Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

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[soulus]

[She may not be surrounded by woodland critters, but Rupe is here now and bounding in her direction. Soundlessly approaching her with no owner in sight just yet, he stops to look up at her. Perhaps the humming summoned him.]

[misstrust]

Well, aren't you cute!

[ She's surprised, but not enough to avoid crouching down to see him better. ]

[soulus]

[Rupe peers up at Dorothy—and doesn't really do anything else when the sound of footfalls on grass heralds Rufus' entrance down the path he came.]

What have I said about running off?

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy looks at Rufus. Then at the creature. Then Rufus.

Come to think of it, they're strangely similar, but she heaves a sigh and shakes her head at Rupe. ]

It's no good using a pretty girl as an excuse to get yourself out of trouble. He's immune.

[soulus]

[Well, then what good is she? (That's probably not what he's thinking.) Rupe turns tail and dogtrots back to Rufus, who's taken Dorothy's time talking to step closer.

Now that he's gotten Rupe back, he should just leave. Something holds him from going, though, as he watches Dorothy.]

What brings you here?

[misstrust]

[ It's his long-deprived hormones-- okay no.

Dorothy straightens up, dusting off her skirt with a vaguely bemused expression. Maybe she didn't expect that question. ]

Just thought it'd be easier to sift through my memories in a quieter location.

[soulus]

[Definitely.]

Have you forgotten much?

[misstrust]

Not that I can recall... ironically. [ With a small, huffed-out laugh. ]

The fact that I can't seem to place what I've forgotten might just mean it wasn't very important. But for now, I'd like to acknowledge what I do remember... perhaps it might help later.

[soulus]

What good will it do to acknowledge them now, only to forget them later? Writing them down would be better.

[misstrust]

And I shall. But there's no harm in feeling nostalgic in the meantime.

[ Dorothy gazes at him for a moment, then plunks herself down under a tree, patting the space beside her. A girl can try. ]

... And you? Looking for your friend?

[soulus]

[He doesn't appear to share her sentiment about nostalgia, if the crease in his brow is any indication.

Still, after a moment's consideration he walks over to join her at the indicated space. Rupe settles down next to him on the side opposite of Dorothy.]

It wasn't far. We were already here when he wandered.

[misstrust]

[ Ah, his forehead is frowning.

He's rather taciturn, she thinks, but chooses not to point it out-- he's probably heard it before. ]

What is he, exactly? He's very cute.

[soulus]

A wolf.

[Beating around the bush is inefficient. He doesn't wait.]

What team have you been assigned?

[misstrust]

I'll have to pass. [ And she says it promptly, eyebrows knitting together. ]

I'm not so keen on breaking their rules just yet until I know what that might entail.

[soulus]

[He doesn't look bothered by the answer. She's cautious. That's fine.]

What do you make of what we do know?

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy's quiet for a moment, a more pensive hum trapped in her throat until she speaks. ]

I don't really trust these factions-- I was told they're meant to be incentive for nova gathering, but you would think just being able to return home would be more than enough motivation.

Also our importance here is apparently so great that they would all willingly give up all of their memories to guide us? I can't say I understand taking that kind of risk myself.

[soulus]

[He's also quiet as he listen. Beside him, Rupe watches them in equal silence.]

Factions breed mistrust. There's most likely something else at play that gains from dividing the masses.

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy releases a noise that's half-sigh and half... well, something along the lines of an unhappy growl, slipping a hand through her hair.

Better to keep it busy than trying to reach out for his hand, like she wants to-- but for once, she exercises restraint. It'd be a shame if he bolted so soon, merely because he doesn't seem to be fond of closeness. ]

Perhaps they consider distrust to be a powerful enough emotion that it's worth trying to stir up. Or, rather, being wary can certainly escalate into stronger emotions.

[soulus]

[He sits with an arm draped over a bent knee, staring down at the grass in front of his feet. It's easier, he finds, if he just doesn't put anyone in his line of sight. She sounds unhappy about something, but that's not important right now.]

Either way, the outcome is bound to be quite unsightly.

[misstrust]

Then there's nothing to do but be prepared for it.

[ Her hand falls back to her lap after a moment, Dorothy leaning more against the tree she's selected. ]

Surely a demon ought to be used to unsightly things?

[soulus]

[That's speciest.

He chooses to say nothing to that, which means he's left sitting in the silence and the growing desire to reach out to the voice. It's troublesome, and needy besides. He has to fill the gap with something.]

. . . Is there a wish you want granted?

[misstrust]

[ SHOULDN'T YOU BE CAVORTING IN HELL, RUFUS ]

... [ Another laugh, even quieter. ] Oh, I think most ladies would wish for a handsome gentleman to come sweep them away from the drudgery into a life of adventure and riches.

[ And she could leave it there. She's tempted. But... ]

However, wishes really aren't for me. And you? Does that interest you, having a wish granted?

[soulus]

[Should he be?

He glances at her over his shoulder. (Bad move. That put her briefly in his line of sight.) The fingers of his hand that's hanging off his knee curl faintly into his palm, forming a loose fist.]

My wish . . . I can grant it myself.

[misstrust]

[ He doesn't seem to be the cavorting type, but... really, she wonders if anyone would believe her, if she told the young ladies she knows about having encountered a demon.

Probably not.

Her eyes flick down to his hand, a more pensive expression entering... though again, she does nothing. Not yet, anyway. Even if he's making it awfully tempting. ]

And your wish would be...? Not my business?

[ Look, she was wary. He's probably wary too. She gets that. ]

[soulus]

No.

[It's not her business. Although he'd ordinarily ask for an incentive to speak, the familiar wave of quiet rage crashes against his cool exterior. He doesn't think—only feel as that loose fist tightens.]

. . . I'll kill him with my own hands.