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

[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.

[digophelia]

I can and I shall. You and I are cut from the same cloth; at the very least, take my assertion, because it will mean much more than anyone else's words right now.

[huntedby]

We are. But the thing within me, is not. I just do not wish to see you harmed, Alice, in trying to protect me, and stop it.

[digophelia]

Then tell me how to work around that other than a priest or a ritual.

[ She doesn't care about her well-being, at all. She never does. ]

[huntedby]

I don't know.

Believe me, I wish I did.

[digophelia]

You should rest.

[ Alice turns, fiddling with her shawl, pulling it tighter over her shoulder. ]

It's very late and you need it. [ Alice needs it the most, but she's almost afraid to do it. ]

[huntedby]

I do believe I am at least five years your elder, young Alice. If you assure me you will rest, I will, as well.

[digophelia]

[ She pauses, and after a moment's hesitation, Alice adds- ]

I will, as much as I dread to, I will.

[huntedby]

Would it help if I stayed, instead?

[Some people sleep better around someone.]

[digophelia]

I don't want to force you.

[ Alice turns around and begins to fiddle with her silver ring, her head held low. ]

I know that my hallucinations will mean terrible nightmares, but it is nothing I haven't dealt with before.

[huntedby]

Better to wake up to a friend, who knows the suffering, than alone.

[She smiles softly, and puts a hand on Alice's shoulder, gently.]

Come now. We're birds of a feather. Might as well settle the flock in one place, tonight.

[digophelia]

Then forgive me if I wake up flailing or underneath the bed. No one bothered to find me if they didn't see me right then and there in my bed.

[ It is an off-handed explanation Alice offers if she does, indeed, end up huddled or trying to hide herself, on the account of the asylum staff bothering her or worse. Alice goes back to her bed, to the mass of blankets that she knows Sophie is still huddled underneath herself. Alice mutters a "thank you", before awkwardly sifting herself there. Now that Alice is closer, at least her rabbit feels slightly more secure. ]