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( video | un: duckling )

Uhm, hi . . . My name is Ahiru.

I'm looking for someone. His name is Fakir. I . . . can't seem to find him? And I don't know where he is. Maybe someone can help me look?

He looks like this.

[ she holds up a picture. clearly a perfect artist's rendition of fakir. ]

He also scowls a lot and looks like he's bored, but he's very nice actually! He's a ballet dancer and uhm . . . [ ahiru fiddles with her dress. ] . . . I just want to make sure he's okay.

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You are. You are, Ahiru. You mean so much to so many people here. You're loved. Some of us see you as a daughter [her! her!], some of us see you as a sister, some you're a dear friend to.

Please don't doubt that. [Tinya's voice is verging on pleading, begging]

[ someone's daughter, someone's sister . . . she had never thought much of family until she came here. she never quite grasped it or wanted it, but perhaps she had it. always.

but. ]

But I'm not . . . a real girl.

[Tinya understands all too well about found families. her own was so dysfunctional, after all]

I'm not going to say that doesn't matter. It's not fair to you or your feelings. You're still loved for who you are. You're good, you're kind, you're caring, you're a good friend. That means more than anything else to us.

I do know that.

[ she has never doubted it. her place in people's hearts. just as they had a place in hers.

her arms tighten around her knees. ]

It's — going to be hard. Without Fakir.

[Tinya tentatively reaches out for Ahiru, meaning to put a comforting arm around her shoulders, but is doing it slowly enough that Ahiru can dodge it if she wants]

I know...I understand.

Before I was here, I was on another world. And my husband eventually joined me. But then, he left with no warning. [she sighs deeply] These worlds are cruel. They take. But probably the best way to get back at them is to love people anyway.

I won't stop.

[ but not having fakir . . . leaves her uncertain. ]

[fondly] I know you won't. You're not that kind of being. But any time things start feeling...too heavy. Call me, text me, visit me in Cellar Door. I'm always there for you, Ahiru and I always will be. I hope you know that.

Thank you, Tinya. I know you are. I've never doubted it.

[relieved] Thank you, Ahiru. You don't know how much your faith means to me.

You're welcome. But that's just how I see it.

It's strange...most people back home put their faith in me on a surface level--the me who was able and willing to put their problems first--but the me who's here. Who can actually put the needs of others ahead of my own. It's different. In a good way.

I'm glad it feels good to you at least.

Mmm.

I think I put that the wrong way.

As long as we're both here, I care for you. You're the daughter I never had, but would want to have.

I hope that's...better? Somehow? Please forgive a silly mother's sentimentalities.

[ oh. ahiru isn't sure what to make of that. ]

I don't really know how to be anyone's daughter. Is that okay?

[that's all right, he own son didn't either]

It's okay. It's not something which can be learned overnight. No matter what my mother may tell you.

Yeah, family stuff is something I don't have a lot of experience in.

I have too much.
But not when it comes to those one cares about.
My foremothers are more into keeping up appearances.

Appearances? For what?

Royalty. The Wazzo name. As long as the latter couldn't be held guilty, anything to keep it from happening, anything would do. We had to hold our heads up high and not care what others feel about us. Even when--especially when--we felt badly about what we'd have done.

So like . . . kings and queens?

[ ahiru thought they were only in fairytales. ]

Queens. [Tinya said gently] Only princesses and queens. And you deserve to stand among them. Anyone who'd say otherwise, they'd answer to me. And it wouldn't be pretty for them.

O-Oh, I don't think I'd be a very good queen. Or princess.

[ never mind she can turn into princess tutu. ]

[Tinya sounds convinced and cannot be dissuaded]

You would. You are. You'd be a breath of fresh air for House Wazzo. Don't try to convince me otherwise, I know better. What's required of its daughter and its crown princess.

[ #doubt. but she isn't going to belabor the point. ]

O-Okay.

[warmly]

Okay. And any time you need company or want to talk about things--or not talk about things and be distracted--you're welcome at my house.

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danserai - 2023-04-01 23:53 (UTC) - Expand

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