hadriel | video;

[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.

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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.]

( 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. )

As well as might be expected.

[Between the heat, the constant daylight, and the aches and weariness still present from too-recent fighting, there are several ways in which he might be better, but all that's needed to fix many of those complaints is time.

He smiles again, more deliberately this time.]

I see you've wasted no time in throwing yourself into a new task.

( What's wrong with the heat? Sure, a few more hours of night will certainly be appreciated in future, but the warmth and the sun are blessed things after this. Maybe she'll turn a colour other than paper eventually. )

City won't wait for us. ( Y'know some shit's gonna happen, as evidenced by the little fire lizards running about since the Door once again opened. ) No point putting it off.

[A small nod.]

Of course.

[The little fire lizards have not escaped his attention. They're enough like a few things back on Eos that he hasn't had too much trouble in putting them down, but they have been an annoyance.]

Moving the headquarters closer together was a good idea.

( The briefest of smiles tug at her lips, which - of course - could easily be attributed to the fact that Kate has several friends in the guard, or simply the fact that being productive feels good. She doesn't want to waste time here. )

Be good to have the added protection.

( Since none of the clinic staff has any sense of self-preservation. )

[He won't judge it either way - it could be one, or the other, but it's a smile and that's rather more important than the reason behind it. If anyone deserves a reason to smile at the moment--]

Certainly one advantage to the proximity.

[Since, from what he knows of the clinic staff... he would certainly agree.]

( ... It's both of them? )

Think there's others?

( She knows what she's got listed as the advantages but now she's curious what he thinks. )

[Definitely both of them.]

I imagine I could think of one or two, in the very least.

[Could there be the slightest teasing glint in his eye?]

( Oh lord are we doing this? Children are we really doing this? )

Imagine you think of everything.

[This is really happening.]

It happens to be one of the more vital parts of my job description.

( good Lord pls send help. )

Well qualified then.

[A smile.]

Quite so. I'll see you there.

[Henry shoots Kate a fleeting speculative glance, before he nods at Ignis.]

Certes. [It's an ugly bruise, without a doubt, but he's seen far worse. He expects guardsmen to know their limits.] For the time being I ask only that you maintain your patrols and assist in the rebuilding. If aught else arises, you shall hear from me.

[He does see that look, but thinks little of it. Henry has no reason to think that he and Kate know one another beyond passing acquaintances... does he?

Ignis inclines his head slightly.]

Understood, sir.

[No doubt Henry has already realised that Ignis is always keen to help to the utmost of his abilities.]

I'm... sorry to hear about Maketh. [In all respects.]

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