Week 0, Monday - Sandalphon

[fragileprophet]

[It's morning and Ion is already tired. He sits on one side of the bed, rulebook in one hand and walking staff leaning against his side. He closes his eyes, thinking--frustrated? Or just worried? But at the sound of another's approach, he--you guessed it, looks up with a smile. It's much more weary than the smiles of just a few days prior. Naturally, he recognizes his roommate right away.]

Hello--I saw your name on the door. It looks like we'll be sharing this space together, for the time being.

[He gives a polite dip of his head.]

I'll try not to be an inconvenience for you.

Comments

[melancoffeea]

You'd have to defy the guidelines established by our hosts to achieve even one less casualty. The risks are untold. That ideal conclusion is likely beyond our grasp.

[There's always a chance for anything to happen, but it's very slim.]

[fragileprophet]

You might be right.

[Even if it isn't what he wants, or hopes for. He has to at least admit that much. Ion looks at where he's let his own rulebook rest, his stomach twisting as he recalls the contents.]

Between what we've learned from them and whatever it may be that you've been personally tasked with...may I ask how you plan to proceed?

[melancoffeea]

[He pauses, his right hand frozen over the hilt. It's just a moment he needs to reprocess the task he was given, and his hand settles down on the pommel.]

Whether we like it or not, our lives are tethered. For your sake, I won't place myself in needless danger. If you need anything, tell me.

[From one pawn to another.]

That's all for now.

[fragileprophet]

...alright. Thank you.

[Regardless of the emotionally lows and tense words exchanged in their conversation, Ion's expression of thanks is nothing short of genuine.]

I may not be able to offer much, but please don't hesitate to do the same.

[melancoffeea]

[Such sincerity makes Sandalphon uncomfortable. He heads for the door, barely acknowledging Ion's offer with a slight nod.

This won't end well . . . The odds are stacked against their very nature, and the last thing he wants is to drag someone down with him (he's over that). As much as it hurts, he needs to think.]