Cassies Palace 16

July 9
Still Life
[20:36]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time, on Hero- I mean, Cassie's Palace!
[20:37]	<[GM]Mary>	A lot of vague backstory and irrelevant plot points.
[20:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Let's see how we're situated...
[20:42]	* [Tess]Enrica	mops one of the longer halls, glaring at a still life hung on the wall with contempt.
[20:45]	* Valea	dusts several vases a little way down that same hallway, glancing at Enrica and smiling.
[20:45]	* [huh]Isabella	floats through the halls, "patrolling."
[20:47]	* Valea	soon notices Enrica's expression and approaches curiously, still smiling.
[20:57]	* [Tess]Enrica	glares at that painting some more. What a traditional, old, glorification of the static... it's hateful.
[20:59]	* [huh]Isabella	floats by, trying to look stern. Holding a stick like a bayonet doesn't help the image.
[21:00]	* Valea	stands immediately next to Enrica now, looking at the still-life with focus.
[21:01]	* Valea	's focus quickly falls apart, however, as she turns to Enrica smiling.
[21:01]	<Valea>	Hi, Enrica~.
[21:01]	* [Tess]Enrica	starts, not having noticed Valea until now. She turns and smiles.
[21:03]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Hi, Valea. How are you doing?
[21:04]	<Valea>	Pretty good.
[21:04]	* Valea	smiles just a bit wider.
[21:05]	* [huh]Isabella	decides to retire for the night, and goes in search of Cassandra.
[21:05]	* [Tess]Enrica	leans the mop against the wall and gives Valea a hug.
[21:07]	* Valea	hugs back, warmly and happily.
[21:07]	* [Tess]Enrica	lets go and picks up the mop, getting back to her work but still smiling.
[21:07]	<[Tess]Enrica>	What brought you over here?
[21:08]	* Valea	pulls back from the hug.
[21:08]	<Valea>	I was just down the hall dusting some vases and saw you, so...
[21:09]	* [Tess]Enrica	walks while mopping.
[21:10]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Careful, the floor's wet. Wouldn't want to hurt yourself here.
[21:11]	* [Tess]Enrica	, while walking, gives Valea's butt a quick and firm squeeze before continuing her work uninterrupted.
[21:11]	<Valea>	Ah, thanks for the warning...
[21:14]	* Valea	jumps a little at the touch, then blushing a bit though her smile doesn't disappear.
[21:14]	<Valea>	ah~!
[21:16]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives that painting another glance, but continues her work as if it wasn't there.
[21:16]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Odd coincidences. The mansion seems bigger than it is, doesn't it?
[21:16]	* Valea	then follows after Enrica, somehow pulling out a dry mop and drying the floor after her as she catches up.
[21:16]	<Valea>	ah, yeah, just a little...
[21:21]	* Valea	's heart thumps away more heavily as she moves up beside Enrica again, still blushing.
[21:22]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Mm? Need something?
[21:22]	* [Tess]Enrica	pats her head and gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
[21:24]	* Valea	blushes just a little more, looking away awkwardly as she drops one of her hands down to her side and holds it just slightly towards Enrica.
[21:25]	<Valea>	eh? ah, not really...
[21:27]	* [Tess]Enrica	purposefully brushes against it.
[21:28]	<[Tess]Enrica>	I'll leave it at that, but only if you're being honest.
[21:28]	* [Tess]Enrica	goes back to cleaning and glaring on occasion. That painting...
[21:31]	* Valea	stops walking and just looks at Enrica for a moment, her own mind in disarray. ( Soft... )
[21:35]	* Valea	then blinks and shakes her head lightly, clearing it a little and continuing to follow Enrica. She tries to help clean as she goes, but only does so distractedly.
[21:37]	* [Tess]Enrica	continues to work, but suddenly stops and looks back at a desk.
[21:39]	* Valea	continues passively cleaning and trying to clear her mind to the point of distraction and nearly passing Enrica entirely.
[21:40]	* Valea	suddenly notices that Enrica has stopped to look at something, and does so herself.
[21:40]	<Valea>	...what is it?
[21:41]	<[Tess]Enrica>	I don't know yet. Let me see...
[21:43]	* Valea	looks on with curiosity.
[21:45]	* [Tess]Enrica	moves over to the desk, shuffling through the papers on it.
[21:45]	* Valea	moves over next to Enrica again, following her search with her eyes.
[21:46]	<[Tess]Enrica>	!
[21:46]	* [Tess]Enrica	separates some of the papers and puts them onto each other, as if ordering them. She seems a little distant.
[21:48]	* Valea	takes note of Enrica's sudden change in aura, and becomes slightly concerned.
[21:48]	<Valea>	Enrica, are you alright...?
[21:48]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Eh?
[21:48]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Ah... ha ha ha. Me, of all people, reminiscing... I'm alright.
[21:49]	* [Tess]Enrica	folds the sheets a couple times and puts them in her vest.
[21:50]	* Valea	looks at Enrica with a sort of not-fully-convinced curiosity, from a short distance.
[21:51]	<[Tess]Enrica>	I just found something that reminded me of some older days. Nothing to be concerned about.
[21:51]	<Valea>	ah, alright...
[21:55]	* Valea	quickly realizes her immediate standing and position, and takes an awkward, half-willed partial step back.
[21:56]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Hm? What's wrong?
[21:56]	* Valea	responds hastily.
[21:56]	<Valea>	ah, nothing...
[22:00]	* Valea	blushes slightly to her present line of thought.
[22:02]	<[Tess]Enrica>	No, it's something. You can tell me, you know.
[22:04]	* Valea	looks back to Enrica, approaching her a bit.
[22:04]	<Valea>	um, you're right...
[22:04]	* [Tess]Enrica	ruffles Valea's hair, looking at her expectantly.
[22:06]	* Valea	slowly moves into a hug with Enrica, blushing a little more and hesitating to speak.
[22:06]	* Valea	the gulps, and whispers into Enrica's Ear:
[22:07]	<Valea>	um, you're soft...
[22:08]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks over at Valea curiously, but then hugs back.
[22:11]	* [Tess]Enrica	draws back a little but doesn't let go, looking Valea in the eyes. She seems to have an evil air to her.
[22:12]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Well, so?
[22:14]	* Valea	is a little surprised by Enrica's suddenly new atmosphere, her mind blanking.
[22:14]	* [Tess]Enrica	leans in and gives Valea a kiss, but draws back after a second.
[22:15]	<[Tess]Enrica>	...So?
[22:16]	* Valea	flushes a deeper shade of scarlet.
[22:19]	* Valea	then looks into Enrica's eyes, her own filled with cautious warmth and some slight hesitation.
[22:20]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives her a quick squeeze, but goes no further and continues to look intently at Valea.
[22:20]	<Valea>	ah! ah...
[22:21]	<Valea>	w-well, I really like you... uh...
[22:23]	<[Tess]Enrica>	That's not it, is it?
[22:24]	* Valea	draws circles on Enrica's back as one of her arms falls just a little lower.
[22:24]	<Valea>	no, not really...
[22:24]	* [Tess]Enrica	moves closer, just close enough for her nose to touch Valea's.
[22:25]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Then?
[22:25]	* Valea	exudes an aura of nervousness, blushing a little more as she feels Enrica's breath on her face, her own falling hotly on Enrica's as well...
[22:27]	* Valea	's hand slides further down, ending just above Enrica's bottom.
[22:29]	* [Tess]Enrica	begins to move her hands around, but doesn't move close to more sensitive areas yet.
[22:30]	* Valea	squirms just a little under Enrica's hands, hesitating a moment...
[22:33]	* Valea	can feel the spirits tugging at her lightly, whispering to her... ( ...Go away, for now... I don't want to scare Enrica away, too... )
---
@@Meanwhile~
---
[21:19]	<[GM]Mary>	Isabel: you find Cassandra listening to soft music from a record player in the living room. The lyrics seem to be in a different language.
[21:20]	<[huh]Isabella>	Ah~ It's relaxing~
[21:20]	* [huh]Isabella	curls up in Cassie's lap, like a cat.
[21:23]	* Cassandra	smiles, petting Izzy while listening in on the mental heatwaves from her little lover maids. . o ( Something to take my mind off of Tetromi... )
[21:34]	* [huh]Isabella	looks up at Cassie.
[21:34]	<[huh]Isabella>	I don't think I've really asked in a while, so how are you?
[21:41]	<Cassandra>	...Mmph.
[21:43]	<[huh]Isabella>	Mmph?
[21:43]	<[huh]Isabella>	Is that a good mmph or a bad mmph?
[21:45]	<Cassandra>	It's a tired mmph.
[21:45]	* [huh]Isabella	clambers up Cassie to give her a little fairy massage.
[21:49]	<Cassandra>	agh, you don't wanna hear it...
[21:51]	<[huh]Isabella>	Your problems are my problems, Cassie.
[21:51]	* Cassandra	squirms a little as her fairy friend dares the hills between her lap and her shoulders. My, so bold!
[21:55]	<[huh]Isabella>	It'll be good for you to let your cares out.
[21:55]	<Cassandra>	You have way too many problems, then.
[21:56]	<[huh]Isabella>	I wouldn't know. You don't tell me anything.
[21:57]	* Cassandra	lays down on the couch, Izzy still on her back. She rests her head on an arm and loosens her collar a little bit.
[22:00]	<Cassandra>	Haaah... I can't stop thinking about Tabitha...
[22:02]	<[huh]Isabella>	Is it really that bad?
[22:02]	<Cassandra>	She scares the hell outta me.
[22:04]	<[huh]Isabella>	She's your sister, though. What are you afraid of?
[22:07]	<Cassandra>	She... she's so like me.
[22:07]	<[huh]Isabella>	And that scares you?
[22:09]	* Cassandra	grimaces, and pushes her face deeper into her own folded arms. The record ceases to play, so Izzy can just barely hear her muffled voice.
[22:12]	<Cassandra>	It scares me to death. When I first met her, I didn't notice, because I was aggravated over a nightmare I had... But since then, whenever I listen to her thoughts, it's not like their someone else's... It's like they're my own.
[22:14]	<[huh]Isabella>	And? Do her thoughts scare you?
[22:15]	* Cassandra	raises up, grunting angrily
[22:15]	<Cassandra>	Grrgh! Izzy!
[22:16]	<[huh]Isabella>	Huh?
[22:18]	* Cassandra	realizes who she's speaking to, and lays back down, huffing a sigh.
[22:20]	<[huh]Isabella>	Cassie?
[22:20]	<[huh]Isabella>	Are you alright?
[22:21]	<Cassandra>	Ugh... Izzy... y-yeah, I'm fine...
[22:22]	<[huh]Isabella>	Do you want to stop talking?
[22:23]	* Cassandra	sits up, putting Izzy back in her lap.
[22:24]	<Cassandra>	Isabel... you don't need to understand my problems. Just do like you always do, and I'll be just fine.
[22:25]	* [huh]Isabella	puts her arms around Cassandra's neck, and kisses her on the cheek.
[22:25]	<[huh]Isabella>	Alright~
[22:25]	<[huh]Isabella>	Just remember that we all love you, Cassie. I don't like to see you upset, so I want to help...
[22:27]	* Cassandra	smiles and kisses her back, trailing her fingers through Isabel's hair.
[22:28]	<Cassandra>	I'm sorry, Izzy... I just can't get over some things. No matter how badly I want to...
[22:28]	* [huh]Isabella	smiles and nuzzles closer to Cassie.
[22:29]	<Cassandra>	...But I think I'll have to, sooner or later. I got a bunch of maids to take care of now, as you said.
[22:29]	<[huh]Isabella>	They're supposed to be taking care of you!
[22:31]	<Cassandra>	They can take care of me once I'm...
[22:31]	* Cassandra	stops, and reconsiders.
---
@@Regroup!
---
[22:34]	* Cassandra	jerks dramatically, like she's been shocked.
[22:35]	* Valea	closes her eyes for a moment to focus herself, preventing a few from materializing.
[22:37]	* [Tess]Enrica	notices a few spirits around. Wait, what?
[22:38]	* Cassandra	puts her fist to her forehead, and thinks quite forcefully:
[22:38]	* Cassandra	Valea: /don't, don't, *don't* do that./
[22:39]	* Valea	squints her eyes to try and focus even harder, so th-
[22:41]	* Valea	's eyes shoot open in shock upon having been undoubtedly discovered. ( Wha-!? No! )
[22:42]	* [Tess]Enrica	is unsettled at Valea's reaction on top of all the souls.
[22:42]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Valea, what's wrong?
[22:43]	* Valea	instantly notices several spirits materializing, then doubly shocked by the now-growing cloud of lights around her and her failure to keep this from Enrica. As a result of this, several more manage to slip through.
[22:44]	* Valea	looks around, panicked, and quickly tries to regather her focus to hide them away again. ( LEAVE! Leave me be, for now! )
[22:44]	* Cassandra	swoons a little, gritting her teeth.
[22:45]	* Valea	releases from Enrica, focusing her entire being on suppressing the swarm around her.
[22:45]	* [Tess]Enrica	(Do these need exorcising or blessings to pass on, or something?)
[22:46]	* Valea	somehow manages to push down her panic, and in doing so, succeeds in banishing their materialized forms, at least for now...
[22:47]	* [huh]Isabella	is looking curiously at the concentrating Cassie.
[22:48]	* Cassandra	sweats profusely. . o ( Dammit, it wasn't this bad yesterday morning... )
[22:49]	* [Tess]Enrica	puts her hand on Valea's shoulder.
[22:49]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Valea, what was that just now?
[22:49]	<Cassandra>	I-I-Isabel... You might want to leave for a little bit...
[22:50]	* Cassandra	Valea: /Come downstairs. Now./
[22:50]	* Valea	closes her eyes again and goes slack in Enrica's arms, soon afterwards finally rendering the space around her silent from the souls' whispers. They retreat to nothingness, yet again...
[22:50]	<[huh]Isabella>	Alright...
[22:50]	* [huh]Isabella	looks a little put out, but knows better than to go against Cassie when she's like this.
[22:51]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Eh... huh. Valea, this might seem tangential, but did you get that?
[22:53]	<[Tess]Enrica>	I thought I heard something... well.
[22:53]	* Valea	returns to controlling her body, a fearful, panicked, and pained look taking her face. She doesn't look at Enrica.
[22:54]	* Valea	Cassandra: /I-i can't... they just come sometimes, i tried to stop it.../
[22:55]	* Cassandra	/I'm aware of that. And I thought it'd be fine if you just kept it low-key, but I was wrong./
[22:55]	<Valea>	I-i...
[22:56]	* Valea	drops her head and listlessly tries to shy away from Enrica.
[22:56]	* [Tess]Enrica	lets her go, bewildered.
[22:58]	* Valea	's mind holds nothing but regret and sadness.
[23:01]	* Cassandra	/Come down here now and maybe I won't kill you./
[23:01]	<[Tess]Enrica>	...Valea? Valea, was that yours?
[23:02]	* Valea	's throat chokes up as she tries to muster the courage to talk to Enrica, staring at the floor...
[23:03]	* Cassandra	swaps to Enrica: /I'm busy chewing her out for necromancy. Could you please haul her ass to the living room before I make her come down here?/
[23:04]	* Valea	raises her head slightly to look at Enrica, her eyes belying deep sadness and regret, her lips trembling.
[23:05]	* [Tess]Enrica	/Ah! Right!/
[23:05]	* Valea	then suddenly runs away, dashing to the lower levels of the mansion.
[23:05]	<Valea>	I'm sorry!
[23:05]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Valea! Where are you going?!
[23:05]	* [Tess]Enrica	chases after her.
[23:06]	* Cassandra	tries to calm herself down, but she can't back down from this paragon of enmity she's stepped into.
[23:08]	* Valea	blinks away several tears as she runs almost without direction. She doesn't bother to look, but she's quickly losing ground to Enrica.
[23:11]	* [Tess]Enrica	catches her, holding her put with her arms around her to get her to calm down.
[23:12]	* Valea	( I...! ) She falls pinned, still oblivious to the fact that it's Enrica.
[23:14]	<Cassandra>	Engh...
[23:17]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Valea! It's me! Please calm down!
[23:18]	* Valea	sobs, lying on the floor. She feels the spirits almost tugging at the edge of her consciousness, but due to the strength of her request for them to stay away, they do not materialize even ethereally.
[23:18]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Come on, Valea, let's go. It'll be okay...
[23:19]	* Valea	hears Enrica's voice just on top of her, and relaxes ever so slightly. ( She... didn't run away... )
[23:20]	* Valea	blinks several times to clear them, then looking up to Enrica.
[23:20]	* Valea	's voice is filled with regret.
[23:20]	<Valea>	I...
[23:21]	<[Tess]Enrica>	It's okay, you can explain later.
[23:21]	<[Tess]Enrica>	We have work to do now, right?
[23:21]	* [Tess]Enrica	gets up, picking up Valea as she goes.
[23:21]	* Valea	remains silent for a moment.
[23:21]	<Valea>	...yeah...
[23:22]	* [Tess]Enrica	starts to head to where she thinks Cassandra is, dragging Valea along with her.
[23:23]	* Valea	follows listlessly and silently, regret still staining her visage.
[23:25]	* Cassandra	manages to calm herself down a single notch. By the time Enrica and Valea arrive, she looks like a mess, huffing as if she had ran a mile and drenched in sweat. She looks ready to throw up.
[23:25]	* [Tess]Enrica	knocks on the door, for caution.
[23:25]	* Cassandra	/come in./
[23:28]	* [Tess]Enrica	gently opens the door, walking in slowly with Valea in tow.
[23:29]	* Valea	catches sight of Cassandra in her peripheral vision, dropping her head even further just afterwards.
[23:31]	<Cassandra>	Vale-e-aaa...
[23:31]	* Cassandra	huffs, thumb and forefinger pressed against her temples.
[23:32]	* Valea	frowns even further, hearing the sorry state she's put Cassandra in...
[23:32]	* Valea	speaks softly.
[23:32]	<Valea>	...yes?
[23:35]	* Cassandra	removes her hand from her head and leans back, her head caught by the sofa cushion. Oddly, her eyes are open, and are full of a strange red you've not seen before.
[23:37]	* [Tess]Enrica	wants to ask whether she's alright, but thinks better of it.
[23:37]	* Valea	can't muster herself to do anything more than respond, and feel sorry.
[23:38]	<Cassandra>	You're... not in as much trouble as you think.
[23:39]	* Valea	still can't speak, though the weight on her mind lightens ever so slightly.
[23:42]	* Cassandra	is silent for a long moment, still trying to calm down before speaking.
[23:42]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks at Cassandra a little nervously, mostly out of not knowing how this will end or even progress.
[23:43]	<Cassandra>	First of all...
[23:43]	<Cassandra>	Take a seat.
[23:44]	* [Tess]Enrica	pauses, but then leads Valea to a chair and eases her into it.
[23:44]	* Valea	silently lets herself be led, not uttering a word.
[23:45]	<Cassandra>	Second...
[23:45]	* Cassandra	bends down and folds her hands.
[23:45]	<Cassandra>	I'm sorry. I should have come to you about this sooner.
[23:46]	<Cassandra>	My own foolishness and apathy.
[23:46]	* Valea	just gulps, audibly.
[23:46]	<Cassandra>	You've done no wrong.
[23:49]	* Valea	doesn't seem quite convinced.
[23:50]	<Cassandra>	You were probably just born into it like me. That's you're only wrong.
[23:50]	<Cassandra>	You're just like me. I'm starting to see a little bit of me in everybody...
[23:52]	* Cassandra	trails off, then returns back on track.
[23:53]	* Valea	leans back into the chair, raising her head ever so slightly.
[23:56]	* Cassandra	sighs.
[23:56]	<Cassandra>	I'll be plain. The dead drive me crazy. Stop bringing them here.
[23:56]	<Cassandra>	But you can't, can you?
[23:57]	* Valea	speaks for the first time since entering the room.
[23:57]	<Valea>	...no.
[00:01]	<Cassandra>	Welcome to my world, Valea. It's a real feeling, being a monster, isn't it?
[00:02]	* Valea	just frowns a bit.
[00:05]	<Cassandra>	But when you summon those...
[00:11]	<Cassandra>	They're the worst of nightmares. All those faces and voices, beckoning me into their pool...
[00:11]	* Cassandra	gaze goes distant, before finally forcing her eyes shut.
[00:14]	* Valea	remains silent for a moment, one tear then flowing down her face.
[00:14]	<Valea>	i'm... sorry, Cassie...
[00:15]	<Cassandra>	It's not your fault.
[00:15]	<Cassandra>	I'm just fucked up.
[00:16]	* Cassandra	shakes her head. This isn't gonna do any good...
[00:17]	* Valea	curls up a little on the chair, still not showing her face.
[00:18]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks nervously between the two, at a loss for words.
[00:20]	<Cassandra>	...Before the train crashed, we passed a pool. I don't know where all the water came from, but I looked out the window and saw it with my own eyes. I'm almost certain I did.
[00:21]	<Cassandra>	In it, I saw their faces. I saw the faces of everyone who was going to die on that train.
[00:22]	* Valea	looks up a tiny fraction. ( ...What...? )
[00:23]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks over with a mixture of surprise and a little worry.
[00:27]	* Cassandra	recalls a few faces in particular. A chill runs up and down her spine.
[00:28]	<Cassandra>	Fortunately, I've never seen anything like that again. But I can't stand the lingering departed. Just tell them to move on and be done with it.
[00:29]	<[Tess]Enrica>	U-um...
[00:29]	* Valea	's mind practically goes blank, for a moment.
[00:30]	* Valea	then notices Enrica trying to speak, and shifts her head slightly in her direction.
[00:31]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Rather than a necromancer, isn't that more...
[00:31]	<Cassandra>	Whatever.
[00:31]	<Cassandra>	I don't care.
[00:31]	<[Tess]Enrica>	I-I could... no, nevermind.
[00:32]	<Cassandra>	She summons the dead. And no, you can't.
[00:32]	* Cassandra	chuckles dryly.
[00:32]	* Valea	's curiosity is piqued. ( ...what is it, Enrica...? )
[00:33]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks from side to side, debating whether or not to talk.
[00:33]	<Cassandra>	Unless you kill her. Not a bad idea for either one of us.
[00:34]	* Cassandra	. o ( I must be a monster magnet... )
[00:34]	<[Tess]Enrica>	...I don't really like doing it, but I could make them move on.
[00:36]	* Valea	buries her face in her knees, remaining silent though internal turmoil wracks her.
[00:36]	* Cassandra	ignores Enrica's statement, continuing with her descent.
[00:40]	<Cassandra>	Are you aware of the things in place to destroy people like us? It doesn't matter if we're little girls. By law, you and I are crimes against "God" and humanity. If anyone with two brain cells left to rub together knew of you, they'd have you executed. Hell, I've heard they give out medals to those who rid the world of us pariahs.
[00:41]	<Cassandra>	I used to think that this was unfair and bigoted.
[00:41]	<Cassandra>	Now, I know.
[00:45]	* [Tess]Enrica	(Uh-oh. I don't like this...)
[00:46]	* Cassandra	turns her bitter hatred into bitter humor. She sighs, and lies across the sofa.
[00:47]	<Cassandra>	...and things were just startin' to get good between you two...
[00:47]	* Valea	too doesn't like this, at all. ( but... we just want to live, too... )
[00:47]	* Valea	blushes ever so slightly, but is primarily still downtrodden.
[00:50]	<Cassandra>	If it were so easy, I'd simply kill them as they come.
[00:50]	<Cassandra>	But even I cannot touch the dead.
[00:53]	<Cassandra>	So keep them out.
[00:53]	<Cassandra>	Tell them they're not wanted here.
[00:54]	* Cassandra	Valea: /tell them I'm sorry!/
[00:55]	* Valea	grits her teeth. ( I... sometimes wish to, but... )-
[00:55]	* Cassandra	turns around, facing the back of the sofa.
[00:55]	<Cassandra>	Tell them to go to hell.
[00:56]	<Valea>	...Cassie...
[00:56]	<Valea>	I... can't do that.
[00:58]	* Valea	gulps, and continues.
[00:58]	<Valea>	t-they just come to me, and only sometimes listen to my requests...
[00:59]	<Valea>	I'm sorry...
[01:00]	<Cassandra>	Ch-huh.
[01:00]	<Cassandra>	Whatever. Do what you have to do.
[01:01]	* Valea	rests her head on top of her knees, taking it out of hiding.
[01:01]	* [Tess]Enrica	looks down, figuring it's best not to do anything even though she wants to.
[01:01]	<Valea>	...i'll try.
[01:08]	<Cassandra>	hmph...
[01:08]	<Cassandra>	...
[01:08]	<Cassandra>	Well, speak up.
[01:08]	<Cassandra>	Say what you want to say.
[01:08]	<Cassandra>	Both of you.
[01:09]	* Valea	looks to Enrica, silently asking her to go first.
[01:10]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Hm...
[01:11]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives an empty laugh.
[01:18]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Well, I was just going to say... I guess all I wanted in the end was to reiterate what I told you when we first met. I think that... well, I realize you blame yourself, but my view is that even though you were there... and it was related to your... abilities, you shouldn't blame yourself.
[01:20]	<[Tess]Enrica>	And I realize you don't think it would be right to forget it either. You'd be right- that's something that has happened and ignoring it won't do anyone any good, even yourself. But it's something that I find you carry with you... it's guilt for the blame you place and guilt for having survived. But even though it matters, I think that other things become more important than any single thing...
[01:25]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Well, with time. But in this case how long that is it is up to you. If you wish to remember it from time to time, it may be good for you even if it serves to remind you of things. Even so, the past is still... I guess it feels like you're pouring your sensibility into a funeral urn. It may be all right to delve in things past for those whose future is denied, but I don't think that's your case...
[01:26]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Well, that's about all. I apologize, I realize I'm insolent... part of my mentality, I suppose.
[01:30]	* Cassandra	moves around a bit on the couch, before spinning back around to face the maids.
[01:30]	<Cassandra>	Right. How about you? Valea?
[01:32]	* Valea	takes a deep breath, then looking at Cassandra and speaking.
[01:37]	<Valea>	...Cassie, first of all, i'm sorry for the trouble i've caused you...
[01:39]	<Valea>	Secondly, though: when i said it'd be nice if we could be friends, i meant it.
[01:40]	<Valea>	I guess we all have troubles on our minds now, so that maybe changes things, but please don't tear yourself down too much, or anything like that...
[01:41]	<Valea>	um, and what Enrica said...
[01:41]	* Cassandra	is silent for a long moment after. She then sits up and speaks up.
[01:43]	<Cassandra>	We still can be.
[01:43]	<Cassandra>	As long as I don't kill you first.
[01:44]	* Valea	awkwardly manages a smile.
[01:44]	<Valea>	I hope we can.
[01:45]	* Cassandra	stands up and rubs her face. She grimaces at Valea's remark.
[01:47]	<Cassandra>	Sheesh... you people are way too calm about death threats...
[01:48]	* Cassandra	stumbles towards the door Isabel left from.
[01:48]	* Valea	was still unnerved a little, despite her carefree answer.
[01:49]	* [huh]Isabella	is sitting outside at about chest-level, waiting, though her attention is affixed on the ceiling.
[01:49]	* Valea	gets up, fairly slowly.
[01:49]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Aren't they more like precautions? But the philosophy I follow isn't like that; habit of rashness and all that.
[01:50]	* Valea	asks Cassandra: ah, do you need help?
[01:50]	* Cassandra	cackles a dark laugh, after Enrica's response.
[01:52]	* Cassandra	Enrica: /You want to hear about precautions? Maybe I'll share something with you later. I wonder if you'll still want to fuck me then./
[01:52]	* [Tess]Enrica	/We'll see. We'll see, so try me./
[01:53]	* Cassandra	/You really are reckless. I envy you./
[01:54]	<Cassandra>	...I'm gonna go lie down for a bit. Valea, if you still want to continue with your reclamation sessions, be ready in an hour.
[01:55]	* Valea	nods.
[01:55]	* [Tess]Enrica	/Give me a chance, I might be able to teach./
[01:55]	* [Tess]Enrica	bows, as if there's no conversation at all.
[01:55]	<Valea>	ah, ok.
[01:55]	<Valea>	and thank you...
[01:59]	* Cassandra	/It's easy to run wild when you're "normal". For the sake of those better, I need to keep a tight chain around my own neck. I don't care if I choke on it. Anyway, I'm gonna teach you a few things tonight, so you better get rid of any pesky pride you have left now.../
[02:01]	* [Tess]Enrica	/Two years of slavery couldn't do that; you seem pretty confident./
[02:02]	* Cassandra	smirks, but turns dead serious when her attention goes back to Valea.
[02:06]	* Cassandra	/Valea... I'm not trying to be mean, but I want you to understand something. If you even think about trying to bring the specters or ghosts or whatever of anyone in the Tetromi line back here, I will kill you on the spot. Other than that, try keep your chin up./
[02:08]	* Valea	takes another deep breath, but ultimately manages to keep herself together. /...I understand, Cassie, i won't ever try./
[02:09]	* Cassandra	/Good. Have fun now, with your little kissy-poo. If you don't hurry up, I might just steal her out from under you~/
[02:09]	* Cassandra	leaves, shutting the door behind her.
[02:11]	* [huh]Isabella	alights upon Cassie's shoulder as she leaves.
[02:11]	* Valea	blushes a little and is surprised, suddenly becoming a bit protective.
[02:12]	* [Tess]Enrica	turns over to Valea, looking at her while wondering what to do next.
[02:12]	* Cassandra	walks on, climbing up the stairs towards the bedroom.
[02:12]	<Cassandra>	I'm tired, Izzy. So tired.
[02:13]	<[huh]Isabella>	Rest, Cassie. I've told you too many times not to overexert yourself.
[02:13]	* Valea	walks over to Enrica and hugs her.
[02:13]	* [huh]Isabella	speaks softly.
[02:14]	* [Tess]Enrica	hugs back, glad things have calmed down.
[02:15]	<Cassandra>	Okay, doc. You got it.
[02:17]	* [huh]Isabella	is pleased.
[02:18]	* Valea	speaks softly.
[02:18]	<Valea>	Hey, Enrica?
[02:22]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Yeah?
[02:22]	* Valea	feels awkward, as she speaks.
[02:23]	<Valea>	um, you like me, right?
[02:24]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives Valea a squeeze.
[02:24]	<[Tess]Enrica>	Doubting me, are you?
[02:25]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives Valea a kiss on the lips.
[02:26]	* Valea	blushes, her heart rate instantly rising.
[02:28]	* Valea	slowly pulls back from the kiss.
[02:28]	<Valea>	i-it's not that...
[02:29]	<Valea>	I just really like you, and...
[02:29]	<Valea>	um, want you...
[02:31]	<[Tess]Enrica>	To think you were so naive so little time ago...
[02:31]	* [Tess]Enrica	gives Valea another kiss, and moves her arms around.
[02:36]	* Valea	's heart races again, this time not breaking from the kiss.
[02:42]	<Valea>	[Quicksave!]