"You speak of teaching me dangerous techniques; of showing me your home, which you have guarded closely."
Her composure has returned, but it is fragile; she is faintly vibrating with the anxiety of offering herself to be judged. But if she must be honest with her cavalier, she must also be truthful with a mentor.
"I am a crime," she repeats. "A sin. For seven years, I steered and controlled the bodies of my parents even as they withered. Another sin. In my grief I tormented a child who was entirely within my power. Another sin. Because Ortus Ninegad would not come to Canaan House--because I allowed him to cheat his duty--my beloved marshal killed him and his widowed mother. Because I misjudged a situation in my pride, two more children are dead."
It seems impossible to believe Wei Wuxian has done anything worse than the crimes she wears on her skin.
"I am steeped in blood and secrets and heresy. I want your knowledge and..." She licks her black lips. "I confess I crave your good opinion. Your--your kindness. But I will not have it falsely. Not... for myself. For the Ninth, I might do worse. But not for myself."
"Ask your questions and be satisfied in me. Or not."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2020-10-11 10:37 pm (UTC)"You speak of teaching me dangerous techniques; of showing me your home, which you have guarded closely."
Her composure has returned, but it is fragile; she is faintly vibrating with the anxiety of offering herself to be judged. But if she must be honest with her cavalier, she must also be truthful with a mentor.
"I am a crime," she repeats. "A sin. For seven years, I steered and controlled the bodies of my parents even as they withered. Another sin. In my grief I tormented a child who was entirely within my power. Another sin. Because Ortus Ninegad would not come to Canaan House--because I allowed him to cheat his duty--my beloved marshal killed him and his widowed mother. Because I misjudged a situation in my pride, two more children are dead."
It seems impossible to believe Wei Wuxian has done anything worse than the crimes she wears on her skin.
"I am steeped in blood and secrets and heresy. I want your knowledge and..." She licks her black lips. "I confess I crave your good opinion. Your--your kindness. But I will not have it falsely. Not... for myself. For the Ninth, I might do worse. But not for myself."
"Ask your questions and be satisfied in me. Or not."