[action]
[ it's at least a few minutes before alois finds himself capable of speaking, without tears, without the threat of that name—claude—coming free. by that time, he's settled himself back against the trunk of the tree, his legs lay outstretched, crossed at the ankle, and he's slumped on his side away from where ribbons sits. ]
What did you do that brought you here? [ he's weary, but even through all that the curiosity hasn't subsided. ]