[se] i've been here before

Alys

Noah finished the meat before Alys finished the vegetables, and he joined her at her station to help with the carrots while she finished the onions. She found his history interesting; her own was quite different, and sometimes it was nice to hear from people who had had a normal upbringing. He seemed particularly close with his father, from what he said, and Alys felt a sting of jealousy. She was not on good terms with her parents, and though she rarely gave it much thought, there were times that she wished things were different.

When Noah apologized, though, Alys frowned and shook her head. "It's not boring," she said bluntly. "I did ask." Then, because it seemed like a good idea to reciprocate at least a little bit, she shared some of her own history. "My family are all merchants - logical, you know? Wanting everything to be measurable and tangible. They didn't approve of me wanting to be a Seer, but they made sure I had an education, and I'm grateful for that. They wanted me to take over their shop, one day, but I'd go mad if I had to run a store all day." She wrinkled her nose. "Anyway, it's easier here. People aren't as... judgmental."

sometimes i think all i'm ever doing is
trying to convince myself i'm alive