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.
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.
no subject
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.