i'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

[dromi]

[Nights in Abyss are much the same as days. Oh, sure, they're less noisy and there are less people milling about, but an underground labyrinth full of those who can't fit in with Fódlan's society is bound to have at least a few shady individuals still up even this late. It's well past sunset, with several hours left until dawn. The passage of time remains a constant even in these shadowed depths, and Yuri doesn't need the church bells to tell him the time.

Of course, he's sure his companion is a bit less pleased to be up so late when hers is one of the most consistent schedules they have down here, but Hapi usually ends up dragged into things the other Ashen Wolves need her to. Now is no exception. Night watch is never a pleasant duty, but considering the increased attacks lately, it's for the best if there are two of them patrolling.

It's been quiet since they started a little over two hours ago, but that doesn't mean it will remain quiet. They're currently passing through the nearly-deserted marketplace; they'll loop by the entrance again before going through the route a few more times, just to be sure nothing strange is happening. It's a bit of a bore, but Yuri always puts his all into protecting the people of Abyss, and now is no exception.

He's quiet as he walks, never straying too far from Hapi's side. If there is trouble, it will be easiest for them both to handle it together instead of being split up.]

Just a bit longer and I'll let you head back to bed. Wouldn't want to mess your schedule up too much, now would we?

[It's light; not quite teasing, but not quite an apology either. Hapi knows how important this is, and she likewise knows that Yuri will absolutely inconvenience the other Ashen Wolves if it means keeping Abyss safe.]

Comments

[disighstrous]

[It's strange to think that all these years after seeing Abyss as a punishment for something she couldn't control, that Hapi could almost consider it home. Home was a strange word for this place; a place full of misfits, of outcasts who Fódlan would never be able to accept. And yet, short of returning to her home in the forest, there's fewer places that Hapi would want to be.

The current situation nonwithstanding, of course. Nightwatch is a duty shared by all of the Ashen Wolves, but Hapi can't deny that it's irritating when it's her turn on the watch. Be it Coco and her loud, brazen proclamations that could--and does, regularly, wake Abyssians out of a dead sleep while they're on their watch, or B and his need for both grandstanding and a good fight. Still, it's certainly what makes the both of them themselves, and it'd be strange if they weren't like this; Hapi wouldn't want them to change. (Too much, at least.)

It's different with Yuri-bird, though. He's either too quiet, almost boring, or he at least tries to have some sort of conversation to keep her from getting stir-crazy. Hapi stretches while they walk about the marketplace, allowing her to look in all sorts of hiding places that people could be.

The people of Abyss are her responsibility too, despite her lack of desire to get caught up in these watches. It's why Hapi doesn't complain.]

If you didn't want that, you'd have gotten Coco or B.

[...Well, too much, at least. Still, despite the blunt retort, Hapi doesn't seem that annoyed.]

But it's fine. It's gotta be done. Abyss can't just watch itself, after all.

[That's why it falls on them to do it. The people here are relying on them to keep their way of life going.]

Seen anything off?

[dromi]

[Yuri gives Hapi a smirk at the retort; Balthus would have been perfectly fine taking on nightwatch in Hapi's place, but Constance? No way. That's waaaaay too much of a hassle, and not one Yuri would willingly put up with if there are other options. Not that he dislikes Constance any, he simply dislikes trying to rouse her from her beauty sleep.

So no, he doesn't feel bad about dragging Hapi along for nightwatch. Yuri never minded taking it solo, but he's not about to put Abyss at risk now. He's a cautious man at heart, and while he's very skilled, he doesn't want to protection of Abyss to be solely on his own shoulders when he could have one of his very capable comrades with him.]

You're right. It's for everyone's safety, so we'll just have to deal with it a little longer.

[Not that it's ever simply dealing with it for him, but that isn't really the point.

At the question, Yuri shakes his head.]

It's been quiet all night. The last time a mercenary was seen down here was four days ago. [His expression shifts into something more neutral; not openly cautious or careful, but it's probably obvious that he's carefully considering everything.] It's far too soon to say that they've stopped. Still, they're willing to allow us some time to breathe.

[It's irritating. He doesn't have enough information to determine exactly what it is they're after. Abyss holds plenty of secrets, so it's possible they're after something down here, but it's equally likely that they're simply gathering information for a larger attack. He'll have to prepare Abyss' defenses better in case such a thing does happen...]

[disighstrous]

Guess so.

[Hapi nods her head; as far as she's concerned, the sooner they're done with this, the better. She may not need any so-called 'beauty sleep', but it's still something she prefers vastly.

Even so, Hapi is listening; she stretches again and she doesn't even really look at Yuri while she does so, but she is listening. It has been at least a little bit of time since the mercenaries attacked, though Hapi can't say she's been keeping track of the days as well as Yuri has. It's just been peaceful, which is what Hapi prefers it to be.

Still, her look goes back to him when he finishes. Yuri-bird always is considering every outcome, and it's pretty obvious his look is hiding that much.]

They're just gonna keep sending people down here until they get what they want, huh... [The words are something that would prelude a sigh, but Hapi doesn't let it happen. Her own irritation is likely obvious, though.] They really don't learn.

[...]

Or they might be learning too much. Hard to say. [Hapi's look goes elsewhere, at that, looking and listening around.] You'd probably be better at telling that, Yuri-bird.

But hopefully this isn't just to get us to let our guard down. That could be what they're doing, right?

[dromi]

[Yuri glances over at Hapi at the first set of words. Though his expression doesn't change any and he doesn't look like he's bracing himself, he is. Hapi is very good at keeping herself from sighing, but it's in his nature to prepare for the worst. He sees no need to be gentle with Hapi or try to treat her differently because of her condition, but he's always ready for what might happen if she does sigh. Thankfully, she doesn't. Not that he really thought she would, of course.]

Don't worry, Hapi. I'm keeping an eye out. I'm not going to let anything happen to Abyss.

[They're confident words, the sort people expect to hear from a leader. Never mind that he's maybe only half a step ahead of the rest of the Ashen Wolves, and Goddess only knows how many steps behind their attackers. Confidence is key, he's all too aware of that. As long as he remains cool and collected, the others will follow his lead and he'll figure something out. He always does.]

It is possible that that's what they're attempting to do. In that case—

[They've rounded the corner now, giving them a view up the stairs toward the library and the exit. There's movement up there - a flash in the darkness as something moves up there, darting out of the library and toward the exit. Yuri's thought goes unfinished and he draws his sword. He doesn't have to tell Hapi to prepare herself or join him, he's already taking the stairs two at a time to try to catch up.]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi knows, and nods her head at the remark. It's a simple things, but if there's anyone they can have confidence in, it's their Yuri-bird. And Elfie too. And Coco and B. They're all pretty good at this, and she's no slouch either when push comes to shove.

She's about to respond when Yuri's gaze goes over towards the stairs toward the library, and her gaze snaps over when she sees the movement as well. Well, so much for getting a decent night's sleep, she guesses...

It's a shame that she can't exactly call her horse here, but she follows Yuri none the less, dark magic finding it's way to her fingertips easily as she ascends the stairs with him and keeps up with his pace. She may have to fight on foot, but that's fine; once they're able to ascertain the numbers they're dealing with, it should be over pretty quickly.

It looks like they're catching up, at least, but they're getting close to the surface; Hapi begins to charge one of her spells up. Banshee should be enough to stop the mercenary in his tracks, but--]

What's the plan, Yuri-bird? Want me to stop him?

[He's always been better at this tactical business than she has. He's probably got a plan in mind, too; last thing she wants to do is mess that up.]

[dromi]

Yes, don't let him escape.

[The words are mostly even and calm, but there's the sharp edge of urgency beneath them that Hapi likely knows all too well by now. Yuri wasn't expecting this. For all of his strategy and planning, he somehow hadn't seen this coming - and where the hell is the Abysskeeper, anyway? Damn, now isn't the time to get stuck on that. They'll have to double the guard up here, but first—

First, they need to take care of this man. They can't get a good look at him from back here, so it's impossible to tell exactly who he is. A mercenary is the most likely option, but they can't rule out a member of the Church, or someone else entirely. Hapi's spell flares to life just short of him, and he dodges expertly to avoid being hit by it as they continue their chase.

There's a brief moment of (fear?) hesitation when the man breaks through, leaving Abyss entirely and ascending to the surface. It's not as though Yuri never returns to the surface, but killing this man within the monastery is going to be a huge problem. The only long-range attack Yuri knows is Nosferatu, and it isn't a particularly strong spell. Still, he casts it, just as the man takes his first steps outside. Nosferatu misses by a hair - but it's because the man doesn't turn to stick to the safety of the monastery grounds. Instead, he turns to flee - out toward the woods, away from civilization.

Yuri's immediate thought is that the man is leading them into a trap, but if they can kill him before that happens, then their good luck will hold out. He motions for Hapi to follow him as he continues the chase. Between Hapi's dark magic and his own speed, they're able to take the man down. Given his clothes and half-decent weaponry, he's likely a mercenary as Yuri had thought.

They're outside the monastery now, at the top of a hill where the mercenary's body has come to rest. Yuri doesn't have any shame about rifling through the man's pockets for any signs of identifying information, but he comes up empty. He doesn't let the irritation show.]

Thanks for your help. We're far enough out that the Church shouldn't blame us for this man's death, but we shouldn't linger.

[Even though being outside feels incredible right now.]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi doesn't hesitate when Yuri gives the order; if even one person escapes and decides to get it in their head to pass along information, then everyone in Abyss will be in trouble. Yuri-bird knows that, and Hapi knows that too. It's why she doesn't hesitate to cast to kill, even as their chase leads them up to surface. Hapi does not like being up here as much as Yuri does; it's too open, all too easy to get spotted by a bunch of Church freaks and--

No, this isn't the time to worry about that. Thankfully, the mercenary turns towards the woods; not only will they have good cover, but the man's death can easily be explained away by bandits or the like. If they aren't being lead into a trap. Her spells and Yuri's speed are more than enough to ensure the man is dead when they arrive on the hill, and Hapi keeps a look out while Yuri loots the corpse for any information. She stands about as close to the edge as she believes she can while she looks out, looking for any signs of movement and finds nothing.

It looks like they're safe for the time being, at least. Hapi turns back and nods at Yuri once he speaks up; the night air is rather lovely, and the stars are bright. If she were perhaps years younger, it'd be a perfect night for gazing at the stars.

But that isn't the life they lead.]

Anytime. But yeah. I don't like being out here either. Let's get back before the Church investigates what goes bump in the--

[Of course, there's a little bit of a problem as Hapi goes to turn around; what she had thought was fairly stable ground turns out to be a lot more delicate than she thought when she shifts her weight to turn, and she loses her footing and her arms start to flail in a doomed attempt to regain her balance.]

--oh no, oh no I'm falling, I'm falling, Yuri-bird--!

[Her voice is a very, very harsh whisper that's trying super hard not to sound as dismayed as she actually is, but she needs help, and fast.]

[dromi]

[Hapi knows him well enough by now to know to keep an eye out without a word from him. It's good to know that they can work this well together, even when caught completely off-guard like this. While it would be a stretch to say that Yuri trusts her completely, in this moment he lets his guard down just a bit further than he would with most other people.

She doesn't see any sort of ambush waiting for them, which is good. Wherever this mercenary was going, it isn't something they have the time or resources to figure out tonight. Yuri's ready to head on back—

And then the ground is giving way beneath Hapi and without thinking, Yuri lunges forward. His balance has always been good, and it doesn't occur to him at all that he could have a problem. He catches her hand easily and were this any other place, that might have been the end of it. Maybe he would tease her a bit before letting go once she was stable on her feet, but unfortunately, Yuri's luck has run out. Or maybe Hapi's bad luck has overpowered his own good luck. Either way, the ground isn't sturdy beneath him either, and with a startled yelp, there they go, tumbling down that hill.

Thankfully, it isn't too far to fall. It's a rough tumble down, though, and by the time they hit the bottom and stop moving, Yuri can feel all sorts of bruises forming and his uniform is sporting several unflattering rips. He can feel several cuts as well and he forces himself into a sitting position with a wince.]

Well, that could've gone better.

[That's understating it a bit... How are you holding up, Hapi?]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi genuinely made the mistake of thinking that they'd be fine when Yuri-bird grabbed onto her, but as they both tumble down the hill, all Hapi can think is just how stupid of an idea it was to not at least take a step or two back. Now they're both gonna look like fools when B and Coco see them in the morning.

Well, she's thinking about that and how much of a bad idea it was to have this happen in her particular uniform, but that's about the least of both of their problems right now. Hapi can already feel quite a few bruises forming, and they're visible on her arms and body as she...well, she honestly can't even get herself in a sitting position right now, she's too impotently mad about this.]

That's the understatement of the year...stupid hill. You couldn't have waited a few more minutes before crumbling, could you?

[Hapi at least tries to prop herself up, though, to give herself a proper look over--she's got less tears on her uniform, but the grass and dirt stains are going to be a pain to get out of all of the white pieces. She's got a pretty bad gash on the arm she isn't using to prop herself up, and while she's likely got a few bruises hidden by her boots, the biggest problem is that she twisted one of her ankles on the way down.

This...is gonna be an ordeal. Hapi tries not to focus on that, though--mostly because she absolutely feels a sighing fit coming on, and she's not making this go from bad to worse--and she'll give a look over to Yuri, definitely wincing in sympathy.]

Ohhh, you're definitely gonna need to get patched up. [...] Well, you and your clothes. Uh, sorry about that. You okay?

[dromi]

I've been better. [He rotates his wrists and checks himself over, but ultimately the damage isn't that bad. He's more irritated by the state of his clothes than the scratches.] But I've had worse as well.

[His eyes dart to the open injury on Hapi's arm, and he holds out a hand, gesturing for her to let him see it.]

I can patch up any minor scrapes. That will hold us until we can get back to Abyss and get a better healer to look us over.

[There's no such thing as being too cautious when you live in Abyss. Without the dedicated doctors and healers the monastery has to offer, they always have to be careful. Even a small open injury could lead to something dreadful if they don't keep an eye on it. Thankfully, he and Balthus aren't the only healers in Abyss otherwise there would be trouble.]

Do you have any other injuries?

[He's obviously looking her over to double check, though he doesn't think Hapi would keep anything like that from him.]

[disighstrous]

[...Hapi almost wants to chuckle when she gets a better look at the state of his clothes--sure, the situation was almost dire a few seconds ago, but there's no denying the small creep of a smile on Hapi's face as she passes her arm over to Yuri for inspection without hesitation. It's almost silly, now that they have a few moments to properly process it.

Still, Hapi's look goes elsewhere; certainly around like it should (they're practically sitting ducks right now, and if that mercenary does have allies, they're in trouble), but it also goes to the sky above them and all around. It's...not often that they get to go outside like this, is it? Feeling the cold night breeze, hearing the leaves rustle...

It's almost like they're normal people, for once, enjoying a night out.]

Probably gonna need some help with my ankle, but at least I won't die from any of this. Elfie's probably gonna have to give it a good look.

[...that's a bit glib, but okay. Hapi's at least...well, happy that Yuri doesn't seem to have any open injuries either, but she's definitely keeping an eye out for him, too.]

...Thanks. [It's nice to feel somewhat at ease.] For patching me up. If it doesn't heal all the way, though, I can use my coat.

[...]

To bandage myself up. Doesn't seem fair that you're the only one who got your clothes messed up.

[There's something resembling a wry grin on Hapi's face when she says that, though.]

[dromi]

[While Hapi keeps an eye out (and up, not that Yuri can blame her; he's sure the stars are fascinating tonight) Yuri's quick to examine the cut on her arm. It's worse than any scrapes he's received tonight, but it's still a relatively minor injury that he can heal just fine. Faith magic flows easily through his fingers, relieving any pain as the injury quickly heals. There's no sense expending all of his healing magic to fix up the minor scrapes, but anything that large should definitely be taken care of.

When she mentions her ankle, Yuri's gaze darts to it with a small frown. An injured ankle... that's a bit beyond him. He can heal cuts fairly well, but he's put more time and effort into learning the sword than faith magic. While he could attempt to heal it, it's likely it wouldn't do anything. Best to leave it to Aelfric.]

Don't worry about that. I can fix them up easily.

[He's not exactly a professional or anything, but fixing up these tears won't be a problem, assuming he can get his hands on the right color thread.]

Your arm should be fine, but there isn't much I can do for your ankle. Here, let's see if you can put any weight on it.

[Yuri stands and holds out a hand for Hapi. If she can't put any weight on it at all, that's going to pose a problem, but if she can limp her way back to Abyss with him then they'll probably be fine.]

[disighstrous]

[Yuri-bird really is pretty good at this. If he wasn't so good with a sword, he'd likely be as good as Elfie at this. She likely won't even need any bandaging, thanks to him.

Still, Hapi looks up when Yuri moves to stand. She doesn't exactly have any confidence in her ability to get up, and suddenly she almost wishes Balthus were here. Maybe he'd be able to just carry her back to Abyss...]

Not getting my hopes up here, but here we go...

[She'll at least try, though, going to grasp Yuri's hand and try to pull herself up--while her uninjured leg is fine to stand, the second Hapi starts putting her weight into the other leg, the sharp pain causes Hapi to flinch and go down to one knee. She at least makes sure not to take Yuri down with her this time, though.

But yeah, that ankle is way too wobbly to even think about standing on right now.]

Yeah, that's a no-go. Don't suppose you've got a Plan B?

[dromi]

[Hapi's always been good at minimizing her feelings, and pain is clearly one of them. She does at least give him a warning (even if it is a bit relaxed for the severity of the situation) so he's not caught completely off-guard when she isn't able to put any weight on that foot. Yuri starts forward, but Hapi manages to lower herself back to the ground without further injury.

This is definitely bad. He isn't strong enough to carry her, and attempting to do so up the hill would likely lead to them falling back down again, and possibly resulting in more injuries. Balthus would be able to carry Hapi with no issues, but leaving Hapi alone out here while he fetches Balthus isn't an option. Given that this is the direction the mercenary was heading in, it's likely there's a camp of them somewhere nearby. Just because they haven't seen signs of anyone else yet doesn't mean they won't, and leaving Hapi to fend for herself is a dreadful idea. He still needs her.

(Aelfric still needs her.)

Yuri frowns and he continues to mull over his options while he turns his attention out to the forest. There doesn't appear to be anything visible within - no signs of a fire, so that means there isn't a camp close, at least.]

I have an idea, but it isn't a particularly elegant one. I need a moment to rest before I can pull it off, however.

[How cryptic... But once that's out there, Yuri gives Hapi a smile that looks at least a bit apologetic.]

There isn't any quick way back to Abyss, unfortunately. This way may take a bit, but you won't have to put any weight on your ankle.

[disighstrous]

[Hapi's attention...honestly, it goes back up to the stars while Yuri mulls everything over. They're honestly pretty nice tonight; they're not as bright as the ones in her village, but something about the sight of them is nostalgic.

Maybe she misses home. Maybe she just misses being outside. If it wasn't going to risk getting a monster summoned on them, she'd sigh, but her look goes back to Yuri-bird when he mentions an idea. That's...]

...Okay, that's kind of cryptic.

[just calling it as you see it, huh

Still, Hapi doesn't look too put out, and she nods her head in response. She's not sure why he's apologizing, but it's bound to be something stupid, she's sure.]

But if it works, then I won't complain. As long as we get back to Abyss in one piece, that's what matters. Right?

[...]

Too bad you can't sprout wings and fly, Yuri-bird. That'd get us back in no time.

[dromi]

If I had that sort of power, there isn't much that could keep me grounded.

[It's light, almost a throwaway remark. There's an element of truth to it, though, and it isn't one he plans to think about for long.]

You're right, of course. We can handle everything else once we're back. Our first priority is seeing you back safely.

[He leans back on his hands and glances skywards for a moment. He needs a bit longer to be rested enough for what he plans to do, so...]

Looks as though the stars are out in full force tonight. I don't know if I've ever seen such a beautiful night's sky.

[Maybe it's because he's spent so long in Abyss now, or maybe there's an element of truth to that too. Maybe he never really stopped and appreciated it until now.]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi snorts; it's light, but it's clearly just a joke between them. Nothing more, nothing less.

Still, Hapi's look does shift up again; it's not like there's much to do here while Yuri catches his breath, so the stars are an obvious thing to look at. Even now as they stare from this giant blue orb they call their home, the stars are moving around them ever so slightly. That's what she's always learned, anyway.

Still, when Yuri brings it up, Hapi's look drifts over to Yuri and she shrugs a bit.]

The view's not as good as it could be. We'd probably have a better one up on that hill.

[...]

It's not bad, though. Stargazing's kind of a waste of time, but it's...nice. [It's simple enough to say, and honest as Hapi stretches out her arms.] After being stuck down there so long, it kind of feels like a treat.

[dromi]

[Yuri glances up at the hill when she mentions it, but his gaze returns skyward quickly enough.]

It does. It's strange how something like this can be so enjoyable after so much time in Abyss.

[It's a bittersweet feeling to get to experience it right now. Yuri shakes his head a bit and moves to stand.]

But you did say the hill would be better, so allow me a moment to test that out.

[And then he just. Leaves. Ascending the hill is perhaps surprisingly easy, but Yuri's always been light on his feet and he makes his way up quickly enough. Once he's there, he stands overlooking the edge and... Well, Hapi's going to feel a slight tug - it's magic, the sort that is innate to Tricksters and more or less unrecognizable as anything specific to most people simply because it's there and gone in a flash. And speaking of "there and gone", Hapi will find herself on top of that hill while Yuri raises a hand in greeting from below.

Give him a moment to scale the hill again and he takes a seat beside Hapi once again.]

Not exactly the most efficient way to travel, but it'll work well enough for now.

[disighstrous]

Yeah.

[Hapi nods in simple agreement at the first bit, though she looks at Yuri when he moves to stand and tilts her head. Oh, there he...goes...well, maybe he's just going to get Balthus. Hapi doesn't like the idea of being down here by herself, but if something happens, it happens, she supposes. Worst come to worst she can summon a monster--

But then Hapi feels a strange tug, and she jolts for a brief moment--only to look down and see Yuri back down where she was, from her new viewpoint on the hill. By the time Yuri gets back, Hapi's trying to hold back from laughing entirely. That was actually pretty cool?]

Where'd you learn that trick? Never seen you do that before. [...Okay, yeah, she's openly tittering a bit. Still, her look does go back up to the stars at that, and after a few seconds consideration...] Guess I was right. It really does look better from up here. You can see a few more of the stars peeking out like this.

[She's not sure if he's gonna join her, or how much that's taken out of him, but they can enjoy this for a bit longer before they have to go back, right?]

[dromi]

[Don't worry, he's definitely joining her. At least until he's caught his breath.]

Just something I picked up somewhere. Pretty handy, but not always the most useful skill.

[It just so happens to be useful in this one instance, but it isn't nearly as efficient as warping around. It's technically something he knows how to do, but he isn't nearly as consistent with it as he'd like, and he certainly isn't going to try moving Hapi along with him with something that could injure them both.]

You're definitely right, though. There are quite a few we couldn't see from down there.

[He can't pick out any constellations, and the few things he's learned aren't quite springing to mind at this moment. Still, he leans back on his hands and watches the stars in silence anyway. This is... nice. It's nice, despite everything that led them here and Hapi's injured ankle. Once he's caught his breath he'll move her closer to Abyss, but for this one moment...

Well, it's nice.]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi definitely knows a lot about the stars, from what's been taught to her; she lets herself be at ease for just a bit, and one of her hands come up to trace a few constellations out. It looks like there's at least a few of them in the sky tonight...]

Guess most of the constellations are out of sight tonight. But there's a few good ones out here.

[It's more idly said, and Hapi looks over at Yuri for a moment, considering. She's quiet, at least for a bit, just kind of looking without saying anything.]

Makes me wish we could come out here more often. It's nice.

[...Hapi, pick some words other than nice, please.

Her look goes back to the sky, though.]

Do you miss seeing them?

[dromi]

[Yuri glances over when Hapi begins tracing the constellations. He can't see exactly what she's doing from where he's sitting, but he has a fairly good idea.]

It is nice. [It's a good word for this.] I suppose I do miss seeing them. Just a little bit.

[It's such a strange thing to miss, when it isn't something he gave much thought to before moving to Abyss.]

Not that it matters all that much, in the end. Abyss is home now, and I'm going to continue to look out for the people there. Seeing the stars is nice, but ultimately not something I think about often.

[So he misses it, but not to the point of it being a distraction.]

And you, Hapi?

[disighstrous]

[...Huh. Hapi can't actually say she was expecting that answer, honestly. She blinks a little at it, her reaction as minimized as ever, but then he speaks again and that makes more sense. There's really no time for that kind of stuff when they're defending the people of Abyss, and it's a bit silly to get caught up on something like that, isn't it?

It's why Hapi decides to minimize her own feelings about this, too. It really is nothing; she's nostalgic for something she can't have anymore. It's dumb, and she's not going to bug Yuri-bird with it.]

...Same here. It really doesn't matter all that much. We've got more important things to worry about.

[And that's that, as far as Hapi's concerned. It's just nostalgia, at this point, but she isn't looking at Yuri when she says that; that's probably more of an indication than anything she's not saying something.]

We should probably get going.

[dromi]

Precisely.

[He glances back up at the stars again for a moment. If he were a sentimental (and hopeful) man, maybe he'd vow to take Hapi stargazing someday. Maybe he'd ask her to point out those constellations again, so he can learn everything she can teach. Maybe it'd be nice to do this for fun, with nothing resting on their shoulders.

Good thing he isn't sentimental.]

Of course. Give me a moment, I'll get you back to Abyss.

[Thankfully, Yuri's rested enough to manage that. He makes it to the entranceway and then swaps places with Hapi again, using the same magic as before. It's probably less jarring now that she's expecting it.]

Only one more and you'll be safe. You trust me enough to leave you alone for five minutes while I find a healer?

[Aelfric will undoubtedly be by to visit sometime soon, but until he can fully patch up Hapi's ankle, it'll be best if someone can at least make it so she can limp on it if need be.]

[disighstrous]

[Maybe she should tell him. If anyone would be able to understand, Yuri-bird might; it'd be nice to be able to get all of this off her chest, and have a weight off her mind. But no, it's silly, isn't it? So, Hapi won't. It's as simple as that; she'll minimize it, much like everything else.

Hapi nods her head when Yuri speaks up, and she waits before feeling that familiar tug put her where Yuri is. It's not so jarring when she expects it, now, and she's able to sit patiently when he comes back over to her, and she gives a nod to Yuri when he asks the question.]

Yeah, I do. I know you'll be back. And if any of those guys comes back, I'll try to stop them.

[...She obviously can't promise anything in her state, but she'll at least try not to sigh if she can help it.

Still, Hapi...smiles, just a tiny bit before Yuri leaves.]

Thanks, Yuri-bird. Sorry this got kind of messed up, but tonight was...nice. For what it's worth. Which probably isn't much.

[dromi]

Certainly not the worst run-in with mercenaries I've had.

[Even if it did end in his clothes being ripped and Hapi's ankle injured. At least it's not in so much pain that she can't smile. It earns a small one from Yuri in return before he holds up a hand and moves past Hapi and deeper into Abyss. He uses the same trick again, bringing her further down and right to where the Abysskeeper has returned to his post. Yuri joins her shortly afterwards.]

You should be safe here. Think you can hang in here until I can grab Balthus?

[Not that his faith magic is any better than Yuri's (it isn't) but because Balthus can carry her over to someone who can tend to her injury better, and moving Hapi like this is exhausting work.]

[disighstrous]

[Hapi was honestly content to wait down there; she figured that Yuri would be able to get someone here before anyone else tried to get in, and even if someone did, she wouldn't hesitate to fight them.

She's a little surprised when she's brought further in, and she eases considerably. She's definitely safer here, especially with the Abysskeeper nearby this time. Still, she isn't missing the fact that Yuri's definitely working himself quite a bit, so she nods her head.]

Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks.

[...]

Try to get some rest after B gets here, though. You probably need it.