un: hidden | audio

[matermali]

( cw; drug use—marijuana )

[ The woman's voice that scrapes through the network's channel keeps low and calm, with a vocal fry that is uttered in a distinctly English accent. ]

The dragon of recent arrival, whom I believe to be named Zhaera, wishes nothing to do with us, and so I would suggest leaving her be. Her only concern seems to be in mothering, and the power she wields would be no small thing if she feels the need to defend her nest. Best not to invite her ire when she has yet any cause to make of herself a monster.

She knows even less than we do about her sudden appearance. Perhaps if she did, she would not be so willing to keep to her singular cause.

I should also think that the serpents deserve no ill will en masse unless they become an immediate threat. I'm of no mind to make demands, but perhaps they can be herded into the woods where they can better find the prey they likely crave. A task I am willing to take on should any with the skill wish to assist.

Aurora has given us few choices aside from what we do with these trials presented.

[ The pause that follows is not from hesitation, but a drag that includes a whispered exhale of smoke that remains unseen on the network. Should anyone happen upon where she's seated on a bench near the café and bookstore, Vanessa—in all of her black-laced glory—is smoking a joint.

The rasp softens with her murmur. ]

We are all outsiders, after all.

Comments

[matermali]

[ There's a pregnant pause, filled with the weight of unspoken understanding. When Vanessa speaks, her voice is a low, husky rasp, tinged with a mix of admiration and concern. ]

Your determination is...commendable.

[ She takes a measured breath, her words carefully chosen. Just as carefully, she ignores the girl's inquiry into Vanessa's own welfare.

Everything hurts. ]

Choice, agency... these are precious things, often undervalued until they're stripped away.

[ There's a hint of something darker in her tone, speaking of personal experience. ]

If you truly wish to proceed, I won't stand in your way. But know this: the consequences of such choices often reach far beyond what we can foresee. Are you prepared for that burden?