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[prayingone]

[Action]

[The past few days have been hard for Shirley, with Senel being sent home. She's spent most of her time with Stella, helping out as much as she can; she's very worried about her sister

Comments

[xelhes]

[Fenimore doesn't believe in this "being alone to clear one's head when sad" thing. ...Well, when it concerns other people. She'd probably try it herself in a similar circumstance.

So she eventually tracks Shirley down at the river. She sits on the edge of the bridge (on the railing, if there is one) and puts her chin on her hands.

After a moment:] It's still too cold out. [Because she'd probably already tried the water a few times this spring already, at least by wading.]

[xelhes]

[It fell so young...it was still so full of promise!

...But Shirley's not the only one looking out at the river again. When Fenimore speaks again, it sounds more like she's thinking out loud.] ...Though it's not that far from the house....

[prayingone]

[So many tarts that could have been made... now, they have been silenced. Forever. ... or, well, until Shirley gets the hang of it again.

Shirley turns back to Fenimore.] You... would only get sick if you were out of the water for a long time. ... right?

[xelhes]

[Sob, the taaaaaaaarts. Fenimore weeps for the tarts.

Fenimore turns to meet Shirley's gaze, looking pensive at first. Then she smiles.] Yes. Anyone sensible enough to get out before then would be just fine. ...right?

[prayingone]

[Shirley's face has a hopeful expression on her face -- even though she knows that her train of logic is tenuous at best.]

As long as they're careful to get home and dry as soon as possible. ... right?

[xelhes]

[Fenimore nods, moving closer.] They'd even be fine doing [trying to quickly slip around behind Shirley] this! [And with that she'll attempt to push Shirley into the deeper water. This is an odd way of comforting people, Fenimore.]

[prayingone]

[Oh no. She has been pushed into the water. This "eek," it sounds totally surprised and unhappy. Oh no she cannot get out of the water. The river's pull... it's just so strong.

I think she needs your help, Fenimore.]

[xelhes]

[Clearly, this is adequate reason to dive in after Shirley. To rescue her, obviously.]

[prayingone]

[Oh dear. It seems like the river's current is pulling Shirley along. Looks like if you want to rescue her, you're going to have to chase her down.]

[xelhes]

[Oh my, how terrible. Fenimore might be somewhat out of shape after being in Luceti for most of the winter and not having had much time before arriving to get back into shape, but she's making a heroic effort to rescue the princess in peril. Though it might be indistinguishable to the casual observer from the racing they had been talking about earlier, oddly enough.]