deercountry | Welcome to the Satellite of Love!

[Scorpia beams brightly! It's easy to feel happy about others finding happiness together. Especially her friends!]

Nice choice! And nice of you to have a varied menu. I'm sure people will appreciate it! [She gives a sympathetic nod.] Ah yeah, Darkblood. That one does seem like it has some complicated powers! Well, I do wish you good luck in figuring it out.

[and she beams brightly at Scorpia in turn! it's great making new friends, especially ones tied to Luz. and to books!]

Well, I hope so? I don't eat a whole lot of meat myself and while I'd love to do steak kabobs for those who do, that would get a little pricey. I've spent most of my trade goods on all of this. [she sweeps her arm around the store]

And yeah, it's. A lot in the mind? And projecting one's mind out towards others or other things? I tend to live in my mind way too much. Maybe that's why I keep fucking up? I don't know how to let go of control of myself.

[Scorpia nods along.]

Right, right, meat can be costly like that around here. I don't blame you for focusing more on the veggie side because of that. It still comes with plenty of tasty choices!

[She then listens and tries to understand as Lexi talks about the Darkblood life.]

Oh yeah, that does sound tough. How do you let go of yourself when you... are yourself? [A helpless shrug.] All I could suggest is seeking out some more seasoned Darkbloods to see if they have tips and insights to share. A whole training regimen would be ideal!

Oh, yeah. I'm already living mostly on PB&Js. Which isn't that different from home, actually, it's just that this time I'm acknowledging to myself that I'm poor. My mom and sister...they never could.

And Portobello mushrooms are awesome. Does this place have much else in the way of edible fungi? Because that way I might have more control on what goes into which kebob and whom might like what.

[it's a hard-knock life. for us! it's a hard-knock life, for us!]

...um. I kinda don't? I'm used to being the adult in my household, someone's always gotta comfort my sister or get our drunken mom off to bed while laying her on her side, just in case. The one and only time I've used my powers and it worked, I was so freaked out. It was a fight or flight response. But, I'm open to the idea of asking other Darkbloods for help? Especially those of us who have been here a while.

To be fair, PB&Js are really good. But if you want different food sometime, I'm willing to share! Things don't have to be just like, um, your home. You're already rich in spirit, I can tell! ...But yeah, edible mushrooms. There's plenty of them! They're pretty big around Trench.

[Hearing bits of her life are definitely sad for Scorpia. But she'll try to focus on the positive parts.]

I- I see. It sounds like you've been through a lot. So even the time you used your power was a tough one... Well, yeah, I do think a more experienced Darkblood is the way to go. I'm sure you'll find someone who can help you!

Seriously? That's really nice of you, thank you. And I'm not the world's biggest mushroom fan, not unless they're in Chinese food, really, but it's good to know that they're an option. And [she chuckles ruefully] I guess there's always something new to learn here?

[she's not exactly used to it, but she is basically resigned to it when she's home]

I guess so? But, a lot of other people have been, too, so I feel kinda bad comparing what I went through to what other people did. And maybe I'll ask on the Omni, see if anyone volunteers to help?

That's fair. I'm sure there's 'shroom' to try out some more! [She smirks at her little joke.] But yeah, just another option to add onto everything.

And... well, it doesn't have to be a comparison or anything. Whatever you've been through and whatever you feel... It's all still valid, Lexi. Just remember that. [Scorpia nods softly.] Now that sounds like a good idea. It's a quick way to get in touch with people who can help you out!

[Lexi grins and groans dramatically at Scorpia's joke] Good to know. But they're just regular mushrooms, not magic mushrooms? I'm not sure I trust this place enough to assume they're, you know. Not a hallucinogen.

...well. Um. Every time someone says something like that, it's a little surprising. But I should start listening. I hope it is. I hope it works and I learn how to not, you know, be afraid of what I can potentially do. I'm completely okay with the telekinesis thing, but the other two I'm kind of iffy on.

[Scorpia gives a confused blink, not being very familiar with that particular useage of mushrooms.]

They, uh, I'd say they're normal? I mean, they can taste magically good, but I've never had any that made me see things.

[She shrugs. And then she offers a sympathetic frown.]

If a bunch of people have been saying it, I think they might be onto something. And I hope you get the progress you need too! No one should be afraid of themselves... I'm sure you'll get the hang of it all eventually!

[she was, unfortunately, way too familiar with it. being friends with Rue Bennett who took pretty much everything possible made it impossible not to be]

Oh, thank fuck. I was scared they'd be like. The free food we get here sometimes and how it always backfires. You'd think I'd learn by now.

[she looks a little sheepish]

Yeahhhhh. I mean, I try to be more confident. And I think that I am more confident here than I am at home since I don't have to constantly compare myself to my sister, but I know I have a long way to go. I hope so! I really don't want to cause any problems 'cause I don't have control of my powers.

Oh! Oh yeah, I get what you mean. [She shakes her head.] It is a shame when free food turns out to do stuff like that! Well, the mushrooms I eat haven't backfired. I make sure I pick the right ones!

[She gives an encouraging smile.]

Confidence is very good to have. And you should feel confident, you're incredible! I'm sure things will turn out fine. You'll get there with your powers!

I know, right? And we should see it coming, we all should, but there's like this little voice which says "maybe this time, it won't fuck you up?" Even though it almost always does.

[she smiles back, a little more reassured]

Oh! Really? Thank you, thanks for saying so. I'm trying?

Exactly! I mean, I'm pretty sure there's been times when the free food has been normal? So that really throws off my expectations! And stuff can look so tasty that you just can't help but take a chance...

[A little laugh.]

Well trying is a very important part of it! That's all anyone can ask of you... that you try your best. That's what'll get you where you want to go.

Exactly! Exactly! I mean, who can pass up a free crème puff with matcha cream? Not me, that's for sure. And by "not me," I mean I'm finding a container and taking as many of those bad boys with me as I can!

[she grins broadly]

I sure hope so. Trial and failure, I guess that's what we're all doing?

Oooh, that sounds tasty! This is making me hungry. [She laughs.] I'm gonna have to hit up a bakery after this at this rate! ...But yeah, I see what you mean. It can be real enticing!

[Scorpia gives a soft, encouraging nod.]

Exactly. And hopefully with more 'success' than 'failure' in the long run! I know I'll be cheering you on.

I know! I'd make them myself, but I'm lousy at delicate bakery. I can't tell you how many batches of marrons I've ruined. But! We're talking about bringing food in from local bakeries! You guys get food and they get free advertisement! It's a win-win.

[Lexi smiled back a little shyly]

Thank you. I appreciate that, I really do. Especially from, you know. A new friend?

Ooh, that's a great idea! It would add even more to the whole atmosphere to be able to have some treats while we read away. And there's plenty of great places around to choose from!

[It's a shame Lysithea's no longer here among the ranks of Trench's bakers. Scorpia gives a more confident smile to Lexi.]

Well hey, I go all the way for my friends! New or old, it doesn't matter. I've got your back!

Thanks, but it wasn't my idea. It was Luz's. She's. Amazing. I've never known anyone like her before and if staying here means we can keep what we have? Well...I can think of worse things?

[and Lexi tries to draw confidence from it]

I really appreciate that. And you know the reverse is true, too, right? I'm not, like, tough and muscular? But I'm good at talking people down.

Oh that Luz, she sure is full of great ideas! That's great, though. If you were able to make something special together here? I'd say that's one upside of life here in these parts!

[She beams and nods.]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I don't have any doubt that you must be good at being there for people!

She really, really is. And she's so kind! I've never met anyone as genuinely nice as her before. Most people back home, they were always in it for themselves first. It was exhausting. And...special is an understatement.

[Lexi blushes a little and smiles]

Well, I try?

That's a shame. It sounds like they could use a lesson or two in friendship! [She chuckles, tryinh to sound optimistic.] Well now I'm extra glad you found Luz, she's great at being there for others for real!

[A grin.]

And a little trying can go a long way! I've got this.

Yeah, more than a few. But it's probably not that unusual for a bunch of teenage girls to get self-involved. Or grow apart. [and she blushes, grinning] That's putting it mildly. I really can't get over how close we became, so fast. But I don't really want to get over it anyway.

Thank you.

Welcome to the Satellite of Love!

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(CW: alcoholism)

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(CW: drugs)

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