Adelaide

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Well thank you too! I'm always open to take more kids under my wing if you're ever interested. Even if not I still try to give every kid/teen a safe space. Lord knows I would have killed for that as a kid. *She smiled under her mask.*

*She nodded, intentionally leaving herself open for any questions.* I make it very obvious if I'm joking or teasing about something, and I try not to lie to kids or teens. Especially about such topics...

[Adelaide looks away, shoving the muffin in her mouth.]

Easy. Don't eat too fast. Wouldn't want you choking or getting hiccups. And there's plenty more if you want some. *It tastes sort of like lemon at times. She used lemon juice and zest throughout the recipe. Elli looked at the tree and softened her tone.* ...I was raised in a pretty shitty family. My parents looked down on everyone else. Including someone I saw as my brother. Until my favoritism for him made him a killer. When I tried to run away, they hurt me and left me for dead.

*She sighed gently, running her fingers through her hair.* I've had decades to process it. It's still bad. Fucked up my psyche. But... I had good people after I left. Good friends. Never had family after I left. Had to leave the person I saw as a brother behind, Simon. But... could've been worse.

No need to apologize. I know things like that can leave impacts. Plus I started the conversation. *She sat down, leaning back against the tree.* ...Wanna talk about it or just wanted to say that?

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Well thank you too! I'm always open to take more kids under my wing if you're ever interested. Even if not I still try to give every kid/teen a safe space. Lord knows I would have killed for that as a kid. *She smiled under her mask.*

*She nodded, intentionally leaving herself open for any questions.* I make it very obvious if I'm joking or teasing about something, and I try not to lie to kids or teens. Especially about such topics...

[Adelaide looks away, shoving the muffin in her mouth.]

Easy. Don't eat too fast. Wouldn't want you choking or getting hiccups. And there's plenty more if you want some. *It tastes sort of like lemon at times. She used lemon juice and zest throughout the recipe. Elli looked at the tree and softened her tone.* ...I was raised in a pretty shitty family. My parents looked down on everyone else. Including someone I saw as my brother. Until my favoritism for him made him a killer. When I tried to run away, they hurt me and left me for dead.

*She sighed gently, running her fingers through her hair.* I've had decades to process it. It's still bad. Fucked up my psyche. But... I had good people after I left. Good friends. Never had family after I left. Had to leave the person I saw as a brother behind, Simon. But... could've been worse.

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Well thank you too! I'm always open to take more kids under my wing if you're ever interested. Even if not I still try to give every kid/teen a safe space. Lord knows I would have killed for that as a kid. *She smiled under her mask.*

*She nodded, intentionally leaving herself open for any questions.* I make it very obvious if I'm joking or teasing about something, and I try not to lie to kids or teens. Especially about such topics...

[Adelaide looks away, shoving the muffin in her mouth.]

Easy. Don't eat too fast. Wouldn't want you choking or getting hiccups. And there's plenty more if you want some. *It tastes sort of like lemon at times. She used lemon juice and zest throughout the recipe. Elli looked at the tree and softened her tone.* ...I was raised in a pretty shitty family. My parents looked down on everyone else. Including someone I saw as my brother. Until my favoritism for him made him a killer. When I tried to run away, they hurt me and left me for dead.

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Well thank you too! I'm always open to take more kids under my wing if you're ever interested. Even if not I still try to give every kid/teen a safe space. Lord knows I would have killed for that as a kid. *She smiled under her mask.*

*She nodded, intentionally leaving herself open for any questions.* I make it very obvious if I'm joking or teasing about something, and I try not to lie to kids or teens. Especially about such topics...

[Adelaide looks away, shoving the muffin in her mouth.]

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Well thank you too! I'm always open to take more kids under my wing if you're ever interested. Even if not I still try to give every kid/teen a safe space. Lord knows I would have killed for that as a kid. *She smiled under her mask.*

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Alright. You tell me if that changes. I'd rather skin myself than misgender anyone. *It was odd. Most of her voices were born female. She technically went by all pronouns, preferred she/they, but the moment she got under the non-binary umbrella there were assholes spouting transphobic bullshit. Weird.* You're free to come here whenever. There's a large pillow fort staring right there that takes you throughout the ship. But there's also a small little nook if you ever want an enclosed space. And I'll always be here if you want anything, need help, or want baked goods/pastries.

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Of course... *She glances over the tray, grabbing out the one that looked like it had the best/most blueberries in it. She used her claw-like nails to pry it out before handing it to the kid.* ...For the little lady? *She actually isn't sure what pronouns this kid goes by, but she'd started that sentence before she could stop. Elli trails off that statement into a question, leaving it open for if she got it wrong.*

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

*She laughed gently.* Alright, what do you want? If I give you a blueberry one and take out a banana chocolate, it might cool down enough by the time you finish. But hey, fully up to you. Take a whole tray or none for all I care.

...can I have a blueberry one?

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

*Her tail began to wag.* Do you have any allergies? There's a batch of warm blueberry muffins and a hot one of banana chocolate chip, if you want something to eat. Although the latter has to cool down a bit so it doesn't burn anyone...

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Oh not at all. The most I'll be doing is taking something out of the oven. *She smiled under her mask, kneeling down to be closer to eye level. Her tail gently swayed, the fins on her ears fluttering happily.* Also, it's alright. It is wonderful to meet you. Rowan has said such good things about you.

Mhm. Are you busy? I didn't really tell you I was coming.

Just shaken up. I'll be fine.