Part 628: Maribelle C

I am so weary of this gods-forsaken war. Every time we turn around, Risen are tearing some poor village apart. Ah, I fear this will all get darker before we finally spy the dawn.

And yet, look at this flower still finding a way to bloom amidst the devastation. *Sniff* It brings a tear to the eye to see such a fragile thing struggle to the light. What a good flower you are. Stay strong now, little one.

Hi there, Maribelle! You all alright?

ACK! Henry?! H-how long have you been standing there?

Oh, I dunno! Since before you launched into that soliloquy, anyway.

Eavesdropping is a shameful habit, sir. And on a lady, no less! Were you birthed in a barn?

Aw, but it's fun listening to you mumble! You say all kinds of crazy stuff. I really liked the last bit where you started chatting with the flower.

I was NOT chatting with the flower. I was remarking on the... That is to say... Oh, what's the use? You've caught me in the act, and that's that. Go on, then! Point and laugh. Take this chance to mock your social betters.

Mock you? Why? I do the same thing all the time. ...Hmm? What's that, flower? *mumble, mumble* ...Ooh! Okay, I'll tell her.

What in the WORLD are you doing?

Talking to the flower. She says she's very grateful that you spoke to her. Also, she says she'll stay strong as long as you do, too.

I appreciate the gesture, sir, but you don't have to feign madness for my sake.

I'm not feigning anything. I'm just really in touch with the natural world. I can talk to any living thing you want. Trees. Flowers. Maggots. Ooooooh... Maaaggots...

That is a remarkable talent, if a shade disturbing.