[He pulls her close and lets her cry. It's the least he can do; it's what was done for him, too, although the tone here is different. He's not thinking about why.]
That's...disappointing to hear. I've always had the greatest respect for all of your order. I had no idea they'd kept such a vital secret from you.
[Maybe they'd had their reasons at the time. Obviously the whole experience was traumatic for Rose, though.]
Given that background...I can understand, a little bit. But this isn't some burden that must be taken on by the Warrior of Light. This crystal, whatever it is, has nothing to do with your status in another world.
[He meets her gaze, soft and troubled, searching for the right words.]
You don't need to stop being yourself in order to acknowledge that something is happening to you. Please tell me at least Veldora knows.
Even so. They should have told you what you were being tasked with.
[But that's another world, other people, a different situation.]
...He needs to know the truth, Rose. I'd prefer if you told all of your friends, but him especially...it isn't a partnership between the two of you if you can't confide in him fully.
But no matter what you decide...now that I know, I'll do everything I can to help look for answers. Surely with all the knowledge and abilities found in this city, someone will be able to help you.
[He looks down at her, brow still furrowed with worry, and attempts a vague smile. It isn't all forgiven yet, but his anger was always out of concern.]
What else are friends for? And...take your time. I'm still forbidden from doing any actual work this week.
no subject
He's not thinking about why.]That's...disappointing to hear. I've always had the greatest respect for all of your order. I had no idea they'd kept such a vital secret from you.
[Maybe they'd had their reasons at the time. Obviously the whole experience was traumatic for Rose, though.]
Given that background...I can understand, a little bit. But this isn't some burden that must be taken on by the Warrior of Light. This crystal, whatever it is, has nothing to do with your status in another world.
[He meets her gaze, soft and troubled, searching for the right words.]
You don't need to stop being yourself in order to acknowledge that something is happening to you. Please tell me at least Veldora knows.
no subject
[She’s not going to share the bad timeline with Maxima. He doesn’t need to know that.]
But, it didn’t stop it from hurting, you know? And things always moved so fast—-we never got to talk about it, I never got to be upset.
[Her expression softens, at least a little bit.]
I can be upset here, though. And—-I know I’m not turning into a sineater at least, so there’s something.
[At the mention of Veldora’s name, Rose freezes up.]
I did. I showed him the wings when they showed up, and he knows I haven’t been able to eat.
[She takes a deep breath.]
I told him it wasn’t anything serious. He believed me.
no subject
[But that's another world, other people, a different situation.]
...He needs to know the truth, Rose. I'd prefer if you told all of your friends, but him especially...it isn't a partnership between the two of you if you can't confide in him fully.
But no matter what you decide...now that I know, I'll do everything I can to help look for answers. Surely with all the knowledge and abilities found in this city, someone will be able to help you.
no subject
[Rose takes a moment to consider it. For all her faults, for all the tears, she does seem to be genuinely listening to Maxima.]
If—-if something were to happen to me, it would be worse if I didn’t tell him.
[She’s not going to think about the property damage.]
I can’t promise I’ll tell everyone, but there are some I know I can. I have to—-I have to tell Takame, at least. And Wrio and Furina.
[And then, after a moment.]
Thank you, Maxima. Truly.
no subject
What else are friends for? And...take your time. I'm still forbidden from doing any actual work this week.