[Netbook] Missing Persons

[unheiring]

Has anyone seen River since we returned from camp? Given the presence of the lake, I had assumed he was busy exploring its depths. But I have yet to sight him since returning home.

... I am sure it is nothing. But if you have come across him, do let me know. If you are unfamiliar, he is rather tall, has a tail and fins, and will probably try to fight you if you are wielding a weapon.

Thank you.

Comments

[kingincognito]

[ Wrong or not, Joshua doesn't seem to mind at all. It is a wound nonetheless, and Luca is seeking comfort, so comfort he shall give. If anything, if River has truly left this place, Joshua is glad that he can still be here for this comfort. ]

It is not the first time that this has happened. Nor will it be the last, I'm afraid. But you had no way of knowing before now, did you?

[ He tucks his chin against the top of Luca's head. ]

Do not destroy yourself over something of which you had no control. It is not your fault.

[unheiring]

[Despite it all, Luca... finds himself laughing. Joshua says all the right things, or would have, if it were what Luca was truly concerned about.]

I... do not think he was taken at all. [He shakes his head, all without daring to lift it or shift away from Joshua's chest. Sorry that he's just smearing his tears everywhere, buddy.] You have met him now, you know how he is.

[Another faint titter leaves him, before shuddering into a noise closer to a whimper.]

I have no doubt that he went off the challenge that Monster in the woods himself.

[kingincognito]

[ ... ah. Now that Luca says it aloud, Joshua can see the possibility clearly. He doesn't know River as well as Luca, but he certainly knows of the man's desire for a good fight. Would he be so bold as to challenge Suri himself?

If the laughter or the tears bother him, he doesn't show it. For the record, they don't. ]

Ah. I suppose...

[ Joshua is silent for a moment, frowning, chewing gently on the inside of his lower lip. ]

If that is the case, then I daresay he will return sooner rather than later, in one way or another.

[ He doesn't feel like he has to explain that one. ]

[unheiring]

[He certainly does not. The good thing is that it doesn't make Luca feel any worse than he already does. From the moment the realization of what River might have done set in, he knew what the end result would be. Powerful as River was, he was not a match for a god.

At least, not in his current capacity.

It meant that if, when River returned, it would be with significant changes. Injuries. Losses. Luca's heart ached with the thought.]

I will... simply have to be ready for whatever may come.

[He shakes his head, before ultimately settling back down against Joshua's chest.]

Thank you... For coming. For listening. For everything.