ledbythewind | [Action]

[It's the rain that finally pulls Richard back to consciousness from where he's lying on the forest floor amidst the new greenery. He blinks his eyes open and tries to lift his head to see where he is, memories of the past week filtering slowly back to him as his grip on consciousness gradually grows more firm. He's about to move to attempt to sit up when a sudden stabbing pain in his abdomen causes him to double up with a sharp gasp, and as he does so, he chokes on an all-too-familiar coppery taste and panic floods his mind in turn, because it's just like--

It's a long moment before he's able to calm down enough to think rationally. He's not going to die. The Malnosso didn't want to kill him. But he needs to get home somehow and get help. A nearby tree works well enough to help get him upright (albeit with considerable effort); after another moment to steady himself, he sets out in what he hopes is the direction of the village.

He can be found making his unsteady way towards House 28, pale and leaning on nearby objects to help him remain upright, one arm wrapped gingerly around his stomach. It's pretty clear that he's not in the best shape, though he's determined not to ask for any assistance. Once he finally makes it to the house, it takes the last of his energy to open the door. That's all he can manage-- he staggers a few paces inside, then collapses on the floor, too tired to go any further.

'Sup housemates, he's home.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The lack of bandages or any other visible injuries should be at least somewhat reassuring, though the sheen of sweat on his skin from fever probably isn't.

When she touches his shoulder, he jerks awake with a startled cry, eyes darting wildly around the room in search of his mysterious attacker... until at last they fall on Cheria and he blinks as his fevered mind tries to process what's going on.]

... Cheria?

[Startling him was definitely not Cheria's intention. She'll try to correct her mistake immediately by kneeling down beside the bed, her hand gently petting Richard's arm.]

It's all right, Richard. I'm here. You're going to be fine.

[Slowly he relaxes and sinks back against the pillows, bringing a hand up to brush his bangs out of his eyes. He's calmer now, at least, but he still seems somewhat out of it.]

And Asbel...?

He's still on his mission... [She slowly moves a hand to Richard's forehead, confirming her suspicions of a fever. However, she assumes it's caused by illness, rather than poison.]

You're burning up. I'll go get you a wet cloth, all right?

Still gone...

[He doesn't look pleased to hear that, but he quickly shakes his head and manages a slight smile at her.]

That would be wonderful. Thank you.

I'll be back in a moment.

[She straightens up again and strides towards the bathroom to soak a cloth in cold water. Once she's done that, she returns to Richard's room, careful not to drip all along the floor. She'll place the cloth on his forehead with an worried frown, if he lets her.]

[Indeed he will allow it with another quiet little smile. He doesn't have much energy to do anything else at this point, and besides, he's not about to object to something that's going to make him feel better.]

I apologize for making you worry-- I'm sure you must be worried enough about Asbel as it is.

O-oh no! That's not... [She trails off, shaking her head. She is worried about Asbel, yes, but right now Richard deserves her worry more. So she'll keep dabbing at his forehead.]

Asbel will be fine. He's gone through worse ordeals without so much as a scratch.

Did he say what the mission was?

[Richard doesn't have any idea, given that he'd already been kidnapped by the time Asbel left. Hopefully it wasn't anything too dangerous...]