trustfell | I don't believe in fretting and greiving, why mess around with strife?

[In some ways, this trial was simpler. The killer was lacking in remorse, the victim innocent. The lines were clearer. Was that better, or worse?

Either way, Fern and Alex make up something of a green team, preparing a meal in the kitchen. Nothing particularly complicated. Coffee and water for whoever want it is at one end of the dining table. Along the rest of it is a variety of foods. A plate of cheese and crackers, a bowl of salad and carrots for the healthy people, some handy finger sandwiches, and... a big pot of mac and cheese. What they lack in presentation they make up in sheer volume of food. That's a big tub of mac and cheese.

They struggle with the invitations for a bit before eventually coming up with possibly the most awkward phrasing possible. These notes are quietly shoved under doors with little fanfare more than a quick knock.

We got food in eat place. Food is good to eat. Enjoy food with us?

- Fern and Alex

[The dining area is lined up with some appropriate decorations, quick paper streamers and even some doodles that have been taped to the walls.

Its possible too simple. But maybe people need something simple to gorge on after a complicated day.]

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[ The princess is asking her that, huh? She thumbs her page in the book she's reading, softly closing it. She considers that for a moment, her eyes really not looking at Estelle as much as at the wall opposite. ]

To begin with, you and I both have unique situations, right? I've got good reason not to trust anyone - one you share - but you've similarly got good reason to trust one person.

[ That's not the answer she should give. But. ]

I have no reason not to trust Yuri.

[She knows exactly what Elda is talking about so she addresses that immediately as she heaves a sigh. One arm goes across her body, her hand holding her other arm. A sign that she may feel a little insecure and attempting to guard herself.]

Out of all the people here, I know he would never hurt me unless he had a good reason to.

Obviously, based on what you said. Your fortunes are also more tied together than anyone else here - as such, you two have a unique advantage.

[ Her tone is harsh as she replies, but it's not really directed at the girl, not really. ]

[She catches that tone, then again, it's hard to miss it really.]

In that we have someone to actually trust or--

[That they may attempt to actually... attempt something.]

Precisely that. That's one more person to come to your defense in a variety of ways and if there is a method to make an accomplice work in the rules I'm not seeing, a built in one there.

[ So.

Both. ]

[Her response isn't immediate like she has a knee-jerk reaction, but she doesn't stop to think. Instead, she smiles, completely confident.]

Yuri and I have absolutely no reason to harm someone here unless they absolutely deserve it.

[That... halfway sounds ominous, but she doesn't quite mean it the way people may take it.]

That's semantics.

[ Flatly. She licks her lips a little, bringing her finger up to it. ]

I suppose I can't exactly tell you to trust me on that.

[It's incredible that she's learned this lesson, but it's clear now and no fighting it.]

Even if I did, deserving is nebulous. You might say that Terumi or the mask girl deserve it for some of their ill-timed laughs. That I might, for some of my more crass actions.

When you're the judge, it's easy to cast judgements that please you.

[Estelle thinks for a moment, processing what was said, then shaking her head.]

I don't quite mean like that. There are some people who deserve to have blades turned towards them due to the ill deeds they have done to others. While I cannot say I appreciate some people's behaviors here, none of them have done anything to deserve death.

That you don't know either.

[ Kimblee and archer like war, apparently. Kirei is a priest. ]

[Yuri loves to fight, but that doesn't mean he's a bad person... Not that war and fighting are even remotely the same thing...]

Even so, there's nothing to give us any evidence that someone may be deserving of such a thing.

[ Even that isn't true. But she softly exhales... ]

To go back to the question - not really. But at the same time, loneliness is the most panful killer.

At least there's books here! Those always help with that.

[She speaks from 18 years of experience. So if loneliness ever took her over she has her books. They always help her in her time of need, even if she can't focus on reading right now.]

[ . . . What. ]

... No they don't.

Well, I always found that they did.

[Just stated as a matter of fact. She never feels the need to lie about her situation and it's not like she's trying to get pity either. Just... it's a fact about her life.]

[ . . . What a weird girl. ]

There's no way that can replace companionship.

[...]

When you don't have any sort of companionship to speak of, books end up making wonderful friends.

[ There is no way that would work. ... Maybe the girl's delusional about this too? Oh well, she waves a hand, picking up the book she wad skimming ]

Okay, sure.

[She gives Elda a bit of a forced smile.]

I only speak from experience when I had nobody to call a friend.

[Which may halfway explain why her social skills are... lacking.]

It's not as if that's a unique experience.

[ She wavs the book again, wide, and then sets it down gently. She tuts. ]

To go back to the original question, yes, but that's also something which can't go into paranoia. You don't see me refusing to talk to people even if I don't like most've you.

Is it really not? Most, if not all, people I've spoken with had at least one or two people they had to call a friend in their childhood.

[It makes her jealous and she's fully admitted to that at one point, but what can she do?]

In any case, do you speak with others because you don't like being lonely?

[That's how she interpreted that, yep.]

[ . . . Um wow rude. Stop being dumb. In fact, she's throwing the book at Estelle's head. ]

[Estelle is not quick enough to dodge, but she's quick enough to at least block (just barely) as she bats down the book that was aiming towards her head.

Then she bends down to pick it up, inspect to make sure the book is okay, and gives it back to Elda.]

Was that not correct, then?

[She's pouting a bit and furrowing her eyebrows, but she doesn't seem to be hurt or offended.]

[ No it's absolutely correct, which is why she glowers a little. Why are you handing it back? Well, she'll take it, but she doesn't look that happy about it. Huff. ]

We're talking about you here. You asked, right? Yes, it's entirely possible someone you ask for a sleepover'll kill you, of course it is. But that girl mad an enemy of herself.

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