Castella Esther Snappe @hybridheartz - Tumblr Blog

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

Its a lot easier than she imagined, but Castella does still have to give her some guidance on proper form and what not.

This is fun! Even though I haven’t hit a bullseye yet… I assume I just need more practice

" Yep. And once you're good with the bow, I'll teach you how to use a crossbow. Get good with that and. . . well, I'm not sure Aunt Clara would be okay with me teaching you how to use firearms- "

Mama has a gun… and so does Papa…

" Should be fine to teach you, then. "

@princesslizzyfnafton

#throws bricks at you

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

Its a lot easier than she imagined, but Castella does still have to give her some guidance on proper form and what not.

This is fun! Even though I haven’t hit a bullseye yet… I assume I just need more practice

" Yep. And once you're good with the bow, I'll teach you how to use a crossbow. Get good with that and. . . well, I'm not sure Aunt Clara would be okay with me teaching you how to use firearms- "

Mama has a gun… and so does Papa…

" Should be fine to teach you, then. "

yourlocaljanitor

There’s a strange smell, maybe I’m not cleaning hard enough.

" Try checking inside the suits. I hear the technicians tend to leave a mess. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

Its a lot easier than she imagined, but Castella does still have to give her some guidance on proper form and what not.

This is fun! Even though I haven’t hit a bullseye yet… I assume I just need more practice

" Yep. And once you're good with the bow, I'll teach you how to use a crossbow. Get good with that and. . . well, I'm not sure Aunt Clara would be okay with me teaching you how to use firearms- "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

Its a lot easier than she imagined, but Castella does still have to give her some guidance on proper form and what not.

" What's your favorite type of gun? "

@smilebeyondtime

Guns are for those untrained in the art of true killing.

The woman, taller than most any human, laughs at his response. She laughs like a king, amused at the silly ideas of a Jester.

“ And what, exactly, is the 'art' of true killing? ”

Knowing how to use a proper weapon. One that isn't a mere shortcut. Guns show nothing but cowardice.

The smile on the woman's face only widens in amusement.

“ And what exactly makes it a 'shortcut'? What makes you perceive said shortcut's convenience as cowardice? ”

All you do is point and pull the trigger. It requires very little skill and using it deprives yourself of a good fight.

“ Haha! That's going off the assumption that your opponent can't hold up against a couple of bullets~ ”

The vast majority of my opponents are human.

“ You never know when they won't be. But alas, it indeed carries no honor to kill a human opponent with a gun. I usually just kill them with my glaive. ”

She pauses.

“ Well, with one circumstantial exception, of course. ”

William prefers the knife. I use my claws. That is, when I am in my true form.

“ True form? You seem to be in it right now. Perhaps you're a tad delusional. ”

[It transforms into Nightmarionne.]

Better?

“ Somehow even more repulsive, actually. I almost instinctively struck you down. ”

She chuckles.

I'm sorry, is there a reason for this conversation or are you only here to act superior and laugh along to your pitiful remarks?

“ Well, I was hoping to meet someone, but instead I found you. ”

She adjusts her glasses, also adjusting the crown on top of her head with a flick of her fox-like ears. Her tone also seems to shift to more casual.

" I guess the 'monarch' act is kinda cringe, huh? I definitely can't pull it off as well as Opera O can. "

Mm, yes.

You wanted to speak with William, I presume?

" Yeah. It'd be much appreciated if you could put him on the phone. "

She chuckles at her own joke yet again, but this time softly instead of pridefully.

He is unavailable at the moment.

Smiling, she pulls out a pocket watch.

" Oh, I have plenty of time. When will he be available? "

I do not know.

We cannot control which one of us presents.

" What if I knock you out? Think it might be William that wakes up? "

I wouldn't advise it.

" Why not? You prone to seizures or something? "

It will not end well for you.

" Y'think so? I see it working out quite well. "

If you lay a finger on our body, I can promise you, I will rip you to shreds.

" Sounds fun! Here, this oughta make it a bit more fair. "

She shrinks down by about 2 feet in the blink of an eye, to around 6'4", before lightly punching him in the shoulder.

[It glances as his shoulder, unbothered.]

Do you truly intend to fight?

" Hell yeah. Haven't had a good brawl in a hot minute. "

Very well.

[It swipes at her with its sharp, spindly claws.]

She ducks, sweeping at its legs with more than sufficient force to knock it down.

[It launches at her, screeching and scratching.]

She parries each scratch with little effort, then lands a mean right hook right on its head, knocking it to the floor. It's hard enough to hurt, but not actually do any major damage.

" Hmph. You fight like a feral ape. Maybe that works against humans, but I clearly ain't one. Is that really all you have to offer? "

I am going easy on you because you clearly mean no true harm.

[He stands up and begins to float off the ground, much like a puppet.]

" Aww, that's boring. But that just means I have to do something that can kill you, right? "

She lifts her right hand, and pulls off the glove covering it. Turns out, it's completely mechanical.

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

Oh… well… it’s still cool!!

" Yep. You wanna try a traditional bow first, or a crossbow? "

Traditional!! Like Merida!! Have you seen that movie?

" Merida is the Scottish lady, right? "

Yeah! She shoots the bow and arrow!

" Indeed she does. And so will you. "

I probably won’t be as good at it as she is

" Maybe. But that shouldn't discourage you from trying. "

It’s not discouraging. It’s just a fact. I’m sure she wasn’t very good when she started either

Castella nods, and hands Elizabeth a small bow, alongside a quiver of arrows.

" What's your favorite type of gun? "

@smilebeyondtime

Guns are for those untrained in the art of true killing.

The woman, taller than most any human, laughs at his response. She laughs like a king, amused at the silly ideas of a Jester.

“ And what, exactly, is the 'art' of true killing? ”

Knowing how to use a proper weapon. One that isn't a mere shortcut. Guns show nothing but cowardice.

The smile on the woman's face only widens in amusement.

“ And what exactly makes it a 'shortcut'? What makes you perceive said shortcut's convenience as cowardice? ”

All you do is point and pull the trigger. It requires very little skill and using it deprives yourself of a good fight.

“ Haha! That's going off the assumption that your opponent can't hold up against a couple of bullets~ ”

The vast majority of my opponents are human.

“ You never know when they won't be. But alas, it indeed carries no honor to kill a human opponent with a gun. I usually just kill them with my glaive. ”

She pauses.

“ Well, with one circumstantial exception, of course. ”

William prefers the knife. I use my claws. That is, when I am in my true form.

“ True form? You seem to be in it right now. Perhaps you're a tad delusional. ”

[It transforms into Nightmarionne.]

Better?

“ Somehow even more repulsive, actually. I almost instinctively struck you down. ”

She chuckles.

I'm sorry, is there a reason for this conversation or are you only here to act superior and laugh along to your pitiful remarks?

“ Well, I was hoping to meet someone, but instead I found you. ”

She adjusts her glasses, also adjusting the crown on top of her head with a flick of her fox-like ears. Her tone also seems to shift to more casual.

" I guess the 'monarch' act is kinda cringe, huh? I definitely can't pull it off as well as Opera O can. "

Mm, yes.

You wanted to speak with William, I presume?

" Yeah. It'd be much appreciated if you could put him on the phone. "

She chuckles at her own joke yet again, but this time softly instead of pridefully.

He is unavailable at the moment.

Smiling, she pulls out a pocket watch.

" Oh, I have plenty of time. When will he be available? "

I do not know.

We cannot control which one of us presents.

" What if I knock you out? Think it might be William that wakes up? "

I wouldn't advise it.

" Why not? You prone to seizures or something? "

It will not end well for you.

" Y'think so? I see it working out quite well. "

If you lay a finger on our body, I can promise you, I will rip you to shreds.

" Sounds fun! Here, this oughta make it a bit more fair. "

She shrinks down by about 2 feet in the blink of an eye, to around 6'4", before lightly punching him in the shoulder.

[It glances as his shoulder, unbothered.]

Do you truly intend to fight?

" Hell yeah. Haven't had a good brawl in a hot minute. "

Very well.

[It swipes at her with its sharp, spindly claws.]

She ducks, sweeping at its legs with more than sufficient force to knock it down.

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

Oh… well… it’s still cool!!

" Yep. You wanna try a traditional bow first, or a crossbow? "

Traditional!! Like Merida!! Have you seen that movie?

" Merida is the Scottish lady, right? "

Yeah! She shoots the bow and arrow!

" Indeed she does. And so will you. "

I probably won’t be as good at it as she is

" Maybe. But that shouldn't discourage you from trying. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

Oh… well… it’s still cool!!

" Yep. You wanna try a traditional bow first, or a crossbow? "

Traditional!! Like Merida!! Have you seen that movie?

" Merida is the Scottish lady, right? "

Yeah! She shoots the bow and arrow!

" Indeed she does. And so will you. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

Oh… well… it’s still cool!!

" Yep. You wanna try a traditional bow first, or a crossbow? "

Traditional!! Like Merida!! Have you seen that movie?

" Merida is the Scottish lady, right? "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

Oh… well… it’s still cool!!

" Yep. You wanna try a traditional bow first, or a crossbow? "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

You came prepared!

" I actually wasn't the one who set this all up. I just happened to find it a while ago. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

Oh yes, most certainly…

Castella chuckles, and they head outside, a little ways into a forested area, and arrive at an opening with a couple bullseye targets already set up.

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

Okay!!

Castella nods.

" Well, let's head outside. I don't think she'd appreciate us putting holes in the walls. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!

" Well, how about Archery? "

Ooo! Would Mom be mad?

" Eh, maybe. But I'm sure she'd be fine with it since it's me supervising you. "

There's a knock, at the door. A normal occurrence, but something tells Clara it's special this time.

@hybridheartz

*she opens the door*

Hello?

It's Castella. She's finally back, and looks noticeably different. More mature. She gives a soft smile, and a friendly wave.

" Hi Aunt Clara. Long time no see. "

Clara hugs her

“Castella! Oh, I’m so happy you’re back and safe.”

She gently hugs back, chuckling.

" You know who my mom is. I don't think there's any scenario where I wouldn't be safe. "

“We were worried about you, all the same”

" Yeah, sorry about that. I just really needed some time to think. "

“That’s alright, dear”

She nods, releasing the hug.

" So, how's it been? "

“Calm… surprisingly…”

" Quite surprisingly. Is Elizabeth here? "

“Yes. She’s upstairs in her room.”

" Mind if I pop in and say hi? "

“Go right ahead, I’m sure she will be delighted to see you”

" Pardon me, then. "

She smiles, and heads up to Elizabeth's room.

*Lizzy is happily playing, her back to the door*

Castella knocks on the door.

*Lizzy looks up and puts down her dolls* Come in!

Castella opens the door and steps in, smiling and giving a small wave.

" Hi, Elizabeth. "

Castella! Hi! How are you! *she runs to her and hugs her*

She hugs back, letting out a light chuckle.

" I'm doing great, a lot better than before. How about you? "

I’m doing goood! Playing with my dolls!

" That's good to hear. :) "

Wanna play with me?

Castella chuckles.

" Ever heard of a 'tomboy'? "

Yes. Does that mean you don’t want to play?

" No offense, but yes, that's exactly what I was trying to convey. "

Oh. Sorry for offering, then

" Never apologize for showing kindness. "

She pats Elizabeth on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.

But what if people don’t like that I am kind?

Castella smiles.

" Then ya tell 'em to go fuck themself! "

Is there a different wording I could use? Mama doesn’t like that word

She nods.

" Yeah, I was joking anyways. If someone doesn't like that you're kind, then just tell them they don't deserve your kindness anyways. "

Oh! Ok! *she smiles brightly*

Castella reciprocates the smile.

So what do you want to do?

" That's a good question. . . Maybe I could teach you how to do something? "

That sounds fun!