[ 002 ] [ Commentlog ]

[dontgiveafock]

[He'd been there for hours, back torn open from the flogging received and body a mass of agony. Joe was aware that he wasn't the worst dealt that day, but it didn't mean his pain wasn't still on the extreme. He knew he should probably sleep, that the coming days would be busy, but for the moment, the man was content to stare blankly at the ground

Comments

[vivenieta]

[It's before dawn when Nieta approaches the stocks. She brings nothing with her. She can't. Instead she crouches down in front of Joe and tries to catch his eye. Is he sleeping, or maybe passed out?]

Idiota.

[dontgiveafock]

[Just resting his eyes, Joe would say. He stirs at the word and lifts his head to look at her.]

Now there's a sight to wake up to.

[vivenieta]

I could say the same about you.

[She glances at the stocks.]

Why did you not tell me?

[dontgiveafock]

Didn't see the point of gettin' more than one of us in trouble. One of the notes they found had my name on it.

[Joe doesn't take his eyes off her.]

What would you have done if I did?

[vivenieta]

[She wants to hit him. She really does. Just for being so stupid. But even a friendly punch would probably topple him, so she sits tight and bites her lip. She glances at Alex and the boy nearby and then leans in closer to make sure she's not overheard.]

I would have told you why it had your name on it.

[dontgiveafock]

[Now that gets his attention. Joe looks to Nieta, mouth slightly open in surprise. He glances to the others and whispers in return.]

What do you know? How, even?

[vivenieta]

[Nieta looks again at their companions and shakes her head. Not here Joe. But she can't leave him hanging here in the dark...]

It was a letter from a friend.

[She looks aside again, but this time she is looking at the keep.]

[dontgiveafock]

[He wants to ask more, but catches her hint and reluctantly nods. When she glances to the Keep, Joe does as well.]

Y'should get back, Ni. If she catches you 'ere... We can talk later.

[He offers a small smile.]

Might have to put a bit of a wait on y'teachin' me to Samba, but I'll still steal ya fer a dance if y'promise to take it steady.

[vivenieta]

[Nieta grins at that.]

She has told me only that I cannot help. And see? I am not helping.

[She raises her empty palms.]

But I will remember that.

[She gets to her feet.]

It will be over soon.

[dontgiveafock]

[He smiles back at her, a little fuller than before.]

Clever, lass.

[Joe is sad to see her go.]

Thanks fer stoppin' by, Ni.