video - open to both courts, backdated to the 20th

[digophelia]

I need a broom.

[ Some crunching can be heard. It's late, there's not going to be much of an explanation here, other than Alice's hands look very bad, in bruises and cuts. She continues on like it's nothing. She looks up to the imp and frowns. ]

Or a dustpan. I know this is a pain without a lantern, I'm sorry. Use a handkerchief so you don't cut yourself, alright?

[ Sometimes she feels bad for this imp. Alice goes up to cleaning broken shards of glass, ever so carefully, using a basket as means to pick up pieces. With a huff, more to herself- ]

This is the last time I ever-

[ She stops, of course, to notice the locket is open and shoots a look up to the imp. ]

Don't even think about it. I'm not in the mood for this, it was an accident.

[ With a mutter, Alice's hand goes over it and the locket is promptly clamped shut. Should anyone ask, she'll shift it to voice after getting the rest of the mirror cleaned up. ]

Comments

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[huntedby]

I do, actually.

I am not mad, but I have a curse.

[She speaks matter of factly. She can understand why Alice wishes to disagree. She reaches out, touching her shoulder gently.]

I doubt you are mad. I am not mad, either, in that we can agree. And I would let no one say such things about you, either.

[She manages a soft, weak smile.]

We should look after each other.

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[digophelia]

[ "I doubt you are mad."

No one has said that to her; Alice looks down at her hands momentarily, the bruises and the cuts. The thin lines from years ago on her wrists. The restraints that were once on them. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Alice seems to lightly flinch each time she's touched.

But she can bare it from someone like Vanessa, because she knows why there's a reason she dislikes touch. Still, Alice sees these comments as something a doctor would tell her. No doubt Dr. Wilson and his staff that to her. Many times. ]

You don't have to ask me, I will for another that has been subjected to that cruelty.

[ She spends most of her time fretting over others than herself, after all. She easily throws herself to care for others than herself. It makes it easier to overlook her own problems. ]

[huntedby]

[Vanessa touches because she know how difficult it can be. Touch has to be relearned, that there are good ones, besides the bad. She had not been there in there long, but long enough.

She breathes, and gives a little nod.]

Well I should ask, regardless. It's the polite thing to do, even if we aren't the most polite types.

[digophelia]

[ She almost scoffs at this.

She also would like to mention how she feels like she's losing a grip of herself, but another former psych patient doesn't need that. Alice gave up on being polite years ago; she maintains a level of it with her friends, but for the most part, she doesn't care. She tries what she can to seem normal. Alice gets back up on her feet, forcing a small smile. ]

Thank you.

[ After everything, she hates to admit that what had happened her rattled her so much. It was a short period of time she was kidnapped, not ten years. But why did it bring back those feelings? Why? ]

You'll be safe.

[huntedby]

Of course.

[Vanessa almost laughs, shaking her head.]

No, I will not. And most likely, neither will you. But we can to try and stay safe.

[Perhaps harsh words, but with what is inside of her, she knows she is never truly safe. Regardless what the young girl wishes to believe.]

[digophelia]

As safe as anyone like us can be.

[ Which is ambiguous. If she realizes, then that must mean that they won't suffer anything more heinous compared to what insane asylums have to offer. Alice is going about bandaging her hands in the meantime, with what little she has. ]

[huntedby]

Come now, let me do that.

[Vanessa takes the fabric, and starts to work on bandaging Alice's hands gently. As if she has done this before; because she has, of course. On herself.]

I know you do not recall--but if you ever feel as if you are losing yourself, or might injure yourself in this way again, call on me.

[digophelia]

Thank you.

[ She's not a doctor, she was a patient.

It's perfect. But after a moment's hesitation, Alice has, at last, found someone who understands. ]

Then you should know that I may take you up on that. I don't feel like myself.

[huntedby]

[It takes a few moments, but she finishes, and then smooths her hands over Alice's, gently, before giving them back to her.]

You are more than welcome to.

I know...I know how that feels, acutely.

[digophelia]

[ After a moment's hesitation, Alice waffles on it a little longer. She shrugs it off. ]

It will pass, I'm sure, it always does.

[ Or it will get worse -- or how could it get any worse? Years ago, the lines between reality and Wonderland had blurred so badly, she couldn't tell. She wasn't afraid of them, it was more of a nuisance to wake up to things with no recollection. ]

I'm used to it. I suppose it has only started to grow more lately. There's only so much one can do -- after a while you become accusomted to it. It only becomes bothersome when you don't remember anything.

[huntedby]

Yes, I suppose. But still, my offer still stands.

[There is a moment of hesitation, and then, well--]

If you ever hear me utter the words 'I am not myself', though, do not attempt to assist me, personally.

Find a priest.

[digophelia]

... Surely you jest.

[ That sounds even worse than calling a doctor. ]

[huntedby]

I mean it in ever sense of the word, Alice.

It does not mean I have gone mad. It means something much more terrible is happening to me.

[digophelia]

No, you are not mad.

[ And she would say the same for anyone else that came from their backgrounds. ]

But I refuse to believe in those sorts of things. Especially when others would tell me the same thing or anyone else in that asylum.

[huntedby]

I know I am not.

And if you don't believe in such things, then that is your choice. It does not change that I may need one. It is either that, or a bullet to the heart.

[She won't let them win. She will maintain control. Or die. She is willing to take tat.]

[digophelia]

[ Alice looks up at Vanessa, absolutely horrified. ]

A bullet- I would never.

[huntedby]

[Well then. Alice is not the person to help her, in this.

She will have to speak to someone else.]

The I will not ask you to do such a thing. At least with your own hand.

[digophelia]

You've suffered enough; I would never hurt you!

[huntedby]

Sometimes we must hurt people, to help them, Alice.

I know it sounds like something the doctors would say; it doesn't make it any less true, though.

[digophelia]

There always alternatives as well, contrary to what anyone says, especially a doctor.

[ And don't get her started on her hatred for doctors. ]

[huntedby]

Then let me speak frank.

I have something within me. I do my best to keep it in control, but sometimes, it takes control, is unleashed.

Last time, the only cure was exorcism rights.

[digophelia]

[ Stifly, she falls into a silence. She's doubtful of this, of course, she doesn't believe in it. She lost her faith in a lot of spiritual things so long ago when nothing would listen to her prayers as a child. But this was a world full of everything contrary to her views. There were vampires, fairies, and elves, those went hand in hand. She's fought alongside strange beings and grew accustomed to it after some time.

She's even been on a dragon's back. Alice was good at adapting, she had no choice. After a great amount of hesitation, Alice turns away for a moment, chewing the inside of her mouth thoughtfully. ]

Then I am sure that someone in this world can readily do the same.

[huntedby]

I have no doubt.

But I just wanted you to know of why I seem so insistent. While it is bad for myself; I don't want to see anyone harmed.

[digophelia]

You will not harm another, I promise.

[ She will watch for her, but if something were to happen, Alice couldn't bring herself really hurt her. ]

[huntedby]

As much as I appreciate the assertion, you can't promise that, Alice.