woofus

[bisouled]

Comments

[soulus]

If I did, it would no longer be quiet.

[bisouled]

[ but he'd asked her why she wouldn't. is that his way of saying that he doesn't mind she's here with him? he's so hard to interpret sometimes... Fiora hums, looking back out at the waterfall. ]

I can't tell if you're a really complicated guy, or if you're actually really simple, and I'm just overthinking things. [ a beat. ] I met up with the other Swans - all of them, together.

[soulus]

[For the time being, he switches the PHS off to focus on Fiora.]

What did you discuss?

[bisouled]

We shared what we knew, mostly. Most of it was what we already knew, but...

[ hmmm. should she share with Rufus, even though he's not part of the team? yes, she decides. ]

Did you know about the flashing icons? When someone on your team kills someone, the icon of their animal flashes, and your leader gets information about the Realm.

[soulus]

Yes. Has your Leader learned anything?

[bisouled]

Not that I know of. I don't think any of us have killed anyone.

[ they're good birds. ]

[soulus]

Have you heard of the method to retrieve the removed?

[bisouled]

-- I didn't even know it was possible.

[ a questioning look. ]

[soulus]

I've yet to learn the details; however, the process necessitates more removals.

[bisouled]

... We have to kill more people to bring the others back?

[ the small hope she'd had sputters out pretty quickly. ]

[soulus]

That appears to be the case.

[bisouled]

[ she falls silent, contemplating his words. ]

Where'd you hear this, Rufus?

[soulus]

I heard it from a source who spoke to Fox.

[bisouled]

[ she asked because she trusts Rufus; she's not sure she necessarily trusts his sources. ]

Do you think it's the truth...?

[soulus]

The possibility is there. I will verify it with another source.

[bisouled]

[ a nod. ]

... I don't know whether I should hope it's true or false. Of course, those people that died - they didn't deserve it. But taking someone else's life in exchange...

[soulus]

We've been dealing in that exchange from the start.

Restoring is a life isn't cheap. The cost for such a possibility was always bound to be heavy.

[bisouled]

It's not like we knew we were even paying that price when we got here.

[soulus]

Life is full of hidden fees. The Realm is no exception.

[bisouled]

[ at that, in spite of everything, she can't help but laugh - just a little giggle, but a genuine one. ]

You really do only think about money.

[soulus]

[That much is obvious. Coupled with this and her laughter, Rufus sees no need to reply as he looks away at the rushing water.]

[bisouled]

... It's okay. I know it's for a good reason. But saying that is just so you.

[ it's equal parts charming and ridiculous, at this point. ]

Do you care about it? Saving all the ones that got removed?

[soulus]

I will do what is necessary to stabilize the Realm. If it will help, that includes the retrieval of the removed.