.]

Those sound delicious!

[protos]

Then I don't think I should go. But my mundane doesn't seem to want to listen.

[She nods.]

They are! I want to eat crablettes all the time.

[Which is probably bad for you, Sophie, Aerith you should get her to eat other foods.]

[inheritedearth]

The muns tend to do whatever they like. Honestly, I'm pretty sure that they really enjoy seeing us unhappy, at this point. I can't agree with that, but I'm making the best of the situation. I've made all sorts of friends here!

Hmm, I might like a bit more variety, personally, but I can definitely add crablettes to the menu!

[protos]

[She nods to that, listening attentively, though focuses on one thing in particular.] Friends...

[She places a hand over her chest.]

If I can't go home, I think Asbel would like it if I made more friends.

[She smiles, appreciative.] I'm sure everyone would love to try crablettes!

[inheritedearth]

Who is Asbel, if I might ask? Someone special?

[protos]

Asbel takes care of me. He's taught me a lot of things about the world. I always try to protect him... and he does the same for me.

Pascal said he was like... a dad...? [She's still not really sure what a dad is.]

[severingwind]

Sophie?

( a moment of contemplation, as he speaks in a lower voice -- ) Hmm. So it seems you will be going to that place.

1/something idek

[protos]

[!!]

[protos]

...

DONE

[protos]

[... except it's not the "Richard" she's expecting. He's not being threatening, is he? Either way, she can't hurt him. She was just caught off guard for him to be the way he was again.]

Richard...

[She looks a little sad, though.] It appears that way. My mundane said something about thinking I'd fit the setting. She only appears to be getting more certain.

/2

[severingwind]

( there's something about that look that jerks something within him, and for a moment he seems to wince; he doubles over as though in pain -- ) Hn --

[severingwind]

( though with a few uncertain moments he struggles and regains his composure, standing at his full height again and fixing his hair ) Is -- that so. ( there is only a small indication in his voice that he is straining... )

I see. Although... it does not seem as though Asbel is there. Nor any of the others...

[protos]

Richard?

[She notes the doubling and that it doesn't bode well. But not only that. She's genuinely worried about him.] You're not hurt, are you?

[She nods again.]

No. It would just be me, by myself.

[severingwind]

I'm fine. ( -- he says quickly. maybe a little too quickly )

Are you sure you'll be all right?

[protos]

That's... that's good.

[She tries to smile. She's long ago passed the point of being angry. Just... sadness, now. That's mostly what she feels.

Slowly, she nods.] I should be. It's supposed to make me more safe. [How, she doesn't know.] But I'll miss everyone, whilst I'm there. And worry about them...

[concrescence]

Don't worry, Sophie. [ s u r e, just like asbel isn't worrying!! at least it sounds good, right? ] You'll make friends in no time, I know it.

[protos]

I... I hope so.

[It does sound good! Consider her slightly reassured. You know, a tiny amount. She's still not set on going.]

But what about you, Asbel? What about you and the others?

[concrescence]

Well, we'll miss you, you know. [ aha, feelings, but he puts on a brave face. if it's for sophie, he's going to try his best. ] But we'll be right here when you get back, or even just... here, if you need anything. Who knows, maybe one of us will show up there to keep you company.

[ a pause and he switches gears, fretting a little. if she's going to that place, he can't do much from here. ] You have to promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay? And be careful.

[protos]

... I'm worried about what's going to happen to Ephinia, without me there. I don't want you all to have to face it by yourselves.

[At the latter, she blinks, but she nods, reassuringly.] I promise.

[concrescence]

From what I've gathered, time freezes while your gone back home. I mean, I haven't experienced it, but... [ it's something. ] We'll be okay, Sophie, and so will Ephinia.

[ she gets a smile for that, though. ] Thanks. And hey, maybe you can teach someone to make you crablettes while you're there.