[PQ] there's magic in the making

MELITA

For all of Jiao’s discontent towards her, Melita didn’t notice, happy to be guided and apply herself to their task. She did as she was told, sometimes perfectly capable of following directions (especially when in a bout of sickness and ignorance, combining her into something more quiet and demure), gathering the wires and honing them into a luxere’s body, legs, and head. Hopefully, she had done it right and they’d be perfect for the show – her eyes wandering to watch Jiao make ivory flesh, adorned with glitter (which Melita wanted to grab and play with, stick over every surface), and beautiful antlers. By the time they were finished, the three little deer looked as if they could be magical, could be corporeal, could be real miniatures. “Thank you for teaching me. They look wonderful!” she managed to beam at Jiao, in between coughing fits.

Then, upon Amalia’s request, she grabbed a pair, leaving one for Jiao, for her inspection, gaze catching over the regalia of the scenery, the staging, the backdrop. This would be a marvelous masterpiece – the youth was bound and determined!

You're all gonna watch me
Disappear into the sun