[Sciel glances over hand under the water to feel the temperature change as the sink fills, her smile gentle but her expression carefully neutral otherwise.]
So... despite the funny name, the Fool actually means "a new journey." It's about freedom and adventure and living in the moment. It's telling me to follow my heart, and to not worry about what's ahead.
[All of which she has in spades, of course, but journeying anywhere means leaving something else behind.
She turns off the water, and turns her attention back to the dishes.]
When it comes to love, it's a suggestion to let go, fall in love, to ignore your uncertainties. Which sounds lovely, of course, but the Fool isn't like other new beginnings. The Fool thinks nothing bad can happen to him as long as he's enjoying himself... see how he's about to trot off a cliff? How he ignores the dog's warnings, and journeys without a map?
[If only that was Gustave's card! He could do with a little bit of recklessness in love.]
[Maelle leans her elbows on the counter, listening, looking down at the backs of the remaining cards. She does look back down at the Fool when she mentions the particulars, the dog, and she tips her head left and right as she mulls it over.]
[She glances sidelong at Maelle, at the tangle of red hair falling over her shoulder as she leans, and starts properly washing the dishes.]
In some ways. I don't feel like I'm likely to fall in love any time soon, but if it's a new beginning, it's at least a possibility. And I like the Fool as a warning –– maybe it's saying that I won't survive this new adventure on my own. Or that I need to heal to enjoy what's coming to me next to the fullest.
[She shrugs, and gives a little chuckle.]
I used to draw the Fool all the time, you know. It's been a while.
[No, is the immediate thought, but she knows she can't live this way forever. It's difficult even after just six years. She draws in a deep breath, sighing not at Maelle but at the mere thought.]
I suppose... if grief could move over to make space for something else to sit with me, I'd like that. But we'll see.
You're fine. [She wipes a hand off on the dishtowel, just so she doesn't touch Maelle with a wet hand; her palm settles on the back of her neck, gives her a gentle squeeze.] It's hard for me but you can ask me whatever you like.
[An incoming wet hand would be a good excuse to duck away, but Maelle stays, giving Sciel a small smile. She believes what she says, but that doesn't mean she'll take her up on it.]
I'll remember you said that the next time you go out.
[It's not a dress that gives Maelle anxiety or a tiny skirt, but when Maelle ducks out of the kitchen for a moment and returns, she has something held behind her back.]
[The kiss makes her smile bashful, and she laughs and is suddenly very interested in examining the new bracelets on Sciel's wrist as if she hasn't seen them before.]
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So... despite the funny name, the Fool actually means "a new journey." It's about freedom and adventure and living in the moment. It's telling me to follow my heart, and to not worry about what's ahead.
[All of which she has in spades, of course, but journeying anywhere means leaving something else behind.
She turns off the water, and turns her attention back to the dishes.]
When it comes to love, it's a suggestion to let go, fall in love, to ignore your uncertainties. Which sounds lovely, of course, but the Fool isn't like other new beginnings. The Fool thinks nothing bad can happen to him as long as he's enjoying himself... see how he's about to trot off a cliff? How he ignores the dog's warnings, and journeys without a map?
[If only that was Gustave's card! He could do with a little bit of recklessness in love.]
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Do you feel like it applies to you?
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In some ways. I don't feel like I'm likely to fall in love any time soon, but if it's a new beginning, it's at least a possibility. And I like the Fool as a warning –– maybe it's saying that I won't survive this new adventure on my own. Or that I need to heal to enjoy what's coming to me next to the fullest.
[She shrugs, and gives a little chuckle.]
I used to draw the Fool all the time, you know. It's been a while.
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[Not that she thinks Sciel would deny it. They're all pretty fucked up just by nature of being from Lumière, aren't they? Their fractured world.]
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Well, yes. I didn't really plan to be here, nor did I think I'd have a future after the Paintress.
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You'll not only have many adventures ahead of you, but you'll be able to experience them while getting old, too.
[Such a novel thing that Maelle hasn't really thought about that for herself.]
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And that's plenty exciting on its own, even without some new love. So we'll see!
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[Revenge, Maelle thinks, but she won't press too much.]
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I suppose... if grief could move over to make space for something else to sit with me, I'd like that. But we'll see.
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... sorry if I'm prying too much. Just, you know. The cards. I was curious.
[She tries to be sensitive about these things. She saw how Gustave was after Sophie--both times they went their separate ways.]
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I'll remember you said that the next time you go out.
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And I'll tell you if I find love.
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You'd better. I should be no more than fourth to know.
[Anyway!]
I mentioned a surprise, didn't I?
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[And wow, she’d completely forgotten.]
You did. What is it?
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[It's not a dress that gives Maelle anxiety or a tiny skirt, but when Maelle ducks out of the kitchen for a moment and returns, she has something held behind her back.]
Eyes closed, hands out.
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Alright!
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[Maelle puts a stack of bracelets into Sciel's hands.]
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They’re so lovely, thank you. I can never have enough, and it’s only fitting that I have my students on one arm and you on the other.
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I am technically your student of the cards.
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You are my student of the cards, and affairs of the heart!
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Uh huh. Just for today.
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Oh, really? So I’m expected to milk this for today only?
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[That determines whether she renews her contract!]
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I haven’t decided yet.
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