one » ( VIDEO )

[confiteri]

[ The feed flicks on suddenly to show the lovely and interesting image of a rock wall, or perhaps it is the ceiling it is hard to tell. What is easy to tell is the owner is this has no idea how to use the netbook. But hey, after twenty minutes of pressing buttons and hoping something works this is significant progress.

The feed jerks and there is a long suffering sigh. Half of a woman appears on the screen, cut off awkwardly, she fumbles it with some more and for a few minutes the feed is a mixture of blurred imagines and more of the wall.

Once it stills the woman with long dark hair can be properly seen, she looks equal parts tired and frustrated, though she tries to appear as if she is neither. ]

Hello, my name is Kahlan. [ She offers a small smile. ] I am new here and as such I do not know what exactly is happening, other than there was some sort of attack. I require information, I will be most grateful to those willing to provide it. I hold no fondness for being in the dark [ Quite literally. ] about what is happening around me.

Comments

[healplz]

I'm sorry to bear you bad news. [ BUT WAIT, since this seemed to relieve her last time... ] However, I can say that we have been informed time does not progress in our absence at home.

[confiteri]

[ It does, as much as it confuses her. ] They possess that sort of power? [ To be able to freeze time. In truth she does not understand it, her mind races, everything instilled in her wants to call it magic. But she cannot, even with what little she saw before being herded underground, she cannot call what the people here have magic. ]

Then when I leave, I will be returned to the exact moment I was taken. [ The words feel odd on her lips, but she cannot disguise the level of relief she feels. ] I will be spared my friend's scolding.

[healplz]

[ with just the tiniest of smiles: ] You will.

They have taken us from time in the first place, do they not? It only follows that they have the power to return us to the moment of our original departure.

[confiteri]

Yes, I suppose it is safe to assume they do. [ And it's super unnerving. ]

May I have your name? As you already have mine.

[healplz]

Forgive me, that should have been the first thing I gave you. I am Ashraf Salib, a priest.

[confiteri]

It is nice to meet you, Ashraf. [ She smiles, it is a touch more relaxed this time. More genuine. ]

You claim we have spoken before─ [ And so far she cannot detect any deceit from him, he isn't lying despite how unbelievable his words are to her ears. ] ─and I believe you. If you do not mind answering, I would like to know how much you know of me.

[healplz]

[ awww he appreciates that belief. Especially because he knows it's a lot to believe. ]

Very little, I confess. We did not speak long the first time, I learned little else about you beyond your name, and your use of twin daggers.

[confiteri]

[ Kahlan finds herself both relieved and concerned, for this man does not know what she is. It almost feels like meeting Richard all over again, only not as bad. Ashraf is still a stranger, where as Richard had already proclaimed himself to be her friend. ]

I have... returned with them as well. [ Another thing added to the list of stuff she doesn't quite understand. ] I hope the spirits allow us to more time to get to know one another this time.

[healplz]

I am not so sure it's up to spirits of any kind, to be honest.

[confiteri]

[ She falls silent for a moment, it is force of habit to be honest. ]

You are right, regardless my hope remains the same.

[healplz]

And mine echoes it. [ a smile! ] But more to the point, please feel free to call on me for anything you need. I'm a healer, and I've been here for well long enough to acquaint myself with anything you may like to find.

[confiteri]

Thank you Ashraf. [ She returns the smile, she makes no effort to hide the relief she feels in finding someone willing to aid her. ] Should I need healing or answers I will be sure to call on you.

[healplz]

Or even simply a warm meal. [ ......wait that doesn't sound like he's asking her out for dinner or anything oh god clarifying ] —That is, I've found my way around some of the restaurants here, and as you're new, it's likely I have more money to spend on them.

[confiteri]

[ That earn him a laugh as she shakes her head slightly. ] I would like that to be truthful, it has been some time since I have eaten a proper meal.

Military rations do not make the most delectable meals.

[healplz]

No, not often. [ okay feelin less awkward about this again, so his smile is back. ] It would be my pleasure. Do you have a time of preference?

SORRY FOR MY HIDEOUS SLOWNESS

[confiteri]

[ That was precious, utterly precious. He has earned himself some points, or something, in her books. ]

Whenever you wish will be well with me, I have quite a lot of time these days.

NO WORRIES MAN

[healplz]

Then, perhaps this evening?

HAVE I TOLD YOU I LOVE YOU LATELY?

[confiteri]

Perhaps when things die down and we are no longer forced to hide in the ground.

[ She smiles. ]

You will be able to show off these restaurants properly then.

[healplz]

I — y-yes, of course. [ wow ashraf WAY TO FORGET THE IMPORTANT STUFF. totally embarrassed now. ] Then I will speak to you again, then.