003 - early September - video

[ruinsprofessor]

[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.]

---

[[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.]]

Comments

[gistful]

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.

[ruinsprofessor]

[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.]

[gistful]

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?

[ruinsprofessor]

[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.]

[gistful]

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.

[ruinsprofessor]

[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?

[gistful]

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.

[ruinsprofessor]

[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.]

[gistful]

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.

[ruinsprofessor]

[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.]

[gistful]

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.]