[ It's hypocritical of her, when she'd been uncomfortable around Lobelia precisely because he was so hard for her to understand. But the disconnect from Waltaquin draws a little smile from her instead. Maybe it's not bad that they see things differently. ]
Hm... you like it because it's unexpected? I wonder if I'll be able to see it that way if we spend enough time together.
[ Psyche pushes herself up to offer over the Blue Foxes Insignia held carefully in the palm of one hand. ]
I don't know this design, but with the color and everything, I thought it might be your Blue Foxes.
I like it when it also has the sense to not be boring. Though it's much better when it's in my favor... otherwise it becomes exponentially more annoying. I wasn't all that charmed today.
[She is so used to things going her way... Beyond the dispassion towards death, Waltaquin also speaks as someone who knows she's a bit spoiled and doesn't see a problem with it.]
Still, perhaps this little development will prove the point of interest that she actually had been craving.
... I'm not sure how I should be feeling, seeing as I'm no longer a member. This is no longer any use to me. [rip this is so cruel to say when psyche is so earnest As she speaks, Quin holds out her open palm. Her eyebrows are drawn downward.] The catbots? I wonder why they gave it to you.
[ Today... probably hadn't gone in anyone's favor, except perhaps Lobelia's. Or maybe Psyche is just reinforcing her own impression of him by thinking so. But she lets out a little sigh of agreement. ]
I like things boring, I think. I know it's not possible here. But even for this place, today was a little...
[ She really hasn't made much progress sorting through it all, honestly. She feels like she should at least have cried from relief about Beelzebub and Haruka and Xiao, but everything is too jumbled.
Shaking her head a little to dismiss the thought, Psyche deposits the insignia lightly in Waltaquin's hand with no sign that the reaction bothered her. ]
Hm... I don't think Overhaul wants to bother sorting out whose possessions are whose. Maybe the catbots thought it seemed like the kind of thing that could have come from my world. [ She pauses a little, as if considering whether to press before she forges on: ] Maybe it's not useful, but... is it sentimental for you?
All's well that ends well, though, isn't it? They didn't even make us select another sacrifice, as I worried they might do when Beel exacted his vengeance a little early.
[How miraculous that none of them died, when three of them were on the very cusp of being erased from existence. They should be thankful, not worried, that it tied up so neatly. How nice it would have been to watch the Tower unravel its existence a little longer, though.]
I've certain we've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what dark things people are capable of.
[When the insignia goes into hand, Waltaquin closes her fingers around it, so that only the banner on the bottom reading PROUD is visible.] Yes, of course. I shall never forget my time there, nor how it changed the trajectory of my life.
I though... they might not. Because it isn't efficient, or because they don't need the energy yet... something like that.
[ Which doesn't bode well for if that should ever change, yet another thought Psyche occasionally picks at in the corner of her mind like the thread of a fraying blanket. What would Medea say about that...
She's probably just thinking of that to avoid the way her stomach roils at the thought of that whole scene. Psyche glances down, studying the little symbol and the way Waltaquin's fingers press into it. ]
I'm glad they're still important memories. It's odd that this place sends us mementos, but...
Waste not, want not, hm? They're protective of their resources, and the more of us remain, the more time presumably we have remaining to us.
I suppose if one wanted to mess things for them, skimming a bit more off the top wouldn't be a bad way to inject some incentive.
[Yes, she is talking about icing more than person at once casually, musing over its viability. It's idle, like she's talking about what she wants to have for breakfast.]
Received something you weren't pleased to see again, or is it the other way around? Come to think of it, I don't know all that much regarding whence you came, either. [Waltaquin pats the bed next to her with her free hand.] Now the excitement is over, we've a little time.
[ Oh, Waltaquin. Psyche flinches a tiny bit at that, her fingers curling a little where her hands rest at her sides. ]
I wonder... I think if it was inconvenient to them, they'd step in before it could get to that point. If that's what it takes to get to them, I don't want it.
[ She can't really think of using the other people trapped with them like that. But she shakes her head and lets out a little huff of a sigh as she crosses over to flop herself onto the bed beside her. ]
It's always strange how quiet it is after these things, isn't it? It would be nice to talk for a little while, though. [ Although the subject... Psyche summons a small smile and shakes her head. ] I haven't seen anything from home except the sword I arrived with. But there's nothing I can really picture missing in particular, either...
She sees Waltaquin, and does not seem either willing to fully look away or to embrace what it is that she sees. When it comes to understanding, they seem to be in limbo, at an impasse. It is endlessly interesting. She simply cannot let this girl escape her attention.
As she tucks the sigil away within the folds of her dress, Waltaquin leans back on her elbows beside Psyche. She kicks her legs slightly, to some unheard rhythm.]
Are there no reminders of your friend you dwell on so fondly that will bring you comfort? It'd make you feel much better than I can.
I did think about that when the first items started arriving... "Oh, it would be nice to have something of ours I could hold onto." But the more I thought about it, I really couldn't think of anything. I'm sure she's burned all my letters, and probably destroyed the ring I sent her. It's strange that someone can be so important to me, but still have nothing physical tying us together.
[ If any of that makes them sound not close at all, Psyche doesn't seem concerned. She turns to glance over at Waltaquin with a little smile. ]
To be honest, I think you remind me of her more than just some object could. But maybe that just makes things more confusing sometimes. If she said something like that, I'd know if she was serious or not, and we'd probably argue... [ But it's easier to argue with someone she knows better. And she doesn't want to fight, either. ]
every day i wonder when this cr is going to morph me into man standing emoji
I should be flattered you think of me that way, even if I'm only causing you trouble. I've never had many friends, so perhaps this is what it feels like.
[She leans a little closer when Psyche smiles, so they are shoulder to shoulder.]
If you really have to consider it, I think you already know if I was serious or not, too.
[She isn't picking a fight, either; it's very matter-of-fact - though she's very curious to see how the other woman reacts if pushed to acknowledge that being reminded of her friend might come with other consequences.]
and every day i lie in wait for my chance to jumpscare you ♡
To be honest, I haven't either. That's why you're important to me, too.
[ Maybe that's one of the reasons she's always been reluctant to really press? Or maybe she's just a coward. She leans a little against Waltaquin and sighs. ]
Medea would know... [ There's a beat of hesitation there. But, really, even Psyche can read enough into those words. ] I hope you weren't. I hate what those administrators are doing. But using the other people here like pawns to cause problems for them would be... just the same, really.
[But that might taint the picture Psyche has of her friend, too - it's a little difficult to maintain lofty standards when breaking them leads to better results.]
Hehe... [She steals another glance at Psyche's face, assuming she'll find her looking troubled.] As much as I want to pull on their ponytails, I care much more about anything that might pressure some change in our situation. Being surrounded by death is normal, but the stagnation...I simply can't stand it.
At least give me your leave to see if I might discover some new dark hex that might aid our liberation?
[She is asking for permission, but she is not asking for permission.]
Maybe... you could be. I know I'm not very good at judging these things. Or maybe, even they weren't always like that.
[ Psyche frowns a tiny bit -- troubled, or maybe only thoughtful. She'll only have herself to blame when the situation escalates... but for the moment, she reaches out to wind a little piece of Waltaquin's hair around her fingertips and nods. ]
I still feel like we want the same thing. [ At the moment? ] I don't want to let things keep going like this, and I'm angry at the administrators, too. So... we're on the same side, aren't we?
[ Even if she absolutely doesn't think Waltaquin really has a reason to listen to her if she says "no" here. ]
What kind of hex? If it's to get us out, then I want to help.
My Ancient Sorcery draws from old techniques inspired by the very first magic users...as its name implies. The forbidden arts I specialize in have long been on the decline, given the taboo associated with them, the resource management, those pesky rumors about ones mind being eroded by curses, that sort of thing.
[She needs something to do with her hands while she's speaking, like usual, so she fidgets with Psyche's hair into tiny braids - a bit roughly, though, as if forgetting the hair's attached to a human on the other end.]
We are simply surrounded by dark energies the likes of which I've never seen here. Were I able to amass just a little more power, I wonder if I could create some sort of new spell using the principles of the dark arts...
[It hadn't always worked in her favor when she was younger and still indulging her curiosity, all those sacrifices she had made in the hopes of unlocking their secrets, but she isn't a child any longer.]
[ Those are some rather heavy rumors Waltaquin brushes aside casually — but then, Psyche has her own thoughts about rumors, so she lets it slide with a tiny frown. She winces just a bit at the pressure on her hair but leans into it to alleviate the tug. ]
Um... so what would you be amassing power from? Do you mean, if another one of these murders happen? [ Please preferably not by adding to them. ] ...I'll keep hoping nothing else happens. But... but it might give what's already happened some meaning, if you could do that.
[ It's not so different from Wei Wuxian's fierce corpses... maybe. Depending on what Waltaquin is thinking. ]
[Her fingers remain twisting in Psyche's hair; she is a little far-off as she muses about the puzzle.]
That's the part I've yet to figure out. I have to find different resources while I'm here... I don't have a problem being inventive, but I'm going to have to work smarter, not harder.
[Still idly, she adds.] I believe I've unearthed some meaning out of all of this, regardless.
[ She's glad Waltaquin is deriving some meaning from this... she doesn't want to disrupt her train of thought, but she reaches up to try to adjust Waltaquin's fingers just a little as she does that. ]
So you don't quite have your usual resources? Wei Wuxian said something a little like that, about there not being enough resentful energy. [ She's not even certain Waltaquin is talking to her so much as she's musing aloud, but still: ] What meaning?
Hm? [Oh her hands... Waltaquin moves them away entirely, not sure if she's being reprimanded or not.]
Yes, in a sense. The material I use to fuel my sorcery is not native to this world as far as I can tell... I thought my limitations were due to that, but I'm reassured to know I'm not alone in those restrictions.
I don't care for that part of the experience, and I could have gone without feeling such torpor. Without meeting some of you, however, I know my life would be much less interesting.
[ Psyche gives a quiet laugh and tugs Waltaquin's hand back. ]
No, it's fine... you were just tugging a little. [ Not a reprimand! Affection(?) is still affection. ]
It's a little too much to hope for, but I sometimes wonder if we could find a way to... reverse that? Unseal our powers? Ho-oh said our abilities "interact" with this place. So maybe he's the one who did something to them...
[ And surely it would only be good if all of them had their full powers back! Psyche's smile softens a little more. ]
I'm glad for the people I've met here, too. Whatever the reasons were, I'm happy we ended up in the same room.
[Like a young feral animal that was brought inside too late, Quin just has play aggression that can never be trained out of her :( That's all :( promise :)]
Do you speak with them often? [The Overseers.] I can't be bothered, but a little diplomatic reconnaissance might be in order.
[Frowning slightly, she's trying her very hardest to not pull again, even as that makes her motions much less natural and free.]
All things considered, we were quite fortunate. Although... given that we came into possession of our own beds... [They do end up together in the same space quite often still, don't they? Just look at them now.] I know I'm difficult to let go, but don't you like your own space?
I tried, at first. Before Merlin... [ A pause. Maybe even someone as soft-spoken as Psyche can hold a grudge in her own way. ] I think someone like Lacus might be able to do more.
[ Or Someone Else. Psyche closes her eyes for a moment in thought, but Waltaquin's question makes her smile. ]
Have I been stifling you? I suppose... maybe I've always gotten lonely easily? Especially here. It makes me feel better to wake up and know that you're still there.
Hmm, can she deal with them without being completely duped by them? I'll leave that determination to one of you who delights in those dealings. My name no longer curries the favor it once did, so I see no sense in trying.
[future Luna if you read this pc ilu and lacus This idea will probably shuffle quickly next week, once it becomes clear from their communication with the departed that their hosts are unlikely to be easily swayed.
Waltaquin likes the quiet fury of Psyche's grudge, though. Perhaps seeing it even makes her...proud? In a strange way.]
Hah, and of course you should be. [Glad to wake up and see that's she's still there, of course. Waltaquin seems to have figured out how to make the :3 ] You'd lose your pillow and your offensive firepower.
I... don't know. But I don't know that I would do better. I wonder how much I've really learned about knowing when people are lying to me.
[ WE LOVE LACUS IN THIS HOUSE
Considering everything that just happened at the trial, she wonders if she can really put that pressure on Lacus, though. She lets out a little sigh and reaches over to drape an arm over Waltaquin again. Can she get away with half-hugs when they're not sleeping... ]
That's right. So don't go anywhere, alright? I won't make you promise, but... [ Please don't be killed or kill anyone, Waltaquin. ]
I think it's much easier to spot an honest person, but everyone has their secrets. Your best bet is to find someone who seems trustworthy and give them occasion to lie.
[She grunts, once, when she gets gathered up into a non-sleeping hug, but doesn't fight it. After a moment, Waltaquin puts an arm around Psyche and rests her chin on the crown of her head.]
Coeurls don't change their pelts, Psyche. [Pity...she cannot look her in the face when she says this. But that's perhaps why she pulled her so close - she knew what she was about to say would feel like.] I couldn't make any promises even if you asked. Not long as we met, I told you I had every intention of doing as I pleased... but I won't make any foolish moves.
It's good advice... It's so hard, here. Everyone has reasons to lie. More than normal, I mean. Last week I really thought Lobelia was just trying to get everyone to look at other people. And then today, he hardly tried to hide it at all... I feel like I don't understand some of the people here at all.
[ Implying she understands anyone here... She closes her eyes more tightly, trying to listen to Waltaquin's words, her tone, with almost fierce focus. ]
I wonder. I think people can change, if they want to. [ But she knows the obvious corollary to that, so it doesn't need to be said. She gives a little nod. ] I think that's all I can ask from you. I just... really hope our goals are the same. I'd feel a lot stronger fighting beside you.
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Hm... you like it because it's unexpected? I wonder if I'll be able to see it that way if we spend enough time together.
[ Psyche pushes herself up to offer over the Blue Foxes Insignia held carefully in the palm of one hand. ]
I don't know this design, but with the color and everything, I thought it might be your Blue Foxes.
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[She is so used to things going her way... Beyond the dispassion towards death, Waltaquin also speaks as someone who knows she's a bit spoiled and doesn't see a problem with it.]
Still, perhaps this little development will prove the point of interest that she actually had been craving.
... I'm not sure how I should be feeling, seeing as I'm no longer a member. This is no longer any use to me. [
rip this is so cruel to say when psyche is so earnestAs she speaks, Quin holds out her open palm. Her eyebrows are drawn downward.] The catbots? I wonder why they gave it to you.no subject
I like things boring, I think. I know it's not possible here. But even for this place, today was a little...
[ She really hasn't made much progress sorting through it all, honestly. She feels like she should at least have cried from relief about Beelzebub and Haruka and Xiao, but everything is too jumbled.
Shaking her head a little to dismiss the thought, Psyche deposits the insignia lightly in Waltaquin's hand with no sign that the reaction bothered her. ]
Hm... I don't think Overhaul wants to bother sorting out whose possessions are whose. Maybe the catbots thought it seemed like the kind of thing that could have come from my world. [ She pauses a little, as if considering whether to press before she forges on: ] Maybe it's not useful, but... is it sentimental for you?
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[How miraculous that none of them died, when three of them were on the very cusp of being erased from existence. They should be thankful, not worried, that it tied up so neatly. How nice it would have been to watch the Tower unravel its existence a little longer, though.]
I've certain we've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what dark things people are capable of.
[When the insignia goes into hand, Waltaquin closes her fingers around it, so that only the banner on the bottom reading PROUD is visible.] Yes, of course. I shall never forget my time there, nor how it changed the trajectory of my life.
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[ Which doesn't bode well for if that should ever change, yet another thought Psyche occasionally picks at in the corner of her mind like the thread of a fraying blanket. What would Medea say about that...
She's probably just thinking of that to avoid the way her stomach roils at the thought of that whole scene. Psyche glances down, studying the little symbol and the way Waltaquin's fingers press into it. ]
I'm glad they're still important memories. It's odd that this place sends us mementos, but...
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I suppose if one wanted to mess things for them, skimming a bit more off the top wouldn't be a bad way to inject some incentive.
[Yes, she is talking about icing more than person at once casually, musing over its viability. It's idle, like she's talking about what she wants to have for breakfast.]
Received something you weren't pleased to see again, or is it the other way around? Come to think of it, I don't know all that much regarding whence you came, either. [Waltaquin pats the bed next to her with her free hand.] Now the excitement is over, we've a little time.
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I wonder... I think if it was inconvenient to them, they'd step in before it could get to that point. If that's what it takes to get to them, I don't want it.
[ She can't really think of using the other people trapped with them like that. But she shakes her head and lets out a little huff of a sigh as she crosses over to flop herself onto the bed beside her. ]
It's always strange how quiet it is after these things, isn't it? It would be nice to talk for a little while, though. [ Although the subject... Psyche summons a small smile and shakes her head. ] I haven't seen anything from home except the sword I arrived with. But there's nothing I can really picture missing in particular, either...
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She sees Waltaquin, and does not seem either willing to fully look away or to embrace what it is that she sees. When it comes to understanding, they seem to be in limbo, at an impasse. It is endlessly interesting. She simply cannot let this girl escape her attention.
As she tucks the sigil away within the folds of her dress, Waltaquin leans back on her elbows beside Psyche. She kicks her legs slightly, to some unheard rhythm.]
Are there no reminders of your friend you dwell on so fondly that will bring you comfort? It'd make you feel much better than I can.
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[ If any of that makes them sound not close at all, Psyche doesn't seem concerned. She turns to glance over at Waltaquin with a little smile. ]
To be honest, I think you remind me of her more than just some object could. But maybe that just makes things more confusing sometimes. If she said something like that, I'd know if she was serious or not, and we'd probably argue... [ But it's easier to argue with someone she knows better. And she doesn't want to fight, either. ]
every day i wonder when this cr is going to morph me into man standing emoji
[She leans a little closer when Psyche smiles, so they are shoulder to shoulder.]
If you really have to consider it, I think you already know if I was serious or not, too.
[She isn't picking a fight, either; it's very matter-of-fact - though she's very curious to see how the other woman reacts if pushed to acknowledge that being reminded of her friend might come with other consequences.]
and every day i lie in wait for my chance to jumpscare you ♡
[ Maybe that's one of the reasons she's always been reluctant to really press? Or maybe she's just a coward. She leans a little against Waltaquin and sighs. ]
Medea would know... [ There's a beat of hesitation there. But, really, even Psyche can read enough into those words. ] I hope you weren't. I hate what those administrators are doing. But using the other people here like pawns to cause problems for them would be... just the same, really.
our reservoir dogs style standoff will continue
[But that might taint the picture Psyche has of her friend, too - it's a little difficult to maintain lofty standards when breaking them leads to better results.]
Hehe... [She steals another glance at Psyche's face, assuming she'll find her looking troubled.] As much as I want to pull on their ponytails, I care much more about anything that might pressure some change in our situation. Being surrounded by death is normal, but the stagnation...I simply can't stand it.
At least give me your leave to see if I might discover some new dark hex that might aid our liberation?
[She is asking for permission, but she is not asking for permission.]
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[ Psyche frowns a tiny bit -- troubled, or maybe only thoughtful. She'll only have herself to blame when the situation escalates... but for the moment, she reaches out to wind a little piece of Waltaquin's hair around her fingertips and nods. ]
I still feel like we want the same thing. [ At the moment? ] I don't want to let things keep going like this, and I'm angry at the administrators, too. So... we're on the same side, aren't we?
[ Even if she absolutely doesn't think Waltaquin really has a reason to listen to her if she says "no" here. ]
What kind of hex? If it's to get us out, then I want to help.
cw animal death, ,,,,,
[She needs something to do with her hands while she's speaking, like usual, so she fidgets with Psyche's hair into tiny braids - a bit roughly, though, as if forgetting the hair's attached to a human on the other end.]
We are simply surrounded by dark energies the likes of which I've never seen here. Were I able to amass just a little more power, I wonder if I could create some sort of new spell using the principles of the dark arts...
[It hadn't always worked in her favor when she was younger and still indulging her curiosity, all those sacrifices she had made in the hopes of unlocking their secrets, but she isn't a child any longer.]
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Um... so what would you be amassing power from? Do you mean, if another one of these murders happen? [ Please preferably not by adding to them. ] ...I'll keep hoping nothing else happens. But... but it might give what's already happened some meaning, if you could do that.
[ It's not so different from Wei Wuxian's fierce corpses... maybe. Depending on what Waltaquin is thinking. ]
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That's the part I've yet to figure out. I have to find different resources while I'm here... I don't have a problem being inventive, but I'm going to have to work smarter, not harder.
[Still idly, she adds.] I believe I've unearthed some meaning out of all of this, regardless.
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So you don't quite have your usual resources? Wei Wuxian said something a little like that, about there not being enough resentful energy. [ She's not even certain Waltaquin is talking to her so much as she's musing aloud, but still: ] What meaning?
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Yes, in a sense. The material I use to fuel my sorcery is not native to this world as far as I can tell... I thought my limitations were due to that, but I'm reassured to know I'm not alone in those restrictions.
I don't care for that part of the experience, and I could have gone without feeling such torpor. Without meeting some of you, however, I know my life would be much less interesting.
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No, it's fine... you were just tugging a little. [ Not a reprimand! Affection(?) is still affection. ]
It's a little too much to hope for, but I sometimes wonder if we could find a way to... reverse that? Unseal our powers? Ho-oh said our abilities "interact" with this place. So maybe he's the one who did something to them...
[ And surely it would only be good if all of them had their full powers back! Psyche's smile softens a little more. ]
I'm glad for the people I've met here, too. Whatever the reasons were, I'm happy we ended up in the same room.
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Do you speak with them often? [The Overseers.] I can't be bothered, but a little diplomatic reconnaissance might be in order.
[Frowning slightly, she's trying her very hardest to not pull again, even as that makes her motions much less natural and free.]
All things considered, we were quite fortunate. Although... given that we came into possession of our own beds... [They do end up together in the same space quite often still, don't they? Just look at them now.] I know I'm difficult to let go, but don't you like your own space?
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I tried, at first. Before Merlin... [ A pause. Maybe even someone as soft-spoken as Psyche can hold a grudge in her own way. ] I think someone like Lacus might be able to do more.
[ Or Someone Else. Psyche closes her eyes for a moment in thought, but Waltaquin's question makes her smile. ]
Have I been stifling you? I suppose... maybe I've always gotten lonely easily? Especially here. It makes me feel better to wake up and know that you're still there.
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[
future Luna if you read this pc ilu and lacusThis idea will probably shuffle quickly next week, once it becomes clear from their communication with the departed that their hosts are unlikely to be easily swayed.Waltaquin likes the quiet fury of Psyche's grudge, though. Perhaps seeing it even makes her...proud? In a strange way.]
Hah, and of course you should be. [Glad to wake up and see that's she's still there, of course. Waltaquin seems to have figured out how to make the :3 ] You'd lose your pillow and your offensive firepower.
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[
WE LOVE LACUS IN THIS HOUSEConsidering everything that just happened at the trial, she wonders if she can really put that pressure on Lacus, though. She lets out a little sigh and reaches over to drape an arm over Waltaquin again. Can she get away with half-hugs when they're not sleeping... ]
That's right. So don't go anywhere, alright? I won't make you promise, but... [ Please don't be killed or kill anyone, Waltaquin. ]
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[She grunts, once, when she gets gathered up into a non-sleeping hug, but doesn't fight it. After a moment, Waltaquin puts an arm around Psyche and rests her chin on the crown of her head.]
Coeurls don't change their pelts, Psyche. [Pity...she cannot look her in the face when she says this. But that's perhaps why she pulled her so close - she knew what she was about to say would feel like.] I couldn't make any promises even if you asked. Not long as we met, I told you I had every intention of doing as I pleased... but I won't make any foolish moves.
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[ Implying she understands anyone here... She closes her eyes more tightly, trying to listen to Waltaquin's words, her tone, with almost fierce focus. ]
I wonder. I think people can change, if they want to. [ But she knows the obvious corollary to that, so it doesn't need to be said. She gives a little nod. ] I think that's all I can ask from you. I just... really hope our goals are the same. I'd feel a lot stronger fighting beside you.