fortunefail | - 92 [Action]

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[Today began just like any other day for Yuan. It wasn't until he stumbled upon the Malnosso's little 'reminder' that he realized just what today was.

Five years. Exactly five calendar years ago is the day he first arrived here. So much had happened over these past years and he's seen many residents come and go, but here he is. It's not an achievement worth celebrating, that much is for sure, though the Malnosso evidently had other plans. Indeed, much like Albert did a few months ago, Yuan received a gift.

He found it in the bathroom, hanging from the rod that holds the shower curtain and with a bright blue bow around its neck. It was a bit over a foot long and covered in brown fur, with sharp claws. For a few moments, he'd assumed it was some sort of stuffed animal, yet closer inspection proved him wrong. This thing was very much alive and did not seem to appreciate being awoken from its slumber. It gave Yuan something that could almost be interpreted as an annoyed glare, but still refused to budge.

A note lay on the sink nearby. He snatched it up, his scowl only growing more severe as he read it:

"We apologize for being unable to return you to your native reality. Please remember to stay active and ready, unlike your new friend."

What followed was simple instructions on how to take care of a sloth. The note was signed by "the Malnosso", but Yuan knew perfectly well who was responsible for this gift. He snarled and slammed the note back down on the sink, then moved closer to the sloth to assess it again. It was already fully-grown, by the looks of it, and by now it was dozing off again. Much as he was itching to toss the creature out of the house, the instructions informed him that sloths are tropical animals. If he were to move it out into the cold, it would die within a day. He's not that heartless just yet.

There's nothing else for it, then. He'll have to create a more suitable 'habitat' for the beast and hope Kratos won't comment on it. Well, at least it'll be something to keep him from following the sloth's example and sleeping the rest of the week away.]

[Starting early in the afternoon, Yuan can be found moving between house #8 and the general store to fetch assorted items. A few sturdy wooden rods, tools, a small box, a tub of sand... It takes a few trips back and forth to move it all. Once he's got everything he needs, he stops by the flower shop to see if they have any small trees or tree-like flora. It's the leaves that matter.

In the evening, after dinner, he stops by the stables to visit Noishe. As he always does when he visits the Arshis, he takes a seat in a corner of the stable so he can lean back against the wall. Somehow, even relaxing has a tiring effect on him. Thinking back to the days when he first arrived in Luceti, he has to admit the Malnosso have a point. He has been growing lethargic.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And it's not as if I don't know how to track you down if it's been too long. [She's teasing, actually.]

Of course. [Raine has a knack for tracking him down even when he doesn't want to be found. He learned that one the hard way.

Now it's just a matter of balancing the plant with the books. Hm... He shifts the plant onto his left hand, allowing it to rest against his chest, then heads for the counter to retrieve the books.]

If you like, I can get the most specific book for you, and put it in a bag. It will be easier to carry.

[Oh, well, that'd work too.]

That would be fine.

All right. Just hold on a moment.

[Hold on he will! Though, after a moment, he decides to break the silence. He hasn't truly spoken to Raine since she scolded him for ignoring her advice and dying. There's a sort of friction between them now and he wants to relieve it, if just a little.]

... So how have you been?

[He didn't visit her when she was in the clinic; Kratos had shown up briefly so Yuan must have been aware of that. She had dropped something off at his house for "Christmas", and he had done the same in return, so there was that.

Him asking her how she his after this little stunt? She's almost not certain how to react, though she maintains her usual composure.]

... I've been well enough. Yourself?

Likewise. [He'd be lying if he claimed this wasn't uncomfortable and part of him wants to just fall silent again, but he's the one who started this conversation, so he might as well keep it going now.]

... I received a message from the Malnosso this morning.

Did you?

[That's interesting news.] Are you being asked on a mission, or is this in regard to... something else?

[Oh, it's something else, all right.] It's an apology. For being unable to send me home after all this time.

... Ah. It's been five years for you, hasn't it? I suppose it's around that time ...

Five years, right down to the day. If someone had told me back then I'd be stuck here this long, I'd have refused to believe them.

Time sneaks up on all of us, even those who have more of it to spare.

It isn't truly surprising, in retrospect. These past five years seem to have lasted an eternity already.

[He knows how that must sound, coming from a guy who's over four thousand years old, but... So little happened in those four millennia while the past five years were a whirlwind of unfortunate incidents and emotions.]

I wouldn't say that much. There were times when a lot happened at once... and other times when things seemed to be almost a standstill. It can be very jarring, not having consistency. And of course, there's the odd manner of us still being here, when so many others get sent back.

Thoughtful as it is of the Malnosso to apologize for that, I get the feeling their sympathy's not entirely heartfelt.

Did your apology come with an odd present?

... An animal. [He knows about the giant owl Albert got for his anniversary. Why couldn't he get an owl? Or anything else that can just go out into the wild on its own and not be looked after too much.]

How vague. Do you not know what it is?

[There's a considerable silence before Yuan finally responds. When he does, the tone of distaste is very present in his voice.]

... A sloth.

Well that's... very interesting.

I suppose it also explains the plant.

It doesn't need to eat often. It just needs to be the right kind of leaves.

[These seem to match the criteria, though, so he'll see what comes of it.]

It sounds like you've already done some research. Have you given it a name?

No. I haven't really thought about it. [Naming a creature means accepting it into your home and he's not quite there yet. He's just keeping it until winter passes and then he'll... Well, he'll figure out what to do with the sloth when that time comes.]

I'm sure something will come to you.

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