driftfleet | Huntress Mingle!

[While Lance is suffering from some of his own losses, he can't begin to think of what Mikleo is going through right now. If Keith had been the one to disappear--

No. Not thinking about that.

But it was clear as day that Sorey meant the universe to Mikleo. While the seraph takes time to himself (a glance to the roster list shows that he's still aboard the fleet, even if he won't show himself), Lance makes sure to take care of his pengyon while he's in there looking after Kaltenecker.

He makes a big batch of cookies to try and cheer people up. When Lance finally spots Mikleo out of his room, he heads over with the container.]

Room for another?

[Mikleo's gaze flits towards Lance, and while there is a moment of hesitation, he is in a public space for a reason rather than hiding out in his room or on the Iskaulit again. He can't isolate himself or he'll go insane... or malevolent, which would be worse.

So he nods, gesturing at whatever empty space is available.]

Sure.

[With that permission, Lance takes a seat next to him and makes himself comfortable. The box of baked goods is still full, and he holds it out to Mikleo for him to take some.]

I wasn't sure what your favorite flavor was, but I like to think chocolate chip is a pretty good medium for most people.

Chocolate's fine. Thank you... you didn't have to do this.

[The ship never seems to have a shortage of baked goods, that's for sure. The perks of having a daily supply of milk and eggs.

He accepts a couple of cookies and tucks his legs in under himself, setting aside his book so it doesn't end up with crumbs all over it.]

No, but I wanted to. 'least I can do for you.

[Lance is quiet for a little, letting Mikleo munch on some of those cookies, hopefully, before speaking.]

How're you holding up?

[Mikleo takes an extra few seconds to process the question, letting the cookie-nibbling be his excuse. It's a loaded question- he knows it, and he knows Lance knows it too.]

As well as can be expected, I suppose. It's... important that he's home. The world needs him more than I do.

I know it doesn't make it any easier. I can't...even imagine. And I know that I can't make it all better, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here, okay? Or if you need anything at all.

[He hates seeing a friend in pain.]

I know. Thanks, but...

[He knows he should, it's just such a complicated situation. And he's in a better place than most people.]

I should have been preparing for this, even before he left. We're going to be separated for a long time.

You can't exactly prepare for something like this. What do you mean, though? Is something going on back in your own world?

[Mikleo's only initial response is a thoughtful hum, flavoured with reluctance. Fair question, though, and he did bring it up.]

Sorey's... asleep, back home. He's acting as a vessel for- I guess you could say a god, or as close as a seraph lord can get to such a status. They're purifying the land together, and it's going to take a long time but we don't know how long. Years, probably centuries... I have no idea when I'll see him again.

Oh. ...Oh jeez. I'm sorry. I can't... I can't imagine.

[What can he possibly say to that? Lance is usually good at the cheering people up bit, but situations like this are completely out of his element. It's not like anyone back home had to deal with a scenario like that.]

Maybe it'll be sooner than you think, you know? Especially because he knows he has you to come back to. I bet he'll put that purify thing on high speed.

[He smiles faintly at that, because the sentiment is appreciated, even if it's a little ignorant.]

Purification doesn't really work that way, unfortunately. As long as humans exist, malevolence will continue to grow. Nothing against them, or you, of course! It's just an undeniable fact on our world. And we've gone so long without a proper Shepherd to stem the tide that there's a lot of work to be done before that seraph lord can handle it on his own. That's why Sorey offered.

Malevolence? I guess it's more of a tangible thing in your world, but I get it. Even if I don't fully understand all the Shepherd stuff. But...

[Shrug.]

Still! You can never doubt the power of love. I mean, who knows, if malevolence is tangible in your world, love might be too. And I bet that has a power of its own.

...That's... not exactly how it works, but I appreciate the sentiment. And I guess love factors in to some degree... malevolence is most often fueled by bad intentions.

[Though there are a few cases of people loving a bit too intensely and becoming hellions because of it. The whole system is complicated and not conveniently black and white, unfortunately.]

Either way, there are still things the rest of us can do on our end to make things better- and to make it easier for him. It's just that we have to be separated until it's finished.

[Well... He tried, at least? Lance nods.]

Before you know it, you'll be back with him. Then you can tie him to a leash or something and make sure he never goes away again. Effective. I think.

[Another of Lance's patent stupid jokes.]

[Yeah, sorry bud, he's not in a joking mood.]

You have some strange ideas about the passage of time.

I... Look, I'm just a human, I don't know what it's like to be as old as you guys or for centuries to pass or whatnot. All I can do is give you what advice and comfort and hugs I can. I know it can't really apply, but...

[He trails off.]

Huntress Mingle!

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