[ it's week 3 and they missed a body. Fiora is dead.
Just kidding. But if Alphinaud heads out in the direction of the waterfall, he might think she is. She's lying face-down on the ground, not moving. Weirder still, she's almost completely surrounded by various monkeys - none of them bigger than a cat, and all of them obviously trying to pickpocket her, which is hard, considering she has no pockets. No loot drops for the monkeys. ]
[ I can't believe I just stumbled into the third body...
Alphinaud doesn't want to think that's what's happening now; as he, by sheer chance, stumbles upon an unconscious Fiora, he can't help but feel a rising panic. It's Die Day and all. ]
F— Fiora?
[ He'd rush up to her, but ... monkeys. Without much thought, Alphinaud picks up a nearby rock from the ground and tosses it at them. ]
[ the monkeys do not appreciate having rocks thrown at them, and immediately start to screech and chatter at Alphinaud, but considering how small they are, most of them scatter immediately. They're not about to pick a fight they're not sure they can win! Some of them are still lurking about in the branches and bushes, watching...
Fiora is not watching, because she's still on the ground. But if he gets closer, he'll be able to see that she's at least breathing!! Apparently, she's just unconscious. ]
[ once he starts shaking her, she seems to come to, at least a little, groaning as her fingers twitch. She turns to look at him, though her visor gets wedged in the dirt in the process, half-asleep as she is. ]
Ugh... Alphinaud? [ tiredly blinking. ] What are you doing here?
I don't think you can help me, Alphinaud. But thanks. [ she glances up at him. ] I've been like this since before I came here -- it's fine, my body's just tired out from all of this.
[ there's a pause while Fiora readies herself to say this. She hates to talk about it - there's a reason she hasn't yet, even though it's on her mind constantly. Speaking makes it feel more real. ]
This body -- it's not built to operate as a standalone model like this. Before, I used to have... something that was keeping it from falling apart. But I lost her before I even got here. Honestly, it's a miracle I've made it this far.
[ a small, awkward smile. ]
I only need to hold on for a little longer. Just so I can get home and finish what I need to do, but - some days are worse than others. That's all.
I'm not forsaking anything, promise. I'd feel way worse if everyone was fretting over me. [ a pause. ] Besides, I'm not gone yet! I've still got plenty of fight left in me, and I'm gonna use it.
[ Even now, she puts on that sunny disposition... ]
... Alright, alright. How 'bout we get you back to the inn then, aye? If you could use the rest, 'twould best be done in a comfortable bed away from the wildlife.
For sure. I'd rather not wake up covered in monkeys again.
[ it's a little slow, but she manages to get up to her feet again. everything still feels sluggish, and there's a faint pain in her chest, but, she thinks, it's nothing she can't deal with. ]
Sorry, Alphinaud. This shouldn't be your problem, too... It's my fault for not being more careful when I'm feeling tired.
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week 3, friday
Just kidding. But if Alphinaud heads out in the direction of the waterfall, he might think she is. She's lying face-down on the ground, not moving. Weirder still, she's almost completely surrounded by various monkeys - none of them bigger than a cat, and all of them obviously trying to pickpocket her, which is hard, considering she has no pockets. No loot drops for the monkeys. ]
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Alphinaud doesn't want to think that's what's happening now; as he, by sheer chance, stumbles upon an unconscious Fiora, he can't help but feel a rising panic. It's Die Day and all. ]
F— Fiora?
[ He'd rush up to her, but ... monkeys. Without much thought, Alphinaud picks up a nearby rock from the ground and tosses it at them. ]
Away with you lot! Leave her be!
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Fiora is not watching, because she's still on the ground. But if he gets closer, he'll be able to see that she's at least breathing!! Apparently, she's just unconscious. ]
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That aside, Alphinaud is quick to kneel at her side, gently shaking her shoulder. ]
Fiora?
[ Breathing is good, though; he can rest a little easier. ]
Come now—you must wake up.
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Ugh... Alphinaud? [ tiredly blinking. ] What are you doing here?
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[ girl hello?? ]
I should be asking that of you! Goodness, Fiora—you've been out cold!
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[ obviously, she's disoriented, but she seems surprised. Immediately, she pushes herself up, scrambling to her knees. ]
S-sorry! I didn't realize!
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... Have you been well? 'Tis an odd place to be asleep at.
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[ it's clear she's about to say "I'm fine," but she bites her lip. Even she knows that sounds fake. ]
... I've been better, I'll admit.
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What ails you? Are you in need of assistance?
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I don't think you can help me, Alphinaud. But thanks. [ she glances up at him. ] I've been like this since before I came here -- it's fine, my body's just tired out from all of this.
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[ :( buddy... ]
What happened to you?
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... You're not going to believe me if I tell you it's really nothing, are you?
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[ But with a shake of his head, he shifts back. ]
I shan't press you further should you not wish to say, however.
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There's not much point in hiding it if you already know something's wrong with me. Just promise not to tell anyone, okay? And don't get upset.
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Alright.
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This body -- it's not built to operate as a standalone model like this. Before, I used to have... something that was keeping it from falling apart. But I lost her before I even got here. Honestly, it's a miracle I've made it this far.
[ a small, awkward smile. ]
I only need to hold on for a little longer. Just so I can get home and finish what I need to do, but - some days are worse than others. That's all.
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You—you mean to say you could break down at any moment?
[ Alphinaud blurts out his worried words without a second thought; in the next, he realizes he agreed not to get upset, but... ]
Are you certain there is naught that can be done? Truly?
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I got someone to help a little bit, but it's just buying me some more time.
[ she's lost too much blood, and what's left of her heart isn't strong enough to power her alone. ]
I don't want people to worry, though, so please... don't tell anyone about this. We've got to focus on getting out of here.
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You needn't worry so much of us that you would forsake your own wellbeing.
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I'm not forsaking anything, promise. I'd feel way worse if everyone was fretting over me. [ a pause. ] Besides, I'm not gone yet! I've still got plenty of fight left in me, and I'm gonna use it.
[ she flexes an arm playfully. ]
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... Alright, alright. How 'bout we get you back to the inn then, aye? If you could use the rest, 'twould best be done in a comfortable bed away from the wildlife.
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[ it's a little slow, but she manages to get up to her feet again. everything still feels sluggish, and there's a faint pain in her chest, but, she thinks, it's nothing she can't deal with. ]
Sorry, Alphinaud. This shouldn't be your problem, too... It's my fault for not being more careful when I'm feeling tired.
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[ He watches her rise, slow and uneasy. ]
... And I realize I cannot bear your full weight. However, should you need me to keep your balance, you need only say the word.
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You're quite the little gentleman, aren't you? I'm all right, I think. But I wouldn't say no to an escort back.
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