( The signs were there. Everyone should have seen it coming. But no one really expected Robin to get sick. It isn't anything serious-- just a nasty bout of cold-- but someone is going to be grounded to their tent to recover. Doctor's orders! For the next couple of days, the Shepherds are without a tactician and general manager. It shouldn't be too bad, right? After all, the Shepherds were able to function just fine for awhile without Robin, right?
... Of course, the Shepherds were only like, seven people back then. And it's been awhile since they've been left on their own.
Who has kitchen duty? Who has watch duty? How much money do we have to go shopping? What exactly do we need to buy? Oh, gods, who authorized buying a Plegian viper? Gaius, you can't make cupcakes for dinner. Help. )
["No, Robin, we must insist that you get some rest. I'm sure that we can handle ourselves quite well in the mean time, don't you worry. Now if I see you out of bed before I personally deem you well and healthy, it shall be a broken leg keeping you there rather than a cold. Am I being quite clear, darling?"
Maribelle had meant it at the time and so now, as she looks over alternate battle plans and strategies the Shepherds have prepared, she resists the urge to run into Robin's tent and demand the tactician explain which one they're supposed to be going over.]
Ooh... Does it truly have to be so complicated? They merely have to swing their weapons about in the direction of our fiendish enemies while staying within my range, surely? [JUST STAB STUFF WHERE SHE CAN HEAL YOU GUYS, GOD]
[Help her figure out Robin's notes? Or possibly deem her one of the Responsible People at camp and desperately grab her to help with whatever other crisis has arisen.]
( Don't mind Olivia. She's only hiding from some of the chaos outside and Maribelle is her dear friend so it's only natural that she would seek her company at a time like this. She's also trying to look over the battle plans. She appears to have a slightly better grasp of them thanks to her time with in Regna Ferox but it sure is a lot more organized than what she's used to. )
Um, you probably wouldn't want to get too close to the front line though...
I can hardly avoid it if Lon'qu keeps running ahead. [HUFF darn Feroxis. Present company exempted, of course.
[Glares at Robin's maps.] Honestly, I don't know how Robin can make heads or tails of these. We never used to have such complicated battle plans. [Back when there was. Seven of them.] ... But I think you should stay with myself and Lissa. Yes, the three of us shall make a splendid company and I can keep the two of you out of danger.
[yes, keep the healers and the dancer in one spot... best strategy...]
( But with Lon'qu's phobia, he's probably trying to get as far away as possible from any women on the battlefield unless they're in danger. This is pretty hard. )
A-actually, maybe we should just try to avoid getting into any battles until Robin's better. ( Since no one seems to understand these plans. Except Morgan. Where is Morgan when you need her. ) That way we won't have to worry about these plans.
Shall we send the Risen armies a note, darling? "So sorry, the Shepherds cannot come out to play today, our tactician is dreadfully ill." Yes, I can just see that doing the job.
If our entire army truly relies on one person just to function, Ylisse is in even direr straights than I thought. [Quick, someone marry Robin so we can recruit Morgan.]
[ Frederick has been a Shepherd since the very beginning, he should still be capable of remembering how things were run back in the time before Robin made their presence indispensable. But yes, the Shepherds were not even half their number at that time, but that shouldn't matter, right? ]
Right, if you would like your assignment for the day, please step forward.
[When Robin fell sick, Laurent naturally take charge of the army's budget and balancing the numbers. He's already working on it with Robin, when he would help her draft and allocate the funds to cover what the Shepherds need. Just that this time? While Robin is sick, getting her final approval might take a while.
So he asked and gained her permission that whatever budget he drafted up is automatically approved. He's good with numbers in any case.
In any events, Laurent would be your go-to person for checking on what you need to purchase and plead your case for why you SIMPLY must have this item not on the checklist!
( With Robin down and enough good fortune to be camped out in a relatively quiet countryside without fear of bandit or risen attack, there's been a lot of down time. That is, if you ignored the little bit of confusion and chaos. Owain's been writing out stories, Inigo's been turned down by more girls than Cynthia can count on her hand, and Cynthia? Well, she's been working pretty hard on her hobbies too when she can! She's thought about it long and hard and she thinks she has a plan now so she heads over to Laurent, )
[Fortunately, Laurent can afford to spare some time for his comrades at the moment. The budget draft is done and he already went around camp to check on his fellows. He is always watching. With a blink, he glances over at Cynthia and nods.]
[While everyone else was probably throwing a fit at having to organise themselves (and how?! What will Robin think?!), Panne decided that this time was best spent doing what she does best: tracking and looking out. So she's on watch duty.
It's so much more peaceful being on your own for watch duty. Enough that she was even able to bring along a small bag of carrots just to nibble on while nothing is happening. Could be a good thing that there's no skirmish to take one while they have no strategist.]
( As one of the healers that has grounded Robin to their bed until further notice, Lissa feels partly responsible for the Shepherds. After all, she was one of the original members too! So she should be someone everyone can look up to now!
... Except it looks like everyone has things taken care of. Chrom's taken over the leadership role, Frederick is managing, and even some of the newer recruits are helping out in all of the places she's already tried to help. She can't cook or clean or sew or even do any repairs around the camp! It's all... pretty disappointing, really. So after spending most of the day as a bust, she just sighs loudly and frowns, watching everyone else, )
[Team OG represent!!! Or something. Maribelle has been looking for Lissa for a while now, rather concerned about how she might be faring while everyone was in a state of disarray.]
Nonsense, darling, you are already providing an invaluable service by brightening up the camp with your beautiful facade on this dreary day. [Does it look like it might rain? Maribelle is carrying her parasol just in case.]
( As usual, Maribelle is able to cheer her up, even if it's just a little. It's just enough to get her to kick her feet on the ground and try to get over her slump. )
But that still isn't really doing anything.
( Just, vague hand motions at everyone else. )
I've been a Shepherd for a long time; I should be doing something right now!
Edited (that was not the preview button) 2015-02-19 06:55 (UTC)
Me, darling? [Er...] I'm... supervising. [Since she got kicked out of the kitchen just before she could notice Gaius going in.] We can't let anyone decide to just "slack off" for the day, merely because Robin is too ill to give them instructions, after all.
[Basically she's going around scolding people??? Except Lissa, Lissa can do what she wants.]
[ It shouldn't be too bad, not with those more responsible within the group attempting to compensate for Robin's loss. A few days grounding themselves shouldn't be too difficult. Though it goes without saying that Robin could bring about the attention of even the most mischievous of Shepherds, notorious in defying the quips and criticisms from the more well-mannered (and for the sheer fun of it). The Shepherds listened to Robin because Robin was genuinely smart; they all had had a shared amount of respect for Robin's intellect, and none would deny their counsel.
Unfortunately, not many other members of the Shepherds shared that ability. Some little quarrels had already begun. Some were doing needless work and some were hardly working at all. Gerome was one of the few that is grappling with the biting urge to tell a few do-nothings to get off their fannies and make use of themselves. He's usually done well with keeping himself separated, but in times when the wellbeing of the Shepherds as a whole is at stake (read: Gerome's making a big deal out of it), he gets a little tense, okay?
So he went out to restock on the supplies. Laurent had given him his report on what the Shepherds were short of, and with Minerva's help, Gerome took it upon himself to visit the town and collect what they needed. He had attempted to do this without giving word of it to the rest of the shepherds, however.
So if you're looking for Gerome, you'll find him near the weapons supply shed with Minerva, hauling a box of vulneraries from her back to bring into the tent. He doesn't know you're there just yet, but Minerva seems to spot you, her eyes widening and pupils fixating. Gerome stops, turning his head to look at her. ]
[OR MAYBE USE THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET CLOSER TO YOUR FUTURE SON? Because Cherche is going to take advantage of this moment where he's alone and working hard. It's a wonderful conversation starter.
But first, she raises her hands, like she was just busted for sneaking around. She wasn't...]
Oh, Minerva always had such good senses. You caught me! [Ahahaha...]
[ Gerome turns abruptly when he hears her voice, nearly losing his grip on the box when he sees his mother—er, the woman who would be his mother, but wasn't. Not yet. NOPE. HE'S STILL NOT YOUR FUTURE SON!!! GO AWAY LADY
He tries to steel himself, clearing his throat. Minerva, on the other hand, greets Cherche happily, lowering her head and sticking out her snout to her for pets. Gerome ignores it!! ]
Thank you, but we decline. This work is certainly enough for one person. [ Wrong.... ]
[TOTALLY HER FUTURE SON, don't deny all this beautiful love. Seriously though, could anyone refuse Cherche once she gets going.
Maybe...
Too bad for Gerome, Minerva also is providing the perfect excuse for her to stick around. She can't help but give Minerva what she wants, rubbing her snout like who's the cutest wyvern? YOU ARE.]
Now, it will be much faster if we do it together! [You don't have to be a big strong man around her, Gerome :)]
[ He can be whatever he wants around her!! YOU'RE NOT HIS REAL MOM, and Minerva isn't helping!! He grits his teeth as he watches Minerva melt into her touches happily (Gerome's not the only one who missed his mom). ]
No, thank you. I believe we're perfectly fine going about the way we are.
[Oh okay fine he can be a big strong man then BUT STILL HER SON. And ah...she really can't help but spoil Minerva when she's like this. She's old and worked so hard!]
You don't have to force yourself. Minerva, wait here. [She rubs both sides of her snout.] I'm going to get myself a box of vulneraries too, and then we can all walk together.
[Yes, that means you too, Gerome. She enters to quickly lift a box (oof! And to think he wanted to carry every single one of these on his own) and leaving the tent just as quickly, so that Gerome wouldn't mysteriously disappear. Because he totally can, being this era's batman...]
Don't-! [ He says it strongly at first, but it dies as soon as she gets the package into her arms. Oh my god... She's ruthless. Why. Why
Gerome can only follow behind her, because he can't hold the package forever... ]
Mo- [ NO SHe'S NOT HIS MOTHER ] -You! Why do you insist on coming to my aid when there's no need for it? I told you, I'm perfectly capable of performing this on my own!
[What a determined softie...he can't fight the mother. Though she swore he was about to say MOTHER? GEROME. DO IT...DO IT.
Just look at her go though, she's so strong and manly. It comes from having to flip Virion's bed to wake him up (wouldn't be surprised if this is true).
She looks over her shoulder to smile at him.]
It is not that I do not believe you capable. We can still help each other. [Read: Spend time together. LOOK IT'S REALLY HARD OKAY she's leaping at every opportunity she can get.]
Which is part of why he comes to her side because he's not going to trail behind her like some kind of baby duck. He grips tighter to his package. Why does his own fake-mom have to be just as stubborn as he is, and why does she have to be so coy about it so that he can't even argue with her.]
All the same, I work alone. [ He looks forward. See. He's not even looking at you. Like a big baby ] You will carry this package and nothing more. I won't allow it.
Thankfully, him moving forward next to her means she gets to check out his gradual struggle with this package. If needed, she can help him too, she can do the thing. But it's true, why is she as stubborn as him? Because maybe...
...she's his mother. Ooooh.]
You don't have to here! [An army means working together after all. His stubbornness is cute though, he tries so hard, cutest baby.] But you won't--...Gerome, you need not worry about me. [That's just lightly teasing, but gosh the way he words things.]
I was not being- Oh, for gods' sake. [ GIVING UP ] Think what you will. I am going to bring these to the tent at any cost. Why you keep insisting on playing this farce is beyond me.
You will not share in my burdens if I don't allow you to do so. I refuse to be friends with anyone—and certainly not the likes of you. I don't mean to leave any more of a mark on this time than I should.
[ Shouldering his way past the flap into the stock tent. Ice cold. ]
[IT IS NOW! He made it!! She's so proud.../wipes a tear in her mind.
But really, this is all too sad. He can't be a soldier all the time. Sure he might be from the future, but even Cherche considers this upsetting. What mess did she leave her son in?
Following after--] Gerome...your intentions are noble, but you need not have to hold anything back.
And what would I be holding back? [ He's holding back... a lot but NOPE, you're not getting into his psyche!! Not today!!
He slowly and carefully places one of the boxes onto a stack nearby the box of vulneraries. He carefully pulls open the lid of the box he just brought, replacing the new vials into the empty slots. ] Since you seem to know me better than I know myself.
[Holding back too much!!! She's going to try, just watch. Also Gerome, pretty sure most of the army knows :(
She moves over next to him, heaving a sigh since well it's a little bit hopeless, that and her own needs to go down.]
Living. We are in a war, but you don't have to be a warrior all of the time. [She's seen how gentle he is with Minerva.] If you are anything like me, perhaps I do, but you are your own self. I only know you are holding back because of Minerva.
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Maribelle had meant it at the time and so now, as she looks over alternate battle plans and strategies the Shepherds have prepared, she resists the urge to run into Robin's tent and demand the tactician explain which one they're supposed to be going over.]
Ooh... Does it truly have to be so complicated? They merely have to swing their weapons about in the direction of our fiendish enemies while staying within my range, surely? [JUST STAB STUFF WHERE SHE CAN HEAL YOU GUYS, GOD]
[Help her figure out Robin's notes? Or possibly deem her one of the Responsible People at camp and desperately grab her to help with whatever other crisis has arisen.]
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Um, you probably wouldn't want to get too close to the front line though...
( Just saying. Olivia wouldn't. )
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[Glares at Robin's maps.] Honestly, I don't know how Robin can make heads or tails of these. We never used to have such complicated battle plans. [Back when there was. Seven of them.] ... But I think you should stay with myself and Lissa. Yes, the three of us shall make a splendid company and I can keep the two of you out of danger.
[yes, keep the healers and the dancer in one spot... best strategy...]
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( But with Lon'qu's phobia, he's probably trying to get as far away as possible from any women on the battlefield unless they're in danger. This is pretty hard. )
A-actually, maybe we should just try to avoid getting into any battles until Robin's better. ( Since no one seems to understand these plans. Except Morgan. Where is Morgan when you need her. ) That way we won't have to worry about these plans.
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If our entire army truly relies on one person just to function, Ylisse is in even direr straights than I thought. [Quick, someone marry Robin so we can recruit Morgan.]
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Right, if you would like your assignment for the day, please step forward.
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I'm ready for my assignment.
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Ah, Cherche, would you mind taking charge of the cooking for the day? I'll send others over to help assist, of course.
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Of course! Leave that to me. If you are short staffed, feel free to give the others different tasks, I'll be able to handle the kitchen on my own.
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I will be sure to take note of that. I will be able to breathe easier knowing you are in charge there.
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I will have to live up to this trust! [Chuckles hohoho.]
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Oh, I'm sure you will.
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So he asked and gained her permission that whatever budget he drafted up is automatically approved. He's good with numbers in any case.
In any events, Laurent would be your go-to person for checking on what you need to purchase and plead your case for why you SIMPLY must have this item not on the checklist!
Go on, make your case.]
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Heya, Laurent! Got a moment?
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Of course, Cynthia. What is it?
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The only problem is trying to organise everyone into doing their tasks without food turning into goop.
And she thought handling just Lord Virion was hard enough.]
Does anyone need more assistance or guidance?
[She says this while holding a meat cleaver and a piece of bleeding flesh. It may or may not be deer.]
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It's so much more peaceful being on your own for watch duty. Enough that she was even able to bring along a small bag of carrots just to nibble on while nothing is happening. Could be a good thing that there's no skirmish to take one while they have no strategist.]
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... Except it looks like everyone has things taken care of. Chrom's taken over the leadership role, Frederick is managing, and even some of the newer recruits are helping out in all of the places she's already tried to help. She can't cook or clean or sew or even do any repairs around the camp! It's all... pretty disappointing, really. So after spending most of the day as a bust, she just sighs loudly and frowns, watching everyone else, )
There has to be something I can do.
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Nonsense, darling, you are already providing an invaluable service by brightening up the camp with your beautiful facade on this dreary day. [Does it look like it might rain? Maribelle is carrying her parasol just in case.]
1/2
But that still isn't really doing anything.
( Just, vague hand motions at everyone else. )
I've been a Shepherd for a long time; I should be doing something right now!
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Hey, Maribelle! Are you doing anything?
( Maybe Lissa can help her. )
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[Basically she's going around scolding people??? Except Lissa, Lissa can do what she wants.]
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Unfortunately, not many other members of the Shepherds shared that ability. Some little quarrels had already begun. Some were doing needless work and some were hardly working at all. Gerome was one of the few that is grappling with the biting urge to tell a few do-nothings to get off their fannies and make use of themselves. He's usually done well with keeping himself separated, but in times when the wellbeing of the Shepherds as a whole is at stake (read: Gerome's making a big deal out of it), he gets a little tense, okay?
So he went out to restock on the supplies. Laurent had given him his report on what the Shepherds were short of, and with Minerva's help, Gerome took it upon himself to visit the town and collect what they needed. He had attempted to do this without giving word of it to the rest of the shepherds, however.
So if you're looking for Gerome, you'll find him near the weapons supply shed with Minerva, hauling a box of vulneraries from her back to bring into the tent. He doesn't know you're there just yet, but Minerva seems to spot you, her eyes widening and pupils fixating. Gerome stops, turning his head to look at her. ]
What is it, Minerva?
[ Are you gonna run? Hide? Or? ]
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But first, she raises her hands, like she was just busted for sneaking around. She wasn't...]
Oh, Minerva always had such good senses. You caught me! [Ahahaha...]
But hello, Gerome! Do you need help?
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He tries to steel himself, clearing his throat. Minerva, on the other hand, greets Cherche happily, lowering her head and sticking out her snout to her for pets. Gerome ignores it!! ]
Thank you, but we decline. This work is certainly enough for one person. [ Wrong.... ]
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Maybe...
Too bad for Gerome, Minerva also is providing the perfect excuse for her to stick around. She can't help but give Minerva what she wants, rubbing her snout like who's the cutest wyvern? YOU ARE.]
Now, it will be much faster if we do it together! [You don't have to be a big strong man around her, Gerome :)]
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No, thank you. I believe we're perfectly fine going about the way we are.
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You don't have to force yourself. Minerva, wait here. [She rubs both sides of her snout.] I'm going to get myself a box of vulneraries too, and then we can all walk together.
[Yes, that means you too, Gerome. She enters to quickly lift a box (oof! And to think he wanted to carry every single one of these on his own) and leaving the tent just as quickly, so that Gerome wouldn't mysteriously disappear. Because he totally can, being this era's batman...]
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Gerome can only follow behind her, because he can't hold the package forever... ]
Mo- [ NO SHe'S NOT HIS MOTHER ] -You! Why do you insist on coming to my aid when there's no need for it? I told you, I'm perfectly capable of performing this on my own!
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Just look at her go though, she's so strong and manly. It comes from having to flip Virion's bed to wake him up (wouldn't be surprised if this is true).
She looks over her shoulder to smile at him.]
It is not that I do not believe you capable. We can still help each other. [Read: Spend time together. LOOK IT'S REALLY HARD OKAY she's leaping at every opportunity she can get.]
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Which is part of why he comes to her side because he's not going to trail behind her like some kind of baby duck. He grips tighter to his package. Why does his own fake-mom have to be just as stubborn as he is, and why does she have to be so coy about it so that he can't even argue with her.]
All the same, I work alone. [ He looks forward. See. He's not even looking at you.
Like a big baby] You will carry this package and nothing more. I won't allow it.no subject
Thankfully, him moving forward next to her means she gets to check out his gradual struggle with this package. If needed, she can help him too, she can do the thing. But it's true, why is she as stubborn as him? Because maybe...
...she's his mother. Ooooh.]
You don't have to here! [An army means working together after all. His stubbornness is cute though, he tries so hard, cutest baby.] But you won't--...Gerome, you need not worry about me. [That's just lightly teasing, but gosh the way he words things.]
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I- Worry was hardly my intent! [ BLUSHING ] You insist on degrading me just as well as you dismiss my objections?!
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You misunderstand me, that is not degradation. I admire your thoughtful soul.
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I was not being- Oh, for gods' sake. [ GIVING UP ] Think what you will. I am going to bring these to the tent at any cost. Why you keep insisting on playing this farce is beyond me.
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He's really determined now even if his arms are going to die! Well she'll still be there to support him.]
It is definitely not playing, I want to be your friend. ["Friend".] As friends, I want to share in your burdens.
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You will not share in my burdens if I don't allow you to do so. I refuse to be friends with anyone—and certainly not the likes of you. I don't mean to leave any more of a mark on this time than I should.
[ Shouldering his way past the flap into the stock tent. Ice cold. ]
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But really, this is all too sad. He can't be a soldier all the time. Sure he might be from the future, but even Cherche considers this upsetting. What mess did she leave her son in?
Following after--] Gerome...your intentions are noble, but you need not have to hold anything back.
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He slowly and carefully places one of the boxes onto a stack nearby the box of vulneraries. He carefully pulls open the lid of the box he just brought, replacing the new vials into the empty slots. ] Since you seem to know me better than I know myself.
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She moves over next to him, heaving a sigh since well it's a little bit hopeless, that and her own needs to go down.]
Living. We are in a war, but you don't have to be a warrior all of the time. [She's seen how gentle he is with Minerva.] If you are anything like me, perhaps I do, but you are your own self. I only know you are holding back because of Minerva.
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I am holding back nothing of the sort. And if I were, it would be only for myself.
[ SUCH. A LIE. He starts putting the vulneraries away again, more quickly. ]
Minerva has enough strength of her own. She is the only one I can trust to know my weaknesses. I would not hide anything for her sake.