"What do we do now, though? It's locked...do we go to the library or somewhere else?"
"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 have no preference." Pratik shrugged. "You're the one entertaining the toddler; I'll follow along wherever you like."
"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'm not--" His brow furrowed. "I--" He shook his head incredulously. "What in the world do you mean by that?"
"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 was -- am? -- being an asshat about Ada." Pratik shrugged and buried his hands in his pockets. "I know this was to get me away from her so she can breathe. I'm not offended by it. I appreciate it, even, on her behalf. I just..." he shrugged again. "I appreciate the company and am enjoying talking to you, but I know what this is, Rickard. I'm not stupid."
"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 mean..." He stared at the ground. "I'm not trying to babysit you. Sera and I discussed distracting you; I didn't mean to make it seem like I was hovering. I'm afraid I'm not very good with adults; I've only ever been tasked with watching children and that's all I really know how to do. I apologize."
"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 laughed and shook his head. "You're fine, Rickard. If I didn't want to spend time with you, then I wouldn't. I'm calling myself a child; not saying that you're calling me one. I came here of my own accord and I'm staying for the same. I'm just... I'm not sure what I'm trying to say. I guess just that I'm not heartbroken at the loss of the artifacts. Probably for the best anyway."
"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]
"They're quite fascinating," Rickard assured him. "I'm sure you'll see them some other time. If you decide to return after your journey south." His face fell. "You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?"
"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
"...If she's well enough, then yes." Pratik inclined his head, feeling a prick of conscience at Rickard's shift in demeanor. "... I... expect you're right that she won't want anything to do with me once I get her home, though. So I'll be back after that... provided I still have a job."
"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 hope you do." He leaned against the wall. "I'll be sad to see you both go; you've been good friends to me."
"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 as well.” Pratik offered a little genuine smile and dipped his head. “I’m honored you consider me a friend. I’ve enjoyed your company very much.”
"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]
"And I yours." He rubbed at his wrist again. "I can't thank you enough for getting me to this point, Pratik. I believe I would have died at Lord Tarr's Keep one way or another."
"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 grimaced but dipped his head. “I’m just glad you were in the right place at the right time. You made yourself easy to help.”
"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 still can't believe I asked to come along." He shivered. "I...still have nightmares about them coming to find me, catching up to me. All of them."
"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’re safe now,” Pratik said gently. “Tarr’s probably already forgotten about us. And even if he hasn’t… well… he’s not capable of getting to anyone here. He’s not. And Ash won’t turn you over to him, I’m sure of it. You can finally settle down.”
"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]
(There is a consistent automated sound that I hear in my room each night or maybe within the walls but each time I turn my head it's in a different place. I'm at my wits' end with it; it's been going on for days and I don't know where it comes from)
"I know that. I hope that, anyway. But the dreams still come, every night."
"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
If you can't get out of your comfort zone, you'll never find what you're looking for. Don't make things quick and easy to feel better short term. Make a change and then you'll feel better longer term. — Frinderman
