video;

[hotspurred]

[Henry stands in armour, ever a proud knight. Yet this time his armour is stripped back to just his layers of mail over which he wears the blue sash of the Guard, a concession to the heat here above ground. While bearing a number of visible bruises and cuts, he otherwise seems hale. Yet his eyes are dark. He stands next to a shorter woman, but in a clear break from tradition, this time it's definitely not Maketh.

If it isn't clear enough that Kate is not Maketh, it's the fact that, despite standing straight backed and with her hair (long past the stage of having even the faintest hint of pink in it, all bleach blonde with steadily growing dark roots) pulled back into a bun atop her head, she looks rather like she'd prefer not to be hosting this on video. Which shouldn't surprise anyone who's been here long enough; her posts tend to be nothing more than text or audio. Suffice to say that the knight won the rock paper scissors match.]

We have survived with our hopes for a future yet intact. Though hard-fought, and at no small cost, I yet name that a victory. But let us not celebrate yet.

[Henry's voice changes; his next words come slower, and sharper. His pitch drops, and a trace of melancholy runs through both his tone and his expression.]

It grieves me to make it known that Maketh no longer numbers among us in Hadriel.

[It's only a small, momentary glimpse of the grief he feels at her loss. But he only means to get that knowledge out there rather than talk of it, so his expression quickly shutters as he returns to his previous composure. It gets him the briefest of sidelong glances from Kate, but other than the brief purse of her lips, she doesn't seem to react.]

There is more I would say. Henceforth, consider Nick Valentine my fellow commander of the Guard. Those who feel they cannot approach me may turn to him; it shall achieve the same end.

I ask that every guardsmen report in to inform me of their current state. I must know which of you are in need of respite, and who is available for duty. I have much work for those who are able.

[As he says that, he sets a hand on his hip and cocks his head at Kate.]

Kate stands next to me for good reason. Both the Clinic and Guard headquarters were destroyed in the Null's assault. We have decided to rebuild them side by side. As such, I expect all guardsmen who nurse no injuries to aid the the construction of both.

[It's at this point that Kate actually says something, clearing her throat before she speaks.]

Be built near the colosseum, like before. Anyone who wants to assist us is free to. We need both construction and supplies. Be posting a list of supplies the clinic needs when we begin construction.

[There's a beat of silence as Henry waits to see if Kate wants to say anything more than that, but when it's clear she's done, he simply nods once, decisively.]

I intend for the Guard to see a small number of watchtowers made and manned in addition to our usual patrols. Rest assured that you shall hear from us again soon.

Comments

video.

[puzzlingly]

「Hey, he remembers this guy from that... hmm, well, video in which everything went wrong. He actually doesn't have much to say other that what he told Nick before.」

Thank you for all your effort, Henry, Kate. We'll see this through.

[hotspurred]

[Henry briefly dips his head in acknowledgement.]

And yours. For the most part, the people of this city know when to come together. Unity is ever a strength.

[dedikated]

( Everything Henry says is true, so Kate merely adds: )

Appreciated.

[video] and definitely late

[hot_mes]

[sleep is more important than the clinic but...sleep doesn't always come]

I'll assist when I don't feel like I've been dragged ten kilometers behind a ship.

[and on a different note entirely, clearly directed toward Henry]

...you did everything right, Percy-ya. Fine work.

[hotspurred]

[Henry raises his eyebrows, clearly finding those words unexpected. When his initial surprise fades, he half-smiles. Though momentary, he evidently appreciates the sentiment.

After a moment of silence, he pushes a hand through his hair. Henry did debate with himself whether to speak of what happened in Delight's temple in the video.]

...It was not Delight alone who attacked Hope's temple. There was a coward who fled the moment that she took up the fight. He wore robes and a strange beaked mask. Suffice to say, trust him not should you encounter him.

[dedikated]

( Kate nods, though she's not exactly doing that whole... let your body recuperate thing herself. )

Don't need staff members out of commission right now. Take your time.

[voice]

[synthedick]

I've got a few new dings in the old chassis, but I'm okay.

[Which is Nick-talk for him burying himself in work, as usual. He really should rest, given everything they've been through, but there's always more to do... and less people around to do it than usual.]

I'll be around to rebuild as much as I can.

[hotspurred]

Good.

[Henry and Kate aren't exactly the best people to call him out on that.]

We must talk regardless. Oh, and one more thing — congratulations, Nick. I hope that you regard the change not merely as an act of necessity, but one foremost of confidence.

[dedikated]

( What's a rest? Can you eat it? And is it a good thing or a bad thing that most of their paperwork has probably gone up in flames? )

Great.

( She bites her tongue on saying congratulations on the promotion, circumstances as they are. )

voice.

[justmath]

[Oh, good, there are responsible adults around.]

I'm pretty new here, but I'd like to help, if you'll have me. This place looks like it's in pretty rough shape.

[hotspurred]

[Henry huffs a single short, dry laugh. That's an understatement.]

As you say. Your assistance is more than welcome.

I am Henry Percy, a knight of England and commander of the Guard. I shall leave Kate to introduce herself.

[dedikated]

( Both of those are solid maybes, really. They're doing a pretty good job of seeming that way, though. )

Usually is. ( Kate pls. ) Kate Galloway. Help run the clinic here. ( When they... actually... have one. )

[hasadoctorsnote]

I'll help rebuild as much as I can. I might be able to make some help to make it go a little faster but I'm still recharging from the fighting so I'll see what I can do.

If you need help guarding anything, I can do that too.

[hotspurred]

[Henry starts and for a brief moment looks... vaguely embarrassed before he clears his throat. It's still far too easy to think of Nico wedged between hay bales in the stables with his sketch book, even if Pleasant Valley was nothing more than an illusion.]

Nico. Ah. My thanks for your assistance. We shall keep you informed.

[Once he knows how many guardsmen he has, he'll make a decision on that latter offer.]

Voice

[utulien_aure]

Fingon speaking. My kin and I still live. We should be available to help, as well.

[Building projects? You might have to tear Curufin and Celebrimbor away from the building projects]

[hotspurred]

Those are good tidings indeed. I begrudge no one rest, but the more hands we have, the better.

video

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin is a little banged up from the last round of fighting and Null-extermination, and his eyes are still darkly humorous in accordance with his style throughout this battle for the soul of Hadriel. He is combing through the debris where a building once was, pulling out usable materials and throwing them into a wagon, to be hauled off to the forge, the sheet metal shop, and the carpentry shed, all of which he shares with his son Celebrimbor. He smiles a little and lifts his crowbar in greeting. ]

We are on the same page, then.

I am available for work. I will aid in the construction of the new Clinic and Guard HQ, and anything else we need to build.

[ And since it seems appropriate to speak . . ] I am very sorry about Maketh. Farewell to her, though she cannot hear us. We will remember her for the best things she contributed to this community.

[hotspurred]

[Henry squeezes his eyes shut, dipping his head. After a brief moment, he says evenly:]

I appreciate that we may count on you.

[He shifts his weight from one foot the the other, then lifts his head again. He crosses himself and, in a low voice, adds:]

God rest her soul.

[But that is all he will say of it over the network.]

action bc who's going to stop me.

[dedikated]

( And, as soon as that's done, she's just going to collapse onto whatever surface there is and flex her legs with a groan of discomfort. The invasion may be over, and her body may have forced her out of commission for the last two days, but the effects are still coursing through her body. )

Be easier having you lot closer.

( Not that she minded the walks to provide them with first aid packs, but recent events surely indicate that they'll be needing to up their defences on the clinic.

She doubts this is over. )

not you

[hotspurred]

[Henry nods, his eyes flicking to Kate as she collapses and groans.]

In truth, perhaps we ought to have considered the prospect sooner.

[He walks over and crouches down next to her.]

All right. What have you done to yourself?

video;

[claritatis]

My thanks, to both of you.

[A small, almost imperceptible smile in Kate's direction - one he doesn't even notice is on his face.]

Henry, I hope you'll feel that you can call on me if you have a need of assistance. I am entirely at your disposal.

[Say nothing of the livid bruise slowly fading to greens and blues spanning the entire width of his chest under the white shirt he wears. He's perfectly fine.]

[dedikated]

( Yes. Totally fine. But she does seem to relax, just a little, when his face pops up. Nothing weird about that, since she probably hasn't had a moment to actually see him since the whole collapsing on him at the hot springs thing. )

You doin' alright?

( Which is why this is an entirely necessary question. )

video

[bythewaves]

My kin and I are builders and craftsmen by training, and doubtless Curufin has already spoken, but I think I can speak for the family, when I offer all our services in rebuilding.

[dedikated]

'e has.

( Of course he has. )

Glad to have the help.

( God, is she ever. Construction is an entirely different ball game. )

[not here]

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance is not responding for several reasons, ranging from just that he's tired to that he doubts anything he could say would help, especially since he can't say he's sad to hear about Maketh being gone. He'd genuinely hoped that maybe things could turn around with her, and believed she had the potential to use everything she'd learned and experienced for something good, but the chances of that had seemed slimmer and slimmer as time went on.

But even though he's personally relieved that she's no longer here, he still feels for Henry's loss, and that's much of the reason he chooses not to reply to any of this. He can always talk to Kate again later about the clinic stuff if necessary.

So he just makes note of all of this, and maybe stalks some comments, but doesn't respond.]

video

[sheathes]

You know I have no need of rest. I will attend to whatever is needed.

[ She plans on making up for her absence over the last few weeks. ]

I am at your disposal, Henry. And... [ ... she knows this other woman. It was some time ago, now, but those dreams aren't so easily forgotten. Saber sighs. ] ... the lady's, as well, though I am no healer or builder.

[hotspurred]

There are yet some guardsmen absent, so I must ask that you take on more patrols. And your remarkable strength would be of use during construction.

[That's not all though, despite his pause; Henry almost feels as though he should apologise to Irisviel for asking for so much of Saber's time. He briefly touches his knuckles to his mouth in a habitual gesture of thought.]

...I wish to determine the best locations for watchtowers sooner rather than later. With our limited numbers, 'tis vital that we get what few we can afford to man right. I would hear your thoughts on that matter too.

text

[knifecollecting]

[Well...She's just going to text.]

I can wield a hammer pretty well.

text

[dedikated]

Good. Gonna need that.

How you doing, Jo?

( Guess who might have missed your death... (: )

video;

[hasitsthorns]

Sign me up to help out.

[ It'll be good for her to

do something. ]

And thanks for the pep talk.

video;

[dedikated]

Can do.

( She'll leave the gratitude for Henry. She doesn't do pep talks, really. )

text

[leashed]

My apologies for being out of commission. Hope has seen fit to bring me back to life in a timely manner at least.

I... cannot yet comment to Maketh's disappearance. But I will follow Valentine's orders, if I am still considered fit for service.

text

[dedikated]

( Well, she doesn't know half of what's going on here, but that doesn't stop a girl from commenting, right? )

You get brought back wrong or something?

( Brought back to life, fit for service... with Hope having been attacked, she would expect that much. )

video to just Henry; private

[braveoff]

Hey, Henry. I'm sorry about Maketh.

[ He'd admired her, had hoped to see them reconcile and for her to return to the guard, but. It is what it is, and all Drake can offer is condolences at the loss of a friend. ]

I don't know if Nick told you, but I'm... out of commission for while. Until Hope starts taking special requests again, anyway.

[hotspurred]

[Henry merely nods in acknowledgement at the former comment, his eyes dark. At the latter, he cocks his head, setting his hands on his hips.]

Nick did not. [Henry glances of screen; as much as his instinct is to press for what's going on, the video may be private but Kate remains in his vicinity.] I shall ask him to explain.

[audio]

[onlyanautomaton]

I will assist in the reconstruction efforts however I can. I shall also continue to collect whatever supplies I am able to find for the Clinic.

audio.

[dedikated]

( She hasn't had the fortune to recognise this voice, but still- )

Great. Our list'll be up in a few days. Appreciate it.