Evie
Years of social mannerisms keep her from gawking blatantly at the elegant display of magic before her, but it's a close thing. It seems lately the ease and acceptance of magic has been all around her. Pressing in, changing her views on her own magic, slowly coaxing her out into the idea that maybe it is not a curse. That maybe, just maybe, the gods are wrong. That it's unfair that she was cast aside for something she couldn't control. The pop of the balloon slams her out of her stupor, startling her. But she refocuses quickly, if only to conceal her inner turmoil. Calloused hands shake a little as she lifts her throwing dagger at his suggestion, and it's probably partially responsible when her throw goes wide. Huffing, she takes a steadying breath and tries again, sharp eyes tracking the bob and weave of the balloon. This one still goes low, but clips the balloon enough with the sharp tip to burst it with the same satisfying noise. It's definitely more challenging, and she smiles gratefully at Deimos, thankful for the extra training already. "Definitely going to have to practice all over again." Maybe she can construct her own version at home with some elbow grease and creativity. Wouldn't want to risk that compliment he'd given her after all. Powerful stuff.
She nods at his brief words, assuming he doesn't want any further ones from her. He's adorably awkward in his own way. But she fingers the handle of her last knife, staring down at the blade in the light and considering. "And...if I wanted to learn more than defense?" A tentative question. One she implicitly trusts him to advise her on, for all his experience. Can he tell that her heart - gentle but stalwart - has turned harder in the face of chaos in Caido? Will he guide her if she seeks it? Or tell her to turn her efforts back to her healing to preserve that softness? She's not sure which she would prefer honestly.
be the love you never received
the love you've always wanted
