itscurtains | Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

[In a perfect world, Maya would have been able to isolate herself for the rest of the evening. It's not like her to wallow in her feelings, but it's also not like her to be trapped away in a murder school or part of an execution so... not like she has much choice there. Besides, between the influence of Janis, and the sight of her remaining dormmates, it's clear that Maya simply can't... let things go.

It's like she told the SQUIP. They look to her for hope. And so, hope she must be. It's her job to stand tall for the others. Thankfully help comes easier this time -- there's no need to scruff Discord, or try to keep Spongebob from making Hate Patties. Maybe that, in and of itself, is a good sign.

It's just another fluke. They'll be okay. They're together, after all. Even Salieri and Discord are getting along well enough to help.

Cutting potatoes proves to be an interesting task, considering the fact that most of the knives are missing. Maya has a few guesses as to how that happened, but she won't point fingers again today. She makes do with what she has -- two swords between her and Cassandra.

Potatoes, cakes, pies -- the arrangement is much the same. There's even cocoa (made by less experienced hands, unfortunately), and alcohol. It all feels like a repeat of last week, but she's trying to not think about it. She does her best to keep a smile on her face as she knocks on each door, inviting others to the cafeteria once more.]

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[How many times had she stood watch like this before? Dreamed of doing such a thing as part of her daily routine? Night's in the caravan, keeping the first watch but sometimes watching overnight just because the others needed their rest.

Yet, somehow, she almost doesn't notice Elsa until she's right next to her. Their shoulders brush as Cassandra faces her.]

I'm fine. [More resolute.] Really. I just don't want to see anyone else get hurt.

I know you don't. But you need to direct that towards yourself, too.

[She knows how easy it is to completely run yourself into the ground trying to make other people happy. It's not a good feeling.]

If you keep pushing yourself without taking care of yourself, you might get hurt. And I don't want that to happen.

[Cassandra opens her mouth and will regret it later.]

I've already gotten hurt. [Her hand unconsciously clenches.] I don't want to run myself into the ground, but... if this is all I can do, I can at least do it tonight. Everyone else is already shaken up.

[Elsa flinches at that; having seen Cassandra's injured hand up close, she knows the woman has been hurt badly by things in the past. But... that doesn't mean that she has to open herself up to being hurt here, does it?]

... Maybe we can compromise. Can you... help me with something, then rest?

[Opening up to others was dangerous. Misguided attempts to form connections just as easily ending in heartache. Who's to say that this place won't end up being the same?

Yet, her head tilts towards Elsa, eyes searching.]

...What kind of help do you need?

[It's easy to lock yourself away from others, through distance or emotional barriers or both. But so often, you don't realize how much it's hurting yourself until it's too late. She... doesn't want to see Cassandra hurt like that.]

With everything that's happened, with... with people dying twice now. [And once being intentiona...] There's something ominous about this place at night. I think... I'd feel more comfortable if I had someone escorting me until we all retire for the evening.

[...Oh.]

...I understand. It's not a good time to be traveling alone. [People are dying, and the rest are scared. She's scared.] If you want me to escort you around... I'd be honored to lend a hand where I can.

[That manages to get a shadow of a smile out of Elsa, and her shoulders ease down ever so slightly from their tense, hunched posture. She still looks tired, but... better.]

... Thanks. It... really means a lot, to have a friend like you. [With how all the tension in her body and expression shifts, Elsa clearly means what she says.] You've done a lot for me, and I feel a bit bad asking this of you... but I'm glad.

[....Hhh. Such expressive honesty, it... almost hurts watching Elsa give her so much trust. Could she rise to such expectations?

She'd have to try.]

...Of course, Elsa. We're friends. [Yes, that's what this is. Friendship.] I've got your back. I promise.

I feel safer already.

[It's half joke, half genuine.]

And... I'd be happy if it was the other way around, as well. I'm not very good in a fight like you are, but if you need a companion in this place, I'll certainly stay with you.

And I haven't even used my sword yet.

[Half a joke right back at her.]

Hmm, I can work with that. And hey, maybe some of your magic will return with time.

Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

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