"I have to help a friend on Jarilo-VI... She's a doctor. I ━ you don't have to come along if you don't want to..." A pause, Stelle offering a warm smile to him. "But I thought maybe it'd feel good to get out and do something nice for someone else? So do you wanna come with?"
the scent of warm spices fill the corner of the party car sunday has unofficially claimed for his own. ( if only by virtue of his propensity to linger there. ) he cradles a cup of tea between his hands, eyes closed as he allows the warmth to gradually permeate the leather of his gloves. it's a popular blend, and one he associates with a softer and more uncomplicated point in his life. his mother's favorite. she had been quite the tea connoisseur in her day, and many of his rose-tinted memories of her oft come paired the scent of her preferred drink. he's quite pleased to encounter it again here — a scrap of familiarity amid the daunting expanse of so many unfamiliar stars.
when stelle speaks, the halovian opens his eyes. he cants his head, wings twitching in wordless inquiry. truthfully, he's barely left the express since the moment he was permitted to set foot on it. unsurprisingly, perhaps — a bird so accustomed to cages would naturally seek the embrace of anything resembling bars. admittedly it's left him feeling a bit under stimulated, though sunday has tried to make the best of things. offering assistance with day to day chores, keeping the small space he occupies neat and orderly. it's better for everyone if he keeps his presence as inobtrusive as possible — if only to reduce any inherent awkwardness it might bring. at the same time, the halovian is clearly hungry for some manner of purpose to appeal to his workaholic nature; as a result, there is an unmistakable eagerness that lights up his gaze as his companion extends the invitation.
❝ a doctor ... ❞ sunday echoes. ❝ i see. to devote oneself to the pursuit of healing is commendable no matter the context ... although, for the inhabitants of that frozen planet, i imagine her efforts must be all the more precious to them. ❞ what little he knows of jarilo-vi comes from the data bank of the express — as well as accounts from the crew. yet it paints a clear enough picture nonetheless; a place home to a fierce and unyielding people, with spirits that burn hotly in the face of an endless winter.
he takes a shallow sip of his tea, as if hoping the warmth will somehow linger long enough to guard him against the snow. then, he places the cup down with a soft click. ❝ i'd be happy to help. ❞ sunday says, rising to his feet. there's a pause — as if he wishes to say more, yet is uncertain how to continue. the halovian's mouth curves in an attempt to imitate her smile. it's a little small and a little imperfect; a far cry from the practiced and palatable expression he once wore like a second skin — yet all the more genuine for it.
❝ thank you, miss stelle. ❞ he can see the kindness behind her offer, and he truly appreciates it.