PC: Rupert

[mustbepurged]

Comments

[agleam]

[he catches her on instinct - he has very little upper body strength, but she's also very light, so it's probably fine. after a beat of surprise, though:]

Why? What happened, are you alright?

[mustbepurged]

[oh bless. what a cool guy.]

There were ghosts in the lobby! And... and I think they cursed me!

[agleam]

Wait - what do you mean, they cursed you? Are you hurt?

[he carefully steps back just so he can look at her for any obvious injuries.]

[mustbepurged]

[The good news is that she does not appear to be injured! She shakes her head to confirm that there aren't any hidden injuries, but...]

After I saw them, my arms and legs became heavy and numb... That must be a curse, right?

[agleam]

How long ago was that? Do you feel weird at all besides those things?

[he frowns.]

Maybe we could go to that book and see if anyone has any medical knowledge? They could be able to help.

[mustbepurged]

Maybe... 30, 40 minutes ago. I don't think I have any other symptoms.

[She frowns too.]

I trained under a doctor myself, but I don't think there's a normal medical explanation for this...

[agleam]

...Okay.

[there goes that idea, then.]

I'm not really sure what to do about it if you think a doctor wouldn't know, but... Do you want me to keep you company while it lasts, in case something else happens?

[mustbepurged]

[Her expression brightens.] I'd appreciate that.

[agleam]

My pleasure! Hopefully it'll wear off soon.

[especially since they don't know what to do about it while it lasts.]

Did you want to stay out here, or... I can walk you to the courtyard, if you want.

[mustbepurged]

The courtyard would be nice. I'd like to get some fresh air.

[She reaches her arm out so he can help steady her.]

[agleam]

Yeah. We can get some tea, too, if you want.

[he loops his arm around hers so he can lead her there. off they goooo.]

[mustbepurged]

[She moves slowly, but is able to stay steady with his help.]

That would be lovely!

[agleam]

Then it's a plan!

[he pushes open the double doors when they get to the courtyard entrance, careful to give her enough space to get out.]

[mustbepurged]

[With Rupert's help, she manages to make it to a place to sit.]

Thank you. I'll try to repay you later, somehow.

[agleam]

[he waves a hand.]

You don't have to do that. It's nice to spend time together, right?

[he feels like this is probably the calm before the storm, so it's better to enjoy it.]

[mustbepurged]

Hehe. Then I'll repay the favor with more friendly company -- and tea, too!

While we're here, why don't you tell me a little about yourself? Like... what kind of place do you come from?

[agleam]

Oh... Sure.

[his expression gets a little tense as he thinks that question over, but he nods.]

Things back home are... really complicated right now, it's a long story, but it used to be really wonderful. I lived in a castle on a hill with the rest of my... my family and friends.

[his voice catches for a second. despite how vague that is, it seems like he's done, because he shifts into:]

What about you? I'd really like to hear about your home.

[mustbepurged]

[That sure sounds like a story that goes somewhere less wonderful than it starts... but when the questions is returned to Estelle, she smiles faintly.]

I lived in a castle, too. Everyone there was kind to me, but I didn't have a lot of family or friends... I spent most of my time reading books.

[agleam]

[he tilts his head, both curiosity and concern in his expression.]

They were kind to you, but you wouldn't call them your friends...?

[mustbepurged]

I never got to talk to the castle staff enough to make any close connections... and there wasn't really anyone my age around me while I was growing up.

It was different for you?

[agleam]

Ah, well... It was for a really long time. But then certain things changed, and I got to make a lot of new friends.

[he gives her a smile.]

I hope it'll be the same for you when you make it back home.

[mustbepurged]

[She smiles back.]

I'm glad...

Actually, it's already a lot better. I was able to leave the castle for a while, and I made some very good friends who I could travel with... It was wonderful.

[agleam]

Oh - good!

[and he brightens up as he says that.]

I'd like to hear about them, if you'd like to tell me.

[mustbepurged]

You would? I'd be happy to talk about them... Oh, and I want to hear about your friends, too!

Let's see... there's Flynn -- he's the first person I ever really got to talk to in the castle. He's an imperial knight, and he always works really hard!

And then there's Yuri. -- Not the Yuri here, he just has the same name. He's completely different from Flynn, always doing things his own way, getting in trouble... but he's really nice! He helped me get out of the castle, and supported me the whole way during our journey together.

Oh, and Rita! She's the smartest person I know. She's a mage, and she can figure out complex formulas like it's easy! I never got to make friends with any other girls until I met her. Now she's one of my best friends!

[agleam]

[he's about to respond to all of that, but after a few moments of surprise:]

Rita... Is her last name Mordio?