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 Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 6:01 pm
“That’s a start,” Candice encouraged, grinning. “But this is helping? The hike, I mean.” she asked, feeling slightly more relieved from the heavy feelings of unease she’d had just minutes before. If Ethiriel really did think the hike was good for her, it was a step Candice wasn’t going to ignore. She watched as the Frei pulled out a few coins from her pocket, wide-eyed; Candice had nearly forgotten about the tracking method they’d set up for Ethiriel. She had to wonder if those were the same coins they’d used for the previous hike.
Her grin faded to a grimace at Ethiriel’s reminder of what was ahead of them both - or who, to be more precise. She looked back ahead toward Hyunae, who was still much farther ahead of Candice and Ethiriel on the trail. Her and Ivy were collecting plants with a few of the other students, Winona only a few feet from Hyunae’s side. “I was hoping you could enlighten me,” Candice replied; flustering, she froze. The words had slipped from her with minimal hesitation; curiosity really had gotten the best of her, it seemed.
“You don’t need to talk about it with me if you don’t want to, of course,” Candice remedied, glancing hopefully at Ethiriel. “It’s just… unusual. Of Hyunae.” Falling flat with words, Candice looked back down at the ground.
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 6:14 pm
"Yes." Finally, a confirmation that wasn't 'yeah.' "I knew the air would help at least a little... I was just throwing a tantrum. I could have helped myself from the beginning." There was a lilt at the end, a scoff, sounding somewhat amused at herself.
Ethiriel flinched at Candice's wording, but with as well as she knew the woman, the Frei understood that she meant no harm. She sighed, leaning her head toward the counselor to lower her voice.
"This is just speculation, mind you... But... I feel as if I upset her when I had the surgery. I... er, "fixed" myself and left her behind."
That was the best that she could explain for now.
"I would have been upset in her shoes as well. I can't blame her."
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 6:32 pm
“You were sad, you were angry. It’s hard helping yourself when you’re clouded by so many bad thoughts… are things a little clearer, now?” Candice asked, still grimacing, watching as Ethiriel floated onward. Their pace had slowed considerably by now, and they were several meters away from the last few straggling students and supervisors. She felt some frustration roil in her gut at the Frei’s direction toward self-guilt, a pattern Candice could barely help break. Ethiriel seemed to act alone despite the compassions of those around her, and Candice lost herself in thought while ruminating just how many of her friends and family reached out.
The problems Ethiriel was facing seemed to dig deep, much further than the tragedy of her botched surgery. Candice continued observing the coins as Ethiriel spoke, catching a few trace words that helped her understand the gist of what the girl was saying. Blankly, Candice glanced up at Ethiriel when the Frei was done speaking. Before she could ask what she’d meant and said, Candice managed to comprehend what the Frei had said herself.
Involuntarily, Candice scowled.
“What--? That just doesn’t make any sense,” Candice replied, wide-eyed. “I’m sure Hyunae was over the moon for you.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 6:42 pm
Ethiriel hummed with a nod, though she didn't continue more than that on the topic. She knew her faults, she knew what could and couldn't have been done and how things should have been and as far as she felt, she didn't need justification in her ideals.
Brows raising in surprise, Ethiriel glanced in Candice's direction at her outburst. The Frei listened ahead, wondering if any of the other children had caught wind of it. She knew Hyunae was upset with her, even if it seemed otherwise.
"I took away what we had in common. She found a... I guess, a mentor? In me. She looked up to me because I was working through my handicap and I just... changed it. Got rid of it. I understand why she's upset."
It was hard to put into words and Ethiriel knew that the message wasn't getting across. How to explain? She felt it so well in herself and understood it without a problem, but how do you tell that to someone who doesn't understand?
"I don't think my handling it recently has helped any. I'm sure she feels hurt that I let it bother me so much..."
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Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:22 am
Fortunately for them both, Candice's tone and volume was calm despite her outburst, and no one around them seemed to notice the shift in her and Ethiriel's conversation. Candice's eyes were trained on Ethiriel, now, equally confused as she was skeptical. The creases of her brows managed to soften with understanding as Ethiriel explained, but her words otherwise didn't help Candice relax any. None of this settled quite right.
"That's where your mentorship and friendship begun, sure," Candice spoke carefully, "But... there are other things that bind both of you together, I just don't understand why she would be upset by it. Other facets of your friendship wouldn't have changed."
But, if there was anything Candice was beginning to understand, people were frustratingly unpredictable. Assumptions were dangerous; she understood that before, and the concept was beginning to stick now that she spent so much of her life around the Knights. Ethiriel and Gabe both had a lot to hide, and Candice even felt she couldn't understand the full depth of Henry's emotions in light of his usual cheery self.
She hesitated, but it was something she had to voice. "It'll be hard to know if she really feels that way, I guess, unless we talk to her. Unless you talk to her," she let out a soft laugh, "I have a feeling this isn't any of my business. I'm just worried for both of you."
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Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 9:25 am
"She is a child, don't forget. I don't understand children well enough to fully explain, but I'm sure that such a small thing for us is much larger for her. She may feel betrayed."
Ethiriel nodded as Candice spoke, her brows knitting slightly in frustration as well. With a final nod of understanding, she added, "I am willing to speak with her, but the question is: is she willing to speak with me? What's the saying? You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink? If she doesn't want to listen or understand, whether it's from hurt or spite, there is little I can do."
On that last note, the Frei attempted a smile.
"I hope I will have a moment with her soon. There's just no telling as of Right now."
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Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 10:50 am
"Oh, of course," Candice laughed; it was a fact that the counselor could never forget, the fact that Hyunae was a child. "But you have to remember that all children are very different from one another. Hyunae in particular - well, she's not well known for keeping secrets," Candice's laughter and bright tone evened out, "It's surprising how honest she can be."
She nodded along to Ethiriel's sentiment; with a thoughtful hum, she smiled in return at the Frei, offering her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I think it's worth trying. Maybe not tonight, but sometime during this trip; best to avoid any unnecessary awkward feelings during the hike, right? I'm sure you'll have plenty of moments to talk to her here. We have three whole days to burn." Candice glanced ahead; they were already approaching the cabin gates.
"And if you need my help, I'm always there for you, Ethiriel." Winona was slowing her pace to stop just in front of the cabin gates. Candice slowed her pace, keeping her voice low to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. She smiled warmly at the Frei. "Okay?"
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Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 11:01 am
This was true; in the short amount of time that Ethiriel had known Hyunae, getting close to her, she was always rather blunt. With a half smirk and a chuckle, the Frei lifted her chin. "I suppose you're right." She then lowered it quickly in a half nod.
"I agree. I will have to speak with her soon.
"I am glad I have you to count on," Ethiriel said, her own voice lowering in response to Candice's change in tone. She reached back over her shoulder, gently resting her fingertips against the counselor's hand. "Perhaps if she is uncomfortable speaking with just me, we can make it a group discussion -- between the three of us. It is your specialty, after all."
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 5:15 pm
NeonMace We can probably end this segment here with your tag, unless you'd like to add anything more! If you could start the next thread I would appreciate it. If you're unsure how I can go ahead, just let me know.
The remaining group, Winona included, were now heading past the cabin gates for their morning break. Candice and Ethiriel were now among the last to remain on the trail, and the brunette ushered Ethiriel gently forward. "First: let's go get some breakfast. Does that sound good?"
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 6:34 pm
Rookeries can do! thank you so much bab<3 only thing i need to know is where to send them next
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