ledbythewind | [Action]

[Anyone who happens to walk by on the road beside House 28 this evening will be treated to a rather unusual sight: a cloud of fireflies hovering around the front lawn, greenish-yellow lights flickering as they fly back and forth, following the movement of a tiny orb of light.

Closer inspection reveals the source of said orb of light as Richard, who is seated in the grass-- he's using a tiny bit of Hyt's power to combine with his own magic (the base for a Holy Lance, not that he's going to cast the entire thing), creating a soft white glowing sphere that hovers a couple of inches above his finger. As he moves his hand to trace mindless patterns in the night air, the orb follows it, and the fireflies follow that in a parade of blinking lights. Richard can't quite hide his amusement at this, reflected in the slight smile on his face. It may be an odd way to spend one's birthday, but to Richard, it's more than fine-- not that he doesn't appreciate what Asbel and the others have done for him. He just needs a little time to himself to unwind after all of that.

But if anyone wanders by, he'll be happy to converse with them. He wouldn't be in a public place if he didn't feel like talking to anyone, after all.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[That is clearly quite fascinating, given the way he's leaning forward with eyes wide until he looks almost in danger of falling off his perch.]

...I gotta try to talk to Hyt.

[Richard laughs, amused by that reaction, though he's keeping a watchful eye out to make sure that Rokuta doesn't lean forward TOO much. He'd rather not be responsible for someone taking a tumble off his roof, thank you.]

He's not exactly the most cooperative, but if you're persistent, he'll likely give in eventually.

[Don't worry, he's not going to fall any time soon, even if he does somehow manage to lose his balance.]

I'll put it on the list. After, uh, getting back on good terms with the others, first.

[That's good; demonstrating Nala's magic isn't something that Richard really wants to end up doing today.]

It didn't take me all that long the last time I returned. Then again, I was told I was only gone from here for a little over a week. It may be a different story for you.

Yeah, it's kind of been a while. And Kipinn kind of has, uh. A sense of humor.

So I've noticed. You could say he takes after his element.

[Siiiiigh.]

Yeah. Yeah, he does.

Gives me something to do, though. There isn't much else around here.

Learning Filial magic should keep you occupied for at least a month or two, depending on how long it takes you to form a bond with each spirit.

Well, I had two of them last time, so I just need to, uh, renew acquaintance. And one of them I just don't get along with, so there goes another. But yeah, that might keep me busy for a little bit at least.

You don't get along with one of them? Why not, if you don't mind my asking?

[Now he's curious. He's heard of such things happening-- well, more accurately, he knows that Isamu doesn't get along with most of them, but he hasn't pressed for details about that. It's not too hard to see why they might not like Isamu, let's be honest.]

[Rokuta shrugs, absently rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.]

Eferin. I think maybe it's just not in my nature to work well with him.

Yes, he does have something of a temper if you cross him. I can see how he might be difficult to work with, though he seemed to like me well enough.

Hn, well, different points of view and all that.

[Have another shrug. He's just going to be not caring all over here.]

Hadn't even gotten around to Nala, and it seems like that's the first one for most people.

She's usually the easiest to get in contact with. Or would there be some reason for her to avoid you?

[ARE YOU SECRETLY A SUPERVILLAIN, ROKUTA?]

[CURSES, HIS COVER IS BLOWN.]

Well, no, I just... never bothered.

[He hesitates, glancing around uncertainly.]

I can't really, uh, get close to anyone who's injured. So I didn't think it'd be any use.

You can't? Why not, if you don't mind my asking?

[Richard's never heard of anything quite like that before.]

I'm... kind of sensitive to blood.

[To put it mildly.]

... I see. Then you'd do well to keep your distance from me.

[He shrugs, idly kicking his feet as they dangle off the edge of the roof.]

I'll keep that in mind.

But even so, you could always try learning how to do something like mend broken bones. That wouldn't involve blood, and I'm sure a skill like that would be of great use to the other doctors here.

Yeah, I guess. It couldn't hurt to try, at least, and you never know when skills might be useful.

Exactly. That was why I started learning from the spirits in the first place.

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