003. (v2) [video]

[stillseecracks]

[At first, there is no sound; there is only the image of Xanth's forearm. Lines of letters curl around his fingers, twist around his hand, and spiral onto his arm. The ink, jet black, is stark against his pale skin.]

Th-this-- it means I-I've been-- t-too quiet, right? I-It... it wants me to-- t-to say... s-something.

[It's been a while since he'

Comments

[Audio]

[angha_firebird]

Xanth.

[There's relief and warmth in her voice, along with the smallest bit of vulnerability she is trying very hard to hide. They hadn't talked at all after she re-gained her memories, after all.]

I am glad you're okay.

[Those markings worry her, however, she she leans closer to inspect the journal.]

They do not hurt? The markings on your skin?

[She wasn't going to mention her sleepless nights or internal conflict with her friends. She hadn't harmed Xanth, at least. For that, she would count herself fortunate. Alex's words have been haunting her. She needed to tell them. Everyone one of them. She never wished to be a danger ever again. But how to go about it? And when would she find the time?]

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

Y-Yeah. It... m-must be.

[He feels a twinge of envy. Here Aara was worried about those who would accept her because of her power, when he had been so worried for so long about just the opposite.

But neither of them could help their status. In the Keep, they were on equal ground.

Xanth retracts his hand, then glances back at the door.]

I... I-I guess I should... get going...

[Commentlog]

[angha_firebird]

[The combination of Xanth's expression and tone seemed somewhat off to Aara. She tilted her head to one side in question.]

Everything okay?

[Commentlog] i am so sorry if these tags are ridiculous, i am right about to sleep

[stillseecracks]

Y-Yeah, I'm just... t-tired.

[Cue sheepish half-smile.]

A-And I... I-I need a-- a bath. P...Pretty b-badly.

[And a haircut, but he'll wait on that one.]

[Commentlog] DAW DON'T WORRY I LOVE THEM. Especially the ooc thread, lol!

[angha_firebird]

[Aara smiles, relaxing.]

If I can help, let me know?

[She giggles at that comment.]

Just take care of yourself, okay?

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

I--I will, [he says, to both of her comments.]

A-And, um... if... i-if you can't s--sleep, feel... f-free to visit. O-- Okay?

[But he hopes she doesn't, if only because that means she can rest.]

[Commentlog]

[angha_firebird]

[Her eyes cloud over at his offer. She hasn't been able to sleep. Only for brief, interspersed moments, and she always awoke to nightmares. The best sleep she had gotten so far had been with Zhaneel.]

Thank you, Xanth.

You, too.

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth's smile falters, just for a second.]

I--I'm serious, I'll... k-keep the door u--unlocked. [If only for today.] J-Just... knock first, i-if you-- if you c-come over?

[Commentlog]

[angha_firebird]

[Considering the seriousness of Xanth's offer, Aara finally gives a miniscule smile, her head bobbing in a slight nod.]

Okay. Maybe I will... so long as I am not a bother, and do not overstay my welcome.

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

Y-You're not, and-- you-- y-you won't. D...Don't worry.

[His smile settles again on his face, and then he heads for the door. He pauses a moment, then turns and waves.]

I'll-- see you.

[And then he's out.]