hadriel | text;

[ She won't show her face, won't use her voice. Not when she's having a difficult enough time keeping her emotions in check. Cecily badly wants to keep this event from lending more power to Hadriel's gods, but Rage and Sorrow are getting a lot of power from the Inquisitor today, despite that. ]

Cullen Rutherford has disappeared. His mabari hasn't been able to find him in days. I can only assume he has gone home, at least for the time being. I also vanished and returned, so he may do the same.

[ Not that she can bring herself to have much hope along that vein. ]

If anyone has heard from or seen him, I beg you to correct me. Additionally, if there is anyone who has the ability to nullify magical abilities, I will need your help, since Cullen has gone.

[ There isn't much else to say, not in the public sphere. Not when his wedding band that she'd obtained from Delight is burning in her hand, pressed tight against the skin of her palm. ]

Finally, if anyone saw his last message and was wondering: the dog is well again. Sincerely, Inquisitor Trevelyan

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It's what friends do. [ She's kind of getting used to this 'being a friend' thing. It's nice, like having family. Plus, you're welcome is tougher to say, kind of like gratitude. ] I'm... I'm glad you haven't disappeared, either.

[ She knows it's selfish, but Cecily has been the one constant in her life since Fear started all of this. Who else understands their predicament as well? Or won't bitch, or judge if she fucks up? Or has no problem dealing with her drunk ass? She'd be jealous if Cecily left, and happy for her, and so incredibly torn. ] I-I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here.

I feel the same. [ It's true, of course; there aren't many here that Cecily is very close with. Cullen left, and there's Sharon, who... really is her closest friend in Hadriel. ] I told him, once, that I'd be furious if he vanished... but, as that didn't stop him, I won't say the same to you. Just know...

[ The Inquisitor would likewise be devastated to lose her friend. ]

Hey, if I vanish on you, I expect you to be fucking furious. [ It's really not a thought she likes to entertain. She wants—no, needs—to return home. As long as she's here, Christopher is in danger, at the hands of that bitch and the rest of her scum Order. But there's a part of her, a deep, ashamed part of her, that wants to stay as long as she can. Where else has she ever had the chance to get to know people as herself? Where else has she ever been where so many people care for her, even knowing the truth? ] And if I come back, you have permission to knock a few of my teeth in for leaving.

[ She wants to promise that that day will never have to come, but she knows, realistically, it could happen any day without a single warning. ]

I will be. [ She'll be furious with the gods, or the Door, or whatever is responsible. She'll be devastated to lose her best friend. ] But I won't do anything to your teeth. Maker, don't be a masochist. This place takes enough from us without me dislodging your teeth.

[ Still, she admits a faint, tired chuckle. ]

Is that a hint of what you'll do to me if I leave and come back? I've actually done that already, though I'm loathe to admit it...

Does that mean I owe you a good hit? [ Her smile is tight and doesn't quite reach her eyes. Like she'd ever do anything to cause her pain—not on purpose, not if she has some choice in the matter. When she was younger, she'd read a lot about what it would be like to have a friend, to live a normal life with normal people. Books never really prepared her for what it would be like, how selfish it would make her feel, how protective and envious. Alessa thought she'd missed out on that feeling, and Sharon is so incredibly glad she hasn't. ]

I think so. [ She agrees gravely. ] Whenever you like.

[ Sure, she'd allow Sharon to punch her over her having disappeared, or in the future if it happens again. It's only fair, isn't it? ]

Maybe I'll save it for a rainy day. [ For when the older woman inevitably fucks up, as women like them are bound to do. Dumb, dangerous, daring fools like them. ]

Fair enough.

[ There's a pause, faintly strained. Cecily sighs softly. ]

... I'll keep in touch throughout my dramatic misery. All right?

That's all I ask. [ Just... keep her informed. She cares a great deal about her friend's mental state. ]

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action | we can end it here?