[59][voice]

[silversnowfall]

I trust much of the panic has settled by now.

There has been a Shift that displaced some of us from our homes this past evening. We should be prepared for the possibility that it will happen again tonight, but in light of the lack of serious injuries it seems the preparations for the festival, and our lives in general, may proceed.

Unless there are other complications from this Shift?

[[ooc: ...She's really not all that different, personality-wise, huh? Fun fact, when she married Dist Saphir he took her last name.]]

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[silversnowfall]

[HELLO SON.]

[Nephry looks up and smiles as Ion comes into the room. She heard, from Tear, that he'd been particularly tired the night before, but it's good to see him looking happier again]

I hope so, too. I'm actually quite surprised that we were all here, where we belonged, except for your sister. [meaning his other sister]

[distressedude]

[He returns the smile and sits next to her because he's a momma's boy and needs to spend some quality time with his mommy okay.]

We must have gotten lucky this time around. Hopefully last night will be all we see of this. I'd hate for it to interrupt the festival...

[silversnowfall]

[That's right, Ion has a serious interest in the festival, being as involved with the Church as he is. Nephry just smiles]

The Festival will go on as it always does, no matter how many Shifts try to get in the way.

[distressedude]

I know it will, but... [He sighs a little bit. It's not like him to be so negative, but his mood has taken a bit of a nose dive. What if Ranka wasn't back in time for the Festival? What if she didn't come back at all...?]

[He shakes his head and tries to laugh off his concern. He doesn't need to make Mom worry!]

...I'm sorry, I'm probably just thinking about it too much.

[silversnowfall]

[a gentle hand on his shoulder]

It's important to you.

[distressedude]

[He slowly shakes his head again.] It is, but that's because it's so important to everyone else as well. Everybody has put so much work into preparations so far...

[And Ion too, which is probably why he was so tired the night before. Your son is a workaholic, Nephry. He takes after his father.]

[silversnowfall]

[in real life his mother is something of a workaholic too.]

And so far, nothing has changed.

...But I want you to stay here and rest today, Ion.

[distressedude]

What? [Take a day off? What is this madness?]

But Mom, there's only a few days until the festival and still so much to do. I can't just take a whole day off...

[silversnowfall]

It will do you more good to rest today and have enough energy for the festival than to force yourself to work and potentially miss the celebration.

You exhausted yourself yesterday. [Usually, now that they're all older, Nephry doesn't show too much worry in front of her children. They're intelligent and know their limits. ...Except Ion when he's in one of his commitment spirals.

And then she does worry. Like now.]

[distressedude]

[Ion can't disagree with Mommy, this is so not fair. His voice grows softer and he looks down.]

I know... I know you're right. I shouldn't be pushing myself so hard. It's just frustrating, knowing I can't be of more help.

[silversnowfall]

If you were of any more help, dear, you would be running the festival yourself.

You know it isn't a punishment. [how could it be? He's pretty much the perfect son most of the time] You will feel better if you rest today.

[distressedude]

Eheh... I wouldn't say that. Plenty of people have done far more than I could ever do alone.

[But he smiles.] I'll take it easy for today, but would it be all right if I went and told Father Wolfwood? I promise I'll come straight home!

[silversnowfall]

I think I'll go with you to do that, actually. There are a few things I'd like to ask him, as well.

[distressedude]

[Well that just makes him smile a little brighter - if she comes with, he can show her all the decorations they've been working on! AREN'T YOU PROUD MOMMY?]

What do you need to ask him about?

[silversnowfall]

I would just like to go over a few things. It shouldn't take long.

[and this way she can keep an eye on you. ...But of course she's proud, she's always proud.]

[distressedude]

All right. [Yes, keeping an eye on him would be good. Especially right now: just as he starts pulling himself up to stand, he takes in a short breath and winces.]

[Totally not trying to hide something, nope. :|]

[silversnowfall]

[already standing, she takes his arm at the elbow when he winces and will wait until he looks up to meet her eyes]

Perhaps we ought to see a doctor as well, while we're out.

[distressedude]

[He looks up at her after she speaks, with this face.]

It isn't anything serious. I just... fell a little. [That last part is mumbled.]

[silversnowfall]

When?

[she isn't usually so...short with him, or with anyone (except her brothers). This morning was just a little draining.]

[distressedude]

[And Ion isn't really used to it, so don't mind the very-guilty-frown on his face now.]

...the day before the flower viewing. I was climbing down a ladder and slipped.

[silversnowfall]

[her own expression softens, because she doesn't mean to be sharp with him. He didn't fall on purpose. ...But he did choose not to tell anyone]

Ion, have you ever been in trouble for hurting yourself?

[knowing full well the answer is no]

[distressedude]

No... [But he knows fully well that hiding it only works if he doesn't get caught.]

[silversnowfall]

Then please explain why you continue to hide the fact that you're hurt as if you will be punished.

[she's just worried about you, baby]

[distressedude]

...

I was afraid you'd make me stay home and rest instead of helping the Church prepare for the festival.

[Which she was already making him do today; moms are sneaky.]

[silversnowfall]

Do you think it would be unfair of me to do that?