wants_the_phd | Court inbox

Who?

Who do I talk to?

[ For a moment he's thinking whether he should say or not. But he doesn't want Linnea to keep staying with this worry, and he did tell her he'd find out with her if she wanted. That - and he's sure Lyle wouldn't mind him saying either ]

Lyle.

Oh. Yes. He used some kind of spell to bring me back to my senses.

He went through a lot of trouble to help me. I tried to heal him afterward but I couldn't get it all.

I want to find some way to thank him.

[ He can't help the smile on his face as soon as she says that. He already knew - he told him he did his best not to hurt Linnea as well, but that's just one more thing to be proud of. That, and he's grateful it worked and helped her ]

I've no doubt that seeing you again will already be a good way to thank him.

[She curls in on herself a little.]

I don't know about that.

I don't remember what I did, but I still feel ashamed of myself.

Did he seem mad when you talked to him?

Then some new, fancy clothes maybe? That would be guaranteed success.

[ but he knows that second question is a lot more pressing, so— ]

He's not mad at you. I can guarantee you that.

...Okay. That's a relief.

Clothes is a good suggestion. I ruined his whole outfit that day.

Do you know who else I should talk to, besides Lyle?

[ every fiber of his being is telling him to pat her head but he's putting in the biggest effort of his entire life resisting that, because he remembers she's still getting used to casual touch ]

I've spent the day with him yesterday, so I haven't heard about anyone else that might have been involved. But like I said, I can try and find it out with you.

Edited 2025-06-06 19:23 (UTC)

[His instinct is correct, touching her without warning when she's already anxious would make her wig out for sure.]

How's he doing? How are his injuries?

[ He's doing his very best praise him ]

He's healing up what you couldn't take care of, and he's doing well.

That's good. I hope it wasn't too expensive...

Thank you, by the way, for your offer to help me find out who else I hurt.

I know about Lyle, as well as Kim Dokja, Nessa, Megumi, and Valencia, if you know them. Any others... I dunno.

I'm scared to go out in the open without knowing who might have grudges.

What happened wasn't your fault, but I understand why that'd be a worry. Would just going to the main hall and wait and see if anyone comes to you help with that?

Sometimes the best way to overcome fear is to dive into it. And you don't need to be alone for it.

I just don't know if other people are going to see it that way. And I don't want to fight anyone if they come at me for round two.

I don't like fighting. I'm not good at it and I hate getting hurt.

Would you allow me to handle it, should it come to it? Ah - not necessarily by fighting.

Yes. Absolutely. Gladly.

If you're willing. I'd be very grateful if I could call for help if I need it.

Then it's settled! You can consider me your very own knight in shining armor.

[ he'll snap his fingers ]

I'll see what the points we got for the challenge will get me at the theater. Just in case it does come down to fighting, having my sword and gun will carry me a bit farther.

Thank you. If you still need more points, I'm happy to help you. I'd do it anyway, but it's the least I can do to thank you for helping me.

I already feel a lot better.

[She's been inhaling food this whole time, possibly alternating between telepathy and mouth words because I keep forgetting the italics. But anyway she's put away a truly outrageous amount of food in a very short time, bones, raw meat and all. More than it seems could reasonably fit in the stomach of such a small person.]

We can go to the theater together, and then you'll see then and there if I need any more.

We can also get more food while we're at it, if you're still hungry. But I'm truly glad to hear you're feeling better. I was worried.

[She was about to ask him "why would you be worried?" but then she remembered sometimes humans are just like this.]

I need to go to the Theater, too. All my belongings are in the Labyrinth, so I don't have any money or clothes. But I should have Theater credit from the event that I can use, so I'll see if I can get some clothes there.

...I might need a nap first, though.

[Now that she's eaten her weight in food, she's so sleepy... Also she's still eating, just slower now.]

I can probably afford some bad clothes from the junk shop for you to wear in the meantime, if you want me to get them.

I can leave you here to nap and come back to get you in a few hours. Then we can walk together, and if anyone approaches, I'll be with you every step of the way.

Meeting up in a few hours sounds good.

No need to worry about buying me any clothes, though. I don't care about being naked until we get to the Theater. But if it bothers you, a bedsheet is enough. Or I can cover myself in rose leaves or something.

[ he shakes his head ]

No need to. It doesn't bother me, I only thought it might be a wish of yours since you mentioned clothes.

Mostly I just like having pockets. And a little extra protection from thorns and stuff. And not having to deal with the reactions of people who are unaccustomed to nudity.

[ that earns her a laugh ]

I can only imagine their faces! But clothes are also a good way to express yourself. Sometimes it's fun to show off in that way.

I don't know anything about fashion. Or showing off, either.

[She doesn't have anything to show off? Her human body looks like a half-grown teen of indeterminate gender who never filled out one way or the other. The only thing she ever feels the desire to advertise is the aposematic coloration of a venomous animal. Otherwise her approach to clothing is purely pragmatic.]

Do you have any tips? I imagine you must have some experience with costume design at this point. And clearly you've already mastered your own sense of style.

Edited 2025-06-06 20:58 (UTC)

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