seventh hymn ♫ childhood dreams

[melodist]

[dictated]

[The journal picks up a soft gasp and some faint shuffling. When Tear finally speaks, her voice is dry and tentative. Considering she's spent the past month or so as a doll it's not out of the question.]

The journal is... This is Paradisa, isn't it?

[She gets up, a little unsteady, bracing herself on the chair. And why is she in Luke's room...?

A little more business this time.] It appears I've been [a short pause] indisposed since late December, courtesy of the castle. I'll resume my duties at the clinic when I'm certain there aren't any lingering effects.

[Luke]

[Oh god, this is awkward. She can forge past it, though. SHE WILL. As usual, when she gets awkward she turns formal.]

I woke up in your room, but I didn't touch anything. I'm sorry for the intrusion.

[Another pause, feels like forever. They still haven't talked about ...]

Are you all right?

-----

Comments

[melodist]

Yes. My name is Tear, and I can usually be found there during the day.

[Sounds like someone who's a little new. She's used to speaking very military as well, even if she's in reality a seventeenish-year-old girl.]

It may not have been the castle itself. Regardless, curses and other strange events seem to originate from this spot, and they often affect residents. [A small sigh.] I believe I spent the past few weeks as an inanimate object.

[noblefive]

This is the whole form-change thing, right?

Damn. Well, I hope you're okay, ma'am, that sounds a bit rough.

[melodist]

That's correct. I'm fine for now, but... it'll take some time to adjust.

Did you arrive here recently?

[noblefive]

Yeah. I'm Noble Five, part of UNSC Special Ops. I got here a few days ago.

[melodist]

Nice to meet you, Noble Five. I'm part of the Oracle Knights Intelligence Division. A military background isn't uncommon in Paradisa, it seems.

[noblefive]

Considering that I've met several people from the UNSC already? Not surprising that there'd be other military-types, ma'am.

Could come in handy, with what I've heard about this place.

[melodist]

I see. I have yet to be called to the fight, but I think it's only a matter of time. There have been a number of improvements in organization lately. I hope we're prepared.

[noblefive]

Well, you can count on me.