and I tried to remember how nice it had been
There's no too close for Vai; her hand remains clasped tightly in Ashetta's, her free arm curled around her to tuck her in tight against her side. If she did decide to arrange herself into her lap, the witch would hold her there all night if that was what she wanted. And as her daughter speaks - already so quietly, sadly pessimistic - Vai can't help but give her an affectionately admonishing squeeze. "This would never, ever spoil it for them," she whispers. "You have been by yourself for far too long, sweet girl. You're being poisoned by your own loneliness."
But gods, then Ashe mentions her - a granddaughter - Theea - and Vai's blue eyes are already snapping up as if she might be able to find the girl in the crowd purely by wanting it enough, and it's with a delighted smile that she forces herself to give up the search until later. "Nineteen," she breathes. "Gods, I bet she's just like you as well. I can't wait to meet her - you'll introduce me?"
First, though, there's this. And as Ashe crumples with the explanation, Vai turns properly to hold her tight, silent for an unspoken stretch of time that needs nothing to fill the chasm of her grief. "That must have been so hard," she whispers. "For both of you - I'm so sorry."
But gods, then Ashe mentions her - a granddaughter - Theea - and Vai's blue eyes are already snapping up as if she might be able to find the girl in the crowd purely by wanting it enough, and it's with a delighted smile that she forces herself to give up the search until later. "Nineteen," she breathes. "Gods, I bet she's just like you as well. I can't wait to meet her - you'll introduce me?"
First, though, there's this. And as Ashe crumples with the explanation, Vai turns properly to hold her tight, silent for an unspoken stretch of time that needs nothing to fill the chasm of her grief. "That must have been so hard," she whispers. "For both of you - I'm so sorry."
a long long time ago
Vervain
