Rest Thy Hearts (Helle/Liltotto)

The talk of the city, none dared to even approach the sorry sight before them. It began as a boat belonging to Erchanhardt pulled up to The City of Light's shore. As customary to visitors, it was met with the usual gate guards. Though, they were unprepared for what came from the boat, the sight enough to leave them speechless at first. None imagined seeing this woman again, especially with what had become of her. None were prepared for the wheelchair that carried their Director, her form limp as she was carried forth by one of Erchanhardt's most trusted. Of course, suspicion of treachery was thrown at the woman that pushed Helle forth, but Helle was quick to dismiss the claims, but, at the same time, refuse to explain further for now. All she wished was to return to someplace familiar: her home.

Her trip to the city was met with ushered silence, messengers hurrying to report about her return while also sharing the state of her person. It would not be long until Helle would find herself ambushed by those curious enough to invade her space. At least, thanks to Rafaela, Helle was able to make it to her house first, entering the place and taking a seat, with help, on her lone couch, waiting for the overdue knocks. For a second, she'll allow herself to rest, knowing that the next few hours, and possible days, will be full of stress. For now, the heart monitor beside her stayed steady.

What an interesting sight. This is Liltotto? Why, the small woman Helle remembers seemed to exist no longer. This proved enough of a shock to raise her heartbeat by just a tick, but Helle quickly calmed herself to a point where her eyes barely showed surprise. However, she could not help but chuckle bitterly at Liltotto's efforts to help. They've only interacted once, but it seems the other blonde is still as obnoxious as before.

"I am alright, Liltotto, and that's Director Armstrong to you."

A small smile crept its way onto her face, but Helle was quick to let reality sink in and sigh deeply. She thought, for a second, on relaying the truth to Liltotto but decided against it. The other woman can probably sense that Helle is a far cry from what she used to be. There is barely a trinkle of the power that once exuded from the Sternritter Director. Helle disliked having this sort of attention thrown her way, so she goes about shifting the focus on the conversation.

"How are you, Liltotto. You are different."

Helle chuckled, a sad and pathetic breath of air escaping from between her lips. As if anything could spook Helle these days. Everything simply felt surreal to her. Anything unexpected is simply another fact of life that comes and goes. There's little reason to stress over these things. Though, that's rather hypocritical to how she had lived until now. That's the power of near-death experiences. It is impossible to remain the same.

It is easy to tell that Liltotto's change was something the woman had wanted to occur. Those words that Liltotto spoke hit Helle harshly. For a second, Helle remembered everything: her body exploding with anger, her body dying, her body drowning. She remembered waking up wondering if she had passed on or not, and now, she is here, living her life bedridden and stuck in this horrid wheelchair. It seems both Liltotto and her are simply rolling.

"That is good. You have grown into a splendid individual. Accommodating these sudden life changes is never easy, but I am happy to see that you're still you."

Yeah, but Helle knows she is still not herself.

"Tired? Perhaps. I have yet to find a wink of sleep since my return. You understand, correct. Everyone's worried, but I am fine, Liltotto. Do not fret so overtly."

Words are thrown her way, but they're just more nonsense left to sink in Helle's mind. At this point, the Director isn't in danger of drowning out at sea. She's in danger of drowning from the worries of her subordinates. How many times must she hear that she shouldn't let herself succumb to depression. All anyone is doing is reminded her of her sorry state. Meaning well does not mean that one is doing the right thing. However, Helle did not dare vocalize her thoughts, opting to simply nod her head, that same smile on her face.

"Thank you for your concern though, Liltotto. I feel truly loved by my... family."

Was that a hint of hesitation? For the briefest of seconds, Helle's expression faltered, a slight crack, a small twinge at the corner of her lips. Though, it was what it was, and the woman dared not make it seem she had made a mistake. That is the least she can do to keep her sanity. Simply pretend you are fine until the sweet lies are enough to fill that void of faithlessness.