14 [Voice]

[drawnbythesword]

[The journal clicks on, to show one depressed-looking Asbel.]

...To anyone who knew Malik Caesars or Pascal here... I'm sorry to say they've been sent home. [The less time he dwells on it, the better, right? Right, of course.]

First Sophie, and now those two...

Comments

[Voice]

[drawnbythesword]

I'm... getting ready to head out, actually. [Because he wants to get out of this house for now.]

[Voice]

[ledbythewind]

Would you object to some company?

[Voice]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel had planned on being by himself, for a while... But Richard was his friend. His friend that was trying to be concerned about him. Time to set a good example, then!]

Ahh... Well, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

[Voice]

[ledbythewind]

Then I'll meet you at the front door in a few minutes.

[Examples are good! What is friendship and how does it work, Richard is still learning.]

[Voice]

[drawnbythesword]

...Right. I'll meet you there.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[And sure enough, when Asbel arrives at the front door, Richard will already be out on the porch, bundled up against the chilly weather and just watching the patterns his breath makes in the frozen air.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel's never really one to be on time, so Richard may be waiting a while. Regardless, he does eventually show up, wearing a scarf and gloves, with a heavy jacket in addition to his usual attire.]

I didn't keep you waiting, did I?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard turns at the sound of Asbel's voice, quickly pasting a smile on his face.]

I was starting to wonder whether I'd have to send a search party.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Eh? I... I wasn't gone that long, was I...?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I was only joking, Asbel.

[... why are you so adorable stop doing that, it isn't fair.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...O-oh. Right, of course you were... [S-sob. So cruel, Richard.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Shall we, then?

[He teases because he loves.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Yeah, let's go.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[And Richard will... pause and wait for Asbel to lead the way, because that's what he's used to and it feels more comfortable for him, especially now that Sophie, Pascal and Malik are gone. He wants to have Asbel where he can see him because he's a little paranoid.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[And Asbel will cock his head slightly at Richard's odd behavior, before starting the walk into town.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Asbel, you know Richard is clingy, why is this a surprise?

But he sticks close to his friend's side, waiting for the other to break the silence first.]

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Sorry, Richard. Asbel's not too keen on talking right now, so he's going to be eerily quiet now.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[And that silence just makes Richard feel even MORE awkward, so at last he decides to speak up.]

... I never did thank you for that gift, did I?

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

What gift? [Time to play dumb.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

"May the sword and the wind guide you"... was it?

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

What does Windol's motto have to do with a gift?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Who else would know to write it on a gift intended for me?

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...? I don't know... Someone could have asked about it? [He's a terrible liar.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Well, whoever was responsible, it was the most thoughtful gift I've ever received.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Yeah... It sounds like they really put a lot into that.