Growing The Gillyweed (Shen)

[Deleted]

He would not pretend that life was easy without his leg nor that he felt incomplete for Shen knew there were others in far worse shape, some without parents, shelter, or even adequate food. In another time he would have been left behind, unable to make the basic level of survival without mobility and he understood that while his father would never have wanted to make such a decision, if it was for the best of the survival of the family he would have been forced to in another age. So he struggled on and did not complain ever about his issues, preferring people to not know they existed at all.

It wasn't that he didn't want pity or sympathy, he doubted he could afford to risk having it. The attention to his inadequacy in the eyes of those who already only favored pures and dark wizards could be deadly for him in these uneasy times. "It was an evil thing what he did to you, Hennah. I can not say I totally understand what you are going for, but I think I sympathize more then most can. Any time you need help without wanting the stuff that comes along with it I am here for you."

As she hugged back, he could tell from the slight shake of her body she was crying some; he had sister's enough to recognize those things at least! He held her as long as he thought she needed before letting go but keeping his arms close in case she didn't want to back away. Comfort was, at the very basest level, a need that all humans shared. And since it cost him nothing to give, he saw no point in not giving it away as much as it was needed. And as he read her words, he realized he did not even know if there was a limit to dark magic and what it could do. That thought was scarier then most he had had over his life so far.

"If you need help studying the nonverbal spells, Hennah, I would be glad to help. I assume that is what you are trying hardest to manage?" Would she be seen as a liability to the Dark Lady as Shen figured himself to be? Probably. "Maybe we should trade addresses just in case things get worse outside of school we each have a place to go in an emergency."

@hennah

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Hennah shook her head when he sort of assumed she might be looking for sympathy. Hennah didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her. She was simply being honest and straight forward with Shen. She did smile a little when he showed sympathy though. She was so glad she made a friend like him that day.

When Shen held her a bit after the hug, she leaned over and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek. She doubted Yixue would mind. She had given her those, and a number of students when YiXue was around. She certainly meant no harm in it.

When Shen offered to help her with her non-verbal magic, she wrote out another note.

Thank you very much, but I have a tutor. His name is Andrew. We've been practicing around the grounds.

She then nodded when he spoke of trading addresses and why it would be a good idea. She wrote hers out and handed it to him. She then gave him a big smile as she wiped the last of her tears.

@shava44

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He never once thought she was looking for pity or a reaction similar from him though he could understand why others might think that was what they should give her. Being disabled he had long since grown used to seeing people try to give it to him and he knew it was something that could be deadly for him to have. He would never jump to the idea others needed it, disability or not. He blushed slightly when she kissed him, thinking she was being sweet as so many girls were.

"Thank you, Hennah, for your trust as much as being open. I can see why YiXue likes you being around!" Ah what he wouldn't do for some direct YiXue attention right now... When she showed him the new note he nodded, looking lightly relieved. "Oh good then! Well let me know if you ever need practice for his lessons then." As she nodded at his idea he beamed; he hoped nothing happened, but either one of them had a second place to retreat to if needed.

"Excellent." Taking an edge of her notes he wrote out his as well for her and put hers away in his pocket. "Hopefully it will never be used. But knowing it exists and that one has options can sometimes help through the darkest of moments."

@hennah

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Hennah blushed about YiXue likng her around, then nodded when Shen offered to help with her practice. She gave him a thumbs up, indicating a "yes".

Hennah nodded about the place being a good back-up plan. She thought it was cool to share a secret like this with someone, even if she had just befriended Shen that day.

Looking at the greenhouse clock, she saw it was time to head to her Music Appreciation Club meeting. She wrote a parting note to Shen, then waved and was about to walk away before turning to kiss him on the cheek. She then waved again and left.

(Done on my end)

@shava44

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She agreed to the practice, blushing and he nodded. "Good! Different partners can always make things more interesting as everyone considers things from different perspectives. I am sure we will both get better at it!" He had often practiced against his siblings on the weekends in school as they all trusted each other completely. Trust made a very big difference when practicing spells against others. She seemed pleased enough with their communications and he found her rather easy to follow so far.

Those students who had thought she was reserved had bad awareness and he made a mental note to question their perspectives on people in the future. She had a meeting to get to so they said goodbye, though she kissed him on the cheek, and parted ways. "Enjoy your meeting!" and he turned back to finish making notes on his plant before he began the next stage of his assignment...

(also done)

@hennah