[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's late in the afternoon when Richard awakens in the middle of the forest, clad only in the pair of white pants given to all New Feathers when they arrive. As if that weren't bad enough, it's currently raining, and he's disoriented and confused and why does his back hurt and where is he? There's something strangely familiar about this situation, though. He feels like it's happened before, but his memories are fuzzy and he can't seem to remember anything beyond... beyond...

And then, very slowly, like water trickling through a crack, it begins to come back to him. He's been here before. Twice, in fact, over a year in total, and Asbel and the others are here as well. He needs to find them.

So he'll be making his way through the forest - he remembers enough to follow the river, at least - to the village, feeling decidedly uncomfortable at exposing so much skin (he's royalty, this isn't proper, even if he's done it here before) and spending a few confused moments trying to remember where the clothing store is so that he can retrieve his own clothes.

That accomplished, he sets out for the house... only to realize that he can't remember which house it is. With only a vague memory to guide him, he wanders the streets until one house feels more familiar than the others. Let's just hope he's got this right.

And so it is that Richard opens the door to House 28, soaking wet and still trying to remember everything, but glad to be home.]

Comments

[drawnbythesword]

[And now you are changing the subject, Richard. Asbel glances to the kitchen where Cheria is working, still blushing. You are a terrible man.]

Ah... Yeah, she arrived just a few days after you disappeared.

[ledbythewind]

[Oh, Richard knows it. He also knows that you love him anyway.]

How long have I been gone...?

[drawnbythesword]

Eight days. [Yes he's been counting. Why do you ask.]

[ledbythewind]

Only eight?

[He looks almost surprised.]

It was six months back in our world.

[drawnbythesword]

Six... months? [That's a long time, bro.]

So you really have been back there all this time...

[ledbythewind]

Yes, I have.

[And in his eyes is a warmth, lit by pure joy and relief.]

Asbel... the people didn't hate me for what I've done. They've forgiven me and supported me, even in Strahta and Fendel. Of course, I still need to make amends... I need to pay back all of the debts I have caused. But knowing that I have that support... it truly is amazing.

[drawnbythesword]

[Richard's been forgiven and is being supported by people around the world...? That means...]

Then... You didn't abdicate the throne?

[ledbythewind]

[Richard shakes his head.]

I considered it, but it's my responsibility to set things right with my own hands.

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel just breathes a sigh of relief at Richard's words. Dude, that's what he was telling you.]

[ledbythewind]

It's a long road ahead, but I'm going to do my best as king. I owe it to all of the people, to my father... and to you, Asbel.

[drawnbythesword]

I think you'll do just fine, Richard. If anyone can do it... It's you. And we'll be right behind you through it all.

[ledbythewind]

[And it looks like Richard hasn't forgotten everything that he's experienced in Luceti, because you are now getting a great big soggy hug, Asbel.]

Thank you... thank you.

[drawnbythesword]

[Too wet, too wet!]

R-richard! You're soaking wet!

[ledbythewind]

[He laughs.]

I was hoping you would notice. May I borrow some clothes until mine dry?

[drawnbythesword]

[That prompts a laugh from Asbel in turn.]

Of course you can, Richard. I'll grab you a fresh pair. [He goes to stand up, and feels the weight of his now wet clothes pressing against him.]

...After I change my own.

[ledbythewind]

[Okay, now Richard looks slightly apologetic. He hadn't meant to get Asbel quite THAT wet.]

Haha... I'm sorry. I'll wait here so that I don't get anything else soaking wet as well.

[drawnbythesword]

Please, don't worry about it, Richard. [Heading up the short set of stairs towards his room now.

No spying, Richard. |8]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard will be good and just stand there and drip in one place. 8|b]

[drawnbythesword]

[Don't get it all over the rug now.

Asbel returns several minutes later, having decided to just change into his pajamas instead of getting out another set of clothes for himself. Hopefully, Cheria won't mind him eating at the table in pajamas. It's not like he was going to go anywhere in this weather, anyway.

He has another set in hand, along with a blanket and towel for Richard.]

[ledbythewind]

Thank you.

[Oh, a towel, how very thoughtful-- Richard himself had neglected to think of that, but it will do wonders for helping to dry his hair. He accepts them with a grateful nod before turning to head to the bathroom in order to change.

... which reminds him of something.]

By the way, where will I be staying now that Miss Cheria is here?

[drawnbythesword]

Eh? Well... I figured you would be staying with Isamu still...

[ledbythewind]

[That is fine by Richard, because he still has some issues with nightmares, and having someone else in the room with him puts him more at ease.]

Then I have no objections unless he does.

[drawnbythesword]

I mean... Unless you'd rather sleep with me.

[ledbythewind]

[... oh Asbel. Please give Richard some sign that you realize the implications of what you just... oh screw it TROLL MODE, ENGAGE.]

That's truly generous of you, Asbel, but are you sure Miss Cheria would be all right with that?

[drawnbythesword]

Why would she have a problem with it? [Deeeerrrp.]