03 | Voice | Backdated to the evening of the 10th

[healplz]

Bariyan is dead.

[ Someone is having difficulties sounding his usual calm and measured today! This comes out sounding pretty forced. ]

I tried to — I'm sorry. I could do nothing for him, and... and perhaps the Initiative, as they've done for others, will return him. I couldn't— 

[ a pause. ]

I'm sorry.

Comments

[moralperil]

Um, I'm a lot of things! But mostly I'm a greater mortal, and a redeemer. Two things humans aren't really supposed to know about or ever see with their own eyes, but, here I am anyway! [Mahdi is happy enough to tell the truth, though there's a weariness about it.] If I had to put it in laid man terms, I'd say I'm like a guardian angel.

[healplz]

[ Man, what is with this place and actually having angels? Ashraf considers that for a few moments, then nods, turning to face him fully. ]

A guardian angel. [ It's an actual smile this time, if small and tired. ] Thank you, then.

[moralperil]

It's no big deal. I just think that souls are worth saving. And I like you a lot. [WAIT.] I - I mean - I like your soul, it's, it's a very good one.

[healplz]

[ Someone that knows their shit about souls, calling his a good one? Well that's just... pretty much what he constantly strives for. Despite everything, all the sorrow and bad news, he can't stop a glow of pleasure. ]

Thank you, again. I like you a lot, as well. But I believe-- and hope-- that it would take a good deal more to place my soul into any peril.

[moralperil]

[He's just going to file the part where Ashraf said he likes him too into a very secret and locked box in his heart ;3; ] I know. But I was still worried about you because you're my friend. No one should have to be alone when they're suffering.

And I knew you'd probably been hard at work all day and hadn't eaten!

[healplz]

[ Well, the eating part is definitely true. He's finished the sandwich he was working on and tucks the rest of the bag away, now even further from hungry. ]

Speaking of, I should return to my work. [ And because he doubts he could stop him if he tried: ] You're welcome to accompany me, although I can't promise it will be interesting.

[moralperil]

You should listen to me and go home and rest a bit. [Mahdi mutters, crossing his arms stubbornly.] But if you won't, then I'm staying here. Need me to fetch you anything?

[healplz]

[ He is totally just not even gonna justify that with a reply this time, that's how much he intends to ignore that advice. He starts for the other room, sweeping into his usual solemn and collected air as he goes. ]

No, but thank you. I have everything I need.

[moralperil]

Okaaaay.

[He's actually really good at just kind of hovering and waiting and being surprisingly quiet. Which is what he does. He always stays near, though, hopping from the chair and following the moment Ashraf seems like he might go out of sight.]