[network] @ADMIN; Arrival

[snowblindmods]

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Comments

[deus_ex_phs]

If she doesn't count, tell me, then. What part of her doesn't count right now? What part of her isn't a part of you?

[heavensreader]

Well - surely the part that is now back in Serindia and is doing the devil knows what. I do hope she is doing something sensible. I know that she is me, but really, can you trust anyone?

[A subtle shift of accent shows that the style of humour, if not the joke itself, isn't hers. She is trying to channel the only person she can think of who might be able to make sense of this, and this is exactly what she imagines Lao Dian would have said.]

[deus_ex_phs]

[That is a different tone than he's heard from her before, but... well, it should be expected that she's grown a little, if she really has gained months' worth of new memories and experiences.]

Well, nice to know what you think of my trustworthiness, then.

[Humor can be met with humor. Besides, what better way to poke at this cycle of cynicism she seems stuck in?]

[heavensreader]

[Kesara can't help but chuckle a little in response, which nearly cracks into the hysterical considering the thoughts still running mad through her head. Is he trying to distract her? Maybe she'll take the distraction. She knows when she isn't getting anywhere...]

You've - you've never really lied to me, Kain, not lied, not to me. So I must believe that all you say is really what you think, about this. But to me it is - it is - it's too much.

[This may be the first time in her little life that she has admitted to any knowledge being too much for her. There is a tiny choke under the words.]

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel smile fades a little, a little rueful, a little wry.]

Kunsel.

[Because yes, he did lie to her at least once, even if it wasn't about anything that was truly important. Just his name.]

Knowing when too much is too much, though... You've definitely gotten older, Kesara. If you need time to sort it all out and figure out how you want to deal with it, I'm only going to think more highly of you.

[heavensreader]

Kunsel. [She echoes his tone exactly, except with the slightest playful note that shows the warning is not a serious one. A reminder, a small one, that honesty is good policy with her. She can't altogether help it. She has gotten older, and harder.]

I have a lot to think about. From - from back there, as well. [An equally small confession, though already Serindia is there, as she knows it must be.] I know here it is important to be moving forward, but thank you. Kunsel.

[deus_ex_phs]

[His smile returns, warm enough to color his voice.]

You're welcome. Always happy to try to help keep perspective.

Speaking of which, we probably both ought to focus on getting going. Take care of yourself, alright? There'll be plenty of time to think.

[Trudging through the snow alone gives more than enough of that.]