08. text

[baldrshand]

[The following photo appears on the network:]



Hello, everyone! Welcome to anyone who's new here. My name is Ethlyn. I run the Willow Clinic here in town--if you're sick or injured, or if you want a check-up, or if you just want to drop by and ask some questions about what it's like to be here, do drop in!

And if you're wondering what to do with yourself, we're always happy to take on new people. Even if you only have the most basic knowledge of first aid, you can always learn. I certainly have!

It's strange to think that I'm beginning my second year here. So much has happened, so many people have come and gone in that time. I've been thinking a lot about it lately.

So I have a question for anyone who'd like to answer: How long have you been here? And... how do you feel about that?

Comments

[baldrshand]

Oh, them. That's absolutely abominable. A peck on the cheek or a secret is one thing, but actual physical injury? If anyone asks me why we need the Arztenritter, I'm going to tell them about that.

[nobody has actually asked because many other things make it evident]

That's how I feel about it. We could be a lot worse off... chained up in some oubliette, or breaking rocks to make a road. For the most part, we're at least left to our own devices, even if things aren't ideal.

I wouldn't give up those bonds. The friends I've made here mean so much to me.

[luneminary]

I'm very glad you established the Arztenritter at least, Ethlyn-san! Even outside of this incident, you guys have been a great help!

Doesn't it make it confusing, though? We're trapped, but they make sure our needs our met outside of...some things. Terrible things happen, but good things happen too. It makes me wonder that the reasoning is behind all this.

I don't want to give them up either! I've made so many friends here as well, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Despite everything...I think I'm glad I ended up here.

[baldrshand]

It's a very nearly normal life that they've constructed around us. They make us carry our crimes--or a crime, at least--and then demand repentance for it, but only sometimes. My Sentencing wasn't even that bad. I've had worse punishments from my parents for misbehaving.

I'm grateful to have come here too. Not just because I have a second chance at life, but because of those people who are so important to me. I've learned so much from everyone. I hope I've been important to them, too.

[luneminary]

Well - I'm not sure about anyone else, but you have been important to me, Ethlyn-san! You have been a great help to me, and I'm sure you have been helpful to a lot of people, as well!