1 Monster Friend [Action]

[wildlittlegirl]

[ It's cold out. It's cold, and Arietta doesn't know where she is. What she does know is she shouldn't be here. This isn't the Isle of Feres, and she's not wearing her clothes anymore. She doesn't have the bandages anymore, and there's a small red spot on the side of her sundress where one of her wounds has reopened.

But it's cold and she showed up near the edge of the village, so at the moment she's tentatively picking her way around the buildings and trying to find one that looks unoccupied so she can head inside and warm up. ]

Comments

[wildlittlegirl]

[ The antiseptic has her wince and then give a shout of pain, but she quickly enough bites down the sound. The rest of it is easier beyond the initial jolt, once the pain settles into a dull throb with occasional pricks that still don't come close to rivaling the first sting. Her expression is still pained, but she's not making any complaints. ]

... What happened to my monster friends?

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist waits for Arietta's pained cries to subside, before he begins the delicate process of actually stitching up her wound. He goes at a good pace - not to slow, not too fast - but works with skill and precision. He's clearly done this before. As for her question, though--]

They were left behind, on Auldrant. [That's said relatively quickly, and without much emotion. It's the honest truth, and it's better to have her know that much then have her worry about it.] However, they will be fine. Once any single person is transported here, time stands still from the moment that person arrives in Luceti, and resumes once they are returned home. I'm not certain of the details of how this phenomenon works, but it is known fact. Your monsters will be fine, my dear.

As will you be. I've finished.

[wildlittlegirl]

Oh. Alright. [ She has no idea how that works, but if Dist says they're safe, they're going to be safe, right?

She looks down at the wound, but her expression doesn't change at all. Then she turns back to Dist. ]

Why do we have wings?

[its_rose_damnit]

They're symbols of our capture - every individual here has a pair of wings attached to them upon arriving. No one knows their purpose, but they're absolutely vital to our survival here. Do not tamper with them in any way, do you understand?

[His tone dips into low, stern, and serious, and Dist's eyes narrow as well. He's not sure how well Arietta would have, and even will take to the wings, but he wants that last message to really sink in. If it goes so far as to take intimidation, then so be it.]

[wildlittlegirl]

[ She shrinks away a little bit at that. Intimidation works well when coming from authority figures. ]

I understand.

[ Though in truth they're kind of like monster wings and so she feels pretty okay with them. Aside from the hurting bit. ]

[its_rose_damnit]

Good. Now, if we've nothing else to discuss, I'll allow you to rest. The medical staff here will tend to you, but if you need anything else, the Journal you were given is a mean of communication with the others present here.

[Dist stands up and heads towards the door, looking over his shoulder before he intends to exit at last.] If you wish, I'll return tomorrow morning and assist you further. You'll need your clothes and belongings, I assume. If I'm able to locate them, I'll bring them along. There is also a map in the journal, if necessary.

[Though he's really...really not sure if Arietta knows how to interpret a map.]

[wildlittlegirl]

[ Maybe a simple one. A... very simple one.

Also we might have a slight problem here because... ]

... What journal?

1/2

[its_rose_damnit]

[Oh, for the love of--!]

2/2

[its_rose_damnit]

Yes, a journal. [Dist goes back towards Arietta and reaches inside his coat. On the inner pocket of one side is his journal, which he removes to show to Arietta.] It directly resembles this, only it has your name on the cover, instead of mine, obviously.

It's quite all right if you misplaced yours, they...have a tendency to return to you regardless of what is done to them. [This he knows from experience.] Yours should show up soon enough, I'm sure. For the moment, you need not worry. Rest, and I'll be here tomorrow morning with your belongings, if I'm able to locate them.

[wildlittlegirl]

I don't feel that tired.

[ But she's laying down anyway, because as much as she thinks she's not tired she's been through a lot today. Which of course makes her realize just how tired she actually is, and she casts another, sleepy glance at Dist's journal. ]

... I'll look for it when I wake up.

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist nods his head silently, and draws Arietta's blankets up over her before departing at last. She'll be fine - she's a strong little girl. The real problem is going to be...everything else. How is she going to deal with Ion being alive, and Anise being here? Sync, and then of course...Van. It'll be near impossible to keep the two from meeting, and harder still to have Arietta not trust the man. Things will just have to move carefully, it seems.

For now, however, Dist will have to keep an eyes out. So long as the child is well tended to now, he doesn't have to worry. Whatever happens, happens - it can be remedied somehow. For now, Dist will take his leave and let her rest. There's nothing else to be done until then.

Sleep well, Arietta.]