Description: Several days after Marz came upon the Templar working to maintain and defend Elias' shelter in Sunshine City, following the subsequent tragedy that shook Amy to her very core, the priest and his young ward return home in a rare blissful glow. What awaits them is far less happiness and warmth than they anticipated. The exchange that ensues does a great deal for some, but may pave the way into further darkness for others... from the smallest stones are mountains ultimately made.
It has been such a wild time as of late. Elias might even compare it to the cliche of it being something of a rollercoaster ride. He was so proud to have finally opened a shelter here in Sunshine City only to have it trashed a few weeks later by some monster that also kidnapped Alice to do God knows what to her. It was a frantic several days where Elias left so quick hardly anyone but the old nurse that helps run the clinic was telling anyone that showed that he was away on business.
Of course the business was him tearing through Japan in search of Alice. Contacting people he hasn't spoke to in years to get clues as to where she may be. It took time, but she was found and he left a message loud and clear to the kidnappers that even if he is one man he will not be intimidated by them. It was almost too easy in the long run, though. The monster that attacked was nowhere to be found and he has no real idea what was done to Alice.
What he does know that he can sense the demon inside of her feels a bit weaker. He would normally feel good about that, but the prior circumstances just make him more wary as to what may have happened. He will just have to monitor the situation, but at the same time he has so much to do. He is due in France soon for the King of Fighter's fight and he still wishes to find out more about Alice's kidnappers. With the demon weakened now might be the best time to do so, but the same time he does not want to leave Alice in danger. There are few he could turn to in this matter. In his mind there are only a few options and even then some are ones he doesn't want to use yet.
Finally after a week of being gone it seems the priest has returned with young Alice in tow. His vestments were destroyed during the rescue so it is a rare day when he is in civilian clothing. He is wearing a black turtleneck with a leather jacket over it and blue jeans. Despite how happy he has been the past few days since rescuing Alice and the trip back that face still remains as it always has been. Emotionless and eyes hidden by the shades he always wears.
Times have been trying, indeed. The shelter's state only worsened in the wake of Vega's terrible display of power, over-taxed walls crumbling, the very spirit of the warm and hearty place left shaken to the core. There was only so much a single, aging woman could do to maintain control; not least with the wolves of Shadaloo hanging still about the door, sniffing for scraps, ensuring that those brought low were forced to stay down in the absence of their benefactor. Elias' young wards were scared and stricken. And so it was that the youngest of the Knights Templar found herself a station, providing assistance, care, and some small measure of security to the much beleagured home...
But her presence caused a stir not only amidst the hearts of the children. A wolf is a territorial beast, a ferocious extension of the pack's will, and the commanding hand of Vega reaches far from his seclusion. Amy found herself confronted by one who wishes to prevent her efforts, she found her martial power lacking. Home became fortress by her interjection, and she failed in its defence. Restoration has continued in the wake of tragedy, and the shelter appears almost normal as it sits hunkered amidst the dilapidated structures on all sides. It will appear at first sight that Elias returns to what was torn asunder, but his happiness does not find a home here.
The poor woman who runs the shelter bustles back and forth within, darting between preparations of soup and tea, whilst also tending to the pleas of the children. Sweat beads upon her brow, her clothes are dishevelled, her demeanour is one of rushed panic. In a far corner slumps a dark figure, swaddled deep in a thick jacket habitually worn, but rarely used as a shield against the world. Not as it is now. Amy's stormy eyes are more troubled than they have ever been, the woman disregarding the needs of those around her as she turns further, deeper inward. Her mind is upon failure, guilt, regret, and misery...
Because death /has/ found a home here. It lingers in the air. Even the children show signs of their struggle to remain in youthful cheer, heels dragging and smiles somewhat deadened on grubby faces as they play amongst themselves almost mechanically. In the corner opposite the Templar sits a small shrine assembled from boxes and off-cut material, candles burning around an array of makeshift wreathes and bundles of flowers already wilted.
Despair hangs like a cloud over this little piece of Sunshine. Welcome home.
It'd been a long week for Alice as well, Vega and his minions had not been kind to her and her other side had been awake and active for most of that time. The girl felt dirty and used due to all this, but Elias had come for her and saved her...he was her hero. So for the trip back she'd been in an unusually good mood for her, further helped by the weakness of her other self. She's smiled more and Elias had even managed to make her giggle twice, something that never happens under normal circumstances.
For her part the fact the Voice hadn't spoken to her since her rescue was a blessing for Alice, she felt more herself and sane than she had in such a long time, she had full control and nothing dragging her through her guilt and sorrow. During the short journey home, Alice felt at peace with herself and a little part of her even believed that perhaps she was not the monster she believed herself to be that perhaps she was merely who suffered through a endless stream of unfortunate events starting with the deaths of her parents.
Her time with Vega already being put behind her, for this was Alice's strength the past was horrible but hope never fully left the girl...hope that no matter what something good could happen, that someday she might be free, or that Vega would never seek her out again. They might be foolish or misguided but her hope was powerful. Thus as she and Elias get close to the shelter she offers the priest a soft smile, "We're almost home Father, it'll be nice to be in our own beds again, won't it?" Her normally quiet voice stronger and more sure than normal as she peeks out of the corner of her eye at Elias as they walk. Then she sees the state of the shelter and the breath freezes in her throat as she gives a small gasp at the sight of it her steps faultering, "No..."
The senstive girl can feel it, the gloom and dark emotions surging from her home causing her to almost swoon, her mind trying to deny the possiblity her hope surging against the dark eveloping her. Everything was fine, she was just imagining things were worse than they were due to her own recent treatment, and everyone was safe and sound. Reaching the entrance she hesitates her hand reaching for the door and then pulling back as though it were a large snake about to bite her...she takes a step back shivering slightly as she looks to Elias for what to do now....
The shelter can be repaired. The priest does have the money for that. He may live like a pauper alot of the time, but there is money that he has saved to help others instead of help himself. The few fights he has here and there help replenlish his coffers as well. Though when he starts to approach he notices things look a bit more beat up than last time. Perhaps even more is the fact the shelter itself seems more empty than normal. Seems like many of the adults have decided to stay away and any other volunteers have also decided to move on. Still through all the trouble as of late at least the older nurse still stayed. Much like Elias she is too stubborn to just give up.
The priest rests a hand on the shoulder of Alice. "Whatever it was is gone. I do not sense anything." he assures her as he finally does enter and his gaze travels over the place. The nurse barely has time to say anything and honestly after all these years dealing with Elias she is too used to him wandering off for awhile and coming back. A simple nod is often enough of a greeting between them. He tries to figure out what has happened when he also notices the young woman and the makeshift shrine.
Elias looks to Alice and gives her another reassuring pat and he begins to move towards Amy. He is unsure what fully happened, but he can take a guess as to what the shrine is for. He steps forward and stands near the woman before extending a hand as if he wishes to pull her up to where she is standing. "You seem without direction. Tell me what happened." It might not help that despite his attempt for trying to sound kind still comes out as that stern tone he always uses.
Gone.
Perhaps such a word would be a small comfort to Amy, whose posture - as she sits - is coiled in tension. One leg quivers faintly, in tandem with the tapping of an upraised boot against the chair's edge. One hand clasps to that knee as the other lies coiled in unwashed raven hair, knuckles white as they grind against her scalp. Further back, dried blood clings to the ebony strands, covering a recent wound beneath. It throbs as the door opens, and her gaze whips toward it with the alarm of a startled deer.
When she beholds Elias and his ward, a flash of recognition creeps into an otherwise distant stare. Her shoulders slump, a moment before she shivers and looks away. Those children who glance around are already calling out greetings, some politely, others with open joy that their protector has returned - a handful are too young to even understand what has gone on, whilst those that remain are simply relieved. Perhaps keen to move on, their lives already filled with such tragedy that they are jaded of it.
But the Templar is not. She is absorbed by it. Afflicted and conflicted in equal measure. It's a few seconds before she glances back around, and Elias is already close. A faint shake of the head seems to bring her back into reality; from the ponderings that have long followed a fleeting recovery at the carefree words of a friend. She draws her chin up with what pride she can, her eyes wide and moist in spite of any resolve she musters. His words strike deep and cold.
"Father, I..."
She hesitates, glances toward the doorway, as if looking for escape - though her very presence here attests that she would not take such a route. She could have fled, and kept running. But as she finds Alice blocking the way, Amy's spirit - her purpose - makes itself known, a smile brushing weak but true onto her lips as she sees that this child has at least survived. Gladness almost throws wide the floodgates, and she is forced to swallow back a tight sob as she looks back to Elias. She meets his impassive stare but for a moment before her her head bows, her eyes close.
"Forgive me, Father. I came here to help, and I brought only pain and suffering." Her voice is faint, perhaps in light of their audience, but she speaks clearly enough. "The man you left in pursuit of, he sent a--" A girl. Barely more than a child. She cannot say it. "A woman in the guise of an official. I opposed her, told her she was not welcome here, and she took her toll upon me. Worse." She looks up, breathlessly darting a glance toward the shrine. A photograph sits upon its centre, all shy smile and cherubic curls. "I couldn't stop her. If I hadn't been here..."
If she hadn't been here, it would not have happened.
But the Templar's words fail her, and she draws back further, both hands now dragging the knee close to her chest. Not the confident, assured woman who pledged herself to aid in Elias' humble cause. A frightened child herself, who will not simply admit to her fears or doubts.
"I-- I'm sorry."
Alice follows in Elias' wake as he enters the slightly more damaged shelter. Her heart already sinking as she enters her violet eyes dimming as she looks to the ground as guilt and shame begin to well up inside her, she still holds hope but she can feel now that her hopes will be destroyed very soon. The emptiness of the usually bustling shelter is only serving to upset her more as her features start going blank and her eyes lid half-way.
Elias' reassurances only manage to get a numb nod from the girl. Alice is already looking around shyly at the damage as the other children swarm Father Elias, her eyes being drawn to the stricken Amy due to the sheer level of pain and angish she is radiating, then her eyes are drawn to the little shrine and her suspicions mount as to what that shrine is for. She swallows as Elias asks Amy what happened, Alice takes a step closer but is utterly silent not sure what to do or say before the girl speaks...
Amy's words and the picture atop the shrine, they seal the deal and the poor girl's eyes widen for a moment. Alice feels useless as the Templar starts to blame herself Alice is shaking her head, it wasn't Amy's fault it...it was Alice's fault, she was a monster that only brought pain to those around her that was her fate and Amy was bearing that burden when she shouldn't be. Violet eyes half lidded and full of sorrow regard Amy, "Do not blame yourself..." Her voice quiet as it usually was as she approached the frightened and distraught girl. The usually shy and aloof Alice slowly awkwardly spreads her arms wide and gently wraps Amy into her embrace if not pushed away.
"Yo...you could not have known..." She says haltingly her voice gentle, tender, and soothing if a bit shy, "It's all due to another's existance that this happened at all, p...please don't blame yourself." Her slight arms try to squeeze Amy reassuringly as she seemingly blames Vega for the whole affair though Elias would know Alice and how she thinks well enough to realize that she is taking the blame for this, that if she'd not been here at the shelter they'd all be safe and no damage would've happened.
The extended hand is pulled away from now. Elias just listens to Amy as his gaze only momentarily travels back to the shrine again. He also holds off on speaking as Alice moves in to embrace the older woman and he just slowly nods. "No one in this place is to blame. I assure you both." he finally speaks as he folds his hands behind his back. His brow only furrows slightly as a day that strated off so well has taken a sharp downward turn. "Amy, I thank you for trying to defend this place. I could ask no more from you. To place any sort of blame on someone other than the people that attacked is unjustified."
So it would seem that Vega just does not wish to leave the priest in peace. A sagat he had hoped to have been over instead seems to be just beginning. Things might not be normal for a good while if that is the case. The building will be repaired and security added, but if he allows that monster to just keep running about like he currently is then someone will have to do something. The only problem is Elias still doesn't fully know who he is dealing with. He needs more answers. It seems he will have to leave again sooner than he had planned.
He reaches out to rest a hand on Amy's shoulder and gives it a small squeeze. "Miss Johnson. Please stand up." he says while pulling his hand away. "I worry about what is going on. It seems like something is going on and servants like us will have our resolve tested more than ever." It isn't something he wants to say while the woman is grieving, but she must realize she cannot sit around and feel sorry anymore. "You offered your help in the past and I wish to ask for it."
Hardly the extrovert herself, the guilt-wracked young woman is taken aback once she finds slender arms encircling her. All that distance and hesitance that Alice has previously shown makes the gesture all the warmer, and as her small body is pressed to Amy's, there is nothing more she can do to hold back the moisture pooling in her eyes. She is too full of tears, that the act sends them tumbling, cascading down freckled cheeks. She does not sob though; she smiles, allowing that relief to once more surface as she is reminded that one good thing has come of this. It is a harsh price to pay, but as she lifts a hand to the back of Alice's head, she glances up to Elias and thinks... perhaps he has taken a toll in turn. That strength she feels in him; was it enough?
The thought is vengeful, yet comforting, and at this time she will take such wherever it can be found. Cheek-turning only goes so far against the monsters of the world, against those who would seize the weak when they are most unwary, who would crush - in their ambition - the few who fight in their name. Fight they must, this much she has accepted. It is the failure that hurts. That she knew herself capable, and still fell short... that wound stings. Consequence drives shrapnel into the wound. That another paid, who could /not/ fight...
"If I don't blame myself," Amy says in a near-whisper, pushing Alice gently away and reaching up to daub at her own cheek, maintaining eye contact with the girl as she keeps smiling through the pain. It warms her that Elias' ward stands before her, and that she can offer herself in such a way, the experience must have warmed Alice too. "Then I risk blaming those who don't deserve it. And none of us must do that. Like Father Elias says," she glances toward him, nodding her head as the smile gently fades, "Guilt must lie with those who did this. I know that vengeance should not be our way..."
She hesitates, shifting to move away from the girl and stand upright. The motion is halting, laboured as though she has sat for a long time. A hand pushes away messy hair clinging to a damp cheek, lingers at the nape of her neck as she cants her head to one side, regarding Elias with quiet intensity.
"But some things cannot be forgiven. What would you ask me to do?" A frown creeps across her brow, sudden and regretful as she realises there are more questions yet to ask. There is much more than a single tragedy here. "Does this mean you failed to find that man?" She shifts her gaze to Alice momentarily, "Did you escape yourself, or...?"
Alice continues to hold Amy gently if awkwardly due to not giving or receiving that many since her parents passed, she shivers slightly though as Elias speaks up and states no one is to blame. Part of her wishes to believe that with all her heart while another part of her knows without doubt it was her presence here that brought doom upon everyone and it is that part of her thoughts that is winning out. She's unusually quiet as Amy embraces her in return and begins to cry, "...i..it's alright." Alice's voice is almost a whisper in Amy's ear.
Amy would feel Alice's head nod gently against her as Elias thanks her, "You did all you could." Her quite voice actually praising her. The normally distant girl wonders if this is just the begining of a new string of horrors for her, part of her plays with the idea of running away before being squashed by the fullness of her will, Elias had come for her so much had happened because of her it would cheapen Elias' effort and Amy's grief if she ran away. She would stay and offer them both what little support she could muster even if all she could manage was making sure neither was alone.
As Amy pulls away and speaks to her, Alice's violet eyes meet her own she starts to open her mouth to say something in response to the Templar's words but she's merely a girl she's not lived out in the world and gained any great wisdom to say to that, thus Alice's face twists sorrowfully in reply as she can't say anything back to make her feel better. Though Elias seems to have the wise words covered as he speaks to Amy. The solemn girl releases her hold on Amy and steps back shyly looking to the floor while she stand uncomfortable and silent now that Amy has released her as she stands up per Elias' request.
The discussion of conflict causes Alice discomfort, she's not a fighter as that frightens her so...that is the world of her other self or at least that's the way Alice sees it. '..I..' As if bidden by that thought the Voice that had been so quiet for so long suddenly speaks up though faint and weak, it causes her to go completely rigid. Her eyes terrified until Amy looks at her and speaks to her, "Uh...oh...umm...h-he wasn't there when Father Elias saved me." She suddenly feels ashamed as she can't offer more than that.
The priest steps back and he gives a faint shake of his head at Amy's question. "I had missed him by just a few moments from what it seems as well. I don't think they will be able to use that area of operation for quite some time now." Yes the shelter may have been damaged, but it is still useable and much cheaper to rebuild than all of the equipment and manpower that Elias took down upon rescuing Alice. That is only a small comfort in the end. Vega is still out there and who knows how many similar labs he might have in Japan alone. That is why he must go on. He has to see just what kind of organization he is truely dealing with.
His gaze moves to Alice for a brief moment then he looks to Amy before reaching out and he rests his hands on her shoulders. "Can you help defend here just awhile longer? I cannot ask you to stay because I am sure you have your own tasks, but other than me there is no one else really able to keep an eye out on the men, women and children that come through here." It seems despite the exchange he does his best to show he still has faith in the woman. She did not back down and much like Elias she may have just been overmatched. "If I go out to find out more information I can't bring Alice with me. I would just be putting her in danger. That is why I need to leave her here."
He looks back to Alice and he nods to her. "And I am sure you have no problems if Amy was around." The two could honestly probably help one another in the long run he believes. Of course the nurse will still be around, but as tenacious as that old woman is she is no fighter. To ask her to try and defend the place would just get her killed if someone like Vega came knocking again. He will look about getting addtional security, but once again police might not be able to do much against the people he is dealing with. It is a bit of a losing situation no matter what. "As a fellow servant I can rely on you. As much as Mister Towazu wants to help I don't quite trust his affiliations."
Amy's question hangs in the air while the young girl hesitates, and she reaches down to lay a hand atop that bow-clad head, softly stroking her hair. She has heard of the exchange with Vega, dimly vague as the reports are by the terrified denizens of the shelter, but one thing is clear; that Elias' ward is far more than she appears. Her dichotomous nature though, makes it so difficult to comprehend - and such a question is as ridiculous as it is justified.
"It's okay," the woman murmurs, trying her best to ease the terror, the uncertainty in Alice's gaze. "I shouldn't have reminded you about it. It must have been horrible..." She can't help but frown, pushing back an inward attempt at envisioning the events that may have unfolded. She knows nothing of Shadaloo, but the residue of power in this place was dizzying, and that wielded by Vega's servant was nothing to be scoffed at. Its effects haunt her still.
And then Elias is taking her by the shoulders, proposing that she act again as defender. Oppose again the force that would seize this child, and destroy the lives of those around her through sheer spite. Fear is the least of Amy's concerns. She hangs silent a moment, staring at the man as he continues speaking. He makes wise points in his words, though she barely hears them with any distinction, her gaze slipping downward when he is done.
To violet eyes. To the one who is most at risk in this.
It's difficult to say whether Alice's gentleness and gratitude detract from or add to the Templar's residing guilt and self-doubt. Her heart certainly beats a little clearer and warmer in her breast, and the understanding of these good people does soothe her soul; but conversely, this is why she felt so miserable in the first instance. Whether or not she is truly to blame, she has failed them on her own terms. And she remembers the exchange with the unnamed murderess, the threats that were made, the promises of violence...
She could have backed down. If she did, would it have been any different? Could she trust herself to make the correct judgement next time, with circumstances worsened by her failure? She bites upon her lip, deliberating as she stares at the impassive face of Elias. The black pits surrounding his eyes. He would invest so much in her. Is she prepared to accept it?
"You leave me little choice but to accept..."
Her words are faint, at first, storm-swept eyes slipping shut as she shifts her attention from Alice to her protector. When lids unveil, they no longer hang with the mist of tears, but a note of determination that is desperate but heartfelt. If she is all there is, then she must be stronger. She must. There is nothing else for it; as much as she doubts. She will find the strength.
"Thank you, for your belief, Father. My intentions here were never to cause strife - I would have given my life in that poor boy's place, if I could. I-- I tried to." She shakes her head, drawing her chin a little higher, wiping the remains of tears from her cheeks before she clasp a hand over Elias'. It's not an intimate gesture, but one of a knight pledging service. Oddly formal despite its familiarity. "You're right that there are things I must do, but I'll not leave here long. I will return whenever I can. And Alice..."
She glances down again, smiles, her cheeks dimpling and eyes warm as she draws and releases a breath. "You're welcome to travel with me, if you would like. If it would be safer. Though, if you mean to take the fight to them, to /him/," looking at Elias, the smile gains an edge, tilting her mouth to a lopsided slash, "He'll have his work cut out stopping you. Good luck, Elias."
The Voice had spooked Alice, she'd been so happy due to it's absence on the trip back that until it'd spoken the single syllable in her head she'd felt free as though the nightmare of her life had lifted then they'd returned to find someone dead and it spoke again. It was almost enought to make Alice cry but she can't bring herself to do that in front of Elias and Amy not when they were already so on edge with all that had happened.
Amy's words reach her and the girl's eyes blink once and she's again focusing on the people around her instead of the world inside her mind, "It's...fine." She replies softer than her normally soft voice. She looks up and offers a very small ghost of a smile, "I don't remember much of it...." She doesn't say why though the fact she looks at Elias out of the corner of her eye and looks guilt ridden should clue him into the fact her other side had been the one in control for the majority of her capture, "...just a vague sensation of pain."
As the two grown ups discuss things, Alice again loses herself to her own thoughts. She had fought so hard to stay in control and to not let her otherself out but the blonde woman had disturbed her the lack of concern for a fellow living being had frightened her and her otherself had taken full advantage of it to take control, it had protected her for the most part though the backlash of the pain she was forced to endure in its place had been excrutiating, 'I...am...alive.' The voice sounds again with a tone of utter smugness and satisfaction, Alice shivers at that.
Amy is speaking to her again and violet eyes snap back to regard the Templar, "Uh? Hmm?!!" Momentarily confused she finally grasps what Amy has asked her and she looks thoughtful, "...I could, if Father Elias thinks that would be for the best." She answers without commiting to anything leaving that decision to Elias as she is not sure she wants to leave the Shelter unless she has to but it might be for the best if she did...Her violet eyes look to the priest for his input.
It may be hard for most to tell, but Alice can sense that despite that expression never changing that he feels relieved that Alice has agreed. Mostly because he knows if she said no he wouldn't feel right in having Amy protect the girl. "You don't have to leave when she does." he assures the girl and he pats her lightly on the shoulder. Did he too notice that small little bubbling up of that evil hidden inside of Alice? It is hard to tell at the moment. "I just ask you check in when you have time. I am sure Miss Hazelton can handle things like she always does. I feel safter having you check in over someone else is all."
Really he isn't even sure who else he would ask. He rather not have Alma deal with it. He might bring that weird gypsy he spoke of in. Last thing Elias wants to deal with is gypsy magic that would probably just make the demon stronger. His team mates for the up coming tournament? No, Elizabeth is the only one he really feels like he can trust there and she would be like a fish out of water hanging around a homeless shelter.
There is almost a slight quirk of his lips that seem to straighten back up at the last moment and the priest and he lets a hand rest on the shoulder of both Alice and Amy. "We shall all get through this just fine. Our resolve will not break and we will avenge those that have suffered." He releases and then takes a step back as his hands clasp behind his back again. "I am sorry, but I also must get prepared to go. I wish I could stay." Afterall he just got back, but he needs answers and there is something of a warm trail. If he leaves soon it will be for the better.
The Templar is unaware of the sinister voice within Alice's head, and while the girl is noticeably more distant now, her earlier display was unexpected - a welcome shift from their first meeting, or the behaviour Amy has seen in her subsequent brief visits to the shelter. The distracted stammer is met with a gentle ruffle of the hair, before she slips her hand away, breaking the contact between them for now. It's not something either is used to doing; all in all, she reflects, perhaps it would be good for the two of them to spend time together.
"Then I'll come as frequently as I can, and I'll come alone, if that's better." Amy's reply is smooth and touched with something approaching her usual confidence, the tracks of her tears forgotten - if not completely their source. The trust these two place in her is a beautiful thing, if difficult to bear, and to pledge herself to protect one such as Alice... "It will be an honour to help you both, and my pleasure. We'll be fine. And," she looks to the girl, actually able to give a small, reassuring laugh, "You don't have to follow me anywhere. But if you're lonely, and you want company, just ask, okay? I'll leave my number here."
It's not a grand gesture, but it's something she does not often do. Quite the luddite given her age, the raven-haired knight tends to communicate scarcely, and oft in old-fashioned manner. She'll make exceptions when she has to - and this is important. She cannot fail again. She /will/ not.
"Elias, please take care of yourself. I'll willingly do my part here - but the Lord has a great deal of work left for you to do. I'm sure of it. If there's anybody else you can ask for help, /do so/. You're a strong man, but there are things at work here that - frankly - scare me. The last thing this place needs, this /world/ needs, is one less good person with the conviction and power to stand up to the darkness. Be careful."
Alice nods in response to Elias' words, it seems it has been decided that she'll be spending a lot of time with Amy, "I understand Father." She was relieved that she'd still be staying at the shelter for the most part, her bed would be a welcome respite after being chained up in Vega's lab. Alice faintly smiles at the fact this place felt like home to her now...that she had a home instead of a cell at an insane asylum was amazing to her. Elias' hand on her shoulder comforts her and the residual tension from the Voice speaking to her slips away from her.
Then her hair is ruffled by Amy and confused violet eyes turn to stare at Amy, she blinks a couple times looks up at her mussed hair then back to Amy as though she's not sure what to do or how to react to that, so she simply uses her hands to straighten her hair back into a bit more order...then it dawns on her that was a display of affection of sorts and Alice softly says, "...Thank you."
Looking to Elias as he stats he must get ready to go after putting his hands on her and Amy's shoulders, "Yes we will." She says surprisingly confident though her eyes snap to him as he says he's leaving, "You...you're not going to rest first?" Concern written on her stoic features.
Amy is regarded again and the girl gives her a even look, "Thank you...again." She says a bit shyly again putting a little bit of distance between herself and the Templar now, it's not that she didn't like Amy it's just now that Amy was feeling more herself Alice didn't feel she should burden her with her direct presence, "I will do that." She murmurs.
"Yes Father, take care of yourself. I wish you would at least rest one night here before leaving." Alice almost directly asking the priest to stay with worry in the look she shoots him, he'd been traveling non-stop looking for her and he'd fought through a lot of guys to get to her, he needed at least one night of pure rest before he did anything more or that's what she thinks.
Log created on 12:56:17 03/16/2011 by Amy, and last modified on 20:06:22 03/16/2011.