I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Who: Nita and YOU. Preferably close CR, but anyone can stop by.
Where: Quiet Car, second floor, a room near the front of the carriage.
When: Middle half of Grasshopper; post-platform, pre-event.
What: A(n ex-) wizard retreats. Some may come to reprimand, some to console, some just to find out WTF happened.
Warnings: ... Discussion of what's basically psychic assault in this log, folks. Mind your headspace!


After the platform, Nita retreated into herself. That was the best way to describe it; she could not be 'booked' in one of these rooms the same way she could have been in the Medical Car, but she spent as much time as she could in just the one room, not speaking unless spoken to, not leaving except to go to the restroom or fetch another journal.

No matter when one arrived to check on her, she would be either resting - staring off into space more than actually sleeping - or writing.

Some of the words were crossed out, as if she had had a tough time finding the right ones, but the writing looked to be formal in nature. A report. And, most notably, it was in English, not the alien curves of the Speech.

If she had to live with her actions, Nita figured, the least she could do was explain them - and explain why they were wrong.

Mostly, though, what encompassed her mind was the emptiness of it all. She couldn't even be angry now.

Fitting.

Comments

[cannibalartist]

His own expression quirked as she asked if there were fewer this time.

"I fear I wouldn't know if it was more or less than usual. The last platform day I was a lost little lamb to be shepherded aboard." Not that he needed much shepherding. It occurred to him that she was absent last platform day as well and he couldn't stop the faint evanescent smile from passing across his face.

"You speak as if what happened had the chance to harm everyone here." Again: gentle, without judgement, patient.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Another comment, another snort from Nita. Uta was on a roll today, clearly.

"The train's hit me before, once. But that time, it was reacting in fear, to something else. This time it was anger."

Understandably, of course; she had assaulted it.

[cannibalartist]

Oh, things were starting to come together a bit.

He wanted to question what would make a train scared, but that is a conversation for another day. This conversation was also confirming that it was the train that made decisions, not someone or thing else. Interesting~

"I would expect nothing less from something that perceives it's under attack." Animals were most dangerous when cornered. "Are you okay?" Clearly the answer was no, but he'd give her a chance to answer.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita's hands weren't shaking or anything, but the look she shot Uta after that was negatory-confirmation enough.

"I'll live, if that's what you mean. Emotionally..."

She left that one unanswered.

[cannibalartist]

He gave a small nod as she left it unanswered. It had been a long time, but he understood. There was a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth but he made a concentrated effort not to let it take over his expression.

"Living is a good first step. It gives you a chance to recover."

[unfavorableinstigation]

"As long as you feel you're alive..."

Nita's voice tapered off, as she was not willing to lend much strength to that argument.

"Nevermind. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?"

Depending on what it was, she might even oblige; as much as she felt she deserved to be alone right now, she could still answer questions.

That was something she could offer people.