"Oh, Almighty... Are you another visitor from another world?! Even after everything..."
She has to take a moment to gather herself.
"...I'm sorry. This must be hard for you to go through. But we won't refuse you our hospitality. One of our members knows exactly what you're going through."
"You've forgotten everything about where you came from, haven't you? That's what it's sounding like. The same thing happened to Warden Ingo. He can't exactly tell you why it happened, but... at least he can help you adjust."
As if on cue, the entrance flap of the tent-building opens, and Ingo steps in. His eyes are yellow, and his appearance is ragged. He is the Shadow, but he can already tell that Vicious doesn't have the context to tell the difference.
Litten presses in close to make sure he doesn't fall.
Ingo gives Vicious a dark, pitying look, before turning to Irida again. "Please go discuss what to do with the others. I will take care of him in the meantime."
Irida nods, and then exits the tent out into the snowstorm. Now finally the Shadow can refocus his attention on Vicious and be as weird with it as he wants.
"You're a victim of unfortunate circumstance. Don't even bother asking the question. You think you'll find an answer that satisfies you?"
He doesn't quite deny it. He cryptically says, "I feel sorry for you. Imagine inflicting on someone the same tragedy you experienced, in your desperation to rid yourself of the consequences. Dragging people down with you into the abyss. I knew toying with fate was a mistake... But here we are. Once again, we must live with it."
"The deed is done. What do you suppose you'll do now? Do you plan to stay here in the Pearl Settlement? They're kind, but you're going to have to pull your weight if you do stay."
"Someone with with a decent reputation. A reliable comrade. A trusted member of a community. You're going to throw away a chance for a peaceful life right out of the gate?"
"I won't stop you from going out wherever you want. Let me just say this. The people here won't judge you or hold expectations for you beyond being a member of the group. If you leave here, you're going to find yourself wrapped up in something more confusing, or else you'll be a victim of the wilderness. Do as you like."
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She has to take a moment to gather herself.
"...I'm sorry. This must be hard for you to go through. But we won't refuse you our hospitality. One of our members knows exactly what you're going through."
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[Knowing what he's going through?? Somehow those things seem extra unfamiliar.]
What am I goin' through?
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As if on cue, the entrance flap of the tent-building opens, and Ingo steps in. His eyes are yellow, and his appearance is ragged. He is the Shadow, but he can already tell that Vicious doesn't have the context to tell the difference.
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[Vicious turns to look at Ingo when he enters with absolutely no recognition, though.]
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"Still?" she asks, sounding worried.
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Yeah, sorry, I'm a little concerned. The hell is goin' on?
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Ingo gives Vicious a dark, pitying look, before turning to Irida again. "Please go discuss what to do with the others. I will take care of him in the meantime."
Irida nods, and then exits the tent out into the snowstorm. Now finally the Shadow can refocus his attention on Vicious and be as weird with it as he wants.
"You're a victim of unfortunate circumstance. Don't even bother asking the question. You think you'll find an answer that satisfies you?"
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How should I know? But I definitely ain't gonna find it if I ain't even askin'.
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[Vicious holds Litten out to take a better look at him.]
What's he doin' hangin' out with me?
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"Consider it a show of goodwill." From whom, he doesn't specify. "It's more than I had when I arrived here."
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[Vicious just assumes it's Ingo. Why else would be know anything about it.]
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Litten mrrts, displeased.
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Yeah, seems like I'm standin' right here to me. If you're plannin' on draggin' me into any abysses, ya better get started with that.
[It's very hard to be cryptic at Vicious.]
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[Has Vicious ever had a plan in his life.]
...Dunno. Just stickin' 'round like that don't really feel right...
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Don't really see the appeal of that stuff, though. Sounds like I'd just be doin' what other people want me to do.
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He gestures to the exit of the shelter they're in.
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