and it takes, and it takes, and it takes

[acherontiastyx]

[It... definitely takes a while for the weekly after-execution note to arrive, but it does --- kind of scrawly and on ripped paper rather than nice stationery.]

EY. YO. WE GOT EFFIGIES IN THE DINING ROOM AND WE'RE GONNA BURN EM.

FOOD TOO. THE USUAL AND HOT COCOA. GOOD FOR THE SOUL. GET SOME. MAYBE TAKE IT BACK TO YOUR ROOM IF YOU HAVE TO. JUST GET SOME.

[Anyway, in the dining room, there's plenty of mugs set out, with a janky looking arrow sign pointing into the kitchen to where you can get your hot cocoa. On the table, there's Vichyssoise, a pot of green tea, and some booze. There's also a cookie tray on the floor away from the table on which to burn the Wordsmith and Kimbley effigies, which are handily placed near the food on the table.

...also if you go in the kitchen without shoes on just. Watch the northern corner. There's no kidneys, but there's a lot of broken plates there for some reason...]

Comments

[feistytrader]

I just wish I was with him.

[Which doesn't have the most reassuring implications, but he doesn't know what else to say at this point.]

[oyashiromama]

I understand.

[...she really does.]

I should tell you that's a bad thing to say, but I would rather die than be without Rika. So I understand.

[feistytrader]

[...That's concerning, but he's not in a place to think on it too hard. Instead-]

Thanks.

You don't have to worry about me, though. I've got a mission to do, so I'm not planning on dying until it's done.

[And after that, who the hell knows. One step at a time.]

[oyashiromama]

[Honesty, right?! ...Genuinely, she's trying to connect but.]

You're a determined boy. But I hate to tell you, worrying is in my nature. Even if I try not to, I still will.

But I will believe in you too.

[feistytrader]

I don't understand.

I caused all of you a lot of pain. Why are you still bothering with me?

[oyashiromama]

[She sits for a moment, thinking. And then-]

Silver, if I turned away every person who caused pain, what kind of god would I be? What kind of person would I be?

The Wordsmith and I spoke of humanity, you know? He believes when people are in the most extreme situations, their true nature shows. I don't believe that one bit. I believe that there are many aspects to a person, and one action does not condemn them. I believe without examining their whole, you can't pass judgment.

And I believe, from what I've seen, that you are still very much worth every bit of effort I have to give. I promised Gold I would help take care of you, but I would have even if he hadn't asked.

It's because I care about you. Simple as that.

[feistytrader]

[...Silver doesn't reply for a good long while.

When he does, he doesn't bother with writing and pokes his door open instead; he's tired and it's obvious that he's been crying, but he's doing his best to maintain some semblance of composure.]

I'm sorry.

[He should probably say more than that, but he's not sure what to say at this point.]

[oyashiromama]

[Really, she hadn't expected him to come out. Hanyuu wants to gather him in her arms and hold him tight, though for the moment she refrains. She stands. She doesn't say "it's okay" or "you needn't be" or something of the sort. She's not going to lie to him.

What should be familiar, though, especially considering her usual talk at the trials.]

I forgive you, Silver.