ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]

[folklorist]

[ There's a clear strained sigh coming from the opposite end of the transmission. A few moments later some shuffling as someone moves about in the background. ] Frederic's been...taken. He, um, has been for awhile. I-I wasn't supposed to make anyone worry, I'm terribly sorry for not saying so sooner. [ There's a clear tone of guilt in his voice. It goes against Frederic's wishes but he has been gone for awhile. Helios will pull out a chair and take a seat next to his journal. ]

I'm not sure when he'll back, but I thought his friends should know. I apologize for this--especially before the holiday. [ A pause accompanied by a sigh. ] I don't understand why they do such things in the first place.

[ Filtered Poorly, lol how does I technology, to Poland ]

Frederic left you a letter. He asked me to deliver it to you. Do you mind if I stop by?

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Frederic?

... Mr. Chopin?]

Helios, do you perhaps mean Frederic Chopin? I... heard he was here, from Doctor Faye-Ling. [That doesn't explain why Helios knew about it, but that information isn't currently relevant so Robert doesn't ask.]

And you say he's been taken? ... Presumably for experimentation? [Robert's tone is obviously disturbed. It takes him a moment to think of anything more to say - but his next sentence is a little... quiet, and slightly gentle.]

Is there... anything I may do to assist?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Yes you're correct on both accounts. [ Sigh. ]

Ah-- [ He notes the tone and is pretty grateful for it. ] --that's kinda of you to offer. If you'd like to stop by you're more than welcome to. Perhaps we can talk a bit more about your world? [ There is a lot they've yet to discuss about it. ]

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

I would much like that, Helios. [In reality, it isn't just wanting to share Terran information - it's also that Robert doesn't want Helios to be sad. He doesn't know if he can really help Helios feel better - but he wants to at least attempt.]

Whereabouts is your home located?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Community housing seven floor five room twenty-two. I'll make some tea if you wouldn't be opposed that?

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Cue Robert referencing the handy-dandy map that his mun finally knows he can actually see.] Ah, that's... not much further out of the way than I had thought. But it may still take me some time.

I would appreciate the tea very much, actually. Doctor Mizuno introduced me to some of the tea here, and it was quite nice... [There's a smile in his voice.]

Shall I set out now? I haven't any other obligations.

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Oh do take your time then! Tea will be good for today it's rather cold out, isn't it? [ Not that he can tell but Helios does not need anyone freezing while making their way to his apartment. ]

And yes if you'd like. Better before it gets dark at any rate.

[Voice/Action]

[semper_cogitans]

It is rather cold, yes... Though I have no knowledge of the typical climate here, yet, so I cannot say if it is abnormal.

And I shall set off immediately then. [Robert reflexively brings the journal with him as he dresses in his coat and boots, so Helios is treated to the soft crinkling sounds of fabric. Eventually Robert starts to walk out the door and heads toward Helios' building.

It's a roughly east-northeast (?) journey for Robert, which is a different route than the other ways he's gone to get to the shops, so the going is slow and punctuated by both Robert analyzing the area and his heavy breathing - Helios is no doctor (just a magician!) but even so he can probably tell that it's abnormal. Even after being in Luceti for two weeks, Robert's health hasn't improved much and all this exercise is difficult for him. Regardless, he isn't actively complaining; it's just betrayed by his laboured panting.

Eventually, probably after half an hour to forty-five minutes, Robert makes it to the door of the Community Building. He opens it and sighs audibly at the prospect of having to climb stairs in his condition.]

... B-Bugger these stairs. I will never get used to them.

[Voice/Action]

[folklorist]

[ He does note that and is a bit worried. How can you not be when there's heavy breathing coming from someone over the journal? He'll finally speak after hearing the other. His tone of voice will be one of concern when he finally speaks over the journal. ]

Robert are you alright?

[VOICE]

[polishrule.livejournal.com]

[Shocked silence. He needs to calm down before he says anything or does anything. But this has him terrified.]

How long has he been gone...?

And um, yeah. You can come over.

[VOICE]

[folklorist]

[ He's sorry Poland, he hates having to say these things, but it had to be done. ]

Since last Saturday. I'll be there in a few minutes then.

[ And with that he will be making his way to the other's apartment. At least they're close, you'll have someone knocking on your door Poland a few minutes later. ]

[VOICE]

[polishrule.livejournal.com]

[That long? How could he have not been told and--now he's just kind of mad that he didn't know because he'd been avoiding him and so much frustration.

But he does answer the door with a calm face. He's clearly not himself, but he doesn't look nearly as upset as he feels. He opens the door and lets him in.]

Hey. Um, like, do you know what the letter is about...?

[ACTION]

[folklorist]

[ Helios will step inside unaware of the other's frustration or anger. He doesn't know Poland too well yet, but at least...he might be able to give him some comfort with this letter. He'll shake his head holding the letter out to the other to take. ]

I-I didn't read it. It didn't seem right to.

[ACTION]

[polishrule.livejournal.com]

[He stares at the letter for a moment before he does take it. He has a pretty good idea of what this letter is about.]

Uh, um.

[Now he just feels awkward.]

[ACTION]

[folklorist]

[ And when he finally does read it, it'll say something like this:
"Dearest Feliks, for some time I have been wrestling with my feelings when it comes to how I feel for you. It is true that I felt a spark inside of me, yet at the same time I also feel what happened between us was merely an impulse due to wanting what everyone in this world wants...to be loved as who we are, not by our formalities. However, I've come to feel that since we are whom we are... There is a possibility it may not come to fruition. The following words I'm to say are out of love, please settle down with a beautiful woman and give her all the happiness in the world she deserves along with letting her give you so much happiness that you deserve. I'm truly sorry that I could not provide the happiness you so desired, but perhaps another can do it in my place. One last thing before I end this letter, stay true to your heart and never let anyone say otherwise. - Fryderyk." ]

Ah! I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I know you and Frederic are quite close. [ Which is making him feel rather bad about this whole thing. He'll rub the back of his head still looking at Poland. ] If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

[ACTION]

[polishrule.livejournal.com]

[Lots of emotions going on as he reads that letter. He almost forgets Helios is there and starts to crumble up the letter before he looks up and then folds the letter, putting it in a pocket as he sighs.]

You should have told me sooner. [Voice is a little stern there and he instantly smiles as soon as he realizes how he's acted.]

But like...if you find out he's back before I do, tell me so this stuff doesn't get all bad again? I mean, Fryderyk will be cool. He's a Pole. We're way tough.

[ACTION]

[folklorist]

Yes I realize that now. I know he'll be alright and we'll be waiting for him to return. [ Helios will pause, blinking. ] Which reminds me. Frederic mentioned something about Rue, your pony, and making a stable.

[Voice]

[lezareno_prez]

I'm sorry to hear that. Would you like me to stop by after work this evening? I would hate to let these leftover muffins go to waste, and there are far too many of them for Gelda and myself to eat on our own.

[Voice]

[folklorist]

I'm sure he'll be back soon, he'd appreciate the sentiments. [ A pause and then a small hum. ]

It has been awhile hasn't it? I wouldn't mind that at all! I'll make us some tea as well.

audio;

[magnifien.livejournal.com]

[ oh hey, voice she recognizes! ...name she doesn't. ]

Who's Frederic?

audio;

[folklorist]

[ Oh! This is a voice he wasn't expecting. ]

Frederic Chopin.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

It's all right. Sometimes worry can't be helped... and that situation is something that people should be aware of, isn't it?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Yes you're absolutely right. I just...went against his wishes. But it had to be done.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

Sometimes there are acceptable circumstances for that. Hiding it won't make it any easier for him or anyone else. Was it for... all this time that you've been teaching, then?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

[ He might wince a little on his end and there's a substantial pause before he answers. ] I-I'm afraid so. I...should have said, I apologize for that. Saying he was taken ill was bad enough--but I don't think he wanted anyone to worry.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

You don't have to be too hard on yourself about it. I understand when it's... difficult to accept that people will worry regardless, despite the attempts to reassure them otherwise. The experiments they do can do a lot of terrible things to a person... and the possibility that you would not be the first to find him also exists.