>>5235624Returning to where Gina and Dorian stand by Hai’s side, you’re pleased to see that the would-be burglar has regained enough of her vigor to rise to her feet as you address her. “Now that Gina’s given you the all-clear, I’d like to know what skills you have. I’m not interested in taking advantage like the Hassan did, but we know more than one place that could take you in…and depending on you skill set that would change which would be optimal.”
“Wh-…I don’t understand.” She stammers, glancing between you and your allies.
“Different places have different opportunities to make a living.” You explain. “And I’m not just asking about Daughter abilities, either—do you have any useful skills from the world before?”
“Um…all I have is my Core. The other sisters called it a ‘Flesh Artist’ skill, I think?” She admits, as Dorian softly whispers ’Artisan’ under his breath as Hai continues. “I was in middle school before…before everything. I got held back, and...I d-don’t know what I could do to help. I…I knit? I lived with my grandma, and she taught me how…but that’s not use-“
“That’s great, Hai.” Dorian interrupts with a warm, assuring smile. “Skills like that are in high demand in Laoc and the Ikean Fortress.”
“…but…I don’t understand. Why are you all doing this?” The young girl asks, shaking her head. “I broke in to your place, but you’re all so…chill with that? You say you don’t want to use my abilities, and you’re saying all this like you’re trying to find me a place to stay?”
“Because that’s exactly what we’re doing.” You affirm, placing a gentle hand on Hai’s shoulder. “…My name is Shu, and while my reputation may have preceded me, I assure you that my family and I only want to help.”
You have to spend a minute or two calming her down after that little revelation, but it’s not the sort of shock a pair of cuddly FuzzBuzzes can’t amend. Hai keeps the twin swarmlings cuddled under her chin, even as she finally finds the words she’s been looking for after a little while.
“…you’re…you’re serious?” She mumbles, still in disbelief.
“Very. There’s two places that would welcome you with open arms.” You begin, giving the young girl a quick run-down of ger options before you add; “No caveats to joining either settlement, save for you helping out where you can. The choice is yours, Hai.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, until…
“Laoc.” She declares, nodding as she meets your eyes. “Laoc…sounds nice.”
“It r-really is!” Julia declares, stepping forward with Andromeda and Ivey beside her. “My n-name is Julia, and my friends here know a lot about Laoc. We’d love to show you around, if you’re up for it.”
Hai nods again, taking Julia’s hand but turning to you once more before she’s led off to the Waystation.
“Thank you, Shu.” She says, flashing a shy smile.
(Continued)
