Body Mind and Meido

[18:48]	<[GM]Mary>	IN THE BEGINNING! Or perhaps somewhere around the middle! There were maids that served their psychic master, the reviled child of the damned from the frozen north! Except she probably isn't that bad. Probably. She lives alone in a palace just near Teslov, aside from her maids and any other characters that may (in)conveniently arrive in time.
[18:57]	* [huh]Isabella	flits around the cold palacial mansion, her wings beating the frosty air, and the breath from her small, warm body making small puffs.
[19:06]	<[GM]Mary>	Cassie just came back from a long trip to (somewhere), and she's yet to meet her two(fuck, three) new servants. Isabella, however, she's known probably a long time and is anxious to meet again.
[19:15]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Brrr....Ah, there it is. We're almost there, ma'am.
[19:17]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Ah, good...
[19:17]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	sighs.
[19:17]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Something the matter?
[19:17]	* [PYG]Victoria	glances at her mistress with the rear-view mirror.
[19:19]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I'm... not comfortable having enslaved servants at our home. Isn't that wrong of me?
[19:20]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Then why not let them go free?
[19:21]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	leans her head against the window, letting it chill her head as she speaks.
[19:22]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Perhaps I will.
[19:24]	<[PYG]Victoria>	If I may ask, mistress, why are they enslaved to you to begin with?
[19:28]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Robert, one of the former caretakers, sent out for servants after mother and father died. Haha... no one would take money to serve me. At the time, the entire region hated me bitterly. That's why I've spent the Fall in Westmarch. But I've recently recieved word that he's prepared two - or was it three? Yes, three servants for the household, but all of them purchased from a slave-trader.
[19:29]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	He quit his job soon after that.
[19:29]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Is that why you've asked me to come along?
[19:30]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	hesitates.
[19:31]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Yes. To be honest, I'm a little scared... I hardly know this house anymore. Though there's Isabel, and you, so I suppose I'm not totally alone.
[19:32]	* [PYG]Victoria	sighs.
[19:33]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Quite understandable, though I can't say I'll enjoy this whether�Ah, here we are.
[19:34]	* [PYG]Victoria	pulls into the driveway at the foot of the steps leading to the mansion's front doors.
[19:37]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Right.
[19:38]	* [PYG]Victoria	steps out of the drivers seat, going around the car to the side where the mistress sat. She opens the door, taking her mistress's hand.
[19:39]	<[GM]Mary>	You pull into the gates of a formidable bone-white mansion, stone architecture stylized after western Episcopal palaces, though not quite as large. Still, it's quite empty, with only six residing in its halls.
[19:39]	* [huh]Isabella	rockets at Cassandra as soon as she exits the car.
[19:39]	<[huh]Isabella>	CASSSIE!
[19:40]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	just exited the car, and is soon rocketed
[19:40]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Ah, haha! Bella, I've missed you!
[19:41]	* [PYG]Victoria	, surprised by the appearance of another person, falls on her rear barely avoiding getting tackled.
[19:41]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	falls to the ground, landing softly in a few inches of snow.
[19:43]	* [PYG]Victoria	recollects herself and slowly rises back to her feet, straightening out her dress.
[19:43]	* [huh]Isabella	is latched on to Cassandra in a hug, as well as she can with her childlike arms.
[19:43]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Might I assume that this is "Isabel"?
[19:44]	<[huh]Isabella>	Wah, a new person? Who's this?
[19:45]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Oh, that's Victoria, Izzy. Come on, help me up, it's cold down here...
[19:45]	<[PYG]Victoria>	"Victoria Beckett". Mistress Cassandra has been in my care during her stay in Westmarch.
[19:46]	* [huh]Isabella	flutters up, offering a hand to help Cassandra, then goes to inspect Victoria.
[19:47]	* [PYG]Victoria	seems taken aback by this small girls ability of flight.
[19:47]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Oh, you're a...
[19:47]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	feels the small body lift from hers, and waves out a hand until she feels a tiny hand grab it.
[19:48]	<[huh]Isabella>	Hm?
[19:49]	* [huh]Isabella	peeks over Victoria's shoulder, having been studying her back.
[19:50]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Hmm...I have never seen fairy folk with my own eyes. You're a lot larger than what I imagined.
[19:52]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Yes, well, Isabel is the biggest and strongest of the fair folk!
[19:53]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Isn't that right, Izzy?
[19:53]	<[huh]Isabella>	That's right!
[19:55]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Ugh...Brrrr, at any rate, you ought to take the mistress inside now, it's far too cold out here.
[19:55]	<[PYG]Victoria>	I'll put the car away and bring the luggage in, so I'm may take a while.
[19:56]	<[PYG]Victoria>	[*�'m]
[19:56]	<[huh]Isabella>	Right-right!
[19:56]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	feels good for the first time in what must be months. She dreaded returning home, but it's wonderful to be with someone who truly knows what they want, still untainted by the world's vices.
[19:56]	* [huh]Isabella	takes Cassandra's hand.
[19:56]	<[huh]Isabella>	Cassie, this way~
[20:00]	* [huh]Isabella	leads Cassandra to the mansion.
[20:01]	<[GM]Mary>	You're lead into the mansion. Therein awaits two maids, but weren't there three?
[20:01]	* [Dune]Valea	can be seen trembling with her head lowered, standing at attention as best as she can and remaining silent.
[20:03]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	can't see for herself, but is aware of a presence in the hall.
[20:03]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	whispers to Isabella:
[20:03]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Isabel... are there people here? The servants?
[20:03]	<[huh]Isabella>	Yeah, they're here.
[20:04]	<[huh]Isabella>	Two of them... dunno where the third is.
[20:08]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	is unsure of how to react. . o ( What do I say? They're perfect strangers... this is so awkward... )
[20:08]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	U-umm...
[20:08]	* [Tesla]Enrica	stiffens a little
[20:09]	* [Dune]Valea	also fidgets with her dress a little in the entry hall, thinking to herself: "pleasedon'tletherbemean,pleasedon'tletherbemean..."
[20:09]	* [huh]Isabella	gives Cassandra a little shoulder massage.
[20:09]	<[huh]Isabella>	Do your best, Cassie! I'm rooting for you!
[20:09]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	tries to pick up surface thoughts from those present, but withholds delving deeply into anyone's mind.
[20:10]	* [Dune]Valea	's fear and hopes are very plainly apparent in her mind, and in her body language.
[20:11]	* [Dune]Valea	's mind also holds some elements of will, however, that keep her ready for inspection without outwardly appearing far too nervous.
[20:12]	* [Tesla]Enrica	is a little fearful, but mostly nervous; keeps thinking it's key to make a good impression.
[20:13]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	starts to speak, but shies away at the last moment.
[20:13]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I-izzy... could you help me out here?
[20:15]	<[huh]Isabella>	You need to be more assertive, Cassie!
[20:16]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	hangs her head.
[20:16]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Yeah... you're right. I'm still a little afraid, but... I'll try.
[20:16]	* [Dune]Valea	stabilizes more, contrary to her increasing anxiety, as she realizes that no matter who it is that bought her, she must appear strong, if nothing else.
[20:18]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	clears her throat, getting a grip on herself. She faces the direction she last felt "fear" from and speaks a little timidly:
[20:20]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Greetings. I'm Cassandra Tetromi, the inheritor of this mansion and I suppose your own-er... U-um, could you please introduce yourselves? If you like, we can go somewhere more comfortable and talk about these things.
[20:22]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	shuffles her feet a little bit, resisting the urge to poke around in their heads.
[20:22]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...Enrica Decima Russolo, my Lady, at your call and service...
[20:22]	* [Dune]Valea	half-jolts up in surprise before catching herself, speaking perhaps a little too quickly.
[20:22]	<[huh]Isabella>	There, that was good, Cassie.
[20:23]	<[Dune]Valea>	A-ah, and i'm Valea... Valea... Valea...
[20:23]	* [Dune]Valea	's voice oddly trails off, as she struggles to speak her last name.
[20:25]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	feels good to have the encouragement of her friend, but once again doesn't know how to proceed.
[20:28]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	U-h... Right! Um, Isabel, if you'll take us to the d-dining room, we'll discuss your, your employment.
[20:30]	* [Dune]Valea	nods, speaking a response as her heart hangs somewhere in-between anxiety, fear, and hope.
[20:31]	<[Dune]Valea>	a-alright.
[20:32]	* [Tesla]Enrica	tilts her head down, turning towards the inside of the mansion.
[20:34]	* [huh]Isabella	takes Cassandra's hand again, and leads her toward the dining room
[20:34]	<[huh]Isabella>	This way, everyone~
[20:38]	* [Dune]Valea	nods and silently follows, excepting for the sound of her own footsteps.
[20:39]	* [Dune]Valea	's body no longer trembles, either, and her mind has calmed to almost a lack of fear.
[20:39]	* [Tesla]Enrica	shuffles in behind Valea, keeping her head down.
[20:46]	<[GM]Mary>	You're lead into a very long dining room, with a balcony and stained glass window following on the second story above. Notable mensions include a long stained glass window, a large grandfather clock, an emblem bearing the family's motif hanging above a fireplace, hot tea readily prepared, and a large white tiger staring right at you upon your entrance.
[20:48]	<[GM]Mary>	A very real white tiger, to be exact. It blinks at you.
[20:49]	* [Dune]Valea	is surprised thoroughly by a tiger staring at them.
[20:49]	<[Dune]Valea>	Uwaah~!
[20:50]	* [Dune]Valea	can be seen actually jumping a small distance in the air, and then rummaging through her pockets to pull out a whip.
[20:50]	[ERROR]	Unknown command �is�.
[20:50]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	is thoroughly surprised by Valea's thorough surprise.
[20:51]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Ah! u-uh, what's wrong? Are you okay?
[20:51]	* [Dune]Valea	trembles slightly as she holds the whip out in front of her, and responds:
[20:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	th-there's a tiger! in the mansion!
[20:52]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Hm? Hadn't you noticed it?
[20:53]	<[huh]Isabella>	Don't be mean to him!
[20:53]	* [huh]Isabella	glares at Valea
[20:54]	<[GM]Mary>	The tiger backs up a moment, before charging toward the group and leaping over their heads, escaping toward the front doors. It just barely misses Isabel in her free-float.
[20:55]	* [Dune]Valea	glances back and forth between Isabella and where the tiger was, then dropping the whip and apologizing profusely.
[20:55]	* [Tesla]Enrica	looks in its direction a lttle strangely, but quickly composes herself and looks ahead.
[20:55]	<[Dune]Valea>	I'm sorry, i didn't remember a tiger!
[20:56]	<[Dune]Valea>	and, and, it might have threatened the mas-
[20:56]	* [huh]Isabella	is surprised, and tumbles out of the air.
[20:56]	* [Dune]Valea	gulps, and continues at a panicked pace.
[20:56]	<[huh]Isabella>	Owie...
[20:56]	<[Dune]Valea>	mistress, and please don't sell me!
[20:56]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	is utterly confused, though she has a suspicion...
[20:57]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Uh, what?! U-um, o-of-of course not! I mean, uh, crap...
[20:57]	* [Dune]Valea	is visibly trembling again, her eyes closed and her body half-crouched down into a fetal position.
[20:58]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	doesn't visibly perceive anything, though she wants to use someone else's eyes to get a grip on the situation...
[21:00]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Uh-um, Bella, wh-at's going on here? Are you okay?
[21:01]	* [Tesla]Enrica	continues to look forward impassively, trembling from nervousness.
[21:02]	* [Dune]Valea	's trembling has only increased, as she now sits on the floor teary-eyed and fully in the fetal position.
[21:03]	* [huh]Isabella	flutters back into the air.
[21:03]	<[huh]Isabella>	I... I'm fine.
[21:03]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	is more or less unaware, aside from whimpering and the following silence.
[21:04]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	swallows, trying to remember the names of the two maids she just talked to
[21:05]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Uh... Enrica? Valea? Are you okay?
[21:06]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...Y-yes, my Lady, I'm alright.
[21:07]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks quietly as she slowly uncurls and brings herself back up to stand.
[21:07]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Right... Don't worry about the tiger, I assure you it's harmless... I hope... L-let's take a seat by the fireplace.
[21:07]	<[Dune]Valea>	y-yeah...
[21:10]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	awaits Isabella's touch, still more than a little nervous.
[21:11]	* [huh]Isabella	realizes Cassie's plight, and goes to her.
[21:11]	<[huh]Isabella>	Ah, here you go~
[21:11]	* [huh]Isabella	aids Cassandra into a chair.
[21:12]	* [Dune]Valea	still is trembling, but walks over to the fireplace and stands (fairly) nearby the master, as directed.
[21:12]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	smiles and thanks her.
[21:13]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Please, take a seat. ...did someone make tea? oh, right...
[21:13]	* [Tesla]Enrica	heads over, and nervously sits but doesn't change her expression while folding her hands in her lap.
[21:16]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	trails her fingers across the table, until the come against a tray. She feels about carefully, hovering her hand over it until she feels a pocket of heat coming straight up. She reaches down with an open palm to find a readily-poured cup of tea, and takes it in both hands.
[21:17]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	blows its surface and speaks:
[21:17]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	If you would like any, you're welcome to it.
[21:18]	<[huh]Isabella>	It's fae-cultivated, so it's vuite good.
[21:18]	* [huh]Isabella	takes a sip from her own, smaller teacup.
[21:18]	* [Dune]Valea	exhales heavily and ceases trembling upon hearing their comments, hesitantly asking a question.
[21:19]	<[Dune]Valea>	ah, may i?
[21:19]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Certainly.
[21:19]	* [Tesla]Enrica	looks over, unsure if she should remain formal or ask for some.
[21:20]	* [Dune]Valea	looks more nervous as she asks her next question, remembering the treatment some of her fellow slaves recieved when asking unprompted questions.
[21:20]	<[Dune]Valea>	and may i really sit, too...?
[21:20]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Of course.\
[21:20]	<[huh]Isabella>	You certainly can't fly~
[21:21]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	. o ( She's nervous. Perhaps my infamy still holds tight over me... )
[21:21]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	sips her tea, and says:
[21:21]	* [Dune]Valea	smiles lightly at Isabella's comment, though that is her only reaction.
[21:21]	* [Dune]Valea	sighs and carefully sits down, as well.
[21:23]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Right. About your employment here. From what I understand, you two were... purchased.
[21:23]	* [Tesla]Enrica	nods, again looking ahead.
[21:23]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	bows her head, as if to loom into her cup of tea.
[21:23]	* [Dune]Valea	delicately reaches out for a cup of tea while answering.
[21:23]	<[Dune]Valea>	yes, that's right...
[21:24]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...And you're indentured to me. As in, I'm your owner...
[21:25]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...That's so.
[21:25]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	speaks very quietly.
[21:25]	<[huh]Isabella>	Yep~
[21:25]	* [Dune]Valea	's head drops to look into the tea cup in front of her, reminescing a bit about the slave trade as she nods.
[21:25]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...I am very sorry to have brought these circumstances upon the two of you.
[21:26]	* [PYG]Victoria	enters the room, looking a bit scuffed up and catching her breath, with a book in her hand.
[21:26]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	swallows hard, and takes a drink of hot tea for encouragement.
[21:26]	<[PYG]Victoria>	There...*hah*...you are....
[21:27]	* [Dune]Valea	barely hears Cassandra, but is surprised and looks at her with curiosity and wonder as a great weight seems to lift from her heart only to hang over it, threatening to fall again...
[21:27]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	That's-...
[21:27]	<[Dune]Valea>	e-eh?
[21:28]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	ignores Victoria, trying to push through to the point
[21:28]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	looks up towards the others, as well as she can manage.
[21:28]	* [PYG]Victoria	slows her breathing and regains her composure as she moves away from the doorway.
[21:29]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	That's why I relinquishing your service to me. You are no longer enslaved to the Tetromi name, and, and you're free to do as you please.
[21:30]	* [Tesla]Enrica	looks up, suprised but with hope fluttering in her mind.
[21:30]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...Ma'am?
[21:30]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	responds a little too quickly:
[21:30]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Y-yes?
[21:31]	* [Dune]Valea	draws in a breath, both slightly fearful but much more largely hopeful.
[21:31]	* [huh]Isabella	lets out a sort of squeak.
[21:31]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...A-are you serious, Ma'am?
[21:32]	<[huh]Isabella>	Not, not me too?!
[21:32]	* [Dune]Valea	chimes in, nervously.
[21:32]	<[Dune]Valea>	we...won't be sold, ever again...?
[21:32]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	takes a deep breath and sets the cup and saucer on the table, to prevent it from clinking together in her hands.
[21:32]	* [PYG]Victoria	planned to speak, but holds off on it now that Cassandra is releasing her newly acquired "slave maids".
[21:33]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Right. As of now, I'm dissolving any statement of your ownership. You're free.
[21:34]	* [huh]Isabella	is completely shocked, stunned, and taken aback. She even forgets to flap her wings, and pummets to the ground.
[21:34]	<[huh]Isabella>	Ooof!
[21:35]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	's nervousness is taken back temporarily by the plight of her friend.
[21:35]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Izzy? What's wrong? Are you okay?
[21:35]	<[huh]Isabella>	Am I... not good enough?
[21:36]	* [huh]Isabella	tears up.
[21:36]	* [Dune]Valea	's eyes widen slightly as the news sinks in, and a relieved smile is seen on her face.
[21:36]	* [Dune]Valea	this is dashed slightly by seeing the fairy's apparent plight and distress, though, and it changes to worry.
[21:36]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	suddenly catches hold of the atmosphere, and picks up a few of Izzy's surface thoughts.
[21:37]	<[huh]Isabella>	Is there another woman?
[21:37]	<[huh]Isabella>	THere is, isn't there!?
[21:37]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Oh, Isabel! No!
[21:37]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	gets out of her seat, and awkwardly stumbles in the direction she last felt sorrow.
[21:38]	* [Dune]Valea	gets up, and hurriedly moves to try and support Cassandra.
[21:38]	<[huh]Isabella>	A-ah, Cassie? What are you-
[21:38]	<[Dune]Valea>	my lady!
[21:39]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	You're my friend, Izzy! You stay here because you want to, right? I'm just letting these people do the same. Come on now, come here...
[21:39]	* [Tesla]Enrica	gets up, but stops not knowing what to do.
[21:40]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	feels Valea, but knows immediately it's not her Isabel.
[21:41]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Izzy, I'm not getting rid of you. You're always welcome here, you know that!
[21:42]	<[huh]Isabella>	Uuu... really? You mean that, right?
[21:44]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	really wants to touch her little fairy. She decides to cheat a little bit and uses Valea's vision for a few split seconds to locate her.
[21:46]	* [PYG]Victoria	takes an empty seat and resumes her reading.
[21:46]	* [Dune]Valea	feels some odd pressure in her eyes as their vision distorts for a split-second, and then returns to normal.
[21:46]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	removes herself from Valea and brings herself down to embrace Isabella.
[21:46]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Of course... I'd never want you to leave me, you big dope...
[21:47]	<[huh]Isabella>	Cassie...
[21:48]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	realizes how this may seem to the others in the room, but decides some things are more important.
[21:49]	* [Dune]Valea	sees the closeness between Cassandra and Izzy, and keeps back but is happy that they are good friends, and sees nothing beyond that.
[21:50]	* [Tesla]Enrica	walks near them, but decides not to interrupt.
[21:51]	* [Dune]Valea	, however, does not fully read the mood and poses an innocent question.
[21:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	I don't mean to pry or interrupt or anything, Cassandra(if i may call you that?),
[21:52]	* [Dune]Valea	's face takes on a pallor of curiosity and some concern.
[21:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	but...can you not see?
[21:53]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	runs her fingers through Isabel's hair, but turns her head a bit to acknowledge Valea's quest.
[21:53]	* [huh]Isabella	calms down in Cassandra's arms.
[21:54]	* [PYG]Victoria	looks up from her book.
[21:54]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...That's right. I am completely blind in both my eyes. I'm sorry that I didn't mention this before... Those I suppose it's obvious, isn't it?
[21:54]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...I'm sorry, my Lady.
[21:54]	<[PYG]Victoria>	She's blind to all but your thoughts.
[21:55]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	felt the sting in those words. It would have been easier to send them away without that little fact, but perhaps it was already known.
[21:55]	* [Atai]Krupskaya	, hidden away somewhere, barely keeps from spitting her tea out.
[21:56]	* [Dune]Valea	begins to give a sympathetic "ah", but then hears the reading maid's comment and turns around quickly in surprise.
[21:56]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	. . . y-...yes, that's true as well, in part...
[21:56]	* [Dune]Valea	turns back around to Cassandra, her unvoiced question having already been answered.
[21:56]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	stands, still holding Isabel in both arms.
[21:57]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	You may have heard of my... reputation... if you've spent any amount of time in this town.
[21:58]	* [PYG]Victoria	looks back down to her reading.
[21:58]	<[PYG]Victoria>	It may be a strange time to bring it up, but I've already brought your luggage in, Mistress.
[21:58]	* [Dune]Valea	stands with a curious look on her face as she ponders all the questions she half-wants to ask, and what actions she wants to take.
[21:58]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Thank you, Victoria.
[21:58]	* [Dune]Valea	then blinks, and cocks her head to the side in complete ignorance.
[21:58]	<[Dune]Valea>	...what reputation?
[21:59]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I apologize again if I frighten you. And I swear, I haven't taken advantage of your minds, though I do admit, I borrowed your eyesight for a moment, Valea... sorry.
[22:01]	* [Dune]Valea	shakes her head slowly from side to side, almost seeming as though she would recoil in fury at such a thing... but instead responds cheerfully!
[22:01]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...Why would you frighten us, Ma'am? Even if you could-... I don't think you'd ever use it against someone... Ma'am.
[22:01]	* [PYG]Victoria	stops herself before saying anything more regaarding Cassandra's reputation. It's probably best to hear it from her.
[22:01]	<[Dune]Valea>	ah, so that's what that feeling was?
[22:01]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...
[22:02]	<[Dune]Valea>	and i'm sorry if you thought you scared me, i just didn't know what to expect, and i didn't want to be sold again...
[22:02]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	saunters over to her seat, placing Isabel in her lap.
[22:02]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	smiles at Valea and Enrica, turning her head to where she last heard them speak.
[22:03]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...You're both quite kind. Yes, that feeling was me borrowing a few frames of your vision. I'm sorry I didn't ask your permission.
[22:03]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	But Enrica...
[22:04]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	becomes melancholic. She leans her head against her fairy's, hiding her face from the two.
[22:04]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	What is it, Ma'am?
[22:05]	<[huh]Isabella>	It's okay, it's okay...
[22:05]	* [Dune]Valea	becomes worried again, upon seeing Cassandra's apparent sadness.
[22:05]	* [huh]Isabella	pats her friend on the shoulder.
[22:05]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...My reputation comes down to this. I've killed... many people. You have all the right in the world not to trust me, to fear me.
[22:06]	<[huh]Isabella>	Don't bring that up...
[22:06]	* [Dune]Valea	seems almost halfway-taken aback by Cassandra's comment, not expecting anything like that from someone as nice as her.
[22:07]	* [Tesla]Enrica	looks like she wants to say something, but can't seem to think of the right words.
[22:08]	* [Dune]Valea	's surprise fades to concern for Cassandra as she speaks.
[22:08]	* [Atai]Krupskaya	(...Hmm.)
[22:08]	<[Dune]Valea>	you don't look like someone who's killed anybody.
[22:09]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Eighty people.
[22:09]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	says flatly.
[22:10]	<[huh]Isabella>	It wasn't her fault!
[22:10]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	...How...?
[22:10]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	It was.
[22:10]	* [Dune]Valea	's look of concern only deepens.
[22:11]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Victoria, do you have a copy of that newspaper?
[22:12]	* [Dune]Valea	's gaze drifts to Isabella, bearing a look of inquiry.
[22:14]	* [huh]Isabella	is too busy being indignant to respond to looks of inquiry.
[22:18]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	sighs heavily.
[22:19]	<[PYG]Victoria>	It's not with me at the moment, Ma'am. Shall I retrieve it?
[22:19]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Yes, please.
[22:20]	* [PYG]Victoria	shuts her book as she rises from her seat.
[22:20]	<[PYG]Victoria>	As you wish.
[22:21]	* [PYG]Victoria	steps out of the room
[22:21]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	What happened was... I was on a train, and some... terrorists raided the train while it was in motion. There was a lot of fighting, and they took me and my parents hostage... I guess they were going to get a ransom out of us...
[22:23]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I thought I could use my ability to help the people on the train, but... the train wrecked.
[22:23]	* [Dune]Valea	's look of concern deepens, as she listens quietly to Cassandra's story.
[22:26]	* [PYG]Victoria	returns, her book still in hand but with a newspaper clipping in between the pages.
[22:26]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Eighty people died on that train, including my mother and father. If I had acted with better judgment, maybe it wouldn't have happened.
[22:28]	* [Dune]Valea	's look of concern holds as she speaks with a sympathetic tone.
[22:29]	<[huh]Isabella>	I-it's not your fault...
[22:29]	<[huh]Isabella>	Cassie...
[22:29]	<[Dune]Valea>	...well, that was an accident, right?
[22:29]	<[Dune]Valea>	so it's definitely not your fault.
[22:29]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	An accident that I caused.
[22:30]	* [Dune]Valea	takes a step closer to Cassandra.
[22:30]	<[Dune]Valea>	we all make mistakes.
[22:31]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...
[22:31]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...You don't understand.
[22:33]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	It doesn't matter. You just have to know the fact.
[22:33]	* [Tesla]Enrica	composes herself a little, and tries to speak assertively.
[22:33]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Ma'am.
[22:33]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	lifts her head just enough to turn to Enrica.
[22:33]	* [PYG]Victoria	hands the article to Cassandra.
[22:33]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	If I may...
[22:34]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	sets it on the table for the others to see.
[22:34]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Yes?
[22:34]	* [huh]Isabella	avoids looking at it. She doesn't like to see it, and doesn't like Cassie seeing it...
[22:36]	* [Dune]Valea	avoids looking at the article as well, expectant of the statement Enrica plans to make and hoping it expresses her own sentiments, as well.
[22:41]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	I do not know whether my beliefs are of much consequence, but I do not think the past is something that must chain someone, be it by tradition or by guilt. I cannot assert that this happened or it did not, but either way I refuse to change my perspective of you. You've struck me as a benevolent person, Ma'am, and I do not think that past events of any sort must continue to affect your present self.
[22:41]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Despite any view on the events themselves, I do not believe that any event of the past must serve as a millstone for any person or anything. I do not believe I have reason to fear you, as I think the present is the best gauge for any person, and certain things must be left behind if one is to move forward.
[22:42]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	No matter how tragic this may have been, Ma'am, you cant carry it forever.
[22:42]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	I'm sorry if I've offended you.
[22:44]	* [Atai]Krupskaya	wipes away a tear from up in her hiding spot. 's fuckin' deep, man.
[22:44]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	No, it's... fine. Thank you, I appreciate your thought.
[22:45]	* [Dune]Valea	nods in approval at Enrica's long-winded statement, and speaks to Cassandra in reinforcement.
[22:45]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Though some of what you say may be true, I have my own reasons...
[22:45]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	There's some things...
[22:45]	<[Dune]Valea>	you really do seem to be a nice person, and you never meant anybody any harm...
[22:46]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	worse...
[22:46]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...That I wouldn't tell you.
[22:48]	* [huh]Isabella	is still hanging is Cassandra's arms, now looking more like a slightly morose doll than anything.
[22:49]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	speaks quietly once more, regret stemming from her voice, icing over each little sound she makes, coming to a harsh whisper against her breath.
[22:50]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	runs her fingers through Isabel's hair again.
[22:50]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I'm sorry, Isabella...
[22:51]	<[huh]Isabella>	You have nothing to be sorry for.
[22:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	yes, really...
[22:52]	* [Dune]Valea	's eyes are shadowed with concern.
[22:52]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I do. I know it hurts you.
[22:54]	<[huh]Isabella>	Then smile... it's not as sad to me if you smile...
[22:56]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks, trying to cheer up Cassandra in any way she can. She doesn't want to see such a kind person sad...
[22:56]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Ahem.
[22:57]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	smiles weakly, for Isabel
[22:57]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Pardon me for interrupting but...Er...Your tea is getting cold.
[22:57]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Would you like me to get it, Ma'am?
[22:57]	* [Dune]Valea	quickly turns to Victoria, makes some form of a pouting gesture, and then turns back to Cassandra and Isabella.
[22:58]	* [huh]Isabella	whacks Cassandra on the head.
[22:58]	<[huh]Isabella>	No good!
[22:58]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	makes a very small laugh through her nose with the sudden change of subject. And then Ow.
[22:58]	<[huh]Isabella>	Once more, with feeling!
[23:00]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	remembers the warm concern of her friend, and puts on a big, sincere smile.
[23:01]	* [Dune]Valea	sighs, the statement she was going to try and encourage with dropped along with any chance she had of giving it.
[23:01]	<[huh]Isabella>	That's more like it.
[23:01]	* [PYG]Victoria	sighs in defeat at getting dismissed, returning to her seat and resuming reading. Ahh, what a waste....
[23:02]	* [Tesla]Enrica	sympathetically pats Valea's head.
[23:03]	* [Dune]Valea	allows it, but still holds her face in a sort of half-pout.
[23:03]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	turns back to the others, or at least their general direction. "over there"
[23:03]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Oh, I'm sorry. Did one of you say something?
[23:04]	* [PYG]Victoria	pretends she didn't think anything as she licks her thumb to turn a page.
[23:05]	* [Dune]Valea	grumbles just a bit before she speaks, her status as annoyed showing through just a little in her speech.
[23:05]	<[huh]Isabella>	Did she?
[23:06]	<[Dune]Valea>	I was going to say that you're a nice person, that you shouldn't be sad, and that you should cheer up!
[23:06]	<[Dune]Valea>	but then i was interrupted, and then you made this biiig smile, so i didn't need to.
[23:07]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	laughs under her breath once more, putting a hand over her mouth.
[23:07]	* [Dune]Valea	folds her arms and huffs lightly in a childish pout.
[23:08]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	-ha.. I'm sorry. I appreciate everyone's concern... are you really okay with all this?
[23:08]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks with some combination of incredulous annoyance and happiness.
[23:09]	<[Dune]Valea>	of course we are, that wasn't your fault.
[23:09]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	It's fine, Ma'am, it's well behind you.
[23:10]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Again, I don't believe you can understand...
[23:11]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks with a tangible layer of meaning behind her words.
[23:11]	<[Dune]Valea>	some of us do more than you think...
[23:11]	* [Dune]Valea	's annoyed voice changes to a slightly distant one.
[23:12]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...But I will put it behind me, for now. Really, I'm surprised neither of you feel negatively about this... But I warn you. It didn't begin with a train wreck. I am not like you. I am not under full control of my emotions. I could kill you.
[23:12]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	speaks softly at first, then turning her voice to stone on steel.
[23:12]	* [Dune]Valea	recites out of nowhere a poem totally unsuited to her.
[23:13]	* [Dune]Valea	closes her eyes as she speaks it, but opens them at the end, a hard-set determination in her eyes.
[23:13]	<[Dune]Valea>	what is death/but a second life?
[23:14]	<[huh]Isabella>	And, of course, I can't really die.
[23:14]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	There are things... worse than death...
[23:14]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	hangs her head once more.
[23:14]	* [huh]Isabella	smacks Cassandra again.
[23:15]	<[huh]Isabella>	You stopped smiling.
[23:18]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	rubs her head, and smiles sadly again.
[23:18]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Yeah, I guess I did...
[23:19]	* [huh]Isabella	smacks Cassandra again.
[23:19]	<[huh]Isabella>	Still wrong.
[23:19]	<[PYG]Victoria>	Now, now, Miss Isabel, the Mistress has been traveling all day...
[23:19]	* [Dune]Valea	strides over to the pair, producing a small paper fan from one of her pockets.
[23:19]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...But I don't have much to smile about, with this little fairy slapping me. I'm starting to feel a little mistreated...
[23:20]	<[Dune]Valea>	can i smack her too, if she gets all gloomy again?
[23:20]	* [Dune]Valea	waves the paper fan in front of her as she speaks.
[23:20]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...Huh? Hey!
[23:20]	<[Dune]Valea>	you're mistreating yourself by letting that weigh you down so much.
[23:21]	* [Dune]Valea	's words take on a sobering tone as she speaks further.
[23:21]	<[Dune]Valea>	and i really don't like seeing people sad, so...
[23:22]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	places a hand on the table, and speaks bluntly.
[23:22]	<[huh]Isabella>	Uuuu...
[23:22]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	I will decide for my self.
[23:23]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...but really, I appreciate it. You don't have to try to be so understanding, these are my problems. I don't want you to suffer them, that's why I've shared their existence with you.
[23:25]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks lightly and with some happiness, at Cassandra's partial acceptance of her efforts.
[23:26]	<[Dune]Valea>	You're a nice person and i want to be your friend, if i can.
[23:26]	<[Dune]Valea>	and i have to understand you if i were, right?
[23:28]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	's breath is taken away from that phrase. "I want to be your friend." Was she talking about me? She was, wasn't she...
[23:29]	* [PYG]Victoria	smiles to herself as she turns another page. Maybe things won't be so bad up here after all...
[23:32]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	can't quite find the words she wants. She stammers,
[23:32]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Y-, Ri-, Th-... Thank you.
[23:33]	* [Dune]Valea	moves to hug Cassandra.
[23:33]	<[Dune]Valea>	you're welcome.
[23:34]	* [Tesla]Enrica	nods, smiling.
[23:34]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	is taken by surprise once again, slowly and lightly returning the embrace.
[23:35]	* [Dune]Valea	hugs tighter as her small frame allows, smiling.
[23:37]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...You're really nice. Or perhaps transient... Were you not afraid of me mere minutes earlier?
[23:38]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	We never feared you, Cassandra. We had no reason to.
[23:38]	<[Dune]Valea>	well, i just didn't want to get sold off again, since you seemed nice...
[23:39]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks purely, hiding nothing.
[23:40]	<[Dune]Valea>	but now we don't have to fear that ever again, thanks to you.
[23:40]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Oh, but you did... I feel fear more acutely than anything. But I digress...
[23:40]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	releases from the embrace.
[23:41]	* [Dune]Valea	steps back, still smiling warmly.
[23:41]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	This isn't supposed to be about me. This is about the two of you.
[23:41]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	feels like she's forgetting something, but she can't quite put her finger on it...
[23:45]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	You have no obligation to serve me. If you wish to leave, I'll have Victoria take you into town, along with enough money to cross the country. You don't have to tell me where you're going or anything.
[23:46]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Since you said you'd freed us I'd felt this was next, but I am personally inclined to stay.
[23:46]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	Thank you, sincerely, but no.
[23:46]	* [Dune]Valea	nods, and speaks in affirmation.
[23:46]	<[Dune]Valea>	yeah, same here.
[23:46]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	...What?
[23:47]	<[Dune]Valea>	we can't just leave you behind after you gave us something like that.
[23:47]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks in a slightly playful tone.
[23:47]	<[Dune]Valea>	besides, i couldn't get around anyway.
[23:48]	* [Dune]Valea	's voice then speaks kindly.
[23:49]	<[Dune]Valea>	and i said i wanted to be your friend, right?
[23:49]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	Given you what? Purchase you, only to tell you you're not necessary? What have I given? A cup tea and a tale from Tetromi witch herself? What have you gained?
[23:49]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	clenches her fingers into her fist, though she doesn't know why.
[23:50]	<[Tesla]Enrica>	I do not think you understand, Cassandra.
[23:50]	* [Dune]Valea	speaks sympathetically.
[23:50]	<[Dune]Valea>	calm down, would you?
[23:50]	<[Gtz]Cassandra>	... I'm sorry. But don't you have family? Don't you have something to return to?
[23:51]	* [Gtz]Cassandra	steels herself from the "no" she knows she's gonna get. She doesn't have to read minds to understand misfortune.
[23:51]	* [Dune]Valea	's head drops a little at mention of this, and her voice becomes a soft, low monotone.
[23:51]	* [Dune]Valea	's eyes look distantly into the floor, even though it's only an arm's reach away.
[23:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	I...don't remember...
[23:52]	<[Dune]Valea>	...anything from before slave life.
[23:53]	<[GM]Mary>	[fuck you guys, session 1 ends here]