Shady

Ky grimaced sympathetically. “I’m sorry.”

Talia blushed, but actively forced down her discomfort and forced a tiny smile. This woman may as well be a noble herself from proximity; she was allowed to say that.

Ky blinked, startled by the response. Then realized casually trauma dumped. Again. Oops. “Oh, it’s…” she shrugged and waved her hand dismissively. “It’s fine. No one hurts me now… is ...

“Oh, it’s definitely not true,” Ky confirmed. “I’ve had a ton of bones broken through beatings and Aleth carved me up like a turkey… but usually it’s just not worth ...

Talia nodded, not sure how to answer, so she carefully attempted, “…I’m sure sometimes difficult decisions have to be made…”

“Really? I didn’t know that.” She sat down on the edge of the sofa. “Usually when I mention it hurts it summons the nearest adult to tell me I’m too ...

Talia grimaced and nodded. “Yes ma’am… unfortunately.”

“Huh…” she stretched, cracking her back more. “…me too… I usually don’t mention it though.”

“…what does that mean?”

Talia chuckled gently, returning the smile. “Fair enough.”

"...Why?"

Ky took a deep breath and slowly pushed herself to her feet, vertebrae snapping loudly as she moved. She sighed as she finally got upright, leaning against the arm of ...

"Oh?" Talia looked at her curiously. "What's yours?"

She nodded, then glanced around to be sure no one else had crept in while they were talking. She remembered suddenly that she'd been too upset to lock the door ...

(hah irony) Talia nodded, relieved. "Right. That makes sense. So, back to just a cruel nickname."