video.

[theguideless]

[I.D. simply reads "Martin" now. and a Martin surely is at-hand! long time no see, network. only six-plus months long, nbd.

he looks fairly pleased and...relieved after a beat. because he's pretty sure he's figured this out.]

Hello... [his eyes wince. doubt.] Hello? [the screen tilts a little while he inspects something.]

I think this is right. It's been a long time since I've used one of these... [his stare trails away.] I took one of the new ones. I think that's alright, since mine's been gone for a long time...

[a beat. he looks back.]

Is everyone alright? Now that they're gone...

Comments

voice.

[boughtabookstore]

Martin. Are you all right?

[theguideless]

... [he stares at the screen for a beat, scouring it. and in finding the name to confirm, brightening.]

Roslyn...!

[boughtabookstore]

[ okay, good. ]

How are you doing?

[theguideless]

[smiling smiling smiling.] I'm just fine. I'm really happy to see you! [er,] Hear you, I mean. I didn't find you when I was looking around the place...

[boughtabookstore]

[ An amused moment and then Roslyn flicks on the video. It doesn't particularly matter one way or another. ] I've been quite occupied, I apologize. Have you settled in well?

[theguideless]

[more convinced (and relieved), his shoulders sag a little with his breath.] I'm alright, really. It's strange, but I'm sure I'm safe. The monsters are gone, right?

yes martin but now the human ones are coming out to play

[boughtabookstore]

As far as we can tell, it should be completely over. Did you stay safe?

easy ros one stress at a time

[theguideless]

A–yes...[he cuts himself off to confirm that. he nods.] Yes, I've been out of trouble. [the nod stops and he fidgets, wrestling with the thought.]

no!!

[boughtabookstore]

[ a raised eyebrow, and slightly teasing. ] You don't sound terribly sure of yourself.

[theguideless]

Oh, it's only...[the smile is there and then not.] Only how to say...about Bariyan...

[boughtabookstore]

Ah. [ Yes. ] What about him?

if you get foreshadowing so do i

[theguideless]

He didn't come back with me.

He won't come back.

y good

[boughtabookstore]

You never know for certain, with this place.

[ careful beat ] I'm sorry. I miss him too.

[theguideless]

[he's certain, pushing away the surreal episode of liveriyan. far, far away.

quietly:] He liked you, so...So I wanted you to know, for sure.

[boughtabookstore]

Thank you. It means a great deal.

[theguideless]

[a soft sound, lapsing into a pause.]

...It will be alright.

[boughtabookstore]

It will be. You will let me know if you need anything, yes?

[theguideless]

O-of course! I think I will be fine, but...of course.

[boughtabookstore]

I'm sure you will be, but I want to make sure you know I'm always here if you need something.

[theguideless]

[a hesitation.]

Mm. Yes... [always?] I'll remember.

[boughtabookstore]

All right. I'll talk to you later.