Ryder walks in with a new outfit and a very stressed expression that doesnt match
which I should draw the outfit im just afraid

esme will compliment the outfit either way before their brain catches up and theyre like 'a- wait, are you okay?'

“,,,um. I. I’ve been. Better.” Shuffles in and sits next to Esme, trying to get used to the outfit. “,,,,i can’t stop thinking about the fact this is- the tree stuff. That it could be the amulet. It’s chewing at me.” Voice wavering a little like he may cry again.

Esme sighs and leans against her gently "...Yeah, I uh... that's how I've felt for the entire fight against Beelzebub. It gets numb, after a while." They look at her curiously. "But, why... um... is there a reason the possibility is weighing on you more in this situation...?"

“….they just. They don’t seem like they deserve this- I mean no one does but,,, they ran away from humans for a reason. And we,, our mess up. Brought stuff into their own home?” Curls into herself but appreciates Esme’s touch. “A whole realm.. thought to be safe. And. And it wavers now. It…. It can’t just be… what if this is so much bigger than just.. earth? Or,, or hell. Or. What’s threatened then?”

"...Honestly, I think a lot more than just earth has been under threat for, um... a while. I mean, who knows how far Beezlebub's plans go- and if someone is still running around with our amulet, though i think it's unlikely, then that's... a whole other can of worms... and gods, the visions... It's a mess." They sigh again. "...At this point, I just take comfort in knowing that... no matter what happens, we put our everything into trying to stop it."

“The visions?” Ryder seemed to shake a bit as she stiffled back getting sadder, leaning most of her weight into Esme’s side for snuggle comfort. “…..i. I think we should talk to the- the dragon. About the amulet…. I think. It just .. makes sense if we got the input of someone with the ability to cross dimensions themselves.” Looks away “….if. If you. Think that’s.. okay.”

"Hm... I mean, uh, I suppose it can't hurt, even if just to get a second perspective." They nod gently. "If you want to, I'll go with you."
"...And right, uh, the visions- do you remember in hell, when I came back from the library talking about a scroll i'd found, about a creature that, uh... would end the world if released?"

“….perhaps?” Stares in fear at Esme. What are you talking about.

"Ah, just... I only took note of it because the 'key' to it's world looked like the amulet. And um, apparently Natsumi has had visions about being killed by a creature that... sounds like that thing? And i had a vision about giving them the amulet, as the world was ending- and- and when we flew into this dimension, it.. it felt like I was being watched, between worlds- gods, sorry, I know I'm not making much sense," They might be gesturing a little wildly. Pepe silvia conspiracy ass mode.

“…hm”
“….i. I trust you- I think that’s… I mean. Wow that’s a lot.” Scratches her head a little. “…this is a lot more than I ever thought I’d be getting myself into….”
“….is. Is now a good time to mention I’m completely powerless in this dimension?” Said a little weakly

Esme laughs shakily "Oh, yeah, you know, it's uh... I try not to think too often about the multiple potential ways I may have doomed everybody by losing that one piece of jewellery,"
"...Ah, right- no magic at all? That's... hm. Did you bring your bow, for back up?"

“……I’d. Have to check my bags again?” Pathetic squeaks. “…..I was in a rush to leave okay”

"Oh gosh, tell me about it- I don't even know what I shoved in my bags, I really hope I brought my medication-- well, uh, if you don't have a weapon and a fight breaks out, just... stick close to me, i guess? Or, um, anyone stronger than me, ideally,"

“…..now doesn’t seem like the… the right time to think that the idea of you saving me is a little… uh. Romantic?”
“…anyways.”

Esme chokes "I- I mean, i guess- oh gosh, now I feel so cringe, like I'm trying to be some kind of action hero-"

“No! No it’s- it’s not cringe just romantic? Is romance cringe?? I thought I didn’t need to stress about cringe anymore” squeaks in distress

Laughs "No, no, sorry, cringe isn't the right word, I just didn't realise it sounded like that. Like um... you know..." They cough a little and deepen their voice further than it's gone in years "H..hey baby, stay behind me, I'll protect you." Voice cracks. Wheezes a little. "--Like gosh, that does not fit me."

Ryder gasped before she was able to keep it in, covering her face and squealing away from Esme because why was that hot absolutely not. ”oh gosh oh n o please no please-“

Esme is honest to god mistaking that squeal for shared embarrassment "Okay, okay, sorry, I'll stop- but hey, uh, if we want to be optimistic, maybe there won't be anything to have to be protected from here...? It's at least much nicer than the fighting ring."

Ryder is emotionally recovering. Give Ryder 5 minutes. “_no it’s fine I’m so sorry I’m- im okay. Yes. Yeah- mhm—“ is still face in hands this is awful.
Deep breathes but eventually nods, rubbing the red away from her cheeks with her hands. “…yeah I. I’m excited to see what. What. You know— life is like here, despite … the stress.” Wheeze

I'm going to assume this room has some kind of window Esme can look towards. "....You know, I don't, uh... I don't think they'll have instant ramen here,"

“………I don’t really. Have. Have hobbies. Outside of.. my magic and …. You know. The internet.” Looks where Esme is. “..but I’m trying to stay optimistic.”

"I did bring a few random books, if you want to borrow some? Or, uh, we could go exploring, or... actually, I think I'm the only person in my room, so if you ever want to come over and uh... do things. Cuddle? I don't know,"

“….I think. I kinda scared my new roommate. Do you… do you mind if I just moved my stuff here?” Sweats “….is that too much? I know,, well. Maybe it’s. I don’t know. You aren’t used to spending every night with me,”

"Oh! No, of course-- I mean, sharing rooms is pretty common in this job, and there's nobody else I'd rather share with." Smiles warmly.

“,,we can get my stuff in a little bit then.” Wraps her arms around Esme and squeezes. Smush. Don’t ask me what position they’re in at this point. ”Thank you-“

clear positioning is for nerds, esme smushes back. "Of course-- do you want to just try to settle in today, and we can go find the, uh, dragon man tomorrow?" Pauses. "...Assuming time works the same here. I hope it does."

“….yeah I think so. That seems… reasonable. So.. together? We’re gonna talk to him?” Blinks “….oh gosh I have so many questions for him I hope he doesn’t. Do you think he’ll hate us?”

"Ah, I mean, if you want me to come along? And don't worry, he.. uh., seems friendly? I still can't believe we got to meet a dragon. My ancestors would be proud..."

“…..maybe.. let me do it alone. And then if he wants a further meeting.. I can find you?”

"Ah, alright- just let me know if he says anything interesting, I'm still... despite it all, interested in how interdimensional travel works,"

“…I wonder if we become friends with him enough if we could dimensional travel… once. Or. Or. Twice.”

"...To be honest, if I ever get that amulet back, I wonder if... the fae would let us visit for vacations. I would love a summer home here..."
"...I'm getting way too ahead of myself- do you want to go get your things now, or later?"