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[sworndevotion]

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[sworndevotion]

[Dedue nods, quiet for a moment.]

Well, I am always an option. Please, do call on me when you need help.

[rakta]

I will try.

[ Her voice remains soft, and gentle, until she finally looks over at him again. It's clearly difficult for her. ]

I have no desire to cause you any further pain.

[sworndevotion]

Do not worry about that. I can handle a little pain. I'm all right, Lauralae.

[He tries to reassure her. She sees him as a person; she respects him. She builds him up. That is what matters to him. For that, he will gladly endure a little biting.]

You think your soul will cause you less trouble now?

[rakta]

Just because you are able does not mean you should have to.

[ Lauralae's expression tightens, just a little, in her displeasure at the notion of his pain, before she turns her attention to his question. Strangely, her new soul is easier to think about. ]

... It feels settled, now. As though we are bonded, in some way. I understand more of its desires.

[sworndevotion]

I do not have to. As I said, I chose to.

[This is becoming circular, especially as he does not see the flaw in his logic that it's fine for him to endure pain for the benefit of someone else.]

That is good. I am not sure what my soul desires... Other than to be given tasks and purpose, and to obey.

[Whoops. That's illuminating, isn't it?]

[rakta]

[ That does explain a lot about him, and her expression might give that thought away. ]

I hope you find joy in more than that, Dedue.

[sworndevotion]

Of course.

[He nods. He finds joy in cooking, gardening, fishing, and all his friends here.]

[rakta]

Then all is well.

[ She shifts, looking uncomfortably awkward. ]

I hope you liked your gift. I did not recognise the season.

[sworndevotion]

You didn't?

[He looks back at the items.]

I do. A generous and thoughtful apology gift. How long do the protection potions typically last?

[rakta]

I had no reason to purchase gifts at winter before now.

[ Eighty years of isolation and all... ]

You can keep them for many weeks, and when used it should last a handful of days.