shirleyhopeful | Inbox/Mailbox Post

[He had promised Zelda, even if he had no inclination to visit. As Walter returned to the apartments, still clad in his former "disguise" (sans the cloth he'd taken out of his hair), he moved past his door to that of his neighbor—the girl with whom he'd promised to speak—and stopped.

Cleaning the dirt off his clothes and hands could happen later. He wasn't that filthy from the trek through the abandoned village.

He gave the door a curt knock.]

[Of course, Shirley wasn't in her apartment when Walter knocked! Instead, she happened to be walking down the hall when she saw a familiar uniform. Could it be? She thought.]

Walter?

[She said before running to her door. That's strange, why is he wearing an outfit like that? Maybe her questions will be answered soon!]

Um...is there something you want?

[She wasn't in there.

Upon hearing his name, he turned toward the source. He quietly crossed his arms together, waiting until she was close enough.]

I told Zelda that I'd talk to you.

[Shirley wasn't surprise to hear Walter talking about Zelda. A while ago, she finally told her what she was. She was the Merines and that was why Walter was her guardian.]

Okay, about what?

[She was going to have a discussion about this with him wasn't she? Whatever it was, she was ready for it!]

They intend to supplement the coral with outside energy.

[That was the short of it. He gestured to her door.]

We'll discuss it inside.

[She was ready for this, she was ready for a follow up after that talk! Bring it on, she can tackle t-]

Ah...you mean my healing artes? I heard about it before but I never tried it.

[That was something she took her by surprise. This was the last thing she expected to hear. As soon as he gestured her toward the door, she quickly opened it.]

Is there anything you would like? Would you like some water or tea?

Edited (what fail, you saw no fail) 2013-04-10 02:53 (UTC)

[Shaking his head, he moved up behind her and reached for the door. Then he held it still as a silent indicator for her to go in first.

Despite the certain normalcy behind the gesture, it was more casual than the instances preceding this time. It was not her guard holding the door open for her; it was merely another boy.]

[Shirley seemed to have noticed something was off about this gesture. Normally, there was an aura of protectiveness whenever he was around her. However, this time it was different...

As soon as she walked inside the apartment, her attention was back on Walter.]

So...you wanted to talk about the coral and my healing powers?

[She said before pointing to the sofa]

Would you like a seat?

[Following suit, he closed the door behind them. Despite the point, he kept his attention trained on her.]

That won't be necessary. Have you been able to make even the slightest connection to the coral?

[It would be understandable if she hadn't, but it was best to cover all bases. Of the few he knew in Vatheon, Shirley seemed most qualified to ask about.]

No, I haven't. [Pause]

At least, I don't think I have. Would you could being curses have a connection to coral?

[If that does count...]

Everyone else has the same connection.

[So no, not for this purpose.]

Do you know Death the Kid?

Um...no. I've seen his name before but we never met in person. [Pause] May I ask why?

[And somehow, this conversation seems a bit...different from the usual talks she had with him. ...Something about this didn't seem quite right but at the same time, she was not sure if it was something to worry about...]

The coral has been declining in power even before the attack on the barrier. Death the Kid intends to supplement it with energy; Zelda believes you'd be of help in the process.

[It had been his idea to propose her involvement. The reason he was here now was because Zelda had agreed.]

Then I wouldn't mind giving it some more power if that's all the coral needs.

It shouldn't be difficult and I've been meaning to look into the coral for quite sometime now so I don't mind helping out.

[Hm...something was definitely wrong but she can't figure out what...]

[He nodded.]

Get in touch through the communicators. I'll inform Zelda of your decision.

[And with that, he turned toward the door.]

Um...okay then, I'll be at the Plaza if they need me?

[...Or maybe not. It seems like she was just as awkward as ever with Walter]

Can I ask you something, Walter? Why do you want to help Zelda out with the coral?

[It seems rather...sudden...]

[He didn't say anything to the bit on the Plaza, though he did file that away for notifying Zelda later.

Stopped by the question, he turned back around—why did he, really? He seemed to flip flop every few months on what to do about the coral.]

Several months ago, she informed me of the coral's fluctuating energy levels. Now the situation seems to be growing dire. If the barrier were to collapse, even a Radiant wouldn't be able to survive the pressure.

[Shirley raised an eyebrow. Admittedly, she didn't know what Walter was up to but it seemed like it was determined to find an outcome to this.]

That is true...then- [Wait, did she hear that correctly???] Um...Walter, did you just say...

[What she thought you said? In the meantime, she'll be staring intently wondering what was going on.]

[Something about what he said had given her reason for pause, and he wasn't following. He raised an upturned inquisitive hand.]

What?

[She knew the term 'Radiant' was the Orerines language for Ferines. To hear Walter use it so casually...]

You said Radiant...

Is...is everything okay, Walter?

Everything's fine.

[She was dwelling on something like that?]

Don't forget to contact Death the Kid.

I won't but ... [Man, how does she approach this?]

Isn't it term that the Orerines use for the Ferines?

...And it seems like you don't mind?

[Has Shirley finally gotten her wish?!]

. . . Why would I mind?

[She was right that the terminology was largely reserved for the people of the land—though he identified with neither races involved.]

It's a term that the Ferines doesn't like so...I was surprised to see you use it.

[As much as Shirley was happy to hear that Walter didn't mind, it was rather strange that it was something he got over so quickly...]

It doesn't concern me what they don't like. History has coined the name for them.

[Simply straight up. There was no inflection in his voice—he was as normal as could be, the way he spoke.]

Inbox/Mailbox Post

action, backdated 4/8

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,

action,