#bitterforces

there’s another giggle from the woman, fitting that of her face but little else. the presence she radiates holds a certain quality to it that would send shivers down the spine of a normal operator. it’s a reminder that she’s not just some easy going woman but a director of rhine, reflective of the political power she held within her company and how she’s managed for so long.

“ oh my, my hand isn’t that dirty, is it? ”

her voice’s light and airy, teasing. it doesn’t take a genius to tell platinum’s actions are (rightfully) stiff in contrast to her own. a momentary pause, the stare, the little way the woman reaches for her - each action’s categorized within muelsyse’s mind, no different than a feline with a new yarn-ball.

in essence, that’s exactly what platinum is to her. a new toy to complete the tasks she’s having such difficulty with on her own, that she can’t rely on just anyone else.

"If that's everything, I'll be taking my leave." There's a tinge of fatigue showing through her mask. Right now, Platinum simply wants nothing but to go back to the hotel prepared for her, indulge in some room service, and get as much rest as possible before having to deal with this woman again. With a polite bow, she tries to escape. "Have a good night, Director."

A Pythia like smile dances across those painted lips as the director showers her attention onto Platinum. The party (and after party) may be over, but she's yet to tire of her escort's presence. No, it's doubtful Muelsyse will anytime soon - at least, not until another 'toy' comes her way, and this little Kuranta gets shelved.

It's not until Platinum reaches the door when the director chooses to make her move.

There's a soft, barely audible gasp. A gloved hand, held close towards her mouth.

"Oh?" Her eyes flutter in a purposefully grating manner as she feigns surprise. "They haven't told you."

Of course they hadn't.

The one who arranged this entire trip was herself. Nothing goes on that she isn't aware. Meaning, nothing goes on that she doesn't let known either.

Such as the vacancy at this very hotel they're staying at this very moment.

like a child on christmas morning, the rhine director beamed down at platinum.

oh, how delightful.

to see the ‘knight’ at her beck and call - more so to see the extent of the control that that organization allowed her to have so freely as another one of their clients all of it through a simple ‘trick’ of hers filled the already troubled liberi with a sense of glee she hasn’t had since, well, the last time she encountered those rhodes people.

with a drawn and exaggerated motion, she took to platinum’s pose, reaching to the girl, brushing the pads of her fingers against their cheek. a flash of something dangerous just barely touched her eyes, gone in a blink. ‘ i’ve never thought you’d actually disappoint me. ’ though, she didn’t sound at all surprised by the results.

( unknowns to platinum, the child faded into the mother’s arms. an odd watery residue was left behind before evaporating entirely. the mother’s panicked squeals only grow below. although, it’s far too far for either of them to hear. )

turning her back to platinum, muelsyse skipped away, hands behind her back. ‘ no biggie. we can always try again later, can’t we? ’ she giggled, sounding far more like how she looked - young, childish, innocent. her words were entirely unfitting for her tone and smile.

it was as though this were a simple game.

perhaps, among those of her station, it was.

muelsyse stopped and turned back towards the ‘knight,’ holding out a hand. the mask she wore slipped, just enough to catch the dangerous smile, promising nothing but a world of trouble.

"Everything seems to be the same as last time Doctor. Still, I'd like to see some form of improvement..." It's an ordinary health check up like usual, Folinic shaking her head as she packs up her equipment, Honey folding itself neatly behind her back. "At least you're not getting any worse."

A few notes are scribbled onto her clipboard on the way towards the door.

Suddenly, there's a pause. It was rare to see Folinic hesitate, but there was clearly something on her mind, an internal debate raging within as she stands silently. Then turns after a moment or two.

"...Forgive me, Doctor. I know you have trouble remembering things but... I'd really appreciate it if you could try to answer a simple question for me." The young medic glances around while stepping forward, making sure a certain green-eyed feline isn't within earshot.

"Do the names 'Astrov' or 'Lilia' ring any bells? Spark anything at all?..."

@bitter-forces

He lets out a sigh as adjusts his coat.

After what had happened during the end of Reunion, he’s been a tad concerned for his condition, so he’s glad for the news.

Just, he knows sometimes talking to Folinic can be like talking to a ticking bomb for various reasons. There’s a fire in her eyes that burns in a way far different than Kal’tsit’s icy stares. It grasps just the same, pinning him in place.

Where did Kal’tsit get all of these intimidating students of hers?

Sure, Folinic didn’t seem like she’s out for his blood, but he knows, senses, there’s something entirely off with the question. There’s a tension in the air that’s more severe than when he was waiting for the results of his condition.

He doesn’t like it, and he’s more prone to leaning on dumb things to break the atmosphere then.

Such as, “they’re flowers, right?”