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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fair enough. I can't say I care that much... chances are, it's about what I expect from a girl who cries about her parents the minute she gets done telling people to trust no one. Loneliness is a killer.

[ She says this idly, looking... ah, here. Here's the clothes that Blue was making for her. It's a cute outfit, honestly? She nods. ]

[ The frown deepens, a little. Like she's uncomfortable. ]

You fault her for crying, or missing her family?

The opposite, really.

[ It's said dully, as she holds the dress up to herself. ]

It's killing me too.

[ ...Ah. Yeah, that sounds...a bit more accurate. ]

...It's rough. You... No one wants to be reading this.

I'm sure.

[ It's weird, a part of her is now very curious despite her dismissiveness, but the other part of her... mm. ]

Well, don't destroy it, either way.

'Course not. I'm just gonna keep it safe.

[ ...Really, no one wants to be feeling worse for a dead girl. ]

And...those clothes, she...get them from the vending machine?

No, she made these.

[ and the underwear, but she's picking up that without incident. ]

If they were fitted for her from the vending machine they'd be big on me, right? No, she made these as payment - she wanted me to come help her if she ever shouted in distress.

[ She puts the dress under her arm ]

I guess transactions are easier than trust.

[ Alex bites back a curse and clenches her fists. Standing in this room, it sends shivers down her spine, but all she can feel in her gut is red hot rage.

What could they have done differently? How...? And would it even have mattered? They kill each other or the damn Coordinators kill them anyway. ]

Whatever we do, it's going to keep ending up like this.

Probably, yes.

[ Exhale... ]

Given all the magic hoo-hah here, it's possible that the incentive will only be something more crazy this next time, too.

[ ...if she was given the chance to, would she-- ]

They're gonna offer someone something they can't resist and...urgh, screw this place. We don't- we don't even have any proof that they can do what they say.

I mean, you can say that, but just getting people here's pretty impossible to begin with.

...Okay, yeah, that's...true.

I'm not necessarily saying they're almighty, but there's at least one god here, too. People with magic and all sorts of other things like that are missing access to them. We've seen that woman pull something from nowhere and do some alchemy, based on what Kimblee was on about at the end.

[ . . . Plus the whole blow up the spine thing.]

To me, it seems dangerous to underestimate what they're capable of providing.

...Yeah, but... If everyone believes what they're offering's the real deal, it'll make them all more tempted to start killing each other.

Probably. [ She brushes her hair a little. ]

Unless you're some psychic I don't know about though, you can't nullify people considering it.

[ She sighs. ] No, you're right... Guess it's just something we'll have to deal with.

Exactly.

[ The dress and underwear is pulled closer to her as she heads for the door. ]

We deal in realities here, not ideals. That's what we've been left with.

[ Well... There's nothing more in here for her, is there. Alex follows, key out so she can lock the door behind them. No need...to let anyone in here, really. ]

Unfortunately...

[ Yeah, unfortunate. She exhales through her teeth, pulling the clothes up under her arm and glances at Alex but... not like they're close. Or she has anything else too kind to say to the girl from here.

So...

She'll just be going, then. ]

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

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