[31][action]

[offallingsnow]

[making her way quietly home would be much easier without the snowfall. Already hampered by needing to lean on a stick she picked up on the way, Nephry moves slowly into the western part of the village, not expecting to find anyone at this time of night and in this weather. In a suspicious gesture of kindness she was left with a coat, which she's

Comments

[necromance_this]

[Jade's standing by the doorway, Nephry. Outside, watching as you approach.]

[enrappigtured]

[Since the sun has set, it would have been pretty useless to continue searching for her, and his drive to polish shoes has long since faded.

But he's been looking out the window ever since nightfall in the off chance that Nephry would be returned, and the moment he spots her figure, he grabs his coat and heads out the door, barely glancing at Jade.]

[offallingsnow]

[moving much slower than Peony, but when she looks up and sees then both there she looks nothing less than absolutely relieved]

[necromance_this]

[Jade will follow after Peony, walking towards her as well. Though, he's moving at a much slower pace than he is, opting to simply walk over.]

[wingedreplica]

[Coming through the center of town alone, our recently returned Luke spots Nephry and after a moment, walks over to her.]

You all right?

[offallingsnow]

[she recognizes the voice, and the face when she looks at him...but something's not right]

Luke?

[wingedreplica]

[He nods, pulling his scarf down from around his mouth.]

What happened?

[offallingsnow]

I was kidnapped...and returned, it seems.

[Action] I can read entries, I promise.

[galddigger]

[The next morning, Anise wakes up to a suspiciously quiet and somber house. Huh. She didn't hear anything suspicious the previous night, so she's going to look around the house a little. She'll even go down the hall where Nephry's room is, just to check -- and is surprised to find it occupied.]

Ah - Nephry! [... oh wait, that was kind of loud, wasn't it. Her voice takes on a more hushed tone - ] You're back! Boo, no one told me...! [Never mind that she might not even be awake... Anise creeps into the room to find out.]

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

[It was quite late when she got back and Jade and Peony were a little busy. Anyway, she hasn't been sleeping deeply or for long stretches, so one more interruption doesn't make much difference. She was probably awake anyway]

Anise?

[Action]

[galddigger]

[Oh - well, that's good, that she's awake, then...! She nods, and goes right over to her bedside.]

Good morning...! I didn't know you were back - No one told me, so... [fidget fidget] I'm glad you're back, though. Are you okay?

[Action]

[offallingsnow]

It's morning? [she lifts her head - she's been lying on her stomach, which isn't very comfortable to begin with - and rubs her eyes a little]

[enrappigtured]

[Around noon the next day, there is a knock on Nephry's door.]

[offallingsnow]

[she finally managed to fall asleep a few hours ago, and she's still asleep now, so there's no answer]

[enrappigtured]

[When Peony's only met with silence, he pauses for a moment before opening the door softly.]

[offallingsnow]

[asleep on her stomach, with only a light sheet to cover her so it doesn't irritate her back. It looks, for now, like a peaceful sleep, too]

[fonon_professor]

[On the same day as Nephry's return, Gelda appears at her house to check up on her former student. She'd gotten a message from Peony and it was worrisome, to say the least. Knowing Nephry, she's hiding a few injuries. The more healing magic, the better.

Knock knock!]

[offallingsnow]

[I'm sure someone will answer the door for her. Nephry passed out not too long ago, but Jade and Peony are both still up. The door to her bedroom has been left open, once Gelda gets inside]

[fonon_professor]

[After greeting and thanking whoever answered the door for her, Gelda heads for the bedroom to find Nephry fast asleep. She approaches her, already checking for any visible injuries. She's going to have to move the sheets for a better inspection eventually, though.]

[offallingsnow]

[with her back the way it is, they probably didn't even cover her all the way with the sheets. When Gelda touches her she wakes up, squinting a little]

Professor?