Whatever force it is that lies behind his eyes, unknown and foreign to her, seems intent on having him withdraw away from her words and compliments. In a way it is frustrating, for while Hotaru is certainly a proficient liar she values the impact of honesty, and his self-esteem seems to twist her words into something that causes him more pain than joy. But she recedes nonetheless, not wanting to push too far or make Kellan uncomfortable. It would only do further disservice to the compliment she is trying to impart. At least she can gently squeeze down upon the fingers that brush listlessly up against her own, trying to settle his nerves. "I believe I will be the judge of how much honor I give you, and whether you are worthy of it in my own mind," she stares firmly, though her tone remains mild. He does not have to accept the compliment, but Hotaru knows she is not wrong in what she decided to say.
Doubt and crippling levels of self-worth are not beyond her. Though an affliction more focused on her childhood, even now there are missing links in the chain of her armor. Even now she finds herself unworthy of those her heart longs for, a burden upon her friends and family as her own power slowly grows. But she has no way of knowing this winding pattern of his thoughts, though she may suspect their course. So instead she lets him sink into his silence for a moment, not pushing the subject.
"In a land before here. With enough heat and patience, it is not so difficult a skill to learn. But glass is always in great demand." Slowly she has learned to make smaller, more delicate things. Far more difficult of course, but worth it for the increased sale price they fetch. His words have returned to a certain level of forthrightness, and she laughs and pats his hand, grateful for the faith in her. "Then you can as well, Kellan. I have faith that you will make, if not find, another home here. It is a rough start, but a new one nonetheless."
Doubt and crippling levels of self-worth are not beyond her. Though an affliction more focused on her childhood, even now there are missing links in the chain of her armor. Even now she finds herself unworthy of those her heart longs for, a burden upon her friends and family as her own power slowly grows. But she has no way of knowing this winding pattern of his thoughts, though she may suspect their course. So instead she lets him sink into his silence for a moment, not pushing the subject.
"In a land before here. With enough heat and patience, it is not so difficult a skill to learn. But glass is always in great demand." Slowly she has learned to make smaller, more delicate things. Far more difficult of course, but worth it for the increased sale price they fetch. His words have returned to a certain level of forthrightness, and she laughs and pats his hand, grateful for the faith in her. "Then you can as well, Kellan. I have faith that you will make, if not find, another home here. It is a rough start, but a new one nonetheless."
Hotaru
