(Untitled)

[ainsophaured]

[It's not at all strange to find people in the library. In fact, it might be the most normal, mundane activity a character can do. Aster is one of the people who enjoys sitting and reading for hours on end, researching every little thing he can get his hands on.

So it's not at all strange to find piles of books, nearly resembling a fort, in an

Comments

[enduringwinter]

[Goddess, he remembers Aster's habits from Sybak but this was just a little ridiculous wasn't it?

Richter maneuvers through the book fort at this own pace, stopping occasionally to take a look at what his friend was doing before continuing. He stops with a sigh once Aster's voice drifts down from higher up]

Somehow, I'm not surprised...

Aster!

[ainsophaured]

[Aster tilts his head to smile at Richter and turns the cover so it's easier for him to read, flipping through the pages quickly.]

It's quite different. I've inquired about the nature of it from him, but I thought it would be best to do some research on my own as well.

You can join me if you want, Richter.

[enduringwinter]

I wonder...

[he takes a look at the book in Aster's hands-]

If you don't mind. It would give me something to do too, when I go back.

[-then turns his attention back to the bookfort]

... Just how many research projects do you have going anyway?

[ainsophaured]

...It was originally two.

[To save their world and to save Richter. With an exuberant smile, he grabs Richter's hand and places the book into it.]

You know I don't mind. We're partners!

[enduringwinter]

'Originally two'. [he gives Aster a pointed look before being startled by the sudden appearance of a book in his hand]

...

Might as well help make sure you don't bury yourself under these books. Maybe we can get through this reading list of yours sometime in the next decade.

[ainsophaured]

Research results and the basic theory from the previous two ended up needing research of their own.

[There's a reason he's being vague with Richter. It involves him. In fact, he couldn't have shown up at a better time. Now he can catch up and see how he's doing. He continues to smile, laughing at his comment, and casually picks up a notebook.]

How are you doing, Richter?

[enduringwinter]

[as he flips through the book in his hands] What are you researching anyway?

The same. Putting up with- [he almost said 'Tenebrae'] Aqua's usual babble. There isn't much to do now that I've left Sybak.

[ainsophaured]

...The same thing we were studying in Sybak with a few modifications.

[Like, y'know, not being alive anymore and having to figure out how this world could help, if possible. Keeping Emil and Marta out of Ratatosk's range is a priority. They could get hurt.

Though he wonders about Emil and Ratatosk's connection. Is there a link between them? Or is this all a coincidence?

Realizing that he was going far into his own thoughts, he tries to perk up and makes a tiny note in his book.]

Aqua always did like to talk. I'm glad she's around to keep you company.

[After a small pause, and a tap to his notebook with his pen, he asks:]

You're still feeling alright? The core isn't bothering you?

[enduringwinter]

... Aster.

[still researching Ratatosk? ... Then again, Richter can't really blame the blond. It wasn't like the half-elf could say anything that would be able to deter him either. Just look at what happened the first time.

And with the questions he was being asked, figuring out the second research project was child's play]

I'm fine, Aster. [he closes the book and looks at his friend]

Don't worry about this.

[ainsophaured]

[All his efforts to be subtle and sneaky failed miserably the moment Richter spoke again. Not that it was up his ally to be such things, but no one can say he didn't try. He taps his pen against the notebook again.]

How can I not worry? Something like this...you say you're fine, but the consequences of having a core in your body for a long time is something I'd rather not see you experience.

[enduringwinter]

[Richter reaches up to touch the core on his forehead or maybe he was trying to brush hair out of his face and thought better of it]

... It's only a few decades. I'll end up living longer than that.

[considering how everything panned out, Richter doubted that the core would put his life in danger. Outside forces? Certainly. But probably not the core itself.

Though having Aster this concerned about his well-being was something that Richter never even considered]

[ainsophaured]

[Even after death, Aster will continue to look after Richter like he did in Sybak. It may not be much help and worth very little when he can't experience Richter's world anymore, but it won't dissuade him. Nothing will keep him from attempting to this task and trying to keep him safe.]

It may not sound like much time for you. However, to a human, that may very well be their entire lifespan.

[He writes that down though. A few decades. A deal. For a moment, he focuses a little on his own lifespan, how short it had been, before returning his attention to Richter. Trying to sound cheerful, he asks]

How do you plan on getting it out in a few decades?

[enduringwinter]

[there's a sad little smile. 'Their entire lifespan' indeed...]

It'll come off on it's own. I won't be dying anytime soon. [he won't be allowed to die anytime soon. Last thing anyone needed was demons running amok]

[ainsophaured]

[That isn't an acceptable answer in his book.]

There's a way to get it out. I'm sure of it.

[enduringwinter]

Aster... Just leave it.

[why must you be so stubborn?]

[ainsophaured]

[Because the only way to beat Richter's stubbornness is to match it. That's why.]

...I can't.