003. (v2) [video]
[At first, there is no sound; there is only the image of Xanth's forearm. Lines of letters curl around his fingers, twist around his hand, and spiral onto his arm. The ink, jet black, is stark against his pale skin.]
Th-this-- it means I-I've been-- t-too quiet, right? I-It... it wants me to-- t-to say... s-something.
[It's been a while since he's checked in, made sure people knew he hadn't vanished, but there is nothing to say.
The feed remains set on Xanth's arm.]
I'm... o-okay. I'm s--still here.
A-Are... are you guys... o-okay, too?
[He heard that crack some days ago. No one has called for help on the journals, so no one was hurt in the expedition that came after, and no one had been hurt during the initial bang.
Or so he hopes.]
Th-this-- it means I-I've been-- t-too quiet, right? I-It... it wants me to-- t-to say... s-something.
[It's been a while since he's checked in, made sure people knew he hadn't vanished, but there is nothing to say.
The feed remains set on Xanth's arm.]
I'm... o-okay. I'm s--still here.
A-Are... are you guys... o-okay, too?
[He heard that crack some days ago. No one has called for help on the journals, so no one was hurt in the expedition that came after, and no one had been hurt during the initial bang.
Or so he hopes.]
[Commentlog]
I-I don't... know h-how much I... c-can eat. I-- I had something, e-earlier, s-so...
[But he could certainly use a bath...]
[Commentlog]
[She wonders what the hot spring might be like. Is there a section for males and females? Maybe she should let Xanth go now, and she could go later and see for herself. It sounded wonderful.]
If you get hungry, let me know? I can make you something.
[Throat constricting a little, Aara continues.]
Thank you for listening to what I had to say. I know it is not good news.
[Commentlog]
[A faint smile passes across his face and as Aara thanks him, it grows.]
H-Hey, don't... [he reaches out, touches her on the shoulder] ...d-don't worry about that, o...okay?
I-I mean, t--turning into a-- a dragon? Th-that's... pretty cool.
[Commentlog]
It is nice...being able to fly.
[Her head tilts up to the ceiling as an expression of joy and freedom crosses her face, imagining the feeling of gliding across the sky on a cool and starry night.]
[Commentlog]
[He feels a twinge of envy. Here Aara was worried about those who would accept her because of her power, when he had been so worried for so long about just the opposite.
But neither of them could help their status. In the Keep, they were on equal ground.
Xanth retracts his hand, then glances back at the door.]
I... I-I guess I should... get going...
[Commentlog]
Everything okay?
[Commentlog] i am so sorry if these tags are ridiculous, i am right about to sleep
[Cue sheepish half-smile.]
A-And I... I-I need a-- a bath. P...Pretty b-badly.
[And a haircut, but he'll wait on that one.]
[Commentlog] DAW DON'T WORRY I LOVE THEM. Especially the ooc thread, lol!
If I can help, let me know?
[She giggles at that comment.]
Just take care of yourself, okay?
[Commentlog]
A-And, um... if... i-if you can't s--sleep, feel... f-free to visit. O-- Okay?
[But he hopes she doesn't, if only because that means she can rest.]
[Commentlog]
Thank you, Xanth.
You, too.
[Commentlog]
I--I'm serious, I'll... k-keep the door u--unlocked. [If only for today.] J-Just... knock first, i-if you-- if you c-come over?
[Commentlog]
Okay. Maybe I will... so long as I am not a bother, and do not overstay my welcome.
[Commentlog]
[His smile settles again on his face, and then he heads for the door. He pauses a moment, then turns and waves.]
I'll-- see you.
[And then he's out.]