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[angha_firebird]

[Aara stares in horror at the Kanan pumpkin, face pale as she tumbles to the ground. Back. Away from the angry and hurtful words being screamed at her.]

'You are not a part of us. You abandoned your Clan. You shirk responsibilities and spit in my face! You are never welcomed here! You mean nothing to me. I should have let you die. You are no

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[stillseecracks]

[The screaming. Always, always the screaming. It's probably just a pumpkin, but as Xanth can't make out the words, he runs to investigate the sounds.

Oh, Aara.

Grimacing, Xanth hurries to her side.]

A-Aara, hey, hey...

[He goes to take her hand.]

[angha_firebird]

[The harsh and scathing words rip through Aara still as she stares at the pumpkin in a huddled pile on the ground. It takes her a moment to realize Xanth was there--longer still for her horrified and lost stare to turn in his direction and process who he was. She stares for a moment longer, eyes glassy as he takes her hand in his. Something like relief, and warmth, tore through her, and Aara had to remind herself she had friends here. That all was not lost, despite the empty ache in her chest.

Giving his hand a light squeeze, Aara feels her throat close up. A whimper escapes, and Aara ducks her head at the anguish she knows she cannot hide from her face. First she had been angry and upset at the dance practice--and now this. Xanth must really get tired of seeing her in such pathetic states. Kanan certainly would have never permitted her emotional turmoil in his presence. She trembled, huddling her shoulders in on herself protectively. Her hand in Xanth's held firmer to his, however, despite the rest her her body language.]The pumpkin

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth shakes his head. She doesn't need to apologize, not for this, not for what the Keep has done. Were she stronger, Xanth might expect more of her, but she is so fragile.]

It-- i-it's not him. T-Trust me, it's, i-it's a-- a trick.

[He takes a step back and tugs on Aara's hand. They need to leave here.]

[angha_firebird]

[At that tug, Aara hesitates only a moment before gaining her feet. Her limbs feel heavy, though, and Aara's gaze automatically seeks that of the pumpkin as he begins cursing her anew. She flinches.

Trust Xanth. Trust him? Looking back at him, her eyes sweep over his form--the expression on his face. She did trust him. She had no reason not to. One small acquiescent nod was Xanth's answer. Her body was cold--his hand felt warm compared to hers. With a small shiver, Aara nodded her head once more, taking that first step away from the Kanan pumpkin.]

I trust you, Xanth.