balancetheblood | Lucky's Heart

[Still holding onto Lucky and looking around for anyone else that's not Karen as they head for shore.]

[ There's no sign of anyone. Karen is still trailing silently behind you.

Though she's a little shaky on her feet at first, once her feet hit grass, Toby lets go and retreats under the branches of the willow tree, folding up with her knees to her chest and her back against the trunk. ]

[He's still keeping an eye around. Just...just in case. He really doesn't want to be caught by surprise with magic.]

[But following Lucky.] Lucky, it's okay. No one here is gonna hurt you. Just us. [Which included Karen, but who knows what she's seeing.]

Lucky?

[ She's a little confused by that, but not enough to really bother her ]

It's safe. He's not here, and this is Lily's kingdom. It's safe now. It's safe.

[ She sounds deeply relieved by this. ]

Yeah. You.

Lily? Then that's good. [Sits down beside her.] I'm glad you feel safe?

Toby. I'm Toby.

[ She takes a deep breath and smiles faintly ]

Lily can look after me. This is good, here. She'll be here soon.

Thank you.

Is Lily a friend?

[And...wow, okay, he's realizing you have no clothes.]

[Blushing and, uh, no, he needs his jacket, it holds all his stuff. Shirt? Weird to be without a shirt, but then he's not leaving a bunch of stuff.]

[Taking off jacket and shirt then. Marvel at all those tattoos and various scars.]

[ Toby doesn't seem to notice them, but readily pulls the shirt on, folding back up and leaning against the trunk ]

Of course she is, you know that.

[ she yawns, her eyes drooping ]

[And now I will wear my jacket without a shirt like a tool. At least I'm tall enough the shirt is semi-decent cover.]

Oh, do I? I guess so.

So, you're not scared anymore?

[ She shakes her head ]

If he's not here [ yawn ] Sylvester must have found him.

That's good.

Why are you yawning?

Transformation is uncomfortable and tiring in the best of circumstances. Likely, she is tired.

[ Why yes, you've still got your tag along ]

[So helpful Karen.]

I guess that's true.

...would she be bravery, or just....like a manifestation for that memory?

[ Karen considers how to answer this for a moment ]

Yes.

I'm sorry, she is... part of her. Bringing her here was a good thing.

No, I know. It's still important part of her.

Just wondering if her being not tired would be good or bad.

It will not harm her, if that is what you're asking.

[ Toby seems to have dozed off while you and Karen spoke ]

She will sleep, and wake refreshed and safe, thanks to you.

[Considers and he nods.] All right. I'm glad.

[He smiles and pushes himself to his feet.]

Think I could still investigate that light? [Heading towards the water.]

If you like. You've been to the other side of the cave already, though.

I have?

The...apartment? Amethyst?

The first. You were not allowed into the pond directly without a gift.

Oh. So the cave is just back over to the first?

[ She nods ]

We can return if that's what you want. Or there is the bridge.

Nothing to change there yet....bridge it is.

[Toooo the bridge.]

[ It's very steep. Watch your step. ]

Lucky's Heart

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