deernet | Video: UN - Runeseeker

[Vira-Lorr was not doing well. On the surface, it wasn't going to be obvious. The omni showed her on the shoreline of Trench, bundled up and watching out to the iceflows of the winter. There were, in the background, greeters tending to the last steps of the arrivals. The beasts from the ocean weren't breaking out of the ice right now, and it was past the usual time for sleepers to wash up, so the winter festivities were being closed up. Everything was safe. She just looked like she was finishing up a vigil. Anyone who knew her knew that she did this every month. She was usually waiting for a few people in particular. She just ... didn't publicize it like this.

Her eyes were rimmed red. It was clear that she'd been crying, but she wasn't doing it currently. Instead, she was smiling, though it was a distant and pained thing. One hand reached up to rest on her shoulder, to feel where the mark had been placed.]

I... don't need to tell some of you this. You will know. You always do. This is for other people in town who might care.

[Usagi would know. She didn't name Serenity, but she knew that she would know that a Senshi had departed, and if she knew then Makoto and Hotaru would know very quickly afterwards. Either by connection, or being told. This message wasn't specifically to tell them that Venus had gone home, though she would appreciate hearing from her friends. It was for the ones who weren't connected like they had been, like she had been.]

My wife, Minako Aino, is fine. She has safely returned to the sea. I felt the distance as it progressed, and ... I know that nothing caught her amongst the monsters below. She's safe. She will be safe in her home. I ... I want all of you who care about her to be certain of that.

[Her lips quivered a little and she sighed. She'd dealt with this before. How many people had she lost since the nightmares? How many had she tried to love? To get close to? Only to lose them too. She'd lost Minako twice now this way. She could handle it. Yet, this time was different. In so many ways it was different because deep down, she knew there was a chance Minako did not remember her where she was going. Usagi, Makoto, Hotaru, they would be reunited one day, but they might all forget her. It hurt.]

I'm fin... no, I'm not. I'm not going to lie. I'm not fine. My wife is gone, and I will come back every month to see if she returns to me, to us. I'm a patient woman. People have come back to me before. I have centuries to wait. My race gives me that luxury. but today hurts. A lot.

[There was a momentary pause and she sighed.]

I could probably use some company over the next few days. I'll be running the shop to help get my mind off of it, so if you need a reading, I just won't be a hundred percent is all. I've been very moody lately. Not sure why, but this is not helping.

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[She sagged and crumpled, sighing though her voice was grateful when she heard Makoto speak. It was good to hear her, just as it was to hear Usagi.]

Don't give me too much credit. You're seeing me after the worst of the screaming. [She gave a weak smile.] I... trust you to bring something nice with you, Makoto. Really, I just want your company. It will be good to share a moment with a good friend.

[Makoto had a feeling the worst of the screams had already been had, remembering the first time that Atsushi had left. The last thing that she wanted was to be around others. Which is why she making sure to pack up the other's favorites, as well as plenty of things to help with a broken heart.]

I'm on my way, and cleared my schedule. You'll have plenty of company too.

[She was definitely on point there. Vira-Lorr had done a lot of her initial crying before ever speaking publicly. She wanted to be in control right about now. It was too easy to just lose it. And she knew Makoto could understand.]

Thank you, Makoto. I'll be here at the beach for a while.

Well then I'll come pick you up there and we can hit a few of the stands on the way home too.

Yes. I think that would be a good idea. We can meet here and... it will be good to walk back together.

[Honestly, she'd probably wander aimlessly and that wasn't good.]

[The fresh air would help clear their heads and dry away the tears. And the walk would help to burn off a little energy, and make resting at home with a good meal easier.

Makoto packed the last of the things she was bringing before heading towards the lantern.]

I'm on my way, be there in a few.

[She would find her bundled up, because of the severe cold. Breath misted in front of her, but Vira-Lorr was warming her hands by one of the remaining small fires, staring out to the ocean. The ice had it completely covered. occasional tidal creatures tried to slam into the ice but it was too thick by now.

Turning her head when she heard footsteps, she smiled sadly over at Makoto.]

Hey. I hope you haven't been caused too much trouble. Are you guys alright?

We're alright, it's hard when someone goes home.

[But they at least knew that they would see Minako again, they were destined to always come back together and reunite to fulfill their roles. In one shape or another they would be reunited, which she while was helpful only did so much to dull the sting of loss. Vira-Lorr though didn't even have that, she was just left with memories that the two of them shared and wondering when and if the other would return, a feeling Makoto sympathized with all too well.]

But you haven't caused any trouble at all. Not yet anyways.

[She offered a hand to Vira-Lorr to pull from where shed probably been by the fire far too long.]

[She took the hand, rose and wrapped her arms tightly around Makoto. The hug was close and filled with all of the sort of raw emotion. She knew Makoto understood. She'd been falling for someone who'd disappeared too, and even if she was finding comfort and companionship with Usagi? It was different. There was always a hole.]

There's a part of me that went with her. It will always be with her, even if she doesn't remember it.

[Makoto nodded.]

I understand, and there is a part of her that will always be with you too. No matter where she goes. Even if she doesn't fully realize it.

[Maybe that was part of the reason they often tried to find things that they couldn't quite put into words.]

We have to be strong for her though, and for those that are still here.

[Curling in close, she rested her head on Makoto's shoulder, sighing. She didn't cry this time. Vira-Lorr wasn't actually defeated, just tired. Because Makoto was absolutely right.]

And I will be there for them. I may need a little time, but I will be there for all of you.

We're here for you as well. But for now, it's just me and I have enough to eat for both of us until spring gets here. Some of the best food in Trench.

[She raised the basket that she'd brought with her. Still supporting Vira-Lorr with the other arm.]

[She leaned into her friend, sighing and smiling very wanly while the two of them walked, clutching her more tightly. Makoto's cooking really was a comfort in itself, but it was her that she was glad was here.]

I'm very lucky to have you as my friend, Makoto, I really am.

Video: UN - Runeseeker

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