Delivered to Dohalim is a wide but relatively small box, wrapped with particular attention to detail and tied with a shiny ribbon. Although there's no indication of who it's from, inside is a heavy inkwell containing blue ink and quill with a metal tip, useful for taking notes or composing poetry on non-magical paper, unlike those included with their journals.
mom said it's my turn to find out about beado (also, late august, also sender: oriphi)
[ The message arrives in the dead of night, that nebulous time that is either too late for some, or too early for others. Oriphi would never think to write someone at this time, usually, but these are... extenuating circumstances, to be sure. ]
Dohalim,
There's been an incident tonight involving a number of us, including Beatrix. Please be assured that she will be fine - I've cast some healing spells on all of us. I asked if she wanted to stay at my and Diluc's home for the evening and she refused, but I can't help but worry still...
Eustace and Tifa suggested that I reach out to you.
Could you please check on her? I don't think it would be a good idea for her to be alone right now.
[As fortune would have it, Dohalim is predisposed to reading at odd hours, prone to losing track of time entirely, which has left him conveniently awake to receive Ori's message— though once he reads it, his book is immediately forgotten.]
Oriphi,
I appreciate your reaching out to me. Rest assured, I will look in on her and ensure her safety. I appreciate all you have done for her thus far— I am on my way to her home as we speak.
Are you able to tell me what happened? I may be better able to aid her if I know. What sort of injuries did she sustain?
Thank you. I feel a lot better knowing she won't be by herself.
[ Though come to think of it... Ori hadn't even realized they were close. She remembers seeing them chat at the bonfire all those months ago, and... Beatrix had looked like she wanted to slap Dohalim. But maybe that's just how she looks?
... Does Beatrix look like that when she's talking to her...? She never noticed.
Regardless, it hardly matters at the moment. ]
We had an encounter with someone having turned noctaere this evening. It was a really tough battle... Unfortunately, I was incapacitated and couldn't be of much help to Beatrix, and it was difficult for me to understand what was going on after that. A lot of lightning and ice. Nightmare energy.
Beatrix fought well.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I didn't know you two were close, but regardless...
[He frowns to himself as he writes his response. Noctaere... he knows full well it can happen to anyone, and he finds himself curious for more details. Had Beatrix known what she was walking into earlier this evening? Was there a reason she hadn't mentioned it to him, or had she simply been taken by surprise?
It matters little, really. What is first and foremost in his mind is that she was hurt, and formidable as she is, it couldn't have been a simple task for her foe to do so.]
I will be certain to let you know if there is anything you can do. I do not know if she will welcome my company, but I do believe it best that someone look in on her, and so I will weather her ire as it comes. It matters much more to me that she is safe.
Do not torment yourself, Ori. You have nothing to apologize for.
[ Ori, for one, is a bit shaken by how truly difficult this encounter had been for everyone, and especially too for those of them whom she knows are seasoned combatants. Beatrix, and Trahearne… even herself, if she must admit it. They were more of them, too… There was no anticipating the effect that nightmare energy would have on them all, most of all on Eustace and what he wrought upon them. ]
Quite…
Thank you, Dohalim. I really appreciate you doing this. At the very least, she will need warmth. Our encounter tonight took place in icy caverns…
And if she needs to express her anger at someone, you can tell her to get angry with me for getting in touch with you and asking you to check on her, instead.
But I will try not to. Torment myself, I mean… I know that many of us will be doing so for quite some time, despite everything. I just don’t want Beatrix to fall into that trap… It’s how we’ve all gotten into this mess in the first place.
Ori
PS - Do you like dogs? Some of Eustace and Tifa's dogs seem to want to stay elsewhere tonight. I think Beatrix took one of the corgis with her.
Edited (don't look at me, just ask london) 2022-09-15 22:48 (UTC)
I think, regardless of any initial anger, she will likely be grateful that you cared enough to ensure her safety. Do not worry. If she is upset, I believe myself able to diffuse it, in addition to ensuring she is warm.
What of yourself? Are you well? Upset, certainly, and it would seem rightfully so, but are you injured? Did everyone else involved emerge safely?
I am sorry I was not there to be of aid in the first place. Had I but known... I would not have hesitated.
- Dohalim
PS - I have not had much experience with dogs, but I would certainly be willing. I will see to it that they are well taken care of while she convalesces, as well.
Most of us have been injured. But I've healed as much as I'm able to at the moment, and expect that everyone will make a full recovery. I'm planning on making sure everyone has healing potions just in case, as well...
You don't need to be sorry, Dohalim. It all happened so fast, there wasn't really time to prepare or gather more people... But since you and I have been in combat together some, I know that should something like this happen again (which I hope it doesn't) I would be honored to fight alongside you.
About the dog - I think Beatrix might actually really appreciate extra canine cuddles even if she won't say that she would.
I, too, would be honored, even if the circumstances themselves would be regrettable. You are a steadfast ally, Oriphi, and these friends and acquaintances you fought alongside tonight were quite fortunate to have you. I cannot imagine how things would have turned out if they had not, given how grave the situation appears even with a skilled healer present.
Beatrix is often hesitant to say what she feels, don’t you find? I am certain the dogs’ presence will be a welcome one.
I will be sure to report back anything of note; I am heading for her home now. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do, otherwise I am quite content to look after our lady knight.
- Dohalim
Fwd Dated → Late December / Beginning of January → Action
[There is no such thing as a right time. An opportune moment. In some ways, every moment is the right one. Beatrix realises that having gone back and forth over whether she wanted to give Dohalim the things she'd procured for him, it was wiser to wait. She has struggled to get to where she is in the present moment. Wanting to be forward about what she wants. Understanding she can't put expectations on him, knowing what he has waiting for him.
Maybe it is the idea that Oriphi is gone and Beatrix is considerably more emotional as a result, much as she wouldn't care to admit to it. Maybe it is the happenstance at Eustace and Tifa's wedding. Maybe it is really everything all combined. She could question it forever and not come to an answer. It's a rare moment where she understands she has to put all of that aside and simply be direct. Even if Dohalim does not reflect her feelings, she cannot simply hold onto them and regret not expressing them, however she means to.
It has taken a lot for her to be here as it is. Posited at the door to the shared residence he holds with Alphen and Kisara, the latter of whom will be receiving her own presents in her own way. Oriphi's letter burns in the place where Beatrix has put it for safe keeping.
"Please don’t feel like you have to act a certain way for Dohalim… He loves you for who you are, and the relationship that you two have is between the two of you. I sincerely hope that you two carve out your own joy in this world and that you treasure it deeply with no regrets."
Is it true? She's never even humoured that, having just assumed it was only to make time pass for them both. That they might not be as unhappy without. If anything, she has tried to think of it in any other way. Anything that might be the opposite. Any of that would be better than false hope.
In one arm, she's protectively holding two gifts for one redheaded former lord. In one, a charm bottle necklace filled with colourful origami cranes, fashioned with musical clef and staff, absent notes, and an accompanying small musical note charm. In the other, a carefully crafted and detailed ring in gold. The inside band in small script engraved—"cum fide, integritas, et amor", accompanied by her signature. Not at all encompassing of her feelings for the man in question, but perhaps better than nothing.
She draws in a breath, holds it, and with courage, knocks.]
[Shionne had seen fit to encourage the rest of them to decorate their shared household for the holiday season the previous year, and in her absence, Dohalim has chosen to follow suit, having enlisted the aid of his remaining housemates in making their home suitably festive. It is, of course, all in good taste; while he had long been behind in a number of practical life skills, tasteful decor was well within his wheelhouse.
There's a beautiful evergreen wreath on the front door trimmed with a brilliant red bow that gives a bit of a shudder as he pulls it open, some snow falling from its branches to the doorstep below. He hadn't been expecting Beatrix, but she is always a welcome sight, which is made plain by the way he breaks into a beaming smile upon seeing her.]
Beatrix— what a delightful surprise. Please, do come in.
[He steps aside to pull the door open further, gesturing for her to cross the threshold. The gifts under her arm don't escape his notice; all the better, he thinks, given that he has something for her that he's yet to find the right moment to present her with.]
[It's occurred to her that someone else other than Dohalim could have answered. How she'd explain her presence here in such a situation is a little less of a certainty for her. She's not sure she would have said anything other than perhaps lamely explaining she was at the wrong place.
But then, she also wouldn't have been able to give him what she'd teetered back and forth on.
It's not something she has to think about for too long. Dohalim answers and she's greeted with a smile that she has come to know and define as simply his. He invites her in and after a moment's consideration, she decides to accept, as odd as that might be.
Stepping in, she doesn't exactly make herself comfortable. She's just in enough that he can shut the door. Beatrix isn't sure she wants to make an extended misadventure out of simple dropping off of gifts.]
Hello. You did not need to welcome me in. I was just here to... give you some things. If that would be all right, of course. It can wait if you are busy.
I can hardly leave you to stand on the doorstep— and regardless of whether or not I am occupied, I am always pleased to see you.
[His response comes without hesitation, and his smile remains fixed as he closes the door behind her. She needn't stay long if she doesn't want to, but he does not wish to entertain the idea that there is ever a time when she is not welcome in his home, just as she has welcomed her into his in his own way— though admittedly, he'd taken the liberties of letting himself in, to begin.]
Would you like some tea? As it so happens, I have something for you, as well.
[She considers arguing with him. He absolutely could have left her to stand on the doorstep and she wouldn't have thrown a fit over it. If anything, it would have been proper and somewhat a bit more in line with what she thinks an Alexandrian courtship might be like. Although a nagging voice in the back of her head reminds her that her relationship with Dohalim is a great deal more important than a mere courtship.
That's a frightening concept.
Beatrix takes just a moment to look around, in her own way taking stock of the situation, additional bodies, ears, attentions, and so on. It's not a gift she wants Dohalim to open in the presence of others, she thinks. At his offer, her attention turns back onto him and she offers him a short, subtle nod.]
Tea sounds nice.
[There's a minute pause as she draws in a breath.]
You are aware that you did not need to procure anything for me. This is not transactional, Dohalim. Merely things I had been thinking about and wished to give a more physical presence of.
[Her surveillance will show her that they are, indeed, alone. He closes the door behind her, moving towards the shared kitchen once it latches and making a gentle gesture towards the table, which is no longer the crowded, overburdened sight it had been during her first visit here, when he and the others had chosen to host dinner.]
I said nothing of it being transactional.
[There's a note of amusement in his voice, though he does manage to keep from letting out a soft chuckle.]
Many people give gifts to those they care about during this season— I had simply been waiting for the right moment. Now seems quite apt, as you are here, and we will not be disturbed by others. Please, make yourself comfortable; I will put the water on to boil.
Yes. She supposes those all make sense, don't they. Alexandria has traditions somewhat similar, though she's never really participated much in them. She follows after him quietly, just making little notes about things here and there. The decor. The way things are arranged. Kisara is, as ever, it seems, keeping things nice and tidy.
She eyes to where she is likely meant to sit and instead of doing any such thing, she simply sets down the gifts she's brought for him, careful to remain in a posture that seems fitting of her. Rigid and statesque.]
[He smiles even as he discourages her— she is his guest, after all, and while they are likely beyond such formalities, there is a certain sense of pride about him as he disappears into the kitchen. Tea, perhaps, is a simple thing, but he has come a long way from being the sort of man who could do nothing for himself. He cannot help but take pride in even the smallest things.
He returns a few short moments later with a small, wrapped box in hand— brilliant red with gold ribbon, and sets it down on the very same table.]
Please, won't you sit? We have a short while before the water is boiling.
Today, whether Dohalim has made his usual trip to check on Beatrix or whether he has just decided to stay there outright, today he will see Susato walking by, peering innocently. She still hasn't heard from Beatrix since she has left her gift for the general, and she certainly does not expect high praise for it, but at the very least, the girl finds it strange. Susato has come by at least once our twice since, but today she finds that the package can no longer be seen from below, hanging from the door knob.
She tilts her head, and in the following moment, she finds herself closing the distance, climbing up to the door to knock on it. ]
[He has spent a fair amount of time at Beatrix's treehouse since she has succumbed to slumber, though unlike the previous instance, he has now invited himself to stay the night on more than one occasion, rather than stopping in daily. He's become so accustomed to the heavy silence in the house that the knock almost startles him, but after a moment to collect himself, he leaves his cup of tea to rest on the table as he rises to answer it.
Though he knows not who to expect on the other side, he still looks mildly surprised when he pulls the door open.]
Miss Mikotoba, yes?
[They do not know one another well, but he certainly knows who she is.]
[ Susato has only seen him in passing at best, though the General has certainly described him well enough that she's quick to recognize him. That still doesn't mean she is not surprised to see him answering the door though. She takes a step back, mouth hung open, but then appears to recover. ]
Oh, you... you must be...?
[ Her voice catches in her throat before she finishes: ]
[ To be fair, Beatrix described him quite well, and Susato probably saw him at the wedding. He assumes correctly also, though in her defense, she didn't know he was here...
Not that she's surprised. ]
I, um, left a present for her, and I noticed it wasn't hanging here anymore... So I thought she might have gotten it. [ Said present would have been small. A gift bag, probably pink with purple ribbon, accompanied by a card. Very Susato flavored for anyone who knew her. ]
[ That the gift is still safe gives her a feeling of relief, though her head tilts with curiosity as she is beckoned inside. If he was the one to bring it inside, then obviously it wasn't Beatrix. ]
News? [ About her?
She steps inside and slowly takes in the surroundings, though unless something else is urgent to catch her attention, she'll turn back to Dohalim, eager for him to continue. ]
[He closes the door behind her in the interest of keeping the cold at bay, his expression somber as she turns and he meets her gaze.]
Yes— I am certain you have known others who have fallen into deep slumber while in this place, and it has happened to Beatrix once before. I am afraid that is the case now, as well.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
late December
mom said it's my turn to find out about beado (also, late august, also sender: oriphi)
Dohalim,
There's been an incident tonight involving a number of us, including Beatrix. Please be assured that she will be fine - I've cast some healing spells on all of us. I asked if she wanted to stay at my and Diluc's home for the evening and she refused, but I can't help but worry still...
Eustace and Tifa suggested that I reach out to you.
Could you please check on her? I don't think it would be a good idea for her to be alone right now.
Sincerely,
Ori
hell YEAH
Oriphi,
I appreciate your reaching out to me. Rest assured, I will look in on her and ensure her safety. I appreciate all you have done for her thus far— I am on my way to her home as we speak.
Are you able to tell me what happened? I may be better able to aid her if I know. What sort of injuries did she sustain?
Yours,
Dohalim il Qaras
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[ Though come to think of it... Ori hadn't even realized they were close. She remembers seeing them chat at the bonfire all those months ago, and... Beatrix had looked like she wanted to slap Dohalim. But maybe that's just how she looks?
... Does Beatrix look like that when she's talking to her...? She never noticed.
Regardless, it hardly matters at the moment. ]
We had an encounter with someone having turned noctaere this evening. It was a really tough battle... Unfortunately, I was incapacitated and couldn't be of much help to Beatrix, and it was difficult for me to understand what was going on after that. A lot of lightning and ice. Nightmare energy.
Beatrix fought well.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I didn't know you two were close, but regardless...
I'm sorry that I couldn't protect her.
Ori
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[He frowns to himself as he writes his response. Noctaere... he knows full well it can happen to anyone, and he finds himself curious for more details. Had Beatrix known what she was walking into earlier this evening? Was there a reason she hadn't mentioned it to him, or had she simply been taken by surprise?
It matters little, really. What is first and foremost in his mind is that she was hurt, and formidable as she is, it couldn't have been a simple task for her foe to do so.]
I will be certain to let you know if there is anything you can do. I do not know if she will welcome my company, but I do believe it best that someone look in on her, and so I will weather her ire as it comes. It matters much more to me that she is safe.
Do not torment yourself, Ori. You have nothing to apologize for.
- Dohalim
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Quite…
Thank you, Dohalim. I really appreciate you doing this. At the very least, she will need warmth. Our encounter tonight took place in icy caverns…
And if she needs to express her anger at someone, you can tell her to get angry with me for getting in touch with you and asking you to check on her, instead.
But I will try not to. Torment myself, I mean… I know that many of us will be doing so for quite some time, despite everything. I just don’t want Beatrix to fall into that trap… It’s how we’ve all gotten into this mess in the first place.
Ori
PS - Do you like dogs? Some of Eustace and Tifa's dogs seem to want to stay elsewhere tonight. I think Beatrix took one of the corgis with her.
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What of yourself? Are you well? Upset, certainly, and it would seem rightfully so, but are you injured? Did everyone else involved emerge safely?
I am sorry I was not there to be of aid in the first place. Had I but known... I would not have hesitated.
- Dohalim
PS - I have not had much experience with dogs, but I would certainly be willing. I will see to it that they are well taken care of while she convalesces, as well.
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You don't need to be sorry, Dohalim. It all happened so fast, there wasn't really time to prepare or gather more people... But since you and I have been in combat together some, I know that should something like this happen again (which I hope it doesn't) I would be honored to fight alongside you.
About the dog - I think Beatrix might actually really appreciate extra canine cuddles even if she won't say that she would.
Ori
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Beatrix is often hesitant to say what she feels, don’t you find? I am certain the dogs’ presence will be a welcome one.
I will be sure to report back anything of note; I am heading for her home now. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do, otherwise I am quite content to look after our lady knight.
- Dohalim
Fwd Dated → Late December / Beginning of January → Action
Maybe it is the idea that Oriphi is gone and Beatrix is considerably more emotional as a result, much as she wouldn't care to admit to it. Maybe it is the happenstance at Eustace and Tifa's wedding. Maybe it is really everything all combined. She could question it forever and not come to an answer. It's a rare moment where she understands she has to put all of that aside and simply be direct. Even if Dohalim does not reflect her feelings, she cannot simply hold onto them and regret not expressing them, however she means to.
It has taken a lot for her to be here as it is. Posited at the door to the shared residence he holds with Alphen and Kisara, the latter of whom will be receiving her own presents in her own way. Oriphi's letter burns in the place where Beatrix has put it for safe keeping.
Is it true? She's never even humoured that, having just assumed it was only to make time pass for them both. That they might not be as unhappy without. If anything, she has tried to think of it in any other way. Anything that might be the opposite. Any of that would be better than false hope.
In one arm, she's protectively holding two gifts for one redheaded former lord. In one, a charm bottle necklace filled with colourful origami cranes, fashioned with musical clef and staff, absent notes, and an accompanying small musical note charm. In the other, a carefully crafted and detailed ring in gold. The inside band in small script engraved—"cum fide, integritas, et amor", accompanied by her signature. Not at all encompassing of her feelings for the man in question, but perhaps better than nothing.
She draws in a breath, holds it, and with courage, knocks.]
đź’–
There's a beautiful evergreen wreath on the front door trimmed with a brilliant red bow that gives a bit of a shudder as he pulls it open, some snow falling from its branches to the doorstep below. He hadn't been expecting Beatrix, but she is always a welcome sight, which is made plain by the way he breaks into a beaming smile upon seeing her.]
Beatrix— what a delightful surprise. Please, do come in.
[He steps aside to pull the door open further, gesturing for her to cross the threshold. The gifts under her arm don't escape his notice; all the better, he thinks, given that he has something for her that he's yet to find the right moment to present her with.]
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But then, she also wouldn't have been able to give him what she'd teetered back and forth on.
It's not something she has to think about for too long. Dohalim answers and she's greeted with a smile that she has come to know and define as simply his. He invites her in and after a moment's consideration, she decides to accept, as odd as that might be.
Stepping in, she doesn't exactly make herself comfortable. She's just in enough that he can shut the door. Beatrix isn't sure she wants to make an extended misadventure out of simple dropping off of gifts.]
Hello. You did not need to welcome me in. I was just here to... give you some things. If that would be all right, of course. It can wait if you are busy.
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[His response comes without hesitation, and his smile remains fixed as he closes the door behind her. She needn't stay long if she doesn't want to, but he does not wish to entertain the idea that there is ever a time when she is not welcome in his home, just as she has welcomed her into his in his own way— though admittedly, he'd taken the liberties of letting himself in, to begin.]
Would you like some tea? As it so happens, I have something for you, as well.
[Tis the season, after all.]
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That's a frightening concept.
Beatrix takes just a moment to look around, in her own way taking stock of the situation, additional bodies, ears, attentions, and so on. It's not a gift she wants Dohalim to open in the presence of others, she thinks. At his offer, her attention turns back onto him and she offers him a short, subtle nod.]
Tea sounds nice.
[There's a minute pause as she draws in a breath.]
You are aware that you did not need to procure anything for me. This is not transactional, Dohalim. Merely things I had been thinking about and wished to give a more physical presence of.
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I said nothing of it being transactional.
[There's a note of amusement in his voice, though he does manage to keep from letting out a soft chuckle.]
Many people give gifts to those they care about during this season— I had simply been waiting for the right moment. Now seems quite apt, as you are here, and we will not be disturbed by others. Please, make yourself comfortable; I will put the water on to boil.
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The season.
Yes. She supposes those all make sense, don't they. Alexandria has traditions somewhat similar, though she's never really participated much in them. She follows after him quietly, just making little notes about things here and there. The decor. The way things are arranged. Kisara is, as ever, it seems, keeping things nice and tidy.
She eyes to where she is likely meant to sit and instead of doing any such thing, she simply sets down the gifts she's brought for him, careful to remain in a posture that seems fitting of her. Rigid and statesque.]
Is there anything I may do to help?
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[He smiles even as he discourages her— she is his guest, after all, and while they are likely beyond such formalities, there is a certain sense of pride about him as he disappears into the kitchen. Tea, perhaps, is a simple thing, but he has come a long way from being the sort of man who could do nothing for himself. He cannot help but take pride in even the smallest things.
He returns a few short moments later with a small, wrapped box in hand— brilliant red with gold ribbon, and sets it down on the very same table.]
Please, won't you sit? We have a short while before the water is boiling.
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early january (at bea's treehouse)
Today, whether Dohalim has made his usual trip to check on Beatrix or whether he has just decided to stay there outright, today he will see Susato walking by, peering innocently. She still hasn't heard from Beatrix since she has left her gift for the general, and she certainly does not expect high praise for it, but at the very least, the girl finds it strange. Susato has come by at least once our twice since, but today she finds that the package can no longer be seen from below, hanging from the door knob.
She tilts her head, and in the following moment, she finds herself closing the distance, climbing up to the door to knock on it. ]
...Beatrix?
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Though he knows not who to expect on the other side, he still looks mildly surprised when he pulls the door open.]
Miss Mikotoba, yes?
[They do not know one another well, but he certainly knows who she is.]
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Oh, you... you must be...?
[ Her voice catches in her throat before she finishes: ]
Mr... Dohalim?
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Yes— I see my reputation precedes me. I would ask what I might do to help you, but I can only assume you must be here to see Beatrix.
[That faint smile of his falters slightly. He wishes he had better news for her.]
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Not that she's surprised. ]
I, um, left a present for her, and I noticed it wasn't hanging here anymore... So I thought she might have gotten it. [ Said present would have been small. A gift bag, probably pink with purple ribbon, accompanied by a card. Very Susato flavored for anyone who knew her. ]
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[It wouldn't do to leave it outside and exposed, or to be taken by anyone else. He steps back, gesturing for her to cross over the threshold.]
Please, come in. I am afraid I have news, though I would not have you receive it standing in the cold.
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News? [ About her?
She steps inside and slowly takes in the surroundings, though unless something else is urgent to catch her attention, she'll turn back to Dohalim, eager for him to continue. ]
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Yes— I am certain you have known others who have fallen into deep slumber while in this place, and it has happened to Beatrix once before. I am afraid that is the case now, as well.
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