flameguard | mygod | pc catchall

[ she looks out at the water. ]

... For what it's worth, I already knew about the plan. Gale told me some of it. But I didn't know who else was involved, or... of course, if it would even work.

I think that made today's revelations easier to digest.

[ ... ]

... mm.

[ yeah. ]

That's... that's why I didn't say anything, I was - I was terrified it wouldn't work. And it would've been - it would've been for nothing. I asked War a thousand times for other ways, but... this was the best we could do. I am relieved it's over, but... it does not make it any less awful.

I see.

... I'm glad that she wasn't just eliminated as a threat. That you were trying to save her... and did.

... That's what I was afraid of. Not that I have any right to be the person to decide who lives or who dies, but I just - I didn't want it to be meaningless.

I... I wanted to have hope that we could save her.

[ hope is the thing that kills you, and the thing that keeps you alive, after all. ]

[ she places a hand on his shoulder. ]

I was shocked, but I don't think I can bring myself to be angry with you. The fact is that you saved someone, which is what I've wanted to do, but couldn't. I'm grateful for that.

[ ... and I already unleashed most of my anger on Gale, besides... ]

[ weh. he reaches up to cover her hand and squeezes it, eyes filling up with tears. ]

I... If you were angry, I would deserve it, but... thank you. [ very quietly, one last time: ] I'm sorry.

... I think it would be very difficult to stay angry with you, besides.

[ a little sigh. but some warmth has returned to her tone. ]

... Your ribbon's undone. Do you need help with it again?

[ ue ue ue...

he huffs a little at that, shoulders hunching, and nods. ]

I took it out... thank you.

[ and reaches back to hand her the ribbon, quietly radiating... whatever the animal crossing version of grateful is. grateful for a lot of things. ]

[ she'll start working on tidying what she can and tying that ribbon. ]

... If this plan worked for Camille, do you think it could work for the other afflicted, too?

[ thank you it is useless and sproingy as always. he thinks about it... ]

...It's possible, but... I'm not sure if the item will even still be there, now. I guess there's really only one way to find out..

... By looking in the room under the swamp, right?

[ not by killing someone!! hopefully!! ]

[ HELP HE WHIPS HIS HEAD AROUND sorry for ruining your hairbow tying ]

-- Yes! Of course! What else?!

[ firmly puts a hand on his head and turns it back forward so she can fix this. ]

The overseers might have some guidance they can give, too.

...right....yes.

[ :stressed:

he turns his head back obediently ]

It makes the death feel a little less meaningless - not... not a lot. But... it's something.

[ she ties the ribbon properly and then gently pats his head. ]

... We'll see what we can learn.

[ I think it would be too cruel to suggest that he do it again, though... ]

[ he looks up when she does and gives her a smile, though it's like. a little sweaty at the idea of having to do that again. ]

Mm. While - if it were necessary, I wouldn't mind to be the one to bear the load, but...I would really rather not. Besides, there's no guarantee that any of us will survive the week, and I have likely painted a target of some kind on my back, today, so - it would be best to have backup plans...

I... I don't think that's true. That you would become a target because of this.

[ and if you prove her wrong and end up dead this week then i will simply tpk.

anyway, she presses a hand to his shoulder. ]

Anis is inviting everyone to the campsite later for snacks and stories. It would make me happy if you joined us.

[ anis probably talked to him too, but she figures he could use the reassurance that he's welcome. ]

[ man would that be fucked up or what ]

I think you're right! I have faith in the people here, and...either way, I can't say I have many regrets.

[ well, some. having to lie for a few days was pretty awful, the actual act of having to do it was awful, but... camille is back, now, and likely not possessed anymore, and that's a big deal. in the end, they mitigated loss, a tiny, tiny bit.

he looks - a little surprised at the offer, honestly? touched. Even though... ]

... I'll be there, then. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know, Miss Kate.

[ ...I want to have faith, too... ]

Simply being there is plenty. But I'm sure Anis will come up with something for you.

mygod | pc catchall | kate

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject