[Puzzle 008]

[hisapprentice]

[When the journal recording comes on, there's a bit of static. It's either from the dunking it took in some serious floodwater, or just Luke's weird thick breathing.]

So...I-I know everybody's busy with all this [unseen, one hand gestures to the village around him, then covers his mouth while he sneezes] and I'm gonna help, I promise.

I just need somewhere to go. ...Aah, to stay, I suppose I mean. My room got really wrecked and it's not going back to the way it was. [Another sneeze, and a few coughs. Luke is stubbornly ignoring all these signs of "what an awful time to come down with something" because...in his dizzy head it might just be what a gentleman does. If necessary.]

It wouldn't be forever... [Sniff. He might like it to be, though, depending on who you are. Living alone is lonely.] Just for a little while, if it's all right.

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[hisapprentice]

Hmm-mm. [Luke shakes his head, wary of the large bird for two seconds before approaching her with a smile and an outstretched hand. He's very good with animals.] Hello there.

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[ahappylie]

[Souji slips off and is careful to land light on his feet so his geta don't get tangled up in the rubble and the mud. He steps to the side and lets Luke get to know Tammy, who is eager to meet this new person, sniffing at his hand before rubbing her beak against it.]

Did you have a pet at home?

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[hisapprentice]

Sort of. When I was a kid I had a mouse who was my good friend.

[Luke you're still a kid. A sick kid.]

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[ahappylie]

Oh, a mouse? What was his name?

[Souji moves over and Tammy follows him, pulling up next to Luke.]

Why don't you get on? I'll help boost you up.

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[hisapprentice]

His name was Toppy. I had to leave him behind when I moved to London.

[Get on? She's rather tall for him, but...well, he'll try. Cue the sort of struggling only climbing children can really pull off, legs swinging until he manages to find the right kind of purchase to get up there.]