[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

[unheiring]

You are right.
I am just... familiar with this form of loss rather intimately. I admit that I am a touch gunshy.
Albeit in this case, I suppose I have more reason to be optimistic than not.

[There is a pause, before the writing continues again.]

I appreciate the offer. You are right that I do not relish the rain. Thankfully, I do not want for much in the bar. I have plenty of supplies with which to cook. I think a nice soup should suit me well.

[ninelines]

I get it. And believe me, the last thing I want is to make you feel like you're not feeling that way for a good reason. More just... trying to offer a perspective.

You sure? I really wouldn't mind running something over if you might need it. Wouldn't be my first time that I sprinted through the rain in recent memory.

[unheiring]

It is appreciated. It keeps me from spiraling into unpleasant ideas.
The truth is, I do not know. It could be a great many different things. It... need not be the worst.

[Another pause, longer still.]

Alright then. What is your favorite meal. And are you any good at making it? Since you are so eager to help, that is.

[ninelines]

Oh! That is a fantastic question. I could definitely make it, but I'd have to ask, first, about your opinion on raw seafood.

[unheiring]

Do you mean salt-cured fish? I have had it before. I do not mind it at all.

[ninelines]

The one I'm thinking of isn't actually salt-cured! It's actually lemon-cured. If you're still game, I bet I could scrounge up the stuff needed to make the dish I'm thinking of.

[unheiring]

It is intriguing enough of a concept. I am most certainly interested.

... Just as long as you do not use the lemons with eyeballs.

[ninelines]

Sorry, the what? There's what?

[unheiring]

Ohhh, do not worry about it if you have not come across them.
It will be a pleasant surprise!

[Good job, Lodi, teasing you is bringing Luca even further out of his funk.]

[ninelines]

Forgive me, but that - sounds like the furthest thing from a pleasant surprise. Lemons? With eyes? I'm sorry, everyone here has been very lovely and kind to me, but it is so strange here. Everything is so strange here!

Can I get lemons without the eyes? Lemons, hold the eyes?

[ Mission accomplished! ]

[unheiring]

I mean. I am certain if you asked Heimr, you could!
No one said you could not. I just told you to watch out for the ones that did have them.

[ninelines]

You... had to have known that that would take precedence in my mind over anything else! Oh, man, now I've got the heebie-jeebies. Seriously, why are there lemons with eyes?

[unheiring]

Do you think I would do that? Go out of my way to make you squirm?

As for the why. A young man named Elsword brought them here. His home was... a little odd. He was a little odd. But he was rather well-liked by us folk around here. Certainly enough to forgive his taste in lemons.

[ninelines]

Y'know what, as a matter of fact, I might! Something tells me that you might enjoy the occasional jape!

And they were just cultivated here? I guess that's not that much of a surprise. I'm a little more surprised that they apparently found such... horticultural success, here, to be honest with you.

[unheiring]

There is a chance!

You know, of all things to successfully grow here, an eyeball lemon is the least surprising. Let us be honest here.