dualshadow | (no subject)

[ Gratefully, Mary's going for the bed, breathing out a quiet sigh. ]

T-thanks... I know I'm not very fast.

[ Or steady. ]

[Miyako's watching the door, and while she doesn't turn away from it to face Mary, her voice is encouraging.]

It's all right. Most civilians are unprepared for events such as this. There is no shame or guilt to be felt in having to rely on others who have trained for the unexpected.

I've lived here for awhile, though... I'm used to running.

[ Well, she needs to be better at it, but she's seen some shit. ]

[That statement is loaded with so many things, and most of them are negative.]

Not from having to flee from enemies such as those, I should hope?

Usually... sometimes the enemies are outside, too.

[That...isn't entirely unsurprising to hear, but it's still an unpleasant thing to have verified. Miyako frowns, and finally faces Mary to speak to her.]

Are the enemies outside the Flamines? Or are there other threats that we must watch for?

[ Slowly, she shakes her head. ] I don't think I've ever seen one of them... but one time, there were ghosts, and another time, there was a man in a sled that tried to run people over...

[ She has Stories. ]

A man in a sled...

[Ghosts she'll accept without batting an eyelash—demons, perhaps?—but a man in a sled that tried to run people over...]

Was he another civilian?! Or an employee of CERES?

I don't know. I'd never seen him before, and I haven't seen him since.

[All the sighs in the world can't properly communicate what Miyako thinks of Cerealia thus far, but that won't stop her from sighing.]

It sounds like you have experienced much during your stay here, Miss—

—Ah. I don't believe I have ever learned of your name.

[ ... Oh, right. She knows her name, but... ]

I'm Mary. Sorry, I forgot to say it earlier.

... And mm, I've been here for a few months, I think, and a lot has happened.

It seems like I have many things to look forward to, Miss Mary. I may be referring to your experience in the future.

[Her tone is light, but it's not right out mocking or teasing. She wants to help Mary to feel at ease, because they do have to go back out there eventually...]

I'll help where I can! But I think we should move again.

[ Tiny itsy bitsy stores of stamina restored!! ]

Yes, I agree. Please remain in the back for a moment while I check for threats outside.

[Miyako places an ear against the door, straining to hear any sounds of movement. After a moment, she moves to the side and cracks open the door by a small amount. She peers out and, having seen no immediate threat, opens the door wider. The hall looks to be empty.]

It appears safe, but we ought to move quickly nonetheless. Follow me.

[She'll give Mary a second to approach the door before slipping out.]