∴ 008 ∴ Voice ∴ Returning empty-handed

[as_you_command]

[ The voice comes over the feed; hushed, though Guilford speaks with purpose. ] Seasons cannot pass this quickly...

I require-- [ Assistance? Direction? No, he remembers exactly where he is. He just doesn't know when. The scenery does not match up one hundred percent with the weather he last remembered

Comments

voice.

[toplay_thefool]

[Assuming he'll have the date now, Souji skips ahead:]

What was the date you remember, sir? I'll try to fill you in if you have questions.

[as_you_command]

[ Not only that, but he's also been told that the boy was still here, so there is no surprise in his tone. Back to business... ] The exact date escapes me, but it was within a few weeks after the new year.

[toplay_thefool]

[He nods, unseen - that matches up with what he remembers.]

Did you return home?

[as_you_command]

For several months, yes. Time does not appear to line up between this world and our own worlds. [ Which is frustrating. Not to mention... ] --before I left, I vaguely recall chasing... someone. Some thing that I cannot remember for the life of me. [ It's disturbing when Guilford uses uncertain terms. His words usually cut to the heart of the statement, leaving little grey area. ]

[toplay_thefool]

[And that's a change that Souji notes - and if it's strange for him, he can but imagine how much more prominent that is for Guilford. Thinking back, a frown colours his voice.]

I don't remember anything that might have been. Not from the end of January, at least...

[as_you_command]

I doubt it would have been the end of January... The last I remember the town, it was nighttime, with most croft lights extinguished, and covered in an eerie silence. [ Or it could be he was just so focused on his task that he ignored all else. ]

[toplay_thefool]

I must be mistaken. I was sure that the last time I heard from you was the end of January, or around that time. [But he's not so sure that he is mistaken. The issue niggles at him.]

What happened? You were chasing this... thing, and then arrived back in Britannia?

[as_you_command]

If so, it is lost in whatever hazy recollection I am experiencing at the moment. [ A fact that bothers him. He sighs. ] I... cannot pinpoint how that transition took place but, essentially, yes.

--and I cannot remember if I had memories of being here while I was at home. I passed the idle time as I always have, with no second thoughts as to where I had just been, for all I know. [ Again, bothersome. Guilford is not a fan of having his memories messed with for obvious reasons. ]

[toplay_thefool]

[He frowns again, sounding thoughtful.]

It sounds presumptuous, maybe, but many people seem to be a little disorientated when they arrive here again, sir. I think you need to give yourself a little time to get used to things first - you may even remember more than you can right now.

[as_you_command]

[ And were that presumption to come from anyone else, he might have balked at the suggestion. ] I plan on resting just as soon as I have all the information that I seek.

But... thank you for your concern.

[toplay_thefool]

If I can help more, please let me know. For the record, it's good to have you back, even if I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

[as_you_command]

Of course. No one should.

I shall no doubt return to my duties once I have recovered my possessions.

[toplay_thefool]

Mm. And there's food in the inn, when you get hungry. [Y'know, just incase you forgot or something.]

[as_you_command]

Thank you. A meal... [ He was about to dismiss that suggestion, but time wasn't playing with only his mind. Guilford lacked energy, and hunger would no doubt he close behind that feeling. ] --it sounds like a grand idea.

[toplay_thefool]

Good. I'll try to remember anything that happened around late January. I think that was the last time we had those dreams, but that was... earlier in the month.

[as_you_command]

Dreams? [ Guilford stops and thinks. ] ...you mean the shared visions. Hm. I do not remember seeing any in some time, though I did have strong thoughts of home before I left the village that last night.