004; video

[etreici]

[Oz is dirty, bruised, slightly bloody and there are dried tear tracks on his cheeks but he's got a strained smile on his lips. He's sitting against a tree, arms wrapped around his legs, bent up as they are, cheek resting on the top of his knees. He looks incredibly tired and, when he speaks, he sounds it as well.]

I'm back.

[He tries to smile a

Comments

[ishisservant]

[Gilbert completely misses the message, given that he's been leaving his journal at home while out searching for his missing brother. That search, however, has been taking him a bit farther out from the village, and as he wanders through the trees he hears the tail end of Oz talking. He doesn't think he recognizes the voice, but he can't help but call out anyway.]

Vincent?

[ishisservant]

I'm okay.

[And after only an instant's pause Gilbert darts forward to help Oz stand, since he looks like he needs it.]

[etreici]

Thanks.

[He smiles a little more at him - and it's almost like back when they first met all over again.]

[ishisservant]

So where do you live? Do you need help getting there?

[etreici]

In the village. Where have you been staying? [He doesn't want to surprise Gil too much.]

[ishisservant]

With someone named Elliot. He says he's my brother, even though I only have one brother.

[Which is weird, but everything about this place is weird.]

[etreici]

Well, Elliot's my friend too. [He offers a small smile.] And we share the house. So I guess I'm going back there.

[ishisservant]

Oh! I know where that is, then.

[He hesitates, glancing around, then sighs.]

I was looking for my brother, but I guess I can go with you for now.

[etreici]

[He's not going to tell Gil that it's likely he wouldn't recognise Vincent even if he saw him...]

Thanks.

[ishisservant]

Can you get back all right?

[etreici]

I should be able to.

But you might want to walk with me just in case.

[ishisservant]

Well, it does seem we're going to the same place.

[etreici]

That makes it easier, doesn't it?

[ishisservant]

It does!

[Gilbert takes a few steps away and glances back over his shoulder at Oz to see if he's following.]

[etreici]

[Following. Slowly, but he's following.]

[ishisservant]

[Gilbert turns and keeps walking backwards, facing Oz with a small frown.]

Do you need any help?