Accidental Video.

[onequarter]

[ the Forge switches on: it is on a small table, the feed partially obscured by the cloak-pin and handful of ivories that have obviously been dropped haphazardly onto the table with it. ]

Raki? Raki!

[ Clare appears in the frame. For those who last saw her after Riful's ministrations, the difference is acute: she is healthier and far more agile.

Comments

[yetsleeping]

[She wasn't going to say anything.]

[She wasn't at all going to say anything. She's still debating not saying anything. She really doesn't want to--]

Did you say Raki?

[Oops.]

[onequarter]

What of it.

[yetsleeping]

...is it named after a human boy?

[onequarter]

Yes.

It worked for you.

[yetsleeping]

I... see.

[Well, that's. Interesting. She frowns.]

Do you think he's ever been North?

[onequarter]

I think it's none of your business.

Welp, Priscilla's politeness stat has dropped.

[yetsleeping]

Yes, I guess that's true. I'll be sure to remember how much your business is not mine the next time you're being tortured to death.

is teresa going to have to separate you two

[prescientblade]

I don't think that's necessary.

yes. >.<

[yetsleeping]

No, Teresa, I think it really is.

I'm a little bored with her rudeness at this point.

[onequarter]

I can feign polite equanimity if you would prefer.

...sob. 1/2

[yetsleeping]

[a long silence.]

Is this how we put our differences aside, Clare? That was your beloved Teresa's request, wasn't it?

No. Don't bother with polite equanimity. Don't insult me.

And since we're shedding our attempts at civility... when it comes to our previous conversations, I have this to say:

I don't need or want your forgiveness. It makes no difference to me what you think or how you feel about me or about my lopping the head off of that murderous guardian of yours. The fact that I haven't actually done it does little to mitigate my pride at having accomplished it, regardless of the consequences. And if she forced my hand, I would do so again without hesitation or regret, despite the fact that I rather like her. Just as I would do to you. With even less regret.

[And now her voice is starting to rise.]

I would do it because my concern has always been for the greater good, above any of my personal grudges. It's the same reason I let that monster tear me to pieces to save your ungrateful, impolite and unforgiving hide,

2/2

[yetsleeping]

[A short pause while she collects herself.]

...it's too tiring.

Teresa, I know you're listening to this.

Save your own guard dog. Handle your own monsters. I suppose I'll handle mine in my own way. Either way, don't come to me for help any longer.

everyone go to your rooms >:(

[prescientblade]

[for fuck's sake]

I understand now why humans have medicine specifically for headaches.

[PRIVATE]

Priscilla. Don't be absurd, you're no better equipped to fight your demons than we are. Not with that man as the only one at your back. Again.

There are other ways to handle this.

/slams door

[onequarter]

I want no part of anything that involves Priscilla's greater good.

CLOSE YOUR DOOR CORRECTLY YOUNG LADY

[prescientblade]

I can see that.

[Private to you too]

Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that Priscilla's greater good is also ours. Or have you forgotten what's at stake?

/blasts loud music | PRIVATE

[onequarter]

I have not!

[ a moment, a sigh, she tries to calm down a little. ]

I had been attempting to let go of my desire to kill Priscilla. She does not make it an easy task!

[ no, wait, breathe, Clare, breathe. ]

But you need her more than you need me, in this alliance.