Pratik hesitated again. He supposed at this point, there was no point in denying that. Sera hadn’t been trying to pretend like she didn’t know Pratik. Rickard had watched Ash put Pratik in the cage. “Yes… I’m sorry for deceiving you. It was part of the role I had to take.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“I’m paid to keep my mouth shut, so there’s not much I can say,” Pratik warned. He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them, cringing as the collar rubbed against a raw patch. “But yes.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I understand." His eyes flicked to the office door, and he sat up. "They're taking an awfully long time. I hope she's alright."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“I hope so too,” Pratik agreed, following his gaze. “But Sera seems like an excellent apothecary. I’m sure she’s in good hands.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"She seems very kind, as well." Rickard's head bobbed down again. "Too kind."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“No such thing.” Pratik slipped his thumbs under the collar and held it up off the sores. “You deserve as much kindness as anyone.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"It's too much," Rickard insisted, distress creeping into his voice. "Everything's too much for me, Aren. I can't stand it!"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik assessed him for a moment, slowly taking his hands off the collar. His demeanor softened. Just because Pratik knew they both deserved to be treated well didn’t mean he needed to force it. Not now. For now, Rickard needed soothed. “You’ll be okay… just focus on the right now. We are warm. We are safe. That’s enough.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Rickard exhaled and coughed, closing his eyes to steady himself. "I know. I know. I just need some sleep, and some food. I'll be right as rain after that. I hope."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“You will,” Pratik encouraged. He glanced at the office door again. He hoped the same could be said of Ada.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
A few minutes later the door opened and both women exited. Ada sat herself down on the bed, hands clenching into the sheets. "I'll put some tea on and then see that some servants get your rooms prepared," Sera said to them, heading over to the hearth with a kettle.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Pratik glanced at Ada. He wanted to ask what had happened, but he figured that might be abrasive. He settled for, “… are you okay?”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I'll be fine," Ada muttered, though her voice was small. "I have a cold is all. Like Rickard." Sera glanced at her but said nothing, busying herself with the tea.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
(NO! I swear to god, if she's pregnant... I will rage quit xD)
"I hope you both feel better," Pratik murmured. She was lying. But he wasn't going to push it. He wasn't entitled to her medical state, if she wasn't inclined to share.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
