Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"She's probably in the living room." Gaia says, walking through Praecantatia's home.

 

Gaia follows her counterpart.

 

Gaia heads into the living room, where a rather weak looking Stephanie seems to be watching cartoons under blankets, a tray of sliced up gold fruit with a purple inside on her lap. Stephanie's hair looks dark grey.

"Oh, hello Stephanie. Is your mother near?" Gaia asks.

Stephanie glances up.

"Y-Yes, I think she's in her workshop." Stephanie says weakly, before eating another slice of fruit.

 

Gaia watches her nervously before stopping.
"...Stephanie? I know it won't mean much, but I'm terribly sorry I couldn't do more for you and your friends."

 

"Absolutely. Wesley is my right hand, I'd be lost without him."

 

"Have you ever let him know that? He seems insecure when you're around."

 

"They are trying to make the best of it. It's a bit sad.."

 

"What do you mean?" Stephanie asks, looking up at Gaia.

 

"I'm sorry I couldn't do more to stop you and your friends from being hurt as badly as they are. I'm sorry I couldn't summon my last bit of strength, that I didn't give our cause absolutely everything I had when your friends did..."
Pause.
"...Most of all, I'm sorry I was weak enough to be willing to give in."

What do you mean? They're the seeds that can grow back into the kingdom. It might be tough, but they'll do it... they just need time. And resources. And... probably a little bit of help.

Pause.

Okay, I see what you mean now.

 

"Yeah. It's difficult to start from scratch, but they are trying."

 

Part of me thinks you should stay and help, but the other part of me wants to get Gram patched up so we can go see Sgavrinn's owner. I bet she's as nice as he is.

 

"I would love to help, but there are important things that go first. Maybe another time."

 

Of course. Speaking of which, you're actually speaking again, which means you're talking to yourself in front of other people.

The woman seems to be back... and giving you a strange look.
"I've gathered all we can spare. Are... you okay?"

 

"Oh, yeah. Don't worry. Just talking to myself."

 

"You tried, that's what matters." Stephanie says, before coughing.

 

She nods, handing you a basket with two loaves of bread, a few eggs, and a couple of carrots and potatoes.
"I suppose everyone does it at some point in life."

Gaia hesitates before nodding and leaving, looking sick with guilt.

 

He laughs.
"Hehe, I guess so."
He takes the basket.
"Thank you, ma'am."

 

"I hope your friend gets better. Take care, Bardock."

 

"Thank you. I will."
He turns around and heads towards the forest.
"See you later."

 

"Perhaps...perhaps you're right. I shall tell him at a later date."