[IC] Swords Beneath the Starlight

Casey and Lain

When Lain's eyes suddenly open, it catches Casey off his guard. Before he knows it, she's bowing her head to him, and by the time she's finished speaking, he's left at something of a loss. It takes him a moment to collect himself, and even then he remains feeling unsure of himself.



"Is that what this is about?" he asks, softening his voice as his brow furrows. "I may be....skeptical, about where I'll end up when this is all over, aye! But that isn't why I came here. To be honest, I suppose I just wanted to talk with someone, but. Well, it simply feels odd when you won't look at me. Even if you don't hold the same disdain some folks do, it seems to me that I'm still an outsider to you. The way you speak of me makes it sound like you find me pitiable above all else; closer to a problem that needs fixing than a real person. 'Powerless', as you put it. Not long ago I would've scoffed at that word, but now?"


"Now I'm not so sure. I certainly feel powerless in the face of all this. I'm beginning to wonder what else people say about me might turn out to be true...."



"Ah, but there I go letting my thoughts run away with themselves. I'm sure patronizing me isn't your intention, but it can be hard to see much else at times. So please, just. Don't feel the need to give me any special treatment, alright?"

---

Later in the evening, Casey spots Sunny on her own. He waves to her as he approaches, a warm smile on his face.



"Good to see you, Sunny! How are you getting on? I saw you talking with a few folks, but I didn't want to interrupt. I hope no one's been giving you any grief tonight."