wants_the_phd | Court inbox

[ 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)

I have some experience with it, though there are far more talented people in the Troupe. The way they work with fabric is nothing short of magnificent! But as for tips, I'd say ask yourself what you want the world to see you as.

For me, I want to leave an impression - I want all eyes on me and to capture the heart of my audience. What I want my clothes to say is "Look at me!", and I match my style to that.

Hmm...

[She has to think about that. She's finally(!) done eating, so she takes this moment to walk over to the shore so she can wash her hands and face.]

...How much have I told you about our castes?

I don't think you've mentioned before.

[Washing complete, sits down next to him again.]

So. Humans generally have two body plans, which you call "sexes" - male and female. And each sex has its own reproductive role.

We zmei have five body plans, which we call "castes". Three of them can reproduce with one role or another, and two of them can't reproduce at all.

The non-reproductive castes make up nearly all the population. The labor caste, to which I belong, is the biggest chunk -- about 95%. The human body I wear is the one that's prescribed to everyone in my caste. In other words, 95% of our species looks exactly like me. Same face, same body, same clothes.

I think it's both because we don't have the instinct to attract the attention of potential mates, and the fact that our culture both glorifies and enforces conformity, but it's hard for me to imagine what kind of clothes might look good on me. I think if I tried to wear something showy, I might just look weird?

My priority in clothing is stuff that's easy to move in, protects me from thorns and sunburn, and has some kind of storage for carrying small items. Beyond that... I dunno. How do I want to come across? I think it might be better not to come across at all?

[ he's quiet as he takes it all in, trying to think of how to proceed with that knowledge. Of course if she's used to being the same as everyone else, his advice wouldn't work that well ]

It's not bad to pick clothes for practicality either. That in itself is already something that will be uniquely "yours" when picking them. You can also try and think of something that inspires you. The ocean, for example — you could pick colors that remind you of it.

Huh.

I've never worn those kinds of colors before.

[She has a few outfits she rotates through but all of them are exclusively black and red. Otherwise how will people know she's venomous!!!!!!! (important)]

Do you think there's a way for someone like me to look "dangerous"? So people leave me alone?

[ Oh he can't help but laugh at the request, though not at her ]

There are some styles that are used to suggest "danger" in characters, but truthfully I fear it would have the opposite effect in here! Were I to help you pick that style, I've no doubt you'd just attract more people.

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