[ it's hardly worth arguing either. with a vague notion of agreement, Ritsuka leaves the topic be and goes back to occupying herself by conversing with the local wildlife. though the turtles are hardly seen, the fish are hard to hear, and the frogs scatter as soon as someone else's footsteps approach.

that someone is the fair maiden Saint Martha, looking... much less fair than usual. Ritsuka is momentarily shocked but not enough to stop her from standing up and rushing right over to her. she restrains herself from going for a hug, at least. to business and all. ] Martha, yes. Just a couple of hours ago. At least, I think it's been that long... I'm still disoriented from that misaligned Rayshift.

[ now she frowns, shaking her head gently. ] No, I haven't been able to communicate with anyone. Not even the weakest signal. That's how I couldn't even tell you were here. No sign of Mash or Fou either. [ and how rare is it for Ritsuka to be seen without either or both in step with her? it's deeply troubling. ]