[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]

I won't let it end there, Richard. Like I promised... We'll keep going until you find that happiness.

[ledbythewind]

And I believe in you, Asbel. You never give up on anything, no matter how difficult. I always admired that.

[drawnbythesword]

That's only because I have people counting on me... People like you, and Sophie.

[ledbythewind]

... all I've ever done is rely on others. I want to become stronger... no, I need to become stronger, so that I can help the people who have done so much for me.

[drawnbythesword]

You don't need to worry about that, Richard. As long as you don't give up on me, I'll always protect you!

[ledbythewind]

Thank you, but I want to protect you too, Asbel. I want to do it as your friend-- it's the least I can do to repay you. You've risked so much for me...

[drawnbythesword]

I know that, Richard, but it's my duty to protect you, both as your friend and as the one who swore his sword to you.

[ledbythewind]

[He's quiet for a moment, but at last he smiles.]

Then we'll both agree to protect each other.

[drawnbythesword]

...Alright. [He'll protect you better, though. |8]