[If Ishi is out in the West Wing today, he might be in for a curious sight. There’s a teenager moving through the snow, looking clearly grumpy, wearing... this.
She doesn’t seem to notice him, but she does keep stopping to try and remove the coat to no avail. Approach?]
[Well, the coat is definitely... hard to miss. Ishi almost just lets her keep going, but considering the grumpiness combined with those attempts to ditch the coat...]
Ah, pardon me.
[yeah, he's gotta check in.]
Are you all right? That isn't too cold for you, is it?
[When she hears his voice, she lets her hands fall to her sides for a moment before she crosses them instead. It's a bit of an undertaking, given her sleeves, but she manages it.]
I don't think the cold is the issue I'm having right now. I'm going to drown in this thing.
[After the trial ends, it's as though she can find no respite from her thoughts. When trying to distract herself from everything that's happened doesn't work, she figures that even if she isn't hungry... She should try to eat.
That's where she finds Ishi, and gives pause once she sees him. It's hard to keep the concern off her face.]
There are a number of things that grow around here, if one knows where to look and how to identify them-- though they do not remain the same, from week to week.
A few herbs that can be eaten or made into teas, a couple of others useful for curing injuries and healing wounds... ah, and there have been several toxic ones as well, but I have avoided those.
[it feels appropriate, somehow, to spend some time in the west wing in contemplation. he's always liked being by the water-- running water is needed for proper purification, after all-- so it's an ideal place to pray for the one who created this in the first place.
when he realizes he's not alone, though, he pauses, lifting his bowed head to glance over to zoe with a nod.]
...it seems there is no end to this, doesn't there.
[It takes a moment for that to slide into place, but once she realizes what message he means, she smiles - even if the concern doesn’t fade. Though they’re alone, her words are hushed.]
All the favor I can ask is just-- letting this remain between us. I do not mind you doing as Ray's done and speaking without naming me, if you absolutely must, but... it is still a risk for anyone to know.
It is just one I am willing to take, in some cases.
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week two, thursday.
She doesn’t seem to notice him, but she does keep stopping to try and remove the coat to no avail. Approach?]
i love these various ishi namesmashes tbh
Ah, pardon me.
[yeah, he's gotta check in.]
Are you all right? That isn't too cold for you, is it?
you mean this isn't how you spell his name---
I don't think the cold is the issue I'm having right now. I'm going to drown in this thing.
week two, saturday.
That's where she finds Ishi, and gives pause once she sees him. It's hard to keep the concern off her face.]
...Are you okay?
[It's the only question she can think to ask.]
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[Ishi nods to her, managing a small smile over the rim of his teacup.
It might be weed tea sorry about that. He could maybe stand to chill a little, right now.]
Thank you for thinking to ask, though. Will you be well enough?
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[She pauses for a moment to choose her words.]
Can I ask why you decided to do it?
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[He takes a measured sip, exhales slowly.]
It was going to be unfair no matter what we did.
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[Even if this seems like a dicier situation to her, a fact that she won't mention.]
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[his tone is fonder, there; whatever happens, he appreciates that willingness.]
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[It's at least worth hoping for.]
...Can I ask you something unrelated really quick?
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[his brows raise slightly at the question, though, before he nods.]
And of course. You never need permission to ask, though I won't always promise answers.
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[The look on her face indicates pretty clearly that she already Knows, though.]
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[He knows she knows, so he doesn't bother actually explaining.]
Don't worry. I didn't use very much.
[This is just for a little extra chill, he is not in here being a tea stoner.]
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Man, if anyone's earned it, it's you.
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I suppose you may be right about that.
[But with a slight hum, he adds:]
I haven't yet used all of it, you know.
[teens are adults in his time and this is fine? it's nothing dangerous.]
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No thanks. I'm not really big on that kind of stuff. Can I ask how you even got it, though...?
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[he's just been out here picking plants.]
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[That might not be what she should have taken from this.]
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[he is probably not doing that with the weed, but.]
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[Color her curious.]
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Do you think you could show me how to use the second kind?
w3, friday
when he realizes he's not alone, though, he pauses, lifting his bowed head to glance over to zoe with a nod.]
...it seems there is no end to this, doesn't there.
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[She sounds tired, but more than that, she sounds angry.]
All of this is such bullshit.
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[he doesn't curse, but he will absolutely accept the sentiment.]
I had hoped that last week was-- a departure. Not a new norm.
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[She runs a hand through her hair, stressed.]
We can't keep doing this.
w5, tuesday
because ishi is going to come find zoe at some point on tuesday, pulling her aside if needed.]
Zoe-chan. I hope you have been doing well enough this week.
...may we speak? Though I must ask that this does not make its way to anyone else's ears.
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[She lets him lead her aside, even as she looks fairly concerned.]
What is it?
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... I received your message.
[which he likely should not be saying anything about, but.]
I was told you were someone your messenger trusted, so I-- thought perhaps we ought to speak in person.
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...Are you okay? Ray said she almost killed you.
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[he seems pretty fine, actually, besides the sling his left arm is in; he matches that smile with a slight one of his own.]
It seems it takes more than that to be rid of me. But- Connor-kun is all right as well, isn't he? I was told he was apparently next at risk.
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[There’s honest gratefulness in her voice, which might be why she follows up with:]
I know that rule wasn’t in effect last week, but... I feel like I owe you a favor anyways.
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It is just one I am willing to take, in some cases.
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I wouldn't have mentioned it to Connor if I didn't trust him, but - it's your secret, not mine. I'll be more careful.
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[that comes with a reassuring little smile, there.]
Besides-- considering he was nearly involved, I would have been surprised if he were not told.
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[Her smile grows a little bit softer.]
I'm really glad he's okay.