kjera

The plateau's hoary winds sweep through the ranges, and on with a brush past her lobes. To her ears, it is the sound of Her laughing.

A touch teasing, a touch mocking, a touch self-defeated, a touch helpless.

Who is She laughing at? None but Herself, of course.

If you want to bring up friends, you're guilty of making some yourself back then.

If you want to bring up relationships, you've never once been able to stop yourself getting involved.

You want to help, yet you tell me I shouldn't lay a finger.

You feel they're wrong, yet you think they should arrive at their own judgments.

Silly you. Can you honestly not tell why she was the one?

Is she so special she'd stand alone for an eon before and after?

Or just, plain and simple, she's done for you what you always wanted?

Kjarr, where are you?

I'm... You'd have no idea even if I told you.

I'll take that. I hear you showed yourself and solved a little issue for me?

Oh, my. Word does get around to you fast, Saintess.

I don't care to hear, but they keep insisting I do anyway.

*sigh*...

Tell me what's on your mind, Saintess.

How are you feeling about my question from before?

What question? Your dinner tonight?

Kjarr, I'm not asking as a joke!

The appointment?

Mm.

Victoria's about to send their people here.

Once they arrive, I want Her not to get involved, no matter what happens.

It's not the time for Her to act yet, is it?

No.

If we can't even make it through this little crisis ourselves, well, I'll just go and dive into Lake Silberneherze.

Good grief. You really put your brother's stubbornness to shame at times, you know.

And thank you very much for saying that.

Will you be back at the Vine-Bead Court tonight?

I'm on my way back now. I have your dinner to make, Saintess—I can't be dilly-dallying.

Just a hunch, but are you in a good mood?

Is it that obvious to you?

After how long we've known each other? Of course.

It's nothing much, just saw nice weather today and went for a little walk.

Good evening.

Mm-hm. Good evening.

Pfft. My, my, silly me.

A laugh like bells takes to the wind, and on with brush after brush past the mountaintops. This time, it's her laughing.

She lingers no longer, and sets off for Mount Karlan.

It's time she got home—there's work waiting for her.