03-08-2021, 10:05 PM
Vel listened, her gaze dropping in consideration and her fingertips absently tracing the edge of the bandages along her neck. While the spark of frustration caused by a denied vengeance simmered for a moment, ultimately the satisfaction of a problem resolved proved stronger.
"Good," she said. "And that recompense... is appreciated."
Her fingertips tapped on her shoulder.
"But, I want to be clear, Grand Magister," she started, her eyes shifting to his face again. "I am willing to subject myself to a great deal. That much has likely been obvious, but the acquisition of consent is my line. I am willing to use myself as a test subject because I know my limits and what I am willing to do--and there are certain pursuits I have no desire to even risk dubiousness concerning the consent of a third-party--but my mind and my autonomy are the only things I have ever had entirely within my control, and I don't want that control violated. Not without my consent."
Vel's eyes maintained focus, searching what was visible above the edge of his collar.
"As you said, trust is in short supply, and that's the easiest way to lose mine."
"Good," she said. "And that recompense... is appreciated."
Her fingertips tapped on her shoulder.
"But, I want to be clear, Grand Magister," she started, her eyes shifting to his face again. "I am willing to subject myself to a great deal. That much has likely been obvious, but the acquisition of consent is my line. I am willing to use myself as a test subject because I know my limits and what I am willing to do--and there are certain pursuits I have no desire to even risk dubiousness concerning the consent of a third-party--but my mind and my autonomy are the only things I have ever had entirely within my control, and I don't want that control violated. Not without my consent."
Vel's eyes maintained focus, searching what was visible above the edge of his collar.
"As you said, trust is in short supply, and that's the easiest way to lose mine."