[look she can do whatever she wants as long as it isn’t people parts she’s putting in there—
But honestly, as far as the rooming situation goes, it’s adequate. Sure, the furnishings could use some sprucing up and under normal circumstances he would do just that, but the situation being as it is means home decor is really at the bottom of the priority list.
That, and there’s an elephant in the room that he really should address (or maybe there’s more than one elephant)?
Turning to the other occupant in this space:]
Well, I do hope you won’t find this arrangement too intrusive, madame.
[he can ask about the fridge shenanigans later, this is more important right now]
[He lets out a light little laugh, although it might be ambiguous what, exactly, that's in response to. Maybe the fridge door bounce is just that funny to him, who knows!!]
I think we'll get along just fine, then. Well, shall we get the introductions out of the way?
[If he does spot that flash of movement, there's no indication of it on his face. In fact, his gaze strays in the direction of the fridge instead, because the poor turkey is still hanging out there, exposed.]
On that note, I can't help but notice we're stocked up on poultry. Were you saving that for a rainy day?
[It kind of is funny to watch her struggle with the turkey, but after a moment he will step closer to take a better look at their fridge set up.]
Hmm? ...Well, I don't mind you keeping it there as long as you leave some space for a bottle or two. But at this rate, we'd be better off swapping this out for some choice cuts instead of a whole bird.
[The exaggerated reaction is kind of cute, even if what she's saying suggests something less so.]
We could probably keep the cheese for a while, although the cakes might go stale if we leave them for too long. But if you'd like to have them with tea sometime, we could grab a few.
[His expression is the same as ever; while there's an undeniable glint of curiosity in his eyes, his face doesn't betray much else, lips still set in that small, enigmatic smile of his.]
You won't be staying the night, then. [It's just a guess based on what he's seeing here, but he doesn't feel the need to make it an actual question.] Are you going to hang out with that Hyunjung guy?
As much as I'd like to say there's nothing to worry about, I don't think you're wrong.
[With Amaya dead and no clear motive, it's hard to say what would set people off now. There's a small pause at the question though, as his smile drops.]
...I'm not sure. But that doesn't mean much from someone else on the suspect list, does it?
Not at all. But it was not the best act of protestation.
[ Ha. She nods, looking away]
It was easier to hear people call me Kimberly when I was doing things I didn't want to do. That way 'Nala' could be safe, and the people who loved her wouldn't be disappointed in her.
[It is true that sort of assertion wouldn't have been the best defense, with how caught up they were over the written symbol. Even so, knowing it now does help, however uncertain the outcome may be tomorrow.]
So that was your way of coping with it. [...] I'll admit I don't know much about your past, but love isn't about accepting the parts you like and discarding the rest. If they've accepted you as they are, they should be able to accept 'Kimberly', too.
[If it's been something weighing on her for a long time, that's understandable; natural, even.]
...Well, I'm not saying you have to force yourself to change. Just think of it as an observation from someone who's heard one too many corny lines lately. But for whatever it's worth, most people here seem pretty open-minded.
[So if she wants to talk, people will probably listen.]
I’m no Hansa, but I’m no stranger to stories of checkered pasts. That said, even I have my limits… Although, I suppose you won’t know unless you give it a go. How about it?
[And since it seems like it could be a long story, he goes to pull out a chair so this conversation isn’t happening while they’re both on their feet. He inclines his head slightly in the direction of another chair, but he won’t insist on it if she doesn’t want to. Regardless, he will listen patiently without interrupting as long as she has something she feels she wants to say.]
She was wonderfully kind to me, she was always so supportive and gentle...but to the rest of the world, she'll be remembered as the villain of the worst kind, a sell-out who played with state secrets for the fun of it all.
[Hmmm]
And because of her, people decided that my kind had to be hunted down and exterminated.
[Treason, it sounds like, and while the penalties for such a betrayal could be quite severe, there's executing a traitor and then there's condoning an outright massacre. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time people have used such pretexts for advancing some other agenda.]
That's rather extreme. [His gaze flickers to her claws, but only for a moment.] Just what were they so afraid of?
We're strong. Not just physically, we have artes that let us influence people. There was once a man who accused me of ensnaring a whole town with my voice, once, and that's why my bounty was so high. [Her voice goes distant] He ordered his soldiers to kill anyone who tried to protect me.
[For a moment, he thinks back to the sight of bodies strewn carelessly on stained concrete, limbs and torsos riddled by bullets as they lay cooling in pools of their own blood. It's not worth comparing terrorists to the elderly she's speaking of, but his mind automatically makes the connection regardless. They could only be described as massacres, after all.]
Do you feel responsible for what happened to them?
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timeasmymeasure
WEEK 0
Date: 2025-11-04 08:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-04 10:32 pm (UTC)But honestly, as far as the rooming situation goes, it’s adequate. Sure, the furnishings could use some sprucing up and under normal circumstances he would do just that, but the situation being as it is means home decor is really at the bottom of the priority list.
That, and there’s an elephant in the room that he really should address (or maybe there’s more than one elephant)?
Turning to the other occupant in this space:]
Well, I do hope you won’t find this arrangement too intrusive, madame.
[he can ask about the fridge shenanigans later, this is more important right now]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-05 09:54 am (UTC)No, not at all. I like room mates. They keep things warm.
[Alas, she thinks she probably can't get away sleeping on top of him when she has no access to her true form]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-06 03:25 am (UTC)I think we'll get along just fine, then. Well, shall we get the introductions out of the way?
Wazy Hemisphere. It's a pleasure to meet you.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-06 09:32 am (UTC)Likewise. I am Anjo Nala. But ah, 'Nala' is fine. I am sure we'll be excellent roommates.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-06 11:36 pm (UTC)On that note, I can't help but notice we're stocked up on poultry. Were you saving that for a rainy day?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-07 10:19 am (UTC)[Trying to shove the turkey back in. GET IN]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-08 02:21 am (UTC)Hmm? ...Well, I don't mind you keeping it there as long as you leave some space for a bottle or two. But at this rate, we'd be better off swapping this out for some choice cuts instead of a whole bird.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-08 02:45 am (UTC)[ She'll take the turkey out with a little pout]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-08 03:34 am (UTC)[late night pantry raid y/n???]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-08 04:03 am (UTC)[Perking up]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-08 05:38 am (UTC)[So like, nuts and the like.]
Is there anything else you like? Besides turkey, that is.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-09 08:13 am (UTC)[urk]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-11 06:44 am (UTC)I take it that wasn't by choice? [He tilts his head slightly.] But if the thought alone is killing your appetite, we can forgo that.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-11 11:32 am (UTC)Awful, awful reminders. Now, small things... cheese? Cake? Would that work?
[those cute lil bite sized stuff]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:07 am (UTC)We could probably keep the cheese for a while, although the cakes might go stale if we leave them for too long. But if you'd like to have them with tea sometime, we could grab a few.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:09 am (UTC)[She knows how to do this!! Let them raid]</small.
week 2 post trial pre execution
Date: 2025-11-23 11:17 am (UTC)Oh, no--
no subject
Date: 2025-11-23 07:44 pm (UTC)Oh, you’re back?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-24 10:10 am (UTC)[She has SO much food in her arms]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-26 04:32 am (UTC)You won't be staying the night, then. [It's just a guess based on what he's seeing here, but he doesn't feel the need to make it an actual question.] Are you going to hang out with that Hyunjung guy?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-26 10:09 am (UTC)[Nala fidgets, looking uncertain]
Hey. Do you think I did it?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-27 06:11 am (UTC)[With Amaya dead and no clear motive, it's hard to say what would set people off now. There's a small pause at the question though, as his smile drops.]
...I'm not sure. But that doesn't mean much from someone else on the suspect list, does it?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-27 11:45 am (UTC)Maybe not. But I have a hard time believing you did it at all.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-28 05:09 am (UTC)I appreciate the vote of confidence. [...] You said before that you knew how to defend yourself. How do you usually fight?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-28 05:12 am (UTC)[She closes her eyes and thinks. Then she picks up a cup and tightens her fist. It shatters in her hands as she studies Wazy with a tilt of her head]
I only need myself. No tricks or weapons. Normally my orders are...snap their neck 'Kimberly'.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-29 04:33 am (UTC)So you wouldn't need anything as crude as a pot to finish someone off. [He looks considering for a moment.] Is Kimberly an alias of yours?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-29 04:36 am (UTC)[ Ha. She nods, looking away]
It was easier to hear people call me Kimberly when I was doing things I didn't want to do. That way 'Nala' could be safe, and the people who loved her wouldn't be disappointed in her.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-01 06:07 am (UTC)So that was your way of coping with it. [...] I'll admit I don't know much about your past, but love isn't about accepting the parts you like and discarding the rest. If they've accepted you as they are, they should be able to accept 'Kimberly', too.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-01 07:07 am (UTC)...I know they would. They accepted me even when the world was hunting me down. But even so...I feel scared.
[Terror is still gripping her now]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-03 04:32 am (UTC)...Well, I'm not saying you have to force yourself to change. Just think of it as an observation from someone who's heard one too many corny lines lately. But for whatever it's worth, most people here seem pretty open-minded.
[So if she wants to talk, people will probably listen.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-03 09:17 am (UTC)...what about you?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-04 11:12 pm (UTC)I’m no Hansa, but I’m no stranger to stories of checkered pasts. That said, even I have my limits… Although, I suppose you won’t know unless you give it a go. How about it?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-05 01:47 am (UTC)I can try. If you're open to it.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-05 02:15 pm (UTC)[And since it seems like it could be a long story, he goes to pull out a chair so this conversation isn’t happening while they’re both on their feet. He inclines his head slightly in the direction of another chair, but he won’t insist on it if she doesn’t want to. Regardless, he will listen patiently without interrupting as long as she has something she feels she wants to say.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-06 11:00 am (UTC)Hmmm...I suppose it all started with my twin sister.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-06 04:33 pm (UTC)I didn’t realize you had a sister. What was she like?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-06 09:31 pm (UTC)[Hmmm]
And because of her, people decided that my kind had to be hunted down and exterminated.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-09 07:17 am (UTC)That's rather extreme. [His gaze flickers to her claws, but only for a moment.] Just what were they so afraid of?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-09 10:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-12-11 06:32 am (UTC)...And what did you do in response?
[Run? Or...]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-11 07:11 am (UTC)[ studying her nails]
Maybe I should be glad he didn't think of using any commands
no subject
Date: 2025-12-16 05:53 am (UTC)[That's what it all seems to be leading up to, at least.]
Did they manage to free you in the end?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-16 11:30 am (UTC)[ with wrinkles and lines in their faces Nala had come to appreciate how they told stories about the passage of time]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 04:48 am (UTC)[For a moment, he thinks back to the sight of bodies strewn carelessly on stained concrete, limbs and torsos riddled by bullets as they lay cooling in pools of their own blood. It's not worth comparing terrorists to the elderly she's speaking of, but his mind automatically makes the connection regardless. They could only be described as massacres, after all.]
Do you feel responsible for what happened to them?