with a small huff, caroline stops in her tracks. “fuck, you’re right.” arms cross over her chest instead, releasing the skirt. “you want me to mess up my hair?”

𝓢𝓪𝓰𝓮 @bardicsage.bsky.social · 2y ago

"Oh, you know I wasn't serious. Come on..." Well, freedom to speak one's mind did come with ramifications, if exercised too freely. She sighs and slows her pace, barely. "You're going to cut your foot on a rock."

“no, but — god, that’s fucked ( up! * )” a huff, skirt pulled up above her knees so that she can walk a bit faster.

𝓢𝓪𝓰𝓮 @bardicsage.bsky.social · 2y ago

"Am I wrong?" She's still walking by. Trying to get used to the open air of daylight. It's a process. Trust the process.

she’s already getting back out of the lake. she entirely disregards her boots. “what did you just say t’me?” she shouts back.

𝓢𝓪𝓰𝓮 @bardicsage.bsky.social · 2y ago

Passing by, she idly remarks, "If you walk to the bottom, I'm sure you won't hear anything." Well. Less idle, when she's shouting to someone far from the shore.

sometimes i feel like those single widow in your area things

thank god. [ long pause. then, kicking her boots off. into the lake she goes, and good god, is it cold. she endures. ] this sure is lake water.

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Probably does! We're south of the mountain, and it's just barely spring now. (It's not long before they're there.) Well. Go ahead, I guess?

. . . i’m sure it’ll be fine. i’ll be fine. sun might hit it.

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Could be, yeah. Not as bad as the ocean though, I bet. Kinda hard to tell when it's at the foot of a mountain.

hell yeah. you think the water will be horrible and cold?

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Sure! Need a break from all this anyway.

hm. lake might be smarter. could get deeper. wanna walk with me, then?

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Maybe longer? Or you could try the lake.

true. [ pause. dunking her head again. ] really? fuck, this isn’t working.

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Well, I could have said no. (Leaning on the wall, watching) Think I still hear them.

it feels rude. [ dunking her head in the comedically large bowl of water that she keeps for this exact reason. ] the ones talking about grinding. or were, i guess.

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Not degrading, just kinda.... hm. Oh, is that what you're doing? Which ones?

so busy doing fuck all that i’ve forgotten to appear for three separate shows

actually . . . ugh, i’m sorry, that felt degrading to ask of you. [ just . . . peeling them off. keeping them in her hand. the other hand pulls her hair back. ] all this to not hear men talk . . .

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

I guess I've probably touched worse. (She holds out her hand)

THE WHAT.

oh my god you’re so right . . . if i take my lashes off, could you hold them for one second? i’m sorry, i’m so sorry.

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Guess you could stick your whole head in.

i share by the way

how to i guarantee it works, though?

Lorelei Gumede@nucleartempest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Pour it in, girl.

trying to figure out a way to get water in her ears so that she can hear less.

stares at you

—— !

good morning.

i’m bent out of shape……

i miss the king.

my fucking heel . . .

please. please can i help you.

orson@agentorson.bsky.social · 2y ago

Ah, hello there. Would you like to lend a hand?

i love gardening i need to go garden

i feel like i’m intruding, christ.

of course. it’d be my pleasure to learn with you.

kimira, of no renown@warriorblood.bsky.social · 2y ago

let us learn together...

oh . . . ! oh!