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 [u][b] Los Paraisos: Mercy Hospital Entrance[/u][/b]

Aria sat back in the bench outside the hospital, quietly watching as throngs of tourists passed by. Although the crowds were as loud as ever and the sun was still shining brightly, the illusionist didn’t seem to feel much of the festive atmosphere. She gave a small wince as uncrossed her arms, bandaged cuts on her arms stinging in protest as she returned to her thoughts.

The atmosphere inside the hospital had been very gloomy- it was understandable, their close friend was in critical condition and they could do nothing but wait. She was worried too, but the mood had gotten too overbearing and she had excused herself to take a short breather. She had never been good with this kind of situations. 
Aria gave a small sigh and looked down at the card in her hand. The Spade printed on the small paper rectangle shone back and she glowered down at it. She didn’t like being a sore loser, yet it had been quite a while since her last defeat. It was unpleasant, the feeling of failure. Especially considering how a major factor in her defeat had been a lack of experience and that was something no amount of training could make up for. What if she met another experienced illusionist like Kenneth later on and more was at stake? What would she do then? What [i]could[/i] she do then? Chuck knives at him and hope for backup?

After this mission was over, perhaps she should start taking on more jobs, stop skipping missions… Poor Xan would probably faint from surprise at this change in behaviour. 
The hospital doors opened and Aria looked up, blinking in surprise at the familiar figure that walked out. The Ranger didn’t seem to notice her sitting there and walked past as she looked on in confusion. Where was he going? If he was leaving because the mission was over, why didn’t he call her and Xan-

A sense of realization swept over her and she shook her head in exasperation, watching as the blond disappeared into the throngs of people in the streets. 

“Leaving without as so much as a goodbye,” she muttered under her breath, standing up slowly from the bench and tucking the card back into her pocket. “making decisions without as much as consulting me (nor probably Xan) about it, trying to play the cool guy. Jerk.” She turned to go back to where the rest of the guilders were. Hopefully the guy wouldn’t get himself into too much trouble now that she and Xan wouldn’t be around to bail him out anymore.