Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 10)

Tadaaki took a deep breath then nodded and let it out. Okay. Safe. Sara was saying she was safe. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Aashi tugged on his arm. He looked at her and then reluctantly sat back down.

She dipped her head. "I've engaged her in something of a test about not censoring herself for five days. I'd like you to encourage that, if you can."

“Oh?” Tadaaki asked curiously.

She nodded. "I'm hoping it helps her forget some of the things Aleth seemed so set on making her believe."

“Huh.” How had that come about? “…I’m excited to see how it goes.”

It’d either be really good for her. Or really, really bad for them all. Or… gods. She was going to hide, wasn’t she? It was the loopholes. Always the loopholes with Ky.

"I'm...apprehensive, I guess." She gave him a quick smile. "We'll see about it."

“We will,” he agreed with a little smile. See how long Ky survived without breaking, now that the entirety of her coping skills were being stripped away. Had she agreed to this under duress? Had she agreed at all? “So… the challenge is to just not censor herself for five days? Anything specific?”

"Not really, no. Do you think there should be?"

“I…dunno…” Tadaaki shook his head, glancing at Aashi for a moment as he thought. Then he glanced back at Sara. “I… think she will very likely look for technicalities, if you didn’t seal them off… but… maybe not?”

"I'm not trying to harm her with this; I won't force her to talk to us. I'd certainly prefer that she not hide in her room, but if she does that then we can easily think up ways to get her out."

“Of course.” Tadaaki nodded quickly. “I wasn’t saying — trying to say — sorry. I know that you have her best interests in mind… I just… I don’t know how she’ll respond is all. I genuinely hope she’ll make an effort towards growth with this, though. I’m surprised she was willing.”

"Please let us know if she says anything...concerning. We're here to help, and I know she trusts you. If you're comfortable sharing what she says that might not explicitly be in confidence, we would appreciate it."

“I…” was in an uncomfortable position. That’s what he was. He glanced at Aashi then Gaius then back at Sara, considering. He wasn’t going to rat Ky out. It hurt him having to snitch on her when Aleth forced him to more than it did to snitch on himself. They would have to threaten Aashi or Tasia or Ky for Tadaaki to even consider breaking Ky’s trust in him. Sullying their bond.

But at the same time, he couldn’t very well just say no. He was fully aware that his family’s safety depended on the good favor of their hosts.

“…will think on what things I can share, if that’s okay?”

"Absolutely." Sara nodded quickly. "I don't want you to feel like you're betraying her at all, Tadaaki. If you're not comfortable with this then please think on it. It's not mandatory."

“I appreciate that.” Tadaaki dipped his head and offered a little smile. It was nice Sara knew how to respect boundaries. “I’m very glad to see how many people Ky has rooting for her. You’re all fantastic.”