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]

[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...

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

It was something that you put thought into, so to me, it's very special.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

[Some would argue Asbel putting thought into anything, but... details.]

Well... I'm glad you like it, then.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

But that still doesn't give me the answer of what to do with it.

[Action]

[drawnbythesword]

Well... Just write whatever in it? It's a private journal, so write your thoughts in it.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

My thoughts...

... thank you, Asbel.

[And because Richard is better at showing things through actions, he takes Asbel's hand and gives it a squeeze.]