[ There's no telling whether or not Hilda will actually go in search of an Almyran dictionary. Learning anything, particularly a language, is more effort than she'd put in on any given day. But to say that she's willing to try learning the native language of someone she cares for deeply sounds a little too much like her trying too hard. And Goddess forbid she try too hard for anyone.
Having full access to her wardrobe isn't a lie; she's a vain little thing that has collected a tidy collection since her stay here and making friends and connections through the Old Public Hall has certainly helped in that regard. Unsurprisingly seamstresses and designers for stage costumes also enjoy the opportunity to dress people up when they aren't on stage too.
But Claude is right not to buy her attempt at trying to play this off. The question feels a lot like he's stepped into her path, blocking her from exiting this conversation which she so desperately wants to do. Most situations like these usually end with her barreling the person standing in her way over whether that's figuratively or literally. Except with a wyvern in her arms, and them already being in a precarious position on the roof, literally barreling him over seems like a bad idea.
She doesn't flinch when he asks the question but it's enough for her to divert her gaze. There's still an air of her trying to play this off like this doesn't toe the precipice of a subject she doesn't want to explain at length. ]
Easier for all of us.
[ There's a pause as she reaches down to stroke the wyvern's snout with her back of her finger. The admission still has the same lightness, the same echo of sing-song in it, but it's deliberately put on like someone who's chosen to wear a little too much perfume or cologne that day. Dressing herself up is as much of a practice of redirection as it is something she enjoys. ]
I told Sylvain this but I don't want to bother either of you.
[ She's still under the firm belief that having her around would somehow diverted their attentions and efforts needlessly. And it would be easier for her because maybe, gradually, she could loosen the hold the jealous creature had on her. Even that feels like too much of an admission and she's quick to move on, offering him something else instead. ]
But if you want me to come by and look after this little one from time to time while you're both out, I wouldn't say no.
[ It's not a promise of moving back in, but at least it's something. ]
no subject
Having full access to her wardrobe isn't a lie; she's a vain little thing that has collected a tidy collection since her stay here and making friends and connections through the Old Public Hall has certainly helped in that regard. Unsurprisingly seamstresses and designers for stage costumes also enjoy the opportunity to dress people up when they aren't on stage too.
But Claude is right not to buy her attempt at trying to play this off. The question feels a lot like he's stepped into her path, blocking her from exiting this conversation which she so desperately wants to do. Most situations like these usually end with her barreling the person standing in her way over whether that's figuratively or literally. Except with a wyvern in her arms, and them already being in a precarious position on the roof, literally barreling him over seems like a bad idea.
She doesn't flinch when he asks the question but it's enough for her to divert her gaze. There's still an air of her trying to play this off like this doesn't toe the precipice of a subject she doesn't want to explain at length. ]
Easier for all of us.
[ There's a pause as she reaches down to stroke the wyvern's snout with her back of her finger. The admission still has the same lightness, the same echo of sing-song in it, but it's deliberately put on like someone who's chosen to wear a little too much perfume or cologne that day. Dressing herself up is as much of a practice of redirection as it is something she enjoys. ]
I told Sylvain this but I don't want to bother either of you.
[ She's still under the firm belief that having her around would somehow diverted their attentions and efforts needlessly. And it would be easier for her because maybe, gradually, she could loosen the hold the jealous creature had on her. Even that feels like too much of an admission and she's quick to move on, offering him something else instead. ]
But if you want me to come by and look after this little one from time to time while you're both out, I wouldn't say no.
[ It's not a promise of moving back in, but at least it's something. ]