voice; (backdated to 9/12)

[bloodbiter]

[Short and to the point.]

Is it customary for people to leave this place only to return mere days later?

Comments

[oncearanger]

There was another situation of people being pulled from many worlds to fight a war. That first war was apparently won, though I missed the ending of it.

Now I'm fighting another.

[bloodbiter]

I was not aware this could happen twice. Has it truly been years since you've returned home?

[oncearanger]

I think so. I was sixteen then.

I'm almost nineteen now. At least...that's my best estimate of my age. In that first place it was difficult to track the passage of time accurately.

[bloodbiter]

[She stops. She feels like this is a time she should be offering some words of wisdom or comfort. She's never been good with that.]

I am sorry. It sounds awful. [The words, though sparse, are sincere; she can't imagine what it would be like to go so long without returning to her home.]

Forgive me, I don't believe I've asked your name yet. You can call me Addie.

[oncearanger]

Eventually you learn to adapt. It's not easy, but it's what I have to do.

Anyway, I'm Billy. I'd say it's nice to meet you, but I haven't really been telling you nice things.

I'm a downer today.

[bloodbiter]

Ah, no, you needn't say that. The information you've given me is valuable. Thank you.