open.

[hylights]

Who: Zelda (hylights) & open
What: comings and goings in October
When: throughout October
Where: various places
Warning(s): none for now

a. the fabric store

[It had been a mercy, working in a store that wasn't in the main marketplace. But the effects of the bomb spread everywhere - even into the minds of Zelda's boss and her clients. It wasn't more than a day after the bomb went off that people started coming in looking for fabric to wear over their nose and mouth, protection against any further gas explosions. At first they just sold offcuts, but then Ryni got a gleam in her eye.

That's how Zelda found herself stitching little facemasks out of spare fabric every day. She scowls about it at first, because it feels opportunistic. The shopkeeper won't be gainsaid, though, and so she puts on a reasonably neutral face. It always changes to a smile when someone comes in - maybe it's you, and she's greeting you with what sounds like a common refrain:]

Welcome - are you looking for fabric for clothing, or for a mask?

b. the institute

[Zelda would be eternally grateful to Charles for allowing her to work alongside him in the Institute. It had been a frustrating couple of days, lurking around the doors like a lost child, asking anyone who passed whether they would let her study a gas sample. It turns out that people don't much like being accosted by a very enthusiastic Hylian girl who insists she knows what she's talking about.

After a few days, she becomes engrossed in one particular book from the library, and then she engrosses herself in it. Anyone walking in will find Zelda with her nose barely an inch away from the book, muttering as she reads the tiny font.]

It sounds similar... could it be the same?

c. the marketplace

[Of course, life does have to go on, and that means buying goods. Zelda returns to the market every few days, carefully edging past groups of gossiping merchants to find the wares she's really interested in. She collects vegetables and bread, and occasionally does errands for her boss.

Sometimes though her preoccupation with research gets the better of her, and she keeps reading her notebook even while in the market. It results in more than one unfortunate bump into a passerby.]

Oh! My apologies.

[At least she's contrite about it.]

d. wildcard

[If you want to run into Zelda somewhere else, feel free to top level or message me on dudemeister!]

Comments

[hylights]

I thought so too... I haven't had much opportunity to share my notes with anyone yet. I only found the recipe for this gas recently.

There's been progress on a cure?

[circulets]

It may be worth sharing with more people. [ Not... everyone, though. There are some shady folks here... ] I'm sure that they'd appreciate learning what you've found out.

Sort of. We know what plant contains the cure now.

[hylights]

I'll try to do that.

[She lets out a puff of breath, reminded once again of how incremental their progress is.]

I wish it were a faster process. People are ill and need our help.

[circulets]

Right now, there are a number of people who feel that way. However, it's important to remember not to overexert yourself with worry.

[ A beat. ]

... I'm sure that those who are ill would appreciate it, too.

[hylights]

Yes... of course.

[Not worrying is a foreign concept to Zelda, yet she can see the value in what Mikleo says. She had already fallen asleep once in the library, scouring the books for clues.]

They are the ones we must think of first, though. Those of us who are well must do what we can.

[circulets]

... That's true. But, it's important to not overdo it, either.

[ It's just... in his nature to look out for others, really. It's a habit he formed when his best friend didn't exactly do that much for himself. ]

[hylights]

[She nods, agreeing. Their ideas of how much is too much might differ, but she agrees with the principle of it.]

Where are you heading, if you don't mind my asking?

[circulets]

I was heading back to where I'm staying - I wanted to start studying these books.

[ He looks to the books, and then back to her. ] Were you going to do the same?

[hylights]

I was heading home as well. I was just coming from the Institute and thought I would check the market for fruit before heading back...

[And then, well. Stuff happened.]

[circulets]

... I suppose it didn't work out as planned, then.

[hylights]

No. Not quite.

[Her smile is only a bit self-conscious. It's progress.]

Well, I wouldn't want to delay you any further.

[circulets]

[ He takes note of that smile, shaking his head. ] Everything that's happened so far has had a habit of catching everyone off guard. [ No need to beat yourself up over it. ] ... I apologize if I said something strange or rude.

You haven't delayed me. But... it was nice to meet you.

[hylights]

You haven't; please don't worry.

It was nice to meet you too, Mikleo. I hope to see you again sometime.