Joy and Liberation [Ninsianna, Helle]

Ninsianna was all too confident that there were those who had noticed everything which had changed in the world. However, she paid it no mind, with her only concern on that front being if Inanna handled it well. Her nature, and her professionalism, dictated that she continue about her life as if nothing had happened, for she knew perfectly well that she could do nothing to change it.

Well, she did have someone else to check on as well, but she would have done so whether or not the whole of reality had shifted around her. She could have simply called Helle, or sent a memo asking to meet with her. But knocking on the door and bringing lunch was a bit more personal, and she and Helle had long since agreed that they would not maintain mere professional distance. The two were friends, and Ninsianna considered the woman dear to her.

"It's not locked," Came the familiar voice, though busy sounding.

Obviously, whatever's going on is enough to keep Helle from diverting her energy into opening her own door. That's the only reason it was left unlocked, just so she wouldn't have to. Whoever it was that came to visit her would find the blonde at her couch, simply busy with paperwork that needed her attention. It's not much, but it's all she's capable of accomplishing in her state, not as bad as before but far from adequate enough to do any true fieldwork. However, once she notes the individual who came to visit, she quickly pointed to the seat next to her.

"Ninsianna, sit if you wish. I'm just busy with some papers."

It was good to see Helle keeping busy, at least, and while many of the Vandenreich might have wished to see her on the front lines, Ninsianna was much more aware of the realities of their positions. The directors were already the ones handling much of the administrative and bureaucratic side of things. This was perfectly respectable.

"Would you care for some assistance? It would naturally be in line with my role in the Albedochiffren to provide that support."

She didn't expect Helle to accept the offer, admittedly, but it would have been impossible for her not to make it. Ninsianna was the helpful sort, and seeing anything undone would always compel her to ask if she could help. Whether or not Helle accepted, though, Ninsianna still sat next to her on the couch, studying the papers with her typical studious eye.

"From a less professional standpoint, of course, I would still wish to help speed things along."

Dead fish staring, Helle’s eyes focused on the papers before her, calculating, considering. One hand was placed on one form, dainty fingers lightly tapping seconds before Helle began flailing. One paper on this stack, another on that stack. Soon, the coffee table was separated by two stacks of papers. One for Helle, the other for Ninsianna.

“Here.”

Knowing Ninsianna a bit, Helle understand that her Danava acquaintance sucked at being assertive at times. Asking to help is just a way of telling the blonde that she may be doing a bit too much while in her current state. Even after getting sufficiently better, Helle still has her moments. It’s just better to oblige than to have Ninsianna eye her every move.

Ninsianna's smile grew the faintest touch as Helle offered her part of the workload, understanding all too well that her own polite manner of asking had still gotten through to her. She supposed she ought to have been more direct, but despite knowing Helle was a perfectly strong woman, she couldn't help but try and be a bit careful.

"It should be finished in no time, hm?"

Her expression remained cheerful, but her eyes had already focused in on the paperwork, her hand darting across it with an efficiency that was quite obviously inhuman. It was simply what she did best, this sort of bureaucratic work.

"Are you free afterward?"

Helle's eyes flicked to Ninsianna, curiosity coaxing her gaze. However, before she could share her answer, her gaze caught the brief title of a document in Ninsianna's pile. Daring to interrupt the clockwork way her friend works, Helle moved her hand quickly over the document as it topped the pile. The next second involved her hand, awkwardly blocking sight of the document's title as the rest of her found itself shouldering into her fellow Director.

"Er-"

Well, this isn't weird at all, but, luckily, Helle isn't that bad at coming up with excuses. Unfortunately, she actually sucks at lying, and her brain's unable to come up with anything, and that just leaves her giving Ninsianna a befuddled look, something akin to what a child would give their parents after getting caught hiding their report card.

Now this was a complicated situation. Not because of any typical awkwardness that might have come on account of Helle's closeness, of course. Ninsianna wasn't the sort to be bothered by that. Rather, it was a complicated situation simply because her nature compelled her to continue trying to look at what Helle was attempting to hide, and it took a great deal of effort to move her gaze from the paperwork to Helle herself.

"Have I stumbled on some classified Sternritter documents by mistake?"

Of course, Ninsianna knew that there were very few documents that were outside her own authority as director of the Albedochiffren, but her tone wasn't one of concern or irritation. It was simply genuine curiosity, with a bit of a playful edge to it, given how obviously Helle was lacking an excuse as to why this needed to be hidden.

"I can close my eyes if you would prefer I not see while you move it."

"Jovial much?" Helle grumbled as her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Forced to turn her head away, Helle slowly pulled the document free from the pile and held it close to herself as she sat up. Her eyes, capped by heavy lids, held a solemn vibe, and a depressed sigh spoke volumes. It is clear that whatever topic the document detailed meant something important to her.

"My apologies, Ninsianna. I may have overreacted somewhat."

Helle's response wasn't near as lighthearted as Ninsianna might have hoped, and that told her much more about the situation than simply asking might have. Her small smile fell, and the cheerful tone to her voice was replaced by one more apologetic.

"No, don't feel as if you need to apologize. If I've overstepped my bounds, I should be the one asking your forgiveness, shouldn't I?"

If Helle didn't wish for her to see the paperwork, that was entirely her prerogative. It was deeply in Ninsianna's nature to see every part of a process, yes, but she understood that she was still a person, and that operating alongside others demanded she accomodate them. She didn't wish to hurt a friend, least of all one who had already been through a great deal.

“You have committed no error, Ninsianna. I am afraid all fault falls on my shoulders.”

Her voice hushed, Helle slowly pried the document from her own chest, looking down at it as if it contained nothing but trouble on its pages. In all honesty, it detailed Helle’s greatest sin, but, if anyone, isn’t Ninsianna the one that the blonde should feel most comfortable sharing such a thing with? The fact Helle reacted so rashly left a small ball of guilt in her stomach that urged she at least show this much to her friend. In the end, Helle knows she needs Ninsianna’s help with this, but that’s just one issue involving this.

“Here…”

Placing the folder down, Ninsianna would be privy to see the title of said document: The Arctic Catacombs. A quick look would prove enough to see the intrinsic ancient writings translated and documented, detailing olden Quincy information, rituals, and history. It all seemed basic, knowledge any Quincy would be able to obtain. However, reading further would reveal information that could shake the foundation of the current world. Lessons detailing schrifts and such that gave one the ability to imprint their souls on objects, formulas for created unique material that harnesses Reishi as an alarming efffiency, and there even read of lost cities and mausoleums all around the world. However, what would catch Ninsianna’s eye the most is Helle’s own handwriting, circling and highlighting what seemed to be a specific location in Antarctica.

Nothing seemed something to be ashamed of, but that’s because most would look at it from a surface level. Helle knows why she has this information, and she knows why she didn’t want anyone to see it. That is why she reacted the way she did.