therookery | [Open] One does not simply wake up

FORM: Crystal.
SENDER: Delphine Cormier
RECIPIENT: All other crystal baring people.
WHAT: Apologies for her complete denial of this place being real, and a couple of requests.
WHEN: Now.
WHERE: Everywhere.
NOTES: So she was brought into the game after being shot and recovering, which means so far she's believed this whole ordeal to be some kind of drug induced dream. Until she's slowly come to realize she isn't waking up, she can read, the text is fixed (which isn't so supposed to happen in dreams) and everything is too real.

[ Whoever was speaking, they had a very obvious French accent and sounded flat. She probably rehearsed this many times before finally doing this. ]

Hello. This is Delphine Cormier, I suppose this is long overdue. I'm a rifter, as you people call it. I'd like to apologize to any of you I've possibly offended for not completely believing this to be true. [ A small pause, there was just a hint of weakness in her voice and she had to stop and compose herself. She didn't know who this was going to reach, she couldn't risk exposing herself. ] And thank the ones that have helped me so far, I'm afraid I haven't caught the names of some of you, but you should know I appreciate your assistance.

I'd like to ask if there was anyone willing to explain the current situation to me, and what is expected from as a rifter. [ Whatever this was, she believed if she did her job this might mean she could be sent back to her world sooner. ] As the information I've gathered so far isn't adequate.

[ Whatever she was doing while talking it probably took it's toll on her, as she sounded slightly out of breath and there was a barely audible whimper. ]

I'd also like to know who to speak to for... [ Help? Now that was definitely showing too much. ] medical assistance.

[ After a longer pause, she takes a deep breath. This part is said very hesitantly. ]

Lastly, I apologize I haven't completely gotten the hang of using the crystal so I'm not entirely sure how to make something private. With that said, Cosima I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind.

Good day.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[To say that their first encounter in the library had been difficult was something of an understatement. Delphine's stubborn refusal to believe in the reality of what was happening, combined with the fact she had memories of things that hadn't happened to Cosima - yet? - meant that Cosima had mainly dealt with Delphine's arrival by not mentioning it to anyone and trying desperately to sort out how she felt about it.]

I'm here. But you need to visit the healer's tents before anything else.

[She's careful, even. But not cold. Cosima's not the one who's good at hiding her true feelings, and never has been. Someone shot Delphine, and Cosima never believed that was a hallucination.]

I can meet you. There or after.

[They'd probably do best to talk face to face.]

[ It's obvious she was nervous about sending the message, as there's a heavy sigh before she speaks. She's more than happy to hear a response from her, to know she isn't angry at her. ]

I can meet you after. [ As much as she has seen Cosima in pain, even on the brink of death, she can't stand the thought of Cosima seeing her this way. She wants her to trust her, not think of her as weak. But as much as she's doing her best to hide the pain, any movement too fast or cough and the pain sneaks up on her. ] Where?

The gardens?

[Cosima really wants to be breathing down the neck of whatever healer is responsible for patching Delphine back together, but Delphine doesn't want her there. And, in all honesty, Cosima should not go alienating any of the healers she herself will need again in a few weeks. Still.]

Don't push yourself, whenever they say you're up to it.

[A hilarious case of the pot calling the kettle black.]

Sure.

[ There's a small laugh, now this is definitely a turn of events. As much as didn't enjoy her current situation, this was endearing in a way. She would have said a joke about Cosima being the doctor now but those were different times, when things weren't muddled with distrust. ]

Don't worry.

[ She's probably going to push herself anyway. Laying in bed resting isn't something that's comes easily to her, especially when her mind is buzzing with thoughts. ]

[Amazingly, it's almost possible to hear Cosima making a face.]

Someone shot you, I think I'm allowed to worry.

[She feels this is a very reasonable point.]

It was bound to happen, I was overplaying my hand.

[ She's grown to accept it, but it never meant it was easy. ]

I've had surgery. My pain is not fatal.

I'm putting that on the list of things we can talk about later.

[Do not doubt she has a physical list, Delphine.]

There's a lot of ground between "fine" and "not actually going to die," you know.

There's a list?

[ As nervous as she was to reach out to Cosima... this was easy, it wasn't as tense as she expected it to be. It could be a simple argument of sorts, but it was far from their usual arguments she's grown used to. ]

Of course, I know. [ For once her voice is more relaxed, and you could almost hear the smile. As much as she would rather say something else entirely, she settles for this. ] Thank you, for worrying.

Yeah, yeah.

[She's half grumbling, but only half. There's a lot they still need to sort out, but Cosima can't deny that some small part of her is comforted for having a familiar face - this one in particular - nearby.]

Don't go making it a habit, okay? I don't think it's good for my blood pressure, you getting shot.

I can't make any promises, as long as I'm playing my part. But I can assure you I won't be shot again, at least not while we're here.

[ Now getting blasted away by magic or attacked by monsters? That's another subject. ]

À bientôt?

Yeah. See you soon.

[And then they'll really talk.]