kate

[undread]

Comments

[undread]

I see.

[this makes her a little sad, for reasons she's not sure she could describe.]

It's easy to share a space with me. I keep out of the way.

[sootprints]

That's good...

I hope I won't be a burden on you and the others.

[undread]

You won't be!

[at least she doesn't think so. but after a moment it occurs to her to ask.]

Why do you think you would be?

[sootprints]

[ well... it feels like laudna might understand, so... ]

... Because of the soot.

[undread]

Is there something it does besides what I've seen?

[sootprints]

Yes.

Would you promise not to tell the others? At least not yet.

[undread]

I won't tell the others anything you don't want them to know.

[sootprints]

[ ... a nod. ]

The soot... if enough of it gathers and settles for a few days, it comes to life.

1/2

[undread]

[neat...]

2/2

[undread]

[no wait. sympathy.]

Well, we'll just have to dust it up, won't we? It'll be alright.

[sootprints]

You'll help me?

[undread]

Of course I will. We'll help each other. Just tell me what I have to do.

[sootprints]

Thank you.

The important things are the dusting and sweeping. I'll try to procure supplies.

And... if there's anything I can do to help you in return, please ask.

[undread]

I'm quite good at tidying up. I find a little bit of housework relaxing.

[however she would fucking love to see the soot come to life... but also she adores kate and wants to help her.]

[sootprints]

Really? That's very reassuring.

[undread]

Of course, dear. If nothing else, having one's own space all tidy and orderly is a good way to maintain your hold on sanity.

If the soot did build up, what precisely might happen?

[sootprints]

Small creatures called "clingers" could form from it.

They're small and weak, and can easily be crushed by stomping on them. But they will attack humans, and they can make them very sick.

[undread]

Naughty little spirits.

[i see. well, that's less fun.]

I wouldn't mind seeing them, but I don't want any of our dear housemates growing ill. Particularly the ones who are a bit more "ordinary." [she does the finger quotes.] We ought to protect them, then.

[sootprints]

Yes... and I worry that not everyone will be understanding if there is an incident.

[undread]

[ah.]

You're worried they'll blame you? Be frightened of you or angry at you?

[sootprints]

... I would understand if they were.

[undread]

It wouldn't be your fault. Just a little accident.

[mmm...]

People can be small-minded, and always blame what is different than what they're used to. But I won't allow anyone to be cruel to you.

[sootprints]

Laudna...

That's very kind of you.

[undread]

I've dealt with people like that for a long time, too. It's easier to stand up for yourself when you aren't alone.

[sootprints]

That's true...

... Are people often cruel to you?