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[stressingwitchface]

"Ugh. People"



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[abrightboy]

"You can still say what you think. I don't want you to be someone else. But you hurt people because people hurt you and you won't really see another way until I help you process that trauma. We'll work past it, okay?" He presses a kiss to the top of her head, then moves back around the desk to his seat. "Here's something I want you to think about this week: how would your world have been different if the people with power and strength were kind to people who were weaker and more vulnerable than they were?"

[stressingwitchface]

She whines, batting at Malcolm half-heartedly, torn between Professional Inmate and cranky feral creature.

"You want me to write you an essay?"

[abrightboy]

“No. I want you to think about it and next time we talk, you can tell me about it.” He considers her for a moment. “Do you think you feel safe enough around your fellow Barge-dwellers now that I can ask the Admiral to stop making you untouchable or will that just be an excuse to start setting people on fire again?” Malcolm asks.

[stressingwitchface]

A huff; she nods her head reluctantly.

"I promise not to misuse my magic to set people here on fire. Even IF they surprise or annoy me."

[abrightboy]

He leans forward. “I want to be very clear about something: if someone actively tries to harm you, you can absolutely defend yourself. Burn their whole face off. But no more claiming self defence when it’s not. You’re not stupid. You outpower a lot of people here. Having power requires conducting yourself to a higher standard of responsibility.”

[stressingwitchface]

She nods her acceptance of these conditions, pleased that he called her overpowering.

"Very well, Malcolm."

[abrightboy]

“You’re teaching magic to others now. You’re a powerful witch, capable of harming others. I think you could develop really good leadership skills, to be honest. But we have to deal with the trauma that’s equating strength with doing harm. I’ll call the Admiral.” He gets up. “Have fun with the animals,” he tells her.

[stressingwitchface]

Kikimora...clearly hadn't thought of that. The harming part, yes; not so much the leadership. Teaching and ruling are two different skillsets, she doesn't have the patience to deal with brats!

Fine, though. Fine.

Worked over emotionally, she nods and sinks back down in her chair.

"Still attempting to divest of snakes and birds from this last flood."

[abrightboy]

"Snakes and birds are great pets!" Malcolm says enthusiastically. "Do you need someone to put out the word about them?"

[stressingwitchface]

"And frogs. Yes, please."

[abrightboy]

"Okay. I'll tell the not dogs and cats pet owners club about them. And anyone else I hear talking about getting pets," Malcolm tells her. "See you later."

[stressingwitchface]

She nods and waves a hand at Malcolm before returning back to her work.