pcs with psyche

[diabolizes]

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[chrysaline]

[ She leans over to pick up a muffin, just holding it in her hands for the moment. If she eats, then he probably will too. It's too serious a situation to think sugar will make it better, but... well, it's something. ]

So you have people you're responsible for... there's no one else who can step in for you when you're not there?

[diabolizes]

Well, there is someone, but she lacks the power that I have to keep people out.

[ It isn't a matter of trust so much as it is that he's the only necromancer among them.

Seeing that Psyche has a muffin prompts Wei Wuxian to dig into the bag and pull out a cheese danish, contemplating it for a moment before taking a bite.

Not bad. ]

[chrysaline]

Do you think she'll need to?

[ She'd ask why someone might want to cause trouble for the sickly and the elderly, but... it wouldn't exactly be new to her either.

She picks a little at the muffin, her expression easing just a little. Sugar doesn't fix everything, but it doesn't hurt, that's for certain. ]

[diabolizes]

I believe so.

[ He has another bite of his pastry, taking note of the way Psyche seems to be a bit more relaxed. Next time he bothers her, he'll bring sugar then too. ]

The people I took under my wing... they were part of a larger group that started a war, so the winners of that war now want them dead despite it being obvious that none of these people have committed any wrongs.

[chrysaline]

It's difficult, after a war. When everyone's lost loved ones, they must want someone to blame. But that's no excuse for going after helpless people.

[ Oops, that piece of muffin is getting a little squished between her fingers in agitation... She glances down at it morosely before popping it in her mouth anyway. So much for comportment. ]

What made you take them in? Are they countrymen of yours?

[diabolizes]

[ Ah, so she must be familiar with the fallout of war... He can't help but wonder before he's distracted with more questions. ]

They are not, but two of the members of the group helped me when my former Sect was attacked. I owe everything to them, so... I'm repaying my debt.

[ He's also gotten attached to the others, but that's neither here nor there. ]

[chrysaline]

[ That would in fact be here and there. But Psyche doesn't know, so she smiles for the answer he actually offers. ]

They sound like good people. [ And so does he, because that's a very honorable reason to help. ] I wish I could say something more reassuring... but if we put our heads together, I hope we can find a way to get you back to them soon.

[ ...Which feels like slightly empty words, with the powers she actually has on hand. ]

[diabolizes]

[ He smiles before shoving the rest of the pastry in his hand into his mouth. Thankfully, he waits until he's swallowed before speaking. ]

I appreciate it. Don't feel like you need to be reassuring, though, especially if you don't feel it in your heart.

[ He'd rather she be honest over anything else. ]

Are there people you need to go back to?

[chrysaline]

I just don't want to give empty words.

[ But he kept his promise and told her something he was worrying about, so... she'll figure out something. She takes a very determined bite of the muffin. ]

Hm... I've been thinking hard about it, but I think my parents might actually be safer with me here. There's a friend I'm worried about... but if she heard me say that, I know she'd call me foolish.

[diabolizes]

[ As someone who doesn’t care for empty words, he’s grateful that she won’t give them.

Reaching into his bag for another pastry, he pauses at the mention of her parents. Is something going on there…? ]

And why would she call you foolish?

[chrysaline]

[ Oh, it's not hard at all for Psyche to channel her inner Medea. She draws herself up a little taller and more proper... ]

"You were kidnapped into another world, and you had your head in the clouds about what was going on here? Just how careless can you be? Keep your eyes on what's in front of you. I know what I'm doing."

[ And she lets the tension out of her shoulders again and laughs a little. ]

She always acts strong like that.

[diabolizes]

[ That little impression has Wei Wuxian laughing. ]

Ah, reminds me of my brother. Except, he’d be a lot harsher with his words.

[ He clears his throat, putting on an angry expression. ]

“Wei Wuxian, what were you thinking, getting kidnapped to another world? I thought you liked causing trouble, but I never thought you’d cause this much!”

…Something like that.

[chrysaline]

[ Pfffft, him trying to sound stern... Psyche breaks out in more giggles. ]

I knew you seemed like a troublemaker. He must be your older brother?

[ With how happy Wei Wuxian looks about it, she can't imagine there's hurt feelings behind the harsh words. ]

[diabolizes]

[ Ah, so she figured out that he’s a troublemaker. Oops. Must be impossible to hide. ]

Younger, actually! We aren’t related by blood, but by bond. We grew up together.

[ He smiles, and it’s obvious he loves talking about his family. ]

But the sternness of your friend is really reminiscent of him. Have the two of you been friends for a long time?

[chrysaline]

[ Maybe it was the smiling at being chided that tipped her off... or maybe it was the network crimes against Little Xiao. Who can say. ]

You sound very close.

[ By blood or not, the connection is what's important, isn't it? She grins back in return, and it's just as obvious that she's happy to talk about her friends. ]

Yes! She's my oldest friend. I've known her four years now. Not nearly as long as growing up together with someone... that must be wonderful.

[diabolizes]

It has its ups and downs, actually. Knowing someone so well means it hurts more when something bad happens.

[ Such as injuries, amongst a myriad of other things. ]

Although… the length of time you know someone might not matter in that case, as feelings trumps all of that.

[chrysaline]

[ Aha... her expression turns introspective for a moment at that, a little wry. ]

That's true. The longer you've known each other, the more difficult times you've been through with each other. It always hurts to see someone you care about in pain.

[diabolizes]

[ Ah... he looks down at the pastry in his hand, his expression pensive. ]

It does. And often, you'll do whatever you can to make that pain stop.

[chrysaline]

Yes. But I think caring about people is still worthwhile.

[ He's worrying again... she leans in a little, tilting her head as she studies his expression. ]

Was your brother in some kind of trouble?

[diabolizes]

[ Oh no, are they about to be in a little worry cycle? Because now Wei Wuxian is worried about her worrying over him. He smiles, trying to ease the mood. ]

He was, but I got him out of it! He's doing quite well now.

[chrysaline]

[ They absolutely are. She gives his smile a searching little look. But it would probably waste the effort he's putting in to smooth things over if she presses... ]

...I'm glad, then. You know, you sound terribly responsible for a troublemaker. You have a lot of people you take care of, don't you?

[diabolizes]

I do, but I'm sure some would say they're taking care of me instead!

[ He laughs. ]

For all that the people on the Burial Mounds consider me a leader, they do plenty on their own. I think everyone's just happy to have some semblance of peace.

[chrysaline]

Then you're all taking care of each other. That's always better.

[ She startles a tiny bit at "Burial Mounds." It sounds spooky. But then, he works with ghosts, doesn't he? Perhaps it's ordinary for him. ]

Because of that war you mentioned before? I hope the peace lasts.

[diabolizes]

[ He's slightly relieved she doesn't ask about the Burial Mounds, even if he'd tell her. It's just a lot to handle on top of the whole ghost thing. ]

As do I.

[ He has his doubt, though, but he'll enjoy it as it lasts. ]

But that's enough about me. What's your home like, Psyche?

[chrysaline]

I like hearing about you.

[ But it's only fair, she supposes. Her home, hm... ]

Vasilios is a large and prosperous empire. They've had a lot of conflicts in recent years to expand territory or secure trade routes... but the capital is isolated from most of that.

[ If it sounds like she's rattling off a history book, well. Maybe a bit. ]