Unusual Circumstances

[Multi-Facets]

He was awake again. How long had it been since the last time he entered the deep, dreamless slumber that was his usual state these days?

No matter. Knowing would probably make him feel quite glum. Harte Locke Und carefully sat up, working out the kinks in his body and pushing aside the green pillows on his purple-sheeted bed. He parted the sheer golden curtains next and stood, stretching and yawning before giving his head a good shake. A quick smoothing of his robes and a combing of his white hair, and Harte judged himself presentable to whomever would need him.

Pushing open the door of his quarters, he stepped into Signet's domain.

[Tuyet]

Carmine approaches him from the side, and says in a worried tone, "Something's not right, Harte. Only you, Miruli, and I are still here in Terra d'Memoria... The last time this happened was right before the war broke out between the others. What do you think's going to happen?"

[Multi-Facets]

Harte sighed, understanding Carmine's worry. "There is a high probability of our kin involving themselves in another senseless fight," he reasoned, "if all of the fighting gods have made themselves scarce from here." He shook his head and patted Carmine's shoulder. "I do not know what to tell you."

[Tuyet]

"I just hope it doesn't turn out like the last one..." Carmine shuddered slightly, then asked -mostly to take her mind off of the current topic-, "Has everything been alright with you? Have you been resting well or do you think you've faded more? I might be able to strengthen the spell if it doesn't seem to be enough anymore."

[Multi-Facets]

"I awoke with full awareness and without grogginess," Harte replied, glad to turn the topic away from war. "I must thank you and Lamis. I do not feel weak or tired when I am awake, and I do not dream. It is a good job," he complimented, peeking at Carmine through his lashes. "I've said I owe you two much for that, and I do."

[Tuyet]

Carmine laughs. "Don't worry about it! You don't have to thank either of us; it's not like we'd let you fade away. Do you have any idea what work you?"

[Multi-Facets]

"No." Harte shook his head. "But then, I have not checked on the affairs of the mortal world yet. Perhaps it was something here that needs my attention. I shall have to look into it."

[Tuyet]

"I'll keep you company while you do that if you want." Carmine smiles wanly than adds, "I bet you get lonely with fewer and fewer following you and most of the other gods so tied up in their own affairs that they forget that it tends to be a good idea to talk to the others."

[Multi-Facets]

"Thank you for the offer. I appreciate it," Harte said, holding out his arm for Carmine to take. "Let us go outside; I feel I see better into the hearts of humans without walls in the way. As for followers, I don't need them. Acts of goodwill are my worship. It is sad the majority of humans seem to have forgotten how to give such a gift to each other, however." He shrugged as they walked. "Loneliness.... I do not feel it. I have no time to, since I'm usually asleep."