[audio] @riku [open] (backdated to 7th Aug)

[equinoctials]

This is Riku. I've met some of you already, building the boats or around town.

[ He's not the most outgoing guy, preferring to show his community spirit by working around Beacon. One might have seen him patching rooftops with handmade shingles or filling potholes with sand and stones. Those from the first ferry in might recall he helped move excess furniture from rooms in the Invincible so people could live in them. ]

I know we've all got a lot going on. I wouldn't ask for your help if it wasn't important.

[ Riku says it like he's not used to this. Thunder growls heavily in the background. ]

Some people went missing. I need to go find them before this rain gets any worse.

[ So why take his concerns to the network? ]

I can't be in two places at once. The lake... It's rising, and so is the river. We need to protect our supplies, whatever's left after the rats.

You can use the boat building materials down by the boathouse if you need them. Just get to it before they wash away. And-

[ He exhales, hesitating to give such an obvious warning when so many are assured of the dangers. For his own edification, he does anyway. ]

Be careful. It's down to us.

(OOC: backdated to 7 Aug)

Comments

[originallutece]

That's a particularly self-sacrificial way to look at it.

Tell me this: did you prepare before leaving?

[equinoctials]

Yeah.

[ He doesn't elaborate. He doesn't feel he has to, but between himself, Dawn, and Vanitas, Riku feels he might have his hands full of other concerns than food and dangerous things in the forest.

Vanitas can't help but press his fingers into open wounds, and Rikus have a track record of speaking with their fists when pushed too far. ]

Isn't my first time. ... Still, thanks for the offer. Guess I didn't expect it.

[originallutece]

Regardless of the way I may present myself, Riku, I don't actively have a desire to see you needlessly hurt or slaughtered. If nothing else, I still need you to tile the roof of my lab.

LAUGHS HARD

[equinoctials]

...

[equinoctials]

[ After a stunned pause, Riku exhales through his nose, offering a dry: ]

Yes, ma'am.

[originallutece]

[Surprise! You thought it was compassion, but it was me, pure selfishness!]

Indeed. Best of luck.

[A beat, and then:]

Regardless: call me if you wish. Perhaps if nothing else, a steady conversation will keep the spirits away.

[And keep her company while she builds-slash-fights-rats, so, again, it's a mutual thing.]

[equinoctials]

[ That's not possible, unfortunately; the flash floods begin in earnest during the search, and Riku will be drenched, cold, and definitely distracted searching in the storm for two friends. But for now, he appreciates the offer. ]

Thanks, we'll be back soon.