[Video]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin image appears suddenly, and though his face is composed, his thoughts are both cautious and alarmed.]

Everyone - be alert in liminal space, and avoid the men's bathroom four floors above where the portal let us into liminal space. The sign of the King in Yellow is still with us.

Comments

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin bites his lip when he hears her thoughts, not knowing how to feel. He still doesn't really understand what happened down there. Why was Phedre naked where anyone could see? Is Sansa still angry with him?

...It doesn't seem particularly prudent to bring that up right now. Though he tries, he can't stop his voice from being uncertain and nervous when he replies.] What do you th-think I was looking for? It's b-better to find the dangerous things than wait for them to find us...

[canbebrave]

It's just always you.

[neverfeltthatway]

I'm a soldier, Sansa. It's my job.

...If someone wishes to join me, I won't turn them down. But I won't ask it of anyone.

[canbebrave]

[ She hates his job- but she won't tell him that now. ]

I'm sure plenty of Travelers would be more than happy to accompany you.

[neverfeltthatway]

[He talks about it as his job - but really, it's more who he is. He gave his heart to serve humanity. He's a Traveler - nobody's going to hold him to his duty except himself. But it's a duty he's never going to let go.]

...From what we know, it shouldn't be too dangerous unless unless someone is careless about it. [He doesn't feel the need to state how he is never careless.]

[canbebrave]

You should just leave it behind. Are any of us stupid enough to try and do anything with it? [ l m a o don't answer that ]

[neverfeltthatway]

Travelers that weren't here for Harrogate don't necessarily know enough to be careful. [Plus, what should be and what are don't always coincide.]

I'm just guarding as Leonardo takes the proper precautions. After that, we shouldn't have to worry about it.

[canbebrave]

....Very well. [ She's quiet then, allowing him his time with Leonardo. ]

private

[canbebrave]

[ then, a while later, her voice echoes in his head again. ]

I am sorry I was harsh earlier.

private

[neverfeltthatway]

I... [He can't exactly say he understands, as was his instinct, since he does not.] I-it's all right.

Is... is it safe to come back down there now? [E.g., does everyone have their clothes on?]

private

[canbebrave]

Yes. It is alright.

[Action]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin falls silent then, but it's only a couple minutes before he and Leo finish up, and he makes his hesitant way down - using the stairs this time.]

Sansa?

[canbebrave]

[ He can find her settled on a capital G, an elbow resting on the arm of the letter, her head resting gently against her hand.

When he speaks, however, she sits upright, hands folded on her lap.] Armin. [ She smiles at him- polite, but genuine. ]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin sits carefully on the letter next to her - not quite relaxed.]

I... I am sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't meant to see - I mean...

[Armin breaks off, his speech halting and a little stilted.]

[canbebrave]

[ Oh. The smile's gone, now, holding herself a little more rigidly. ]

...Did you mind seeing?

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin's eyes widen a little at the question, and he frowns, scratching the back of his neck.]

Well... D'Angelines don't really hold to the same standards of affection and sexuality that our worlds do. She may not mind people seeing, but... she's my friend. It's awkward to think about. So I - I'd rather I hadn't.

[canbebrave]

[ Oh. That hadn't been what she was really asking, so his answer disappoints and worries her. She holds herself together, barely.]

She's very lovely. She didn't mind, so I suppose, there is no shame in enjoying it. [ Only sin- but Armin doesn't understand her Gods or their rules, so she will leave that part off.]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin looks surprised and flustered at that.] That's not - I mean, I guess so. She's very pretty, like you, but.

[Armin takes a deep breath, trying to gather himself for a more coherent response. His voice is both slower and calmer when he continues, and he gently takes her hand.] But... I'm not interested in seeing other people that way.

[canbebrave]

[ Heat creeps up her cheeks with the compliment. She knows she's beautiful, has heard it countless times- but from him, it's somehow always enchanting to hear. She allows him to take her hand, her own movements subtle and gentle.

The wolf inside the girl would like to retort smartly- that Phedre was certainly interested in other people seeing her that way. But, despite the jealous monster inside of her, Sansa does not mean to harm him, or Phedre. She keeps the monster to herself. ]

Are you sure?

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin gives her a small but earnest smile.] I'm sure.