37 (Yes I've started counting. Shut up)

[lamb_of_gold]

[So Mu appears, amidst a pile of what looks like dull, metal rubbish, along with three large stone jars, the Aries Cloth and what look like a hammer and chisel in his hand. He sets the latter two objects on one of the jars, then kneels down and begins to sort through the crap, making about 6 piles into which things seem to be placed indiscriminately. When all the pieces (some no bigger than a fingernail) have been sorted, Mu sits back and sighs very heavily. He reaches towards the pile closest to him, sliding it closer and grabbing at the pair of tools. He spares a look for the Golden Ram standing next to him, smiling a small bit.]

This could take awhile.

Comments

[lamb_of_gold]

And how goes your cunning scheme?

[contract_star]

I haven't gone back yet. I figured I should get my strength back.

[lamb_of_gold]

Good idea.

[contract_star]

[Pauses.] Mu, I...don't think I'm going to be able to go back to Diva's after this. Though I'm not sure how far Yin and I will be able to go if we--when we actually escape. [Another pause.] If that's the case, would it be alright if we spent the night in Aries? It would just be for the night.

[lamb_of_gold]

You're always welcome under my roof, Hei, and for as long as you may need it. If you need more time to rest afterwards, I will try to bring you to Jamir.

[contract_star]

[ajfkdljfkl he doesn't like asking people for help ):] We wouldn't stay long enough to become a burden...and if it looks like they're following us, we'll just keep moving. You've had enough Contractors for one month.

[lamb_of_gold]

Oh hardly. Kiki may enjoy the company, and I certainly would.

Jamir is inaccessible, or very nearly so. You will be safe there for a long time.

[slightly darker] But there's something I must discuss. It involves Henrietta.

[contract_star]

[Fidgets.] If you say so.

[Expression becomes serious.] What is it?

[lamb_of_gold]

She is ill. She mentioned something about a lack of medication, but she does not wish to return to her home to get some. She says doing so will make you unhappy. She refuses to go without your order or consent.

[contract_star]

Medication? She didn't...she didn't mention medication... [Inwardly flailing.]

[lamb_of_gold]

She only told me after A good deal of asking.

[contract_star]

[D:] What kind of medication? Did she say? She really won't go back until I tell her to?

[lamb_of_gold]

No, but she has a very high fever and she threw up. She does not want to return because she fears you will be displeased.

[contract_star]

[DDDDD:] Dammit...

[lamb_of_gold]

If you see her...

[contract_star]

I know.

[lamb_of_gold]

[Smiles a bit, then turns to his work, quietly slitting one of his wrists and absently watching the blood drain onto the pile of rubble below.]

[contract_star]

[Hei has never seen Mu do this before, so he hangs out, despite being slightly horrified.]

[lamb_of_gold]

[Waits a long while - his skin has definitely paled, and his eyes droop a bit before the wound seals itself, and Mu all but lurches forward, using telekenesis to piece together the shattered remains. The pieces seal together when they touch, and as the clothe slowly rebuilds itself, it seems to come to life (as much as a still-inanimate object can), and Mu smiles, still assembling the pieces.

When he finishes that, he lurches to his feet and drags all three of the stone jars closer, sliding their tops off and taking handfuls of the insides, which he proceeds to sprinkle on the cloth. His smile grows as colour begins to return to it - a soft white and grey scheme which accents the shape - that of a Dove.]

[contract_star]

[Hei stays perfectly silent and just keeps watching.]

[lamb_of_gold]

[Finally plops down, seemingly happy to be there. He puts a hand on the cloth and sighs contentedly] There you are. [He rubs it, almost comforting in how he does so, then looks at Hei and smiles tiredly] It's come back to life.

[contract_star]

[Smiles.] Well done.

[lamb_of_gold]

[Leans against one of the stone jars] Now I wait. The cloth must finish healing itself with what I have given it. If it needs more, I will give it more until it is satisfied. Then the work begins.

[contract_star]

Don't overtax yourself. Can I bring--ah...

Rather, can I cook you anything?

[lamb_of_gold]

[Shakes his head] Thank you, but I've no appetite at the moment.