and she needs it off.]

Thank you.

[Her voice is a low rasp, exhausted. She wavers a little on her feet, but catches herself on the edge of the sink and steadies.]

...Ajisai. Are you her mother?

[A pause, calculating the space based on her directions. She manages to find the sink. Reaching up to remove the binding over her wound in order to wash properly.

She wants to rest. Her body is screaming for it. But she has to be clean first. She feels the tackiness of the blood on her face -

- collapse again.]

...I will not cause trouble for you. I get the sense that would be cruel of me.

[She practically cringes again at the contact, jolting as if startled. But finally seems to reel it in. Breathing out shakily as she's ushered on by the more gentle hand.

She's quiet until they've grown secluded, listening and counting every step away. When they come to a halt she seems about to -

-and mention of a cell as signal to stand. Doing so slower than usual given her new lack of sight, and the general weakness brought on by her earlier exertions.]

...(bastards.)

[Its difficult to keep her temper in check at this point.

There's a vivid fantasy of lurching forward. Teeth sharpening so she can rip freely into the hands touching her. She wants it so terribly she's trembling. Lip curled into a snarl.

But she stays docile.

She takes the release of the grip-

- sight is a curse or a blessing. At this point she hardly cares.

There's an instinctive squirm, but nothing comes of it. Perhaps better this than the aforementioned collar.]

...I can endure it. Just...

[The words alone could make her cringe, but the contact cements it further. A pained gasp leaves her before she can stop it, weak and withering at this point.

But she doesn't put up a fight, even as her panicked pulse seems to grow even faster. Breaths shakier. She can't tell if the lack of -

[An involuntary shudder, cringing at the proximity before she can stop herself. But she grows ever more still and silent at the name he drops.

She'd be a fool not to know what dark potential that inspires.]

...

[She doesn't speak, simply bowing her head a little.]

Almost immediately, there's another burst of aether from her. Drawing from her dwindled supply quite stubbornly. Making an attempt to at least restore her body as much as she could.]

[Normally her reflexes would let her catch herself, but she's in no state for it. Spilling out of the cage and onto the floor heavily.

She staggers to sit up on her knees, feeling for the band placed on her and trying to identify it. Listening carefully to the voices and movement around her.

[a shift, letting herself lean a little on him. Leaning up just enough to brush a kiss into his cheek.]

I would be happy to. My mentor taught me a good deal. I would be glad to pass it on.

...ah, I suppose you should get around to meeting him, too.

Oh, most certainly. I took a great deal of pride in my work, as you might assume...

...[her eyes catch on the book]

My interest in magitek is...limited. But I see you found something worth your interest in my collection?

-any sort of composure. Blind and now disoriented by pain as she is, that's a struggle.]

...leave them alone, please, I...

[She's too exhausted to fight back this time, but she still grits her teeth and makes an attempt. Weakly thrashing and howling sharply at the dig and rip. Some garbled curse or threat.

This begins her pain anew, face filthy with blood, twisting in anguish. Chest heaving as she struggles to keep-

-Mustering what little strength she retains in yet another sickening lurch of power. Throwing herself hard against her confines and snarling. Another dent and buckle, but the recourse she receives is far worse. Crumpling to clutch at her head with a shudder.]

[A cold chill, good eye snapping shut in protest. She jerks back and away again, even if the effort is futile.]

I do not *want* your thrice-damned /replacement/-

[Though she's aware that the loosening of her binds is but a fantasy right now. Despite better judgement she lashes out again.