caughtinanetwork

[She had been expecting him to show up ever since she saw his name on the residency list. Even when she had known, she still wasn't sure how to approach him]

Y-Yes, it's me, Walter. [Now what? The last time she saw him was at Mirage Palace and then. Have a long pause from her end] Um...

[His mind is in a frenzy, and so he doesn't stop to consider the blaring warning signs from her manner of speech alone. The stuttering, the uncertainty -- they all go over his head as he holds back the many questions that come to him.

He still doesn't think to filter the messages, naturally.]

Merines, when did you arrive? [No, it's better that they talk in person.] Tell me where you are. I'll find you.

[Nope, she still has no idea how to talk to Walter. Although she might have go out soon to meet up some people]

I'm in the Phasma Apartments but there's nothing to worry about. [mumble mumble] I'm going to the park soon, we can meet there?

[He has half a mind to challenge that claim -- what isn't there to worry about here? -- but she's the leader, and he defers to her out of respect. Still, he's eager to come out and physically be at her side. "Soon" feels like forever and he's already getting up to leave.]

Of course. If that's where you've decided . . .

Okay, so um...I'll see you then.

[In a way, talking to Walter reminded her of a past that she would rather forget. She nearly killed all the Orerines and made so many people suffered for her sake...

However, she knew that she can overcome it. The problem now was talking to someone who was...suppose to be dead. Not to mention that he is her guard...

As she waited in the park for him, a part of her wanted to run away but she knew she couldn't do that. While he does intimidate her, she still had hope that they could just simply start over again and perhaps even be friends.

Either way, this was going to be awkward.]

[Pocketing the communicator, but not before actually reviewing what she said, Walter immediately strode over to his window and threw it open. He took a small leap off the sill, allowing his teriques to catch him midway. As far as he was concerned, no one was watching. He didn't care at the moment, anyway -- meeting the Merines was first priority.

He reached the park without delay, though given the size of the area he took a little longer finding her. When he caught sight of blonde hair, he ran.]

Merines! Are you all right?

[Her attire was inconsistent from when he'd last seen her, but he reasoned that it was acceptable in this setting.]

[There was a slight jump hearing his voice though a communicator compared to hearing in person]

Walter...

Yes, I've been fine, you really don't have to worry about me. [And there was that reminder that even here in Vatheon, he was still going to protect her no matter what. Let's just hope that nothing dangerous happens soon.]

I've been here for the past two days and I managed to figure out how this place works. It's certainly ...lively.

[She could say that she was fine all day; he would still stay and not risk anything happening to that state of "fine." But at the mention of her duration of stay, Walter extended his arms with his palms upturned.]

Why didn't you tell me? I could have come to you sooner.

[Especially when Senel isn't here? She clearly had no other option. It meant that she had been keeping to herself, and that was in no way safe.]

. . . you must be careful, Merines. The only Ferines here are us.

I thought that I could live by myself for a while. I was going to tell you and the others after I got settled.

[It does feel kind of weird that Senel isn't here but she might as well get use to it. Moses and Chloe were here too so it wasn't that bad.]

I wasn't planning on telling anyone I'm the Merines but I don't think anyone here knows what Ferines are. [Was it really as bad as he said it was? Some of the events here didn't seem that bad in her opinion. Admittedly, she doesn't know Vatheon too well but Walter was always suspicious of people]

[She had done precisely that, too: not tell anyone until after she'd gotten settled. He was more than a little miffed, but knew not to pitch a fit when it had already passed. He trusted her on that.]

They don't. The faint ideas they have are all incorrect. You don't have to worry about them finding out.

[And his tone suggested that he wanted to keep it that way. He had already struck a deal with Chloe: don't tell anyone about the Ferines, and he wouldn't rat out her presence if her friends didn't know. He'd never said more than he felt was necessary in all the months he was here.

. . . Did Shirley know Chloe was here? Surely she didn't count that swordswoman among the ranks of her friend. Last time he checked, the only one who had responded to her had been -- ]

But there are dangers you must be aware of regardless.

[Suspicious of everyone? Of course.]

[So she was right, they have no idea who the Ferines were. Still...] Even if they were to find out, I'm not sure it would matter. We're all the same here now that we're in Vatheon. I have seen a few people that look very different from us but...

[Although she has no problem with calling herself a Ferines, she does notice Walter's tone of voice. Did something happen? Based on what she has seen, there are quite a few people that looked different from her but shouldn't that mean there's no racial divide? At least, that's what she hoped.]

If you want to keep it a secret, I wouldn't mind. [Even though she has no problem with it, she wasn't going to ignore Walter's request]

[He nodded at that. He had more to say on the matter of her potential company, but held his tongue; as far as some people went, he could confront them if they posed any threat.]

It's for the best. . . . But why the interest in hand-to-hand combat? Do you feel weak?

[She most likely was unable to hear Nerifes' voice in a world like this. Come to think, what did that mean for her, she who was its agent? Thinking about him brought up a small scowl.]

No, not really. [Mumble mumble, should she tell him?]

I just thought that maybe it might be best that I learned how to. I might misplace my quill so when that happens, I want to protect myself. [And not let anyone else get hurt for her sake]

Your quill? [He shakes his head.] You don't need to take up such a physical practice. I will do my part.

But...

I don't want to be a burden for you. [While she knew how Walter died, she still felt like he was willing to die for her sake. She didn't mind that he was willing to protect her (again) but not learning how to fight without her eres? She didn't want to depend on him.]

[On the other hand, Walter desired -- no, was dying to have her depend on him. To him, need and want were the one and the same. It was his mission, after all, and she should not have to harbor such uncertainties.

He would erase them.]

It is my duty to ensure you are unharmed.

[His tone was a tad softer and less rigid. She had denied his aid in the past, albeit subtly, but he needed her to realize that she was no burden; no dead weight on his shoulders.

. . . Fighting using fists, hm? ]

Are you certain that this is what you want?

[There was a nod. She noticed his voice was a little bit softer than before which made her relax a bit.]

Mhmm, I am. I can promise you that I won't waste it either.

[He didn't need her to promise him that. He trusted her. Regardless, Walter observed her carefully before reaching a quiet answer.]

. . . if that is what the Merines desires . . .

[It would only be as a last resort, anyway. But he didn't say it aloud. He may teach her the basics later, may, though he was not too eager to give her more ways to throw herself into imminent danger. He could not, however, deny her so simply. Still, he was making no promises.]

I don't recommend falling straight on it should the situation appear bleak.

[With him around, he would ensure that the situation never became bleak.]

I won't, I know better than that. [She said with a smile before looking straight at her quill. It was until recently that Shirley stopped the habit of telling lies when things were going wrong. However, she wouldn't dare lie to Walter.]

Um, should we start now?

Here?

[It was sudden for him, but given that she had been in Vatheon for some time now, taking more to "settle in" would be an outdated suggestion. So he dropped the slight surprise after the one word. He was more uneasy about doing the exercise in the park, where so many people passed by.]

It may be better to begin indoors . . .

All right, where should we go?

[She wanted to question why since there would be more space but she wasn't going to disagree with Walter. Right now, he was being agreeable and she hopes to keep it that way[

[Anywhere but here. There weren't looking to do anything particularly strenuous or outlandish, so space was hardly a problem. Somewhere not intrusive . . . ]

Perhaps to one of our places . . .

[He knew his, at least, had plenty of room due to the lack of personal touch. He couldn't say the same for her.

That he was suggesting going over to a woman's place failed to register that way in his mind.

But then -- ]

For somewhere outdoors, the Forest Quadrant should suffice.

That seems fine by me. Shall we go?

[And with that, she went off but she was looking back at Walter to see if was walking with her]

[Forest Quadrant, then. While he preferred indoors, there should be just as well -- not as many people dropped by, and it was large enough that they could avoid unnecessary interaction.

Nodding, he followed suit closely to watch her back. She seemed to know the way, and this arrangement was better for fulfilling his duty.]

[After a couple of minutes, it seemed that they were here! So now what? Shirley never really fought hand to hand combat before and this was Walter she was going to be taking on...]

Um...tell me when you're ready a-and I'll start!

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