The world is all one! Unity mind!

[brandnewday]

[Another week, another set of disasters. Hibiki’s head is still reeling from the lengthy ordeal that was Solf J. Kimblee. But it’s because of that exasperation that she’s able to turn her restlessness into something useful. It’s too late to set about making curry for everyone, so it’s time to make some easier dishes. A replication of Fern’s mac-and-cheese, somehow she’s whipped up some kind of donut to go with her animal-shaped rice balls. There’s coffee, tea...hopefully it’s enough? And if it’s not, Rin has provided some delicious Chinese food. And that always tastes better late at night, doesn’t it?

And for the adults (or the exasperated teenagers), Susan is carting down booze from the bar. Joy. Hibiki’s never written to the group en masse before, but she delivers a piece of paper to everyone while Rin and Susan finish up the preparations. Each paper has a drawing of an animal on it, too.]

Too much has happened today. Whether you want to get angry, cry, smile, laugh, or just be out of your room, you don’t have to do it alone. Rin and I have prepared food for everyone, and Susan’s brought the drinks downstairs so none of us have to go into the bar tonight.

Even if it’s just for a little while, won’t you think about joining us in the dining room tonight? Being together is just as important as working hard. And remember, nankurunaisa!

-Hibiki Ganaha

[Three more candles are lit today. Tabitha Smith. Sigrun Eide. Solf Kimblee. They’re all Cabanela’s doing. There aren't any decorations, but the food is spaced out so everyone should be able to grab something and munch if they need it. It’s not clear how many people will come, but a serious attempt was made this time.]

Comments

[bloodbiter]

[She hesitates.]

If you would prefer to be alone, I will not burden you with my presence.

[There's some sarcasm there, somehow.]

[matchbreaker]

[ . . . Tch ]

You came without being called in the first place.

[ She... she hates this. She grits her teeth again and- she's going to pick up the goblet. She... what does it matter, now? ]

[bloodbiter]

[There's another pause, and then her voice loses that harsh edge.]

Of course I did. That is because I care for you, Elda.

[matchbreaker]

[ She visibly flinches at that.

and then takes a long sip from that goblet - of human blood.

They're a difference in kind. She's... She's been too remiss in that. To be where she is now. ]

[bloodbiter]

[She's about to say something else when it dawns on her; she isn't stupid, and after a few more moments of looking at the goblet, she brings in a small breath.

And then she lets it out, along with what might be a soft laugh of sorts.]

If you are trying to deter me, you'll find I'm not so easily swayed.

[matchbreaker]

It should.

[ She breathes that out as she finishes the sip. She looks at her glass, and then swivels it. She... watches the blood ever so slowly swirl. ]

Do you comprehend what's in this glass, girl?

[bloodbiter]

[She nods. But the catch here, to her...]

Did you have to harm anyone to gain it?

[matchbreaker]

That doesn't matter! Do not give me such semantics. Blood is life! I'm drinking the lifeblood of some member of your misbegotten species when I drink this.

[ She sneers. ] Someone else harmed someone to make it easier for me. Without this, I'd've gone at one of you before now. I refuse to die.

[bloodbiter]

[A long, considering pause.]

You could have, but... You have not. And whoever hurt that person - it was not you. The fact that you require it to survive is far from your fault.

[As an aside:]

If you need any in the future, I would be willing to provide.

[matchbreaker]

[ In a flash, a hand - or more specifically, a long, sharp, red fingernail - is in front of adelina's face. actually up to get right near to her eye ]

Do not offer your life so freely.

[bloodbiter]

[She does look taken aback at the sudden motion, but there's a pause in which she collects herself before she speaks.]

...If you think that is what I was doing, you are mistaken.

[matchbreaker]

It was. To offer your blood is to offer some of your life.

[ Why do none of them understand that?! Not a single one.

She lowers the hand, but it remains there, as if ready to claw ]

[bloodbiter]

I may not know much about medicine, but...

[A pause.]

I have been injured before. Cut, burned, scarred... It has never made me feel as though I will live for a shorter amount of time.

[More importantly, perhaps—]

Where did you retrieve it before the infirmary was discovered?

[matchbreaker]

I didn't.

[ She should have. She really ... no, that would have put a target on her back. ]

[bloodbiter]

...You must realize that is why I'm sure you would not harm me.

[matchbreaker]

It's foolish to think that. Whatever attack I did then would expose me, paint a target on me.

Now, the truth of me [ and not just her species. ] Is burned into that wall.

[bloodbiter]

That has not changed, even now.

[A pause.]

I have not read it.

[matchbreaker]

That's even more foolish.

[ Why would you deny yourself information? ]

[bloodbiter]

[A wry smile, despite herself.]

You will have to specify what exactly about my behavior you think is foolish. It seems there are numerous things.

[matchbreaker]

Denying information, in this situation. To not read those secrets is to blind yourself in one eye going forward. You are often not that active at those trials, but you will one day need to step forward, the more you survive. Those secrets are common knowledge.

[ She digs her nails, the one not pointed at adelina, into the chair again ]

I hate humans. I despise them. I will never forgive them.

[bloodbiter]

...There are things that are more valuable than knowing those secrets. The trust we have as a group - the cooperation we will need to show to leave this place safely. I feel as though admitting knowledge of those secrets jeopardizes both goals. If you want to tell me what yours is, I would listen.

[A breath in.]

You say that, but you continue to associate with us regardless.

[matchbreaker]

That's sophistry. How is there trust involved if you can't read it and cooperate despite that? Ignorance isn't the same thing.

[bloodbiter]

I would not want anyone to read mine without my consent, so... I will not do the same to the others.

[That's the easiest way she can explain it.]

If I hope for that outcome, it is truly the least I can do to adhere to it myself.

[matchbreaker]

[ She... She hisses, leaps to her feet, and then makes t grab adelina's hand. ]

We're going to them now, girl.

[bloodbiter]

[This certainly isn't what she expected, but she doesn't resist as her hand is grabbed.]

I - are you certain?