004 [ action ]

[hakoiri]

[ By the very tree his friend had run into some three weeks ago, Alf is engaging the squirrels in conversation. He looks noticeably concerned over whatever it is that they're discussing. Fitting, considering today's weather. ]

So he hasn't been around . . .

[ A quick word of thanks, and he heads off down the path. On his way across a bridge, he

Comments

[Action]

[forkimlasca]

[With the slight gloom in the air at house 5, Natalia decides to take a walk around the village to clear her head. At the moment, she starts to cross the bridge Alf is standing on, and looks up in time to see him.

His face suggests something's wrong. She stops beside him.]

Are you all right?

[Action]

[hakoiri]

[Instinctively, he hasn't let his guard down and isn't nearly as surprised as he could've been when the voice calls to him. He turns his face in her direction, putting on a wry smile.]

Ah, yes. I'm quite all right, thank you.

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[forkimlasca]

Do you often look at rivers with such a melancholy expression then?

[You can't fool this princess, sir.]

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[hakoiri]

Does it look that way?

[ Suppose it can't be helped when he was being so obvious. ]

. . . I don't, actually.

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[forkimlasca]

Yes, I'm sorry to say.

[She places her hands on the railing of the bridge, looking over at him.]

So there is a reason for this time, yes?

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[hakoiri]

Yes, there is.

[ He puts a hand on the railing, himself, and looks back to the body of water below. ]

But I wouldn't want to trouble you with my concerns.

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[forkimlasca]

I may not be able to help, but I have learned that sharing your problems with others does in fact make them easier at times.

[She offers a smile and her hand to shake.]

My name is Natalia.

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[hakoiri]

It does, doesn't it.

[ That's said more to himself than her, because she has a point. Encouraged by the smile, he takes her hand and shakes it, firmly. ]

I am Alf. If you'd spare me some of your time, Natalia, I could take you up on your advice and . . . share.

[ . . . that thing called "problems." ]

[Action]

[forkimlasca]

A pleasure to meet you, Alf.

[Letting go of his hand, she gives an encouraging nod.]

I have plenty of time to listen. Please, go ahead.

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[hakoiri]

Likewise.

[ He keeps his gaze on her as he starts. ]

When I arrived a month ago, I read about the kidnappings in the guide. But I think that the gravity of the situation didn't sink in until someone I knew was taken and recently returned. And with everything else that's happened lately . . .

Just yesterday night, a friend of mine went missing.

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[forkimlasca]

[Natalia listens quietly. A kidnapped friend, she understands that feeling.]

I see. That is terrible, I am very sorry to hear that Alf.

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[hakoiri]

[ As big a deal as it is, he can't help but feel a little bad over making a fuss when it's happening to so many others. ]

That's all right. I know he'll be fine once he's returned.

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[forkimlasca]

[Aw Alf. It's okay to be sad! ;;]

You'll be here waiting for him, right? And you'll take care of him if anything is wrong.

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[hakoiri]

Yes, I'll be keeping an eye out for him; then I can tend to him immediately. I hope he's returned soon . . .

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[forkimlasca]

As do I. If you tell me your companion's name, I will also keep a watch for him.

I am a skilled healer, I may be able to assist.

[Action]

[hakoiri]

A healer, you say? If you don't mind, I'd be grateful for your assistance. His name is Niko -- he has red hair, and he should be dressed in predominantly blue.

[ There's a small smile. ] I really appreciate it.