>> Lude Start, I Forget How Storen Formats His Lines And He's Asleep * Saki walks out of the tent, sparing a glance up at the rain with a huff of irritation. There's a brief moment's thought then she's trailing after the shape of the new addition, catching her up steadily. "Hey," she calls ahead to get Angharad's attention. * Angharad pauses and glances back over her shoulder at Saki. "Yes?" * Saki comes alongside Angharad, still frowning slightly and rapidly getting drenched once more by the rain. She's furtive and nervous; glancing around. "I'd... like a word. Before we leave. Is that... okay?" * Angharad closes her jaws and lips pulls close in lupine consideration. "I think so. Out of the rain?" * Saki barely seems to pay heed to the rain, but nods despite that. "I suppose so. It's that or Ryllan will be driving a puddle." We can take shelter under one of those awnings. * Angharad gestures to a nearby tarp stretched over several boxes of equipment. There is room to stand under there. * Saki nods curtly, and swings her course towards the awning; even before they're there, though, she's opened and closed her mouth ready to say something, but apparently doesn't make it the first time; the second she does. "... how good are you in a fight?" * Angharad steps under the awning and turns to face Saki. "I can handle myself on this trip, if that is what you are concerned about. I will not be a burden." * Saki breathes out a sigh of some mixed relief and worry as she hops under the awning and leans lightly against a support pole to stare at the rain. It's a moment before she speaks. "... good. I... wasn't worried so much about you as I am Niri and Trune, and possibly the others." She pauses, realising Angharad might not know the names; "The young students. I'm not sure they realise the risks." * Angharad nods. "It can be dangerous outside of the cities." * Saki tilts her head in agreement, and drags a hand back through her hair, suddenly speaking in a rush. "... I might scare the hell out of them, but we're some kind of team. I'd... appreciate it if you'd help keep an eye out for them if we get in trouble." So that is it? * Angharad seems surprised, her words ending on a slightly higher note than when she started. I can do that. * Saki doesn't answer the question and only answers the reply with the barest of nods, staring out into the rain for a long moment; then she's staring at Angharad in the manner she was before, trying to piece together a puzzle. "... I... do I... know you from somewhere?" * Angharad tilts her head to one side, studying Saki. "I don't think so. I don't believe I recognize you." * Saki breathes out a sudden sigh; practically raking her hand roughly through her hair again she's speaking, rushed and uncertain. It's a great change from her usual sulky tone. "You're sure? I... you'll think I'm crazy too, but I get-- flashes of things and it's like I know you and I'm trusting you off the bat like this..." her voice trails off as she slumps back against the pillar. * Angharad peers at Saki more closely and then pulls back her head, giving herself a light shake that tosses out flecks of water. "It's possible we have met before, but I don't remember. That's all I can tell you. Do you think you'll be all right?" * Saki sighs out again and straightens, frowning - possibly at the rain, probably at herself. "... yeah." There's a beat; "... sorry. I've been out of sorts all day, and those damn ruins and that kid Jupiter didn't help one jot," she continues, visibly pulling herself together. The air around here smells... bad... I'm not surprised you are uneasy. Perhaps a good night's rest will help? * Saki blinks up at Angharad, genuinely surprised - and not a little incredulous. "... I can't remember the last time I had a good night. ... and you haven't heard this lot try to sleep before." * Angharad drops her jaw in a lupine grin. "Is it that they snore or that they do not sleep?" She nods to Saki. "As for yourself, perhaps if you let go one night you'll have a good night. Forgive me, I don't really know you, but you seem to be carrying a burden and that might be the weight that keeps you from your good night." * Saki makes a face at the sheeting rain. "Someone was going loud enough to wake the dead, let alone myself. I didn't dare see who." She sighs out again; it's very sulky. "... don't much like letting go. It's all about control, but I don't seem to have that either." * Angharad hums, not a melody, but a short sound that seems something of an understanding. "It is a rare person who has control. If control is what you need, then I wish you luck. Is there anything else you need of me?" * Saki rubs at her forehead, then lets her hand fall away. "No, it's okay. I should get ready, too. Look..." ... and she's back to furtive and vaguely nervous again. "I'm sorry, for... going off on you. I don't really know myself sometimes." It is all right. I am always willing to listen. * Angharad steps out into the rain once more. "I shall see you later then." * Saki nods solemnly, staying leant against the pole for a while longer. "Be prepared. That thing is bumpy sometimes." ... well, it's about as close as she gets to a pleasant goodbye. * Angharad nods in return. "I will." * Saki apparently goes right back to brooding, still trying to solve that puzzle. >> End there etc!