[BBS] + [ACTION for Claire] Whereabouts.

[eiusumbra]

[BBS]
[After playing a bit of catch up on the BBS, Shadow encountered an odd message from Claire. It was succinct, as usual, and it didn't explain why she isn't around. It isn't like her to just disappear without a trace, unless it was the happenings of Time Compression. Again.]

Where's Claire Farron?

Shadow
SeeD #83425

[ACTION]

With bit more digging around, he finds out that she left, giving some clue to her whereabouts just in case. It wasn't a good clue, since it's been a month, but it was better than nothing. It meant less hacking into the database for him. It also meant less time to waste. Without a note left behind, and essentials packed (tent, flares, food, medical supplies, etc), Shadow manages to get a lift to the nearest area of Claire's location.

He'll start north of Esthar, make his way south, and ask people if they have seen this grumpy looking woman in the only photo he has of her.]

What is she thinking when she left?

[It'll take at least half the day, even with running, to traverse the wilderness. No thanks to the monsters.]

Comments

[eiusumbra]

It's nice to know that some things don't change.

[He crosses his own arms, thinking of the best way to break the awkward silence. Fortunately, there is no best way to do so.]

After getting sent back here unwillingly, I backtrack a few entries on the BBS and found yours. No explanation, which is not so unusual, but it's sudden, and no one knew where to find you. So I went looking. [Shrugs] If this isn't intelligence gathering, I don't know what is.

[He pauses, looking to her indifferently.]

I don't expect you to give a reason for resigning, but what do you plan to do out here?

[subjected]

[ A frown. Some things don't change, no.

... And sometimes, they do. He doesn't ask for her reasons, so she doesn't give them-- although it's obviously deeper than the sparse reply she's about to give. Her lips press together and head tilts toward her shoulder, following the gaze she casts to the side. ]

I have a job. It wasn't worth explaining.

[eiusumbra]

[The reply he gets is more telling than she may think.]

'There isn't much we can do in this world without revealing ourselves as Off-Worlders, unless something more official came up.'

Seems that way, since no one else joined me. So, I'm guessing this job of yours isn't done?

[subjected]

That's right.

[ She half-shrugs, mostly non-committal... though it's more the beginning of his comment that catches her attention rather than the question. Her thoughts are stingingly bitter, to think of anyone from that place being anywhere near concerned about her welfare. She's probably doing most of them a favor they don't deserve, by removing herself from their presence. ]

... Why are you here?

[eiusumbra]

I thought that was obvious?

[subjected]

[ ... Claire's eyebrows immediately come together slightly, her lips tugging down into a frown at the unexpected turn of having her question thrown back at her. Her hand slides up her hip to rest there on her belt, but she doesn't answer even in the breath or two marking the seconds that follow.

Apparently, no, it's not obvious to her. She could take a guess, but there's no guarantee it would be anywhere near the truth. That bothers her enough to stay silent. ]

[eiusumbra]

You disappeared, so I came looking for you. [It seemed obvious to him, at least.]

....I am so sorry, ugh

[subjected]

Garden knows where I am.

[ ... For the most part. Her voice is oddly thick though, and she affects a strange expression as if Shadow has just casually admitted he's always dreamed of being a moogle and she's attempting to hide her baffled reaction.

At its core, it's still pretty much the same sentiment, though. She wouldn't have pegged Shadow for being someone to not only notice her absence, but to come looking for her. ]

I was starting to worry >.>

[eiusumbra]

Being on a mission isn't always obvious to fellow SeeDs, especially when you resign. Also, if Garden knew, I wouldn't be here.

[He does smirk a bit.]

How long is the mission?

v_v

[subjected]

[ Claire just stares at Shadow throughout that-- mild chiding, expression unchanging. After a moment the back of her hand finds solid placement on her hip again though, as she snorts the softest of scoffs, looking away. Her voice remains still pretty defensive, but also drops until it's considerably softer. ]

There isn't really a set date or anything- I'm mostly playing bodyguard, here.

[ Which is just fine with her. ]