[un: steward] voice;

[bearshermark]

I have access to forges. If anyone's weapon needs sharpened or reinforced before we leave, it isn't much trouble.

I also have a fair bit of spare steel now, if there's a need for custom weaponry. Of course, I don't have the materials to manage anything enchanted, but I'm a moderately skilled blacksmith otherwise.

Comments

[bearshermark]

[Nope.

It is hours before he replies. At some point, Emilia's second line is scratched over and struck out. Else he'll never look away from it]

I'm glad.

[valeas]

( She reads that silence loud and clear, the bittersweetness deepening, and some regret for any pain caused. )

How long has it been? For you.

[bearshermark]

I'm not sure. Some months at least, perhaps a year, depending who you ask. Time isn't so straightforward as it used to be.

It took a few weeks to remember most of what happened here.

[valeas]

It's been close to a year since we last saw you, as well.

It's different to my own experiences with the beacon. I can only imagine how disorienting.

( she was gone for some months at most, and when she returned, it'd only been seconds to those who remained. )

[bearshermark]

[Has it been? He can't recall- and that troubles him more now than it has in the past few weeks.

Even after leaving to calm down for awhile, his emotions still feel close to the surface. His thoughts flow in halting, uncertain measures. They were friends before, he thinks]

I don't know how old I am now.

There are three different timelines. At least.

I guess it doesn't matter, but I should know something like that.

[valeas]

You should.
That much should be allowed.

( Her heart aches for him. For all that she has attempted — succeeded — at hardening it in her quest for vengeance, she's never been able to stamp out this part of herself. She cares for him, for the friendship that once blossomed, for Lily who would want him looked after. )

If it helps at all, I no longer know how old I am, either.

( Because of all these timeline discrepancies, yes, but the niggling and growing suspicion she's not who she thought she was. )