When Pelle speaks, it's as if the two of them are just having a normal conversation, like they're still eating pizza and smoking resin, or chatting about their shared classes, instead of one of them drugged nearly out of his mind, naked, on his back by a stream in the middle of nowhere, Sweden, and the other bedecked by a crown of greenery, kneeling over him, the proof of the death of their friends smoldering in the distance. He nods appropriately, hums softly to show he is engaged with what Christian is saying -- the vulnerability the American is showing in these moments when he, truthfully, has every right to be losing his shit.
Pelle does admire him, in these moments. It takes a lot for anyone to be able to self-evaluate in the best of times, and he had expected quite a bit more pushback for quite a bit longer. The powder stashed in the pocket of his light linen pants seems unnecessary now, and Pelle is glad of it; though he had planned to have to re-dose Christian, that it is seeming more and more like he does not is an excellent turn of events.
He does not think to tell Christian that he will never see his loved ones again; just the Hårga and Dani (who almost does not need her own mention, since her acceptance had been a done deal the moment she passed through the summer ray archway into the community). Christian will never see his family or other friends again; he will have to call or write his parents. Perhaps they will come to see him, when all is settled and the Hårga feel no need to observe him, in the case that he might tell the truth of his new origin.
"Good."
Pelle pats his friends face affectionately again, his grin growing larger, genuinely pleased.
"This is good, Christian. See? I knew this trip would be good for you."
Pulling away, Pelle straightens, the blond of his hair catching the afternoon sun, and he holds out his hand to Christian.
"Do you think you can sit up, or is it more comfortable to be staying laying down? There is more we have to speak of, but I am thinking maybe you would like to be more comfortable."
As Christian lay there, naked and vulnerable, the lush surroundings of nature seemed to cocoon his senses, amplifying the effects of the drugs swirling through his veins. The disorientation left him with an overwhelming sense of embarrassment about his own nudity. He struggled to piece together how he got undressed and where his clothes were, but the memories remained elusive, lost in the haze of his mind. In an attempt to articulate his thoughts, he mustered the courage to address Pelle, hoping the enigmatic figure wouldn't perceive his vulnerability.
"Uh, Pelle," Christian mumbled, his cheeks flushed with self-consciousness, "I… I can't quite recall… Did I undress myself, or… did someone else do it?"
Conflicting emotions battled within him, like wisps of fog dancing in the morning light. Despite the confusion, a faint smile graced his lips, masking the weight of their situation, which tugged at him from within. The captivating beauty of the surroundings clashed with the daunting unknown, leaving him bewildered yet inexplicably captivated.
As Pelle gently retreated, extending a hand to assist him, Christian felt a mix of trust and uncertainty swirling within him. He rose, guided by Pelle's reassuring presence, feeling like an ethereal figure beneath the radiant midsummer sun. The allure of the Hårga community enfolded him, enveloping him in a bewitching spell he couldn't resist.
Amidst the disorientation, he yearned for clarity, a way to wash away the surreal reality enveloping him. With an effort to voice his thoughts, he hoped Pelle wouldn't perceive his desperate need for reprieve.
"I-I feel strange. Can we, um, do something to snap me out of this? A shower or something?" Christian stammered, his words betraying his vulnerability.












