003; action

[mistyarc]

[Ever since Sophie's abduction, Hubert's been more quiet than usual. While there had been signs of a struggle, he can't help but think she might've gone with the droids after he'd filled her head with ideas of talking to the Malnosso. He knows the experience is going to be unpleasant for her even if she might get that chance, and that sure

Comments

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[When Hubert finally returns to the house, he'll find Richard... half-dozing on the couch. Yep, some things haven't changed between Efinea and Luceti, and Richard's tendency to stress himself out and then fall asleep at the drop of a hat is one of them. The reason behind this should be fairly obvious-- it's the same thing Hubert's been worried about, after all.

... he's also sort of starting to ooze off the couch and will be having a sudden and unexpected rendezvous with the floor in a few moments.]

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[ . . . oh. That's a dangerous position to be in on the couch. When Hubert enters the house, one glance at Richard and a notice of the slip and he bolts over to Richard.

Except once he gets there, he's not quite sure how he should handle Richard from falling off for a rude awakening. Let's see, what would be the most appropriate way . . . ah.]

Your Majesty!

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[And Richard jolts awake with a yelp... when he's halfway off the couch, which then causes him to fall the rest of the way off and onto the floor with a thud.

... well, at least he's awake now?]

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[Not as planned . . . ]

My apologies. You were on the verge of falling, so I thought I would wake you, but . . .

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard just blinks for a moment, trying to focus his eyes on the blur above him. Hmm, lots of blue... that can only be one person.]

... thank you for trying, at least. It's my fault for falling asleep on the couch rather than in my bed.

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[True, if he was feeling drowsy Richard should have gone to his room -- but that's much easier said than done. He bends his knees and offers a hand.]

That couldn't be helped.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's with a bit of a wry smile that Richard takes that hand and stands up, brushing himself off and trying to look as if he didn't just take a tumble off a couch. Why do these things keep happening in front of Hubert, of all people? He's sure he must've made the best impression on his best friend's little brother by now.]

I was just thinking, and the next thing I knew... well.

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[To his credit, Hubert manages a straight face through the whole thing, which is probably good for the both of them. It's as times like this that he can see someone beyond the king before him . . . ]

Perhaps you should retire to your room, in that case.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Yes, that may be the best idea.

[...]

I haven't seen you around all day. Did you and Asbel go for a spar?

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[ . . . Asbel . . . ]

No. I was out on my own.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Don't think Richard doesn't notice that tone, Hubert.]

... is something wrong?

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[He shakes his head. Whether that's directed at himself or Richard, he's not saying.]

I take it you haven't seen Brother around, then.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Not since earlier... but then again, I think it should be obvious that I haven't exactly been paying the best attention over the past hour or so.

[Action]

[mistyarc]

[ . . . ]

It seems everyone's mind is elsewhere.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I suppose that isn't much of a surprise...

[Action]

[mistyarc]

Even though it's nearly been a week . . .