tushanshu | 003 - early September

[Raine looks serious when she starts the video feed. This isn't unusual, per se, but she also looks like she might have been ill recently. Either that or she needs a lot more sleep than she's getting.]

If you were wounded in the recent altercation, even if you were healed at the time, please check in with one of the Foreigner healers at the hospital, just to be sure. Whatever toxin was on those weapons is a nasty piece of work; I thought I'd purged it from my system almost immediately, but still suffered some not insignificant illness. [If anyone's familiar with how quickly she can heal most things -- very -- this may be slightly concerning.] Given who exactly was most probably at the root of the attacks, this is not the time for stoicism, especially if you were exposed to a greater dose.

If you were hurt, and especially if you notice anything out of the ordinary, let someone know. If the hospital bothers you, or if you have privacy concerns, you can come to me directly. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it's far better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the enemy. There are few enough of us that it's foolish to take needless risks.

[Raine is far, far too familiar with how hiding potentially serious injury or illness goes. She's not even sure there will be any aftereffects, but this is something with which they can't afford to take any chances as far as she's concerned. And given that the majority of Foreigners she's met seem to have a similar sort of stubborn independence... well, she's not even sure she'll get a response, but it's worth trying.]

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[[ooc; this should be only a few days after the big fight. timeline slightly fuzzy but definitely not after the fifth of September or so.]]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes. Perhaps a third of his skeleton aren't his original bones, give or take.

[Anton would have liked to think that Raine was smarter than to associate with a Necromancer, but then again, he had only met Wreath once, and that hadn't been an auspicious occasion.]

I would recommend asking Wreath for aid, then. Skulduggery said he would speak to him, and if anyone can find unused bones where none are readily available, it will be a Necromancer.

[He inclines his head.]

However, I am going to request that you liaise with him alone on this matter. The last time he and I met was not conducive to amiable relations, and I do not feel able to navigate such politics.

[Not so soon after Skulduggery's bombshell. The skeleton wasn't the only one out to minimise irritants.]

[That's a startlingly high proportion, but at least the procedure has precedent.]

[Generally Raine probably would be smarter than to associate with most Necromancers, but she's fairly certain Solomon is atypical as far as Necromancers went.]

He would be the logical choice. I'll do that afterward, then.

[She's been looking for an excuse to check in with Solomon anyway. With that out of the way, Raine studies Anton for a moment. That's an interesting choice of phrasing.] You said you, also, needed to maintain control. May I ask what necessitates that?

My gist.

[It's a simple answer, but Anton has found that here he needs to explain himself. It's wearing a touch thin, but he can't fault anyone for it.]

It's a manifestation of my rage and hatred. I keep it bound within me and can unleash it at need--if the need is greater than the collateral damage. But if I lose control, the gist will take over and I will be the one bound within it, and it will blaze a trail of murder as far as it's able.

Hm. [She's getting downright accustomed to people here holding that kind of danger within themselves, and on the scale of recent bombshells it registers fairly low. She rests her chin in one hand, watching him. He is not, she's observed, a very emotively expressive sort of person, and that necessary control is likely why. It's almost a little sad.] Also not a risk to take lightly. But you'd have to rely on that if Skulduggery does lose himself, correct?

Hear me out for a moment, then. Should the worst come to pass, and it becomes necessary to try to end him, I'd ask that you allow me to attempt something first, if the situation permits. The arte I used to heal myself, that day-- because of Skulduggery's nature, it has a high probability of interfering with the way his mana is bound to his skeleton. We concluded then that it wasn't worth the risk, but if there's nothing else left... well, it will most likely either help him, or end him. [She doesn't think no effect is probable, but she's more than adept at simply getting out of the way in that case.]

[Her tone's been cool up to this point, but now she softens a little, and adds,] It's not a burden lightly carried, killing a friend, and your gist sounds like it has the potential to cause much damage to you and to others. That choice, that responsibility, is of course yours, but if the option exists, please let me help.

[It's of course entirely possible that things won't escalate that far, especially if replacing the damaged ribs helps. Still, it's better to plan for the worst and never have to use that plan than to ignore it.]

And have you carry that burden instead?

[Anton's voice is quiet and measured, and he doesn't glance away.]

Thank you for the offer, and if I am unable to perform this duty it may be necessary. But he is my brother, and the burden of his death his mine to carry if that is what must occur.

[Raine meets this unflinchingly, and after a moment inclines her head slowly.] Yes, I rather thought you might say that. Still.

[She would carry that, if necessary. But she understands.] As long as you remember that you aren't alone, either.

[Maybe she doesn't have to tell him that; after all, he is here. It bears saying, though, sometimes even to people who should know it.]

I appreciate that.

[He did. Were he home, he knew he would have half-a-dozen men to call upon if he truly needed the help. Here he felt their absence, even though he hadn't spoken to them in years even at home. The knowledge that they wouldn't be on hand to help was enough.

[After a moment he picks up his tea-cup again.]

Ryder wished to come and visit. Shall I bring him, next time?

[She in her turn takes note of the reminder for herself, as well. She might be absent any of the people she would usually call on, but that doesn't mean she lacks for friends.]

[Raine smiles, though mostly at her teacup.] Yes-- please do. I'm sure he knows the way, but with the city as it is lately...

[She's been a little remiss in parenting duties lately, too. Anton is keeping him safe, though, and that's what matters.]

It would be safer were he escorted, yes. I will be sure to bring him by tomorrow, then.

[By implication, when he came to check up on Raine himself, to ensure she was sleeping and eating properly. He finishes his cup and rises, picking up his utensils and holding his out for Raine's.]

If you've finished, allow me to wash up for you.

[Raine surrenders utensils easily, not really up for making a fuss about the unequal distribution of chores. Or the implication that he's coming by again tomorrow. She doesn't really resent being looked after, and she does like Anton, it's just... odd, and strangely familial.]

Again, thank you.

[After a little bit, slightly reluctant.] There's too much more I need to accomplish, today. Until tomorrow?

Of course. Feel free to return to your work. I'll deal with these.

[He takes them over to the sink.]

If you've any laundry you wish done, I can take that to the Hotel and add it to mine, as well.

[She'd say he's been talking to her brother, but that's clearly impossible. She can handle basic household chores, really. Usually.] It would be one less thing to keep track of, but you've already been to some trouble on my behalf.

[It's not actually a no, she's just hesitant to give over more of what should be her personal responsibilities.]

Nonsense. I have laundry to do nonetheless; I may as well ease your burden by adding yours to mine.

[He speaks briskly, setting the tap to running.]

If it is already in a basket I can collect it myself, but if you would rather retrieve it personally, leave it with me and I'll take it without disturbing you again.

[He's entirely serious. Raine nods after a moment. Still unnecessary, but unquestionably appreciated.] ...I'll do that, then. Though you're not an undue disruption, it's hardly tidy.

[And she gets up to go collect her laundry, as there's no sense delaying.]

Of course. Good luck with your work.

[As promised, when Anton finishes with the dishes (washing, drying and putting away), he takes the laundry Raine leaves for him and exits without disrupting her further.]

003 - early September - video

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