[action&video][backdated to a few days ago]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[So, here's Sol, fresh out of the Labyrinth. Physically, she looks perfectly fine. Her expression, on the other hand, is a mixture of distress and rage, and her hands at her sides are balled into fists and trembling. Clearly, she ran into something there that has left her more than a little shaken.]

[She doesn't seem to be aware that the Vine is broadcasting. For a long time, she doesn't speak or move at all but for the shaking of her hands. Then, abruptly, she hauls back and punches the nearest tree.]

Goddammit.

Comments

[video]

[mnementomori]

[punching trees never means good things.]

Don't hurt yourself...!

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[Sol bites out another curse at the sound of Xion's voice, realizing the Vine must have been recording. As she replies, she tries to smooth her expression into something more indifferent—with limited success.]

...Tch. I'm fine.

[video]

[mnementomori]

People don't usually...punch trees when they're fine. [she says this like it's the most obvious thing in the world.] Did something happen?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[Well, it is pretty obvious—which is probably why Sol has no counter to that line of logic. But she really, really does not want to talk about her experience in the Labyrinth, especially not with some kid whose name she doesn't even know, so she snaps:]

Mind your own business, kid.

[video]

[mnementomori]

I didn't mean--...

[her shoulders slump a little. She's not scared or insulted, just a little put out.]

I just meant, since weird stuff happens here, and the Queen got kidnapped...if it had something to do with that.

[failedhorribly.livejournal.com]

Did it say something offensive about your mother, perhaps?

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[Sol straightens and brushes herself off a little, feeling vaguely self-conscious. She hadn't wanted anyone to see that. Well, nothing to do about it now. Attempting to cover up her expression with something less emotional and put some steel into her voice, she growls out:]

Piss off.

[Despite her best efforts, though, it still sounds a little weak.]

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

Hn.

[That's her only reply for a long moment. She's tired, though, and not in the mood to keep dodging questions, so she casts around for something to say to get this girl off her back.]

Yeah, something like that. [A beat, and then:] That's all you need to know.

[video]

[welljustwatchme.livejournal.com]

Excuse me, I don't mean to pry, but... are you alright?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[No, she's not. But Sol has never been the type to admit to that, and especially not to strangers.]

Just fine.

[It's obvious that's a lie from the slight quiver in her voice, but that's the answer she'll be sticking with.]

[video]

[mnementomori]

...okay. I hope no one's hurt. [someone's going to be wandering around the Gardens looking for people now.]

......the Queen. Did anyone find her?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

...I didn't. [Saying that out loud prompts another wave of anger—all that and she didn't even succeed—but she hides it better this time.]

[video]

[welljustwatchme.livejournal.com]

Okay.

Do you lke ice cream?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

...What?

[That was not what she had been expecting at all.]

[video]

[welljustwatchme.livejournal.com]

Ice cream. Do you like it? Or do you not have it where you came from?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[This is not what she had been expecting to such a degree that she is actually distracted from her emotional state. She sounds much calmer when she replies.]

...We have it. It's not bad, I guess.

[video]

[welljustwatchme.livejournal.com]

Oh, good. You look like the type who could use some right about now. Just one of those days, you know? I have this friend at home, Cuba, and whenever she looks like she wants to punch something we just haul out the ice cream and try to ignore the fact that everything sucks. It tends to work, if only for a little while.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

Sol, are you all right?

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[She rubs the back of her neck, feeling a little self-conscious. Deep down somewhere she appreciates the thought, but...]

...Not really a sweets person.

[video]

[mnementomori]

Oh. Sorry I--bothered you. [she is sorry, though in a way she's used to being an intrusion. She bites her lip, then adds]

Be careful...?

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

Peachy.

[That sarcasm is about the closest she'll get to an admission that no, she's not okay.]

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[She just makes a vague kind of noise at the apology. When she speaks next, though, she sounds more weary than upset, her anger quickly giving way to plain exhaustion.]

Don't worry about me, kid.

[video]

[mnementomori]

I'm Xion. [the nickname reminds her too much of Xigbar. She doesn't blame this woman for snapping, though--she looks like she's been through the grinder.]

[video]

[dragoninstalled.livejournal.com]

[She gives a tiny acknowledging nod.] Sol.

[video]

[welljustwatchme.livejournal.com]

Oh.

Not pudding, then, either.