[Voice/Action]

[thenightmarebegins]

Groose has returned home.

[Vincent normally doesn't care to remark on these things, and it's not as if he knew the real Groose too well. It's not even as if he was the type of person whose company he'd want to be in. And yet... and yet, because of the experiment prior to the last, he has just enough lingering familiarity that his leaving is bothersome.]

I wonder if perhaps... some of us were not meant to ever return to where we're from. If perhaps that's for the best.

[There are Reasons he's started to think this, but that's all he's going to say for now on the matter. For now, he's limping across town slowly, with a pair of ruined shoes and some terribly aching feet. Magical dancing really took a toll on them- he only hopes he'll find the appropriate type again.]

Comments

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

[Maddening. That's the best way to describe it. Although he usually pushes it to the back of his mind, it's something that's always worn away at him ever since he got those reports. Some "gift."]

...and those concerns in our present situation are unending.

[It even seems that new ones always come up, despite believing other matters to be resolved.]

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

And unpredictable. Be it the world itself, the Third Party, the Malnosso- or our fellow villagers. There is much that can, has, and will be cause for concern. And little to do to prepare for it.

[Without specifics, there can be no arrangements made. No plans drawn. Vague 'perhaps this' or 'maybe that' prevent proper countermeasures. And that is all there is here. All there ever will be, unless something crucial changes.]

It is enough to drive a woman to drink.

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

Not to mention anyone else.

[Especially after the more mentally draining experiments.]

That everything might alter without warning... is the difficult reality of our situation. We have no control.

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

We may control how we choose to react. How we let their shifts and experiments change us after the fact.

[A soft, weary sigh.]

Though that is not much of a comfort, is it Monsieur?

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

No... but it's still better than nothing.

[There is always worse that can happen, he knows that firsthand.]

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

Take what you can. Make the rest.

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

Wise advice... I'll keep that in mind.

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

It has served me...fairly well. When I bother to listen to it, at any rate.

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

That's often the most difficult part. Not simply knowing what is right, but... living it.

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

If I ever manage it, you will be the first to know. [Her laugh is low, faintly derisive. Certainly self-mocking.]

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

...I'll look forward to someone finally managing it. [Though it's clear he understands just the same, it's not something too likely or easily managed.]

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

Who is it that I will be calling, should this terribly unlikely instance come to pass?

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

Vincent Valentine... and you are...?

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

Doctor Adele LeBlanc. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Valentine.

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

Likewise... my thanks, for this conversation.

[Voice]

[fleurdesel]

It too, was my pleasure. Take care, Monsieur Valentine- and I do hope whatever it is you fear does not come to pass. For whatever it is worth.

[Voice]

[thenightmarebegins]

...Thank you. I hope that it doesn't, as well.