[Once Elize is far enough along to the kitchen, Cassandra lets go of Cullen's arm to smack it instead. She still speaks in a relatively hushed tone, however. Just in case she's lingering.]
[ Sorry, but right when she steps into the galley, she's going to suddenly poke her head out of the kitchen, timidly hiding part of her face with a wall. She has a reason for checking back on them! Or maybe it's an excuse to try to listen in...
But she can't hear much with their hushed voices. She calls out to the two in a small voice. ]
Do you want water, tea, or... um... the fizzy stuff? I forgot to ask.
Tea, please. [That will keep her busy. Turning back to Cassandra, Cullen rubs the side of his neck.]
She is... a bright, smart girl, brought here in tears some time ago. I've been keeping an eye on her since then. When I can, at least. I figured it wouldn't hurt for her to have more capable adults in her life.
[Because now and then he's entirely incapable of functioning, when the aches an pains get the better of him.]
[ Just what are you two talking about? She already suspects it's not about telling stories or anything. But after a few seconds of staring, she disappears back into the kitchen.
[Cassandra sighs, hand moving up to her forehead momentarily.]
This is no place for a child.
[She knows she doesn't need to say it really. Cullen already knows that. Anyone with sense in their head would know that. But of course Cullen would look to protect this little girl. He is a better man than most, certainly better than he's willing to give himself credit for. It's only after a few seconds that Cassandra reaches a decision.]
I will help you look after her. [He could probably use the help, she thinks. Not that she's exactly ideal help given her very limited experience with children, but it's something.] But no more surprises.
[Cassandra can see Elize in her periphery, but doesn't react to her. Instead, she sighs and folds her arms.]
What am I supposed to tell her?
[Because, okay, she's a little nervous about upsetting Elize. It's not like Cassandra's adventures have petting nugs and rainbows involved in them! Help a sister out here, Cullen.]
[ With some hesitation, she makes herself fully visible and steps out into the hallway. Walking over, she comes to a stop a few feet away from them, just in case she needs to retreat back into the kitchen. ]
I haven't finished pouring the drinks. Is something the matter?
[True heroes hide behind small children, confirmed.]
[Cassandra is uncertain whether or not Elize really buys it, but considering she doesn't ask anything further, so she'll consider that a win. Wordlessly, she nods for Cullen and Elize to head towards the kitchen, she'll follow behind the two of them.]
[ And she briskly walks past Cullen, back to the dispensers where she left the cups. Not that she doesn't want to talk to Cassandra, she just really wants to take the responsibility to pour drinks for the both of them right now, okay!! SHE CAN DO THIS. ]
[ After pouring the drinks using the dispenser, she carefully carries the cups over on a serving tray. A glass of water for Cassandra, a cup of tea for Cullen, and another cup of tea for herself. She smiles a bit, pleased with herself. See? She got the drinks just fine!
She takes a seat next to Cullen. ]
So, what story are you going to tell me, Cassandra?
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You go on ahead, Elize. I would like a moment alone with Cullen. To...decide what story to tell. [Yes, that's it.] We'll catch up in a little while.
[You need to explain more than HEY COME MEET THIS LITTLE GIRL, Cullen.]
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We won't be long, Elize.
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[ ...What do they take her for?! Elize gives the two an uncertain glance, finding it very unusual they're sending her off ahead first. ]
Alright then.
[ Nonetheless, she disappears into the kitchen to prepare some drinks from the dispensers. ]
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You could have told me it was a little girl.
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I wasn't aware that would have made a difference.
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But she can't hear much with their hushed voices. She calls out to the two in a small voice. ]
Do you want water, tea, or... um... the fizzy stuff? I forgot to ask.
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[Cassandra waits a moment for Cullen to give his answer before she continues,] Of course it makes a difference!
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She is... a bright, smart girl, brought here in tears some time ago. I've been keeping an eye on her since then. When I can, at least. I figured it wouldn't hurt for her to have more capable adults in her life.
[Because now and then he's entirely incapable of functioning, when the aches an pains get the better of him.]
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[ Just what are you two talking about? She already suspects it's not about telling stories or anything. But after a few seconds of staring, she disappears back into the kitchen.
Carry on talking, then... ]
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This is no place for a child.
[She knows she doesn't need to say it really. Cullen already knows that. Anyone with sense in their head would know that. But of course Cullen would look to protect this little girl. He is a better man than most, certainly better than he's willing to give himself credit for. It's only after a few seconds that Cassandra reaches a decision.]
I will help you look after her. [He could probably use the help, she thinks. Not that she's exactly ideal help given her very limited experience with children, but it's something.] But no more surprises.
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She's already taken a liking to Jove and Cole. Tell her a good story and she'll be yours.
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She's not doing a very good job at trying to hide herself, but there she is again! Peering out towards them from behind a wall. ]
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What am I supposed to tell her?
[Because, okay, she's a little nervous about upsetting Elize. It's not like Cassandra's adventures have petting nugs and rainbows involved in them! Help a sister out here, Cullen.]
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I'm sure you have some stories about the Inquisitor that are child friendly. I've read the reports.
[RETURNING LOST ANIMALS, FINDING HALLA...]
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I haven't finished pouring the drinks. Is something the matter?
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Nothing is the matter. I believe I figured out what story to tell you.
[She is pretty sure Cullen is hiding behind you though. Like 90% certain.]
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Cassandra had a hard time narrowing it down. Everything is fine.
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[ She remains somewhat worried that there's something they're not telling her, but she looks up at Cullen, forcing a small smile. ]
Let's have a seat in the kitchen then.
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True heroes hide behind small children, confirmed.][Cassandra is uncertain whether or not Elize really buys it, but considering she doesn't ask anything further, so she'll consider that a win. Wordlessly, she nods for Cullen and Elize to head towards the kitchen, she'll follow behind the two of them.]
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[Bond, girls!]
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I- I can do it!
[ And she briskly walks past Cullen, back to the dispensers where she left the cups. Not that she doesn't want to talk to Cassandra, she just really wants to take the responsibility to pour drinks for the both of them right now, okay!! SHE CAN DO THIS. ]
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[Cassandra isn't sure exactly what happened just not, but she can roll with it. Maybe? She'll just sit and make herself comfortable.]
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The two of you will get along fine.
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She takes a seat next to Cullen. ]
So, what story are you going to tell me, Cassandra?
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[Cassandra does take a sip of her water before she speaks again.]
I thought I might tell you about the time we helped Druffy the Druffalo find her way home.
[Cannot get more kid-friendly as far as stories go than that one, okay. She will just skirt around the demons and the more violent parts.]
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