[seasonality] catchall for alphinaud

[wtfox]

Comments

[arcsplainist]

[ Meanwhile, Alphinaud has recently returned, appearing equally beat. No judgement here, he's almost tempted to flop facefirst somewhere, too. ]

Indeed, I feel the same. For all that I have seen and done, I cannot claim to have ever partaken in a trial like this... and a rather unorthodox one, at that.

[wtfox]

Right? Where I come from, trials are handled by judges, and sometimes juries...

[arcsplainist]

Aye—the proper authorities, not a group of students.

'Twas an experience, for certain. May I never have it again.

[wtfox]

We're not even law students. Not that law students should have to do it either, they're still studying, but at least it would be on topic.

[she sighs]

...I hope it never happens again, too.

[arcsplainist]

With any luck, it should not. 'Tis not as though anyone else among us has reason to commit such a crime again.

[ RIGHT?? ]

[wtfox]

There shouldn't be!

...although, I don't even know what reason she had to do it.

[arcsplainist]

She did not feel inclined to explain herself, in the end. Whatever it may be... I have my doubts it is something I will ever understand.

[wtfox]

...maybe she didn't feel like she could tell us, after everything... I mean, we did vote for her because of some marks on her hands and because a dog didn't like her.

[arcsplainist]

It is not the most solid, of evidence, no, but in the end the majority narrowed down our culprit correctly, did they not?

[wtfox]

That's true... but it feels like we could have just as easily been wrong, too.

[arcsplainist]

It is easy to get lost in the what-ifs, but I say we accept our victory. Everyone did what they could.

[wtfox]

...

[she nods slowly]

That makes sense... it just feels hard to accept.

[arcsplainist]

'Tis never easy. I will not fault you for your feelings.

[ He tries to give her a reassuring smile, small as it is. ]

Are you in the mood for tea? I was thinking about how nice a cup would be right now.

[ Granted, he's almost always drinking some, but details. ]

[wtfox]

[hmm...

she nods again, managing a small smile]

Yeah. Tea would be nice, come to think of it.

[arcsplainist]

Very well. I shall prepare one for you, then. Have you any preferences?

[wtfox]

I'll be happy with anything - thank you.

[arcsplainist]

Give me but a moment.

[ And a few more minutes more. Alphinaud goes off to do just that, then eventually returns, and offers Lila a mug; it's rose tea! ]

Do let me know if it requires more honey.

[wtfox]

[she sips at it, and her eyes light up]

Oh, it's delicious!

[arcsplainist]

Ah, splendid! Full glad I am to hear, especially since I am not quite as good with tea compared to others I know.

[wtfox]

You don't need to compare yourself to the others! [sip, sip.] You're good at it. You can leave it at that!

[arcsplainist]

Yes, yes... You do have the right of it.

[ he'll take this time to settle upon a nearby sofa ]

As always, you are too kind. Little could dampen that cheery disposition of yours, it seems.

[wtfox]

Beau told me that she thinks optimism is necessary, so... I'm trying hard.

[she sips at the tea again!]

...it's easier, with people like you around. I'm glad we're in the same dorm, Alphinaud.

[arcsplainist]

[ see!! she's too sweet! ]

And I feel the same. We all get along quite nicely in our dormitory, I would say—it does indeed make the days easier.

[wtfox]

It really does! [aaah, teatime.] ...it's really nice, having you guys to come back to.

[arcsplainist]

[ That does make him wonder, though— ]

Have you been well, Lila? ... The events of today, aside. We've all been unwittingly pulled into a peculiar situation, after all. While I am glad you can find some solace here amongst us, I do hope that naught has been troubling you so.