[It's probably for the best that she sees him where he is, because Annette is definitely not all that eager to go back into the chapel after this morning. It's just that after the trial...well, old habits and all.
Of course, her face twists in concern when she sees how very clearly in pain he seems to be. Annette comes carefully closer, not wanting to outright invade his space in case she's not welcome.]
You're hurt...is it the same injuries from earlier bothering you?
[Annette can't stop herself from giving him a sad look. Really, who did he think he was fooling? Still, she answers his question first.]
I'll...be fine. Everything has been a terrible shock, and I feel terrible for everyone involved in what happened--no, for all of us, being put in this position. I just...I don't know what I'm meant to do.
[Following the "rules" all seemed so impossible to her, from the murders to the weekly tasks to locating whoever she'd swapped a secret part of herself with.]
Are you the type who always downplays when they've gotten themselves into trouble?
[Ah, what a firm answer after such a horrifying morning. She has a better head on her shoulders than Solomon gave her credit for.]
You could say I'm always in a little trouble, Annette. As much as I enjoy getting people involved into it when it's still fun... this isn't one of those times, and not a responsibility for anyone else's shoulders but my own.
[Annette's sad expression turns just a touch more bashful, and she wrings her hands together.]
Well...you've gone out of your way to be kind to me. Not many people have, so...I don't like the idea of just turning a blind eye to your own troubles.
[Even though she's certain that there's likely very little she could even offer to help. Judging by all that came to light during the trial...it's all so over her head. And so personal.]
[Perhaps not as much as you might think, Annette nearly says before stopping herself. Selfishly, not wanting Solomon to see her any differently when he seems to have such a good opinion of her. Instead, she nods and comes to sit down beside him, smoothing out her skirt as she does.]
Don't you dare get lost on your way there. Otherwise, I might just have some words for you.
[Smashcut to him covered in bruises the next day. You're lucky you're drowning in too many threads for her to pester you about it, sorcerer bastard.]
[Don't worry, Annette, the bruises from tomorrow, at least, match the bruises from today! :') He definitely looks like someone clobbered him all over the face and then tried to strangle him with some effort - it might explain why his voice is a little weak.]
Oh? Is that a threat I hear? [A gentle tease.]
If I get lost just going down the stairs, perhaps I deserve any state I end up in afterwards.
There's an immediate sadness over his expression at the term she uses. But he blinks it away, sighing as he weakly turns his hand palm up to meet hers, just slightly.]
There's a book from the United Kingdom I think of as I wander sometimes... have you ever read of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland?
[She squeezes his hand--but gently, of course, afraid of hurting him any more than he's clearly already in pain.]
I'd caught myself having fantasies afterward, if only I could find myself in a different world, one full of so much magic and whimsy...but in reality, it's so much scarier. Though I suppose Alice herself didn't exactly have an easy time.
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Of course, her face twists in concern when she sees how very clearly in pain he seems to be. Annette comes carefully closer, not wanting to outright invade his space in case she's not welcome.]
You're hurt...is it the same injuries from earlier bothering you?
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...Nothing to worry about, my dear. I promise. Just some bad luck, that's all.
Are you doing okay? I know all of this, so suddenly... it must have been a lot for you.
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I'll...be fine. Everything has been a terrible shock, and I feel terrible for everyone involved in what happened--no, for all of us, being put in this position. I just...I don't know what I'm meant to do.
[Following the "rules" all seemed so impossible to her, from the murders to the weekly tasks to locating whoever she'd swapped a secret part of herself with.]
Are you the type who always downplays when they've gotten themselves into trouble?
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You could say I'm always in a little trouble, Annette. As much as I enjoy getting people involved into it when it's still fun... this isn't one of those times, and not a responsibility for anyone else's shoulders but my own.
...
Still. It's kind of you, to fuss at me.
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Well...you've gone out of your way to be kind to me. Not many people have, so...I don't like the idea of just turning a blind eye to your own troubles.
[Even though she's certain that there's likely very little she could even offer to help. Judging by all that came to light during the trial...it's all so over her head. And so personal.]
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It's a kindness you deserve. I hope you're able to find it from others, as well.
[A beat. His eyes soften, apologetic.]
I'll find my way to the infirmary in time. When I've had some time to settle my heart.
For now... would you just like to sit with me?
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Don't you dare get lost on your way there. Otherwise, I might just have some words for you.
[Smashcut to him covered in bruises the next day. You're lucky you're drowning in too many threads for her to pester you about it, sorcerer bastard.]
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Oh? Is that a threat I hear? [A gentle tease.]
If I get lost just going down the stairs, perhaps I deserve any state I end up in afterwards.
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[She hesitates, but then moves to put her hand over his closest one.]
I don't know about that...this place is so peculiar, I feel as if I'll never get used to it all.
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There's an immediate sadness over his expression at the term she uses. But he blinks it away, sighing as he weakly turns his hand palm up to meet hers, just slightly.]
There's a book from the United Kingdom I think of as I wander sometimes... have you ever read of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland?
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[She squeezes his hand--but gently, of course, afraid of hurting him any more than he's clearly already in pain.]
I'd caught myself having fantasies afterward, if only I could find myself in a different world, one full of so much magic and whimsy...but in reality, it's so much scarier. Though I suppose Alice herself didn't exactly have an easy time.
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I'd think that's understandable. People have always felt scared when they're faced with things they don't understand. Even something like magic.