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

[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.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

But I wonder... what should I do with it?

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...? Wouldn't you just write in it?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[... and Richard is laughing now.]

I never told you just what the gift was, Asbel.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...H-huh?! [Shit, did you just trick him, Richard?]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[... maybe. But you make it so easy.]

I never said that the gift was something that could be written in.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Well, yeah, but... that's... I mean... [Busted.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I really do appreciate it, Asbel.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[A sigh.]

Was it really that obvious...?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I also recognized your handwriting.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

...O-oh. [Well, that's embarrassing.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard just chuckles fondly.]

I'll always treasure it because it came from you.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Is it really that special? It's just a notebook...