Ms. Harts

(She moved to Jason's other side, preparing to assist him.)

If you two need as well, I have several spare bedrooms available. I don't rent them often, but you're welcome to stay with me.

(Her brow furrowed as she glanced at him, then up at Yijun.)

More the area around the Zones than a Zone itself.

But no, you're quite right, Mr. Guo. They were already inside Astrell when I found them.

(She stood and stepped back with a smile, moving her hand to Layla's shoulder.)

Of course, Mister Guo, I couldn't possibly leave them there. Found them rather battered, lying in the street.

Good, good.

I'm sure this is frightening, especially if you've never been to Astrell before, but don't worry. The people here are very helpful and understanding.

(She squeezed Layla's hands.)

You and your brother are in good hands.

(She took Layla's hands and crouched in front of her with a soft smile.)

It's going to be just fine, my dear, I promise. Big, slow breaths, okay?

Take a deep breath, Ms. Ross, it's alright.

(She thinks for a moment.)

They were both lying in the street when I found them, perhaps some amnesia?

Did you not bring them with you? Or...

(She pauses and thinks for a moment.)

Where did you say you came from, dear?

(With a nod, she lead the pair to the Culpa, attempting to keep a slow enough pace that neither should trip or collapse.

Once inside, she laid Jason down on a couch.)

Please, rest a moment. I'll fetch the medics.

(She waits before letting go and crouching to collect Jason.)

It's not far, thankfully, and the Culpa has quality nurses. They'll get you both fixed up.

Ah– yes, indeed.

(She stands and offers her hands to Layla.)

Let's get you upright first, my dear, and then we can both pick him up.

Oh dear— careful, the ground is rather rough in places...

(She hurried over to Jason, setting a hand on his shoulder.)

Mr. Ross, can you hear me?

That's a lovely name, Ms. Ross, it's a pleasure to meet you. Most call me Ms. Harts, I own a business in this zone.

And this gentleman, is he with you?

(She smiled reassuringly.)

Just for your name, dear. We'll start small.

(She glanced around for the child, perplexed, before turning back to Layla.)

You might be fine, but you seem disoriented. Get your bearings for now.

(She didn't notice how Layla's gaze lingered, too worried for the pairs' well-being.)

Oh!

(She hurries over and kneels next to Layla, setting a hand on her shoulder.)

Careful, dear, you seem hurt..! Take a moment, we've plenty of time...

What's your name?

(A woman - dressed rather extravagantly - walks nearby; she glances over, then does a double take and stops.)

..? Are you lot alright?

(She laughs softly.)

Well, that's good to know..!

Yes, I find the process rather tedious and boring. Though you're quite right, it does make everything smell much better!

Oh! Hello there!

Laundry is washing your clothes when they get dirty, it comes from the term Laundering, which simply means "to wash".

I'm not terribly fond of the process, especially for my more delicate clothing items...

I fear I despise the laundry enough to procrastinate... my goodness...

[Whatever there was has faded, replaced by something new...

Someone new...]

I did! Now we're going to go see if the museum has something I found on display.

(She leads Layla to the gallery exit, checking a map on her way past.)

Oh, good, the layout is exactly the same as home! That saves me a lot of headache.

(She smiled warmly, then turned slightly to address the kitten on her shoulders.)

What do you think, dear? Want to see some archeological finds like when we were little?

I may not have an eye for the smaller details, but I like to think I have reasonable tastes.

I believe we're nearly through the gallery. Once we're done, shall we see if Hershel's findings match mine?

(A tiny chill up her spine that she shakes away with her free hand. Just the tickle of fur, surely.)

Indeed, this one is quite intriguing. The colors and shapes, even what I believe to be called the sight line... it's lovely.

(As they walk down the hallway, she explains what she knows of some of the local artists, and talks a bit about the stone used in some statues.

She follows Layla's lead when a particularly intriguing piece catches her eye.]

There's still a chance that this form of mine isn't my real body, but some creation of the stream.

Or... hm... perhaps the curse didn't make me young, but simply merged me with a Teddy...

Either way, I won't be about much. If I find anything, you will be the first to know.

(She gives it a final scratch before offering her arm again.)

Shall we continue where we left off?

It's quite confusing. But, nonetheless, I don't think there's been any issues thus far.

I do think I will run some independent testing at some point, see what happens.