#lusk

[image description: Screencap of the scene where Dusk asks out Laudna in ep 27. Marisha/Laudna is combing her hair in front of her face in distress and awkward panic while Dusk talks. Fittingly, a bit remniscient of the ring girl, at this point. end id]

Based on this post, specifically the tags

"Why did you call yourself a puppet?"

Laudna is taken aback for a moment, unused to such a direct question from anyone besides Imogen and villagers who have already decided she is to blame for their misfortunes.

"Well," Laudna starts. She nervously glances at Imogen as her hands start to fidget.

"I, um," she stutters, mentally categorizing what information is pertinent and what isn't. "I recently... lost control of my body."

The rest of the Hells immediately stop all other conversations, though Laudna ignores them. She would much rather focus on this stranger who has finally asked the question Laudna has been desperately trying to give an answer to.

"What do you mean? Were you drugged or mind controlled or something?" Dusk reaches a hand out and gently places it on Laudna's arm, her eyes so warm and concerned. Laudna blinks away the tears that are beginning to form.

"I suppose," she begins, her voice low and gravelly from the tears she refuses to shed, "that it could be called mind control. But it felt more like I was a prisoner in my own body."

At this, the rest of the Hells begin to speak up. But one voice is more insistent than the rest.

Orym stands and reaches across the table, putting both his hands on one of Laudna's.

"Did Delilah take control?"

Laudna can't stop her lip from quivering as she nods, blinking rapidly as she keeps her eyes on Orym's. She refuses to look at Imogen, too afraid that her best friend might think she's lying once more. What she doesn't expect is for Imogen to leave.

Laudna watches as Imogen angrily stomps off, presumably to their rooms. She lets the tears fall then, collapsing into Dusk at their side.

Through her blubbering tears, Laudna explains what happens, how Delilah tricked her into touching the rock, how her arm was locked in place while the rest of her tried to beg Imogen for help, and how the rock was drained of power and shattered in her hand. Dusk holds her as she cries, soothing her in ways Laudna has been craving since The Incident happened.

"Hey," Dusk whispers once Laudna begins to calm down. Laudna sniffles loudly before leaning away so she can look at them.

"I don't think you're a puppet, but maybe we can help you try to cut your strings?" Dusk looks at her with hope and something that could maybe one day be love, but Laudna quickly dismisses it.

"I think I would like that very much," she whispers, her eyes welling with more tears but her heart filling with gratitude for this person that has given her this wonderful opportunity to finally ask for the help she so desperately wants but never let herself seek.

Because try as she might, not even Laudna could turn this horrible event into something easier to deal with. Maybe it's time to finally let herself feel the pain and fear and sorrow she was convinced she'd moved beyond.

Laudna wipes her eyes, taking in her companions. As she looks towards FCG, her eyes glance past and she notices Imogen, glaring at her from the shadows. Laudna's heart stops and she holds her breath, waiting for her girl.

Imogen?

The younger woman flinches and shakes her head, her scowl deepening before she turns and stalks off. Laudna deflates once more, but does her best to move the conversation to a new topic. Once that is accomplished, she sends out one last thought before closing her mind.