Perhaps that pain should have been familiar when she sensed it from South, but everyone feels things so differently and the more in tune she becomes the harder it is to look at them all with a cold analysis. Perhaps that struggle is a good thing.
"Yes, I can see why that would have her out of sorts."
It sounds as if it were just a perfect storm, and event that triggered another, one she needed to experience.
"I don't hold grudges against people for how they feel, and I'm not upset with her. I would understand if she doesn't wish to give me another chance, but I have no qualms about offering her one."
Or two, or three. Sometimes people just need grace, Mortanne knows she's needed it more than once herself.
"In truth, I want to get along with people. I'm tired of fighting alone, and I need connection, especially now. It's just a matter of an old Hound learning new tricks, which is far harder than it might seem."
"Well, I'm not gonna make you promises I can't keep. South's her own person. But I'll put in a good word for ya," North assures her, a merry lilt returning to his voice.
It's hard to actually feel it, considering the amount of "good words" between himself and his twin is currently absolutely none. But he has to remember it won't be forever. He just... needs some time. And an ear to listen that doesn't have South's voice in its opposite.
"And if you need tips for getting on with people, talk to that mail carrier in the cowboy hat with the megaphone. They're friends with damn near everyone, I think." It's not even purposeful that North fails to posit himself as an example. He's just like that.
The tone of his voice seems lighter, but she can't keep the hesitation out of hers.
"I wouldn't expect any reconciliation to be immediate, if even possible at all. I just don't want to be hated."
Something that had never really bothered her before. Perhaps insecurity and a desire to be liked are simply part of rebuilding a life that shattered and couldn't ever be put back together in the same way.
"Yes, they are very cheerful, I just don't have the same charm and certainly don't have the benefit the same benefits they do. They've established a very different relationship with Pumpkin Hollow than I have from the beginning."
Not that that doesn't mean she shouldn't speak with the Bizzyboys.
"I'll admit I am surprised that you aren't furious with me for my conflict with South. Perhaps you should give yourself more credit when it comes to interacting with people."
"Weeeeellll I won't say I wasn't a little sore at first," North admits, still fairly jovial, if a bit sheepish. "But it's been a while, and I'm used to working with all kinds of people. I've had to call some complete assholes my teammates before, you're pretty tame by comparison! Obviously I'd like it if you were nicer to my sister from now on, but I think you and I have a pretty good understanding."
"Maybe we can fix that at some point soon." He could offer right now, but it doesn't seem like a good time for her, and frankly it isn't a good time for him either. But he does mean it. "And listen, whatever it is that's been getting you down... I hope it gets easier for you. Most things do."
Valdis isn't sure that things will get easier anytime soon, but she has to move forward, has to wake up every day and choose to keep going. At least she still has Fever by her side.
"Let's count on it, then," North agrees, sounding like he's lifted slightly. Like his cheer takes a little less effort. Just a little, but it counts. "Thanks for getting back to me, Valdis. I'll see you around, alright?"
Valdis bites her lip, glad he can't see her uncertainty in this moment.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will. Thank you for reaching out."
It feels awkward to hang up now, but the conversation is over and she's not sure what else to say, thus she sets down her stone and leaves it on the table as she heads back upstairs.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Perhaps that pain should have been familiar when she sensed it from South, but everyone feels things so differently and the more in tune she becomes the harder it is to look at them all with a cold analysis. Perhaps that struggle is a good thing.
"Yes, I can see why that would have her out of sorts."
It sounds as if it were just a perfect storm, and event that triggered another, one she needed to experience.
"I don't hold grudges against people for how they feel, and I'm not upset with her. I would understand if she doesn't wish to give me another chance, but I have no qualms about offering her one."
Or two, or three. Sometimes people just need grace, Mortanne knows she's needed it more than once herself.
"In truth, I want to get along with people. I'm tired of fighting alone, and I need connection, especially now. It's just a matter of an old Hound learning new tricks, which is far harder than it might seem."
no subject
It's hard to actually feel it, considering the amount of "good words" between himself and his twin is currently absolutely none. But he has to remember it won't be forever. He just... needs some time. And an ear to listen that doesn't have South's voice in its opposite.
"And if you need tips for getting on with people, talk to that mail carrier in the cowboy hat with the megaphone. They're friends with damn near everyone, I think." It's not even purposeful that North fails to posit himself as an example. He's just like that.
no subject
"I wouldn't expect any reconciliation to be immediate, if even possible at all. I just don't want to be hated."
Something that had never really bothered her before. Perhaps insecurity and a desire to be liked are simply part of rebuilding a life that shattered and couldn't ever be put back together in the same way.
"Yes, they are very cheerful, I just don't have the same charm and certainly don't have the benefit the same benefits they do. They've established a very different relationship with Pumpkin Hollow than I have from the beginning."
Not that that doesn't mean she shouldn't speak with the Bizzyboys.
"I'll admit I am surprised that you aren't furious with me for my conflict with South. Perhaps you should give yourself more credit when it comes to interacting with people."
no subject
no subject
"Don't worry, I won't be picking anymore fights."
There are some that might be surprised to hear that, but she knows where to direct her energy now.
"Not on my own at least, it's never good to fight alone when there are people who wish to stand beside you."
There's still the demons to deal with after all, and Nyarlathotep.
"I will say it is a pleasure to meet you, even if we aren't face to face."
no subject
no subject
Valdis isn't sure that things will get easier anytime soon, but she has to move forward, has to wake up every day and choose to keep going. At least she still has Fever by her side.
"It will someday, for both of us."
no subject
Wrap
"Yeah, I'm sure you will. Thank you for reaching out."
It feels awkward to hang up now, but the conversation is over and she's not sure what else to say, thus she sets down her stone and leaves it on the table as she heads back upstairs.