shelley_winters | (no subject)

(no subject)

The teaspoon makes a rhythmic clinking noise as the girl stirs slowly. Small splashes of hot tea cool on the table surface, and she either hasn't noticed or doesn't care. Her second clean dress that day is bunched up around her as she sits in the corner of the couch, bare feet tucked under her.

She takes a sip. At the edge of her vision, she can see the small spots of red that have appeared through the bandage around her arm. No more, though. No more.

The tea doesn't taste of anything, so she puts it down, moody. After a moment, a small finger begins to trace patterns on the tabletop from the wet patch.

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Moving somewhat slowly, Ishamael delicately sat across from her. Straightening the white robe, he waited calmly, a placid look on his face. His voice was idle as quietly spoke after a moment.

"Are you worried that I will retaliate, Lady Shelley?"

She didn't do anything that he could retaliate to, she thinks, expression frozen.

Shelley flicks water drops away from her finger tip, and curls her hand into a small fist as she sits back, staring coldly at her knees.

His face twisted slightly as he glanced at her through the strands of his black hair. What a bother. His voice is sharper and more irritated.

"Lady Shelley, have we not already done this? Being very tired, I am not particularly in the mood to toy with you."

"Makes a change."

And she'll believe it when she sees it.

His lips tightened slightly as he commented venomously. What an utterly insolent little girl...

"Are you sure you want to antagonize the man that you just recently stabbed? I may be tired, but I hardly have lost the use of my powers."

Shelley reddens with anger and looks sideways at him.

"What do you want, then? You don't think I should be sorry you forgot what I was holding?"

It never seems to make any difference what she says. If he wants to hurt her, he will, if not, he won't.

Ishamael laughed. Did she not understand? Combing his hair back behind his ears, he smiled and commented with a small smile.

"I do not want anything from you. If I simply wanted something and did not care about you, then I would override your mind like Graendal did, but as we both know I have not."

Shelley goes distinctly white.

She knows he could. It's been, more or less, the only thing she can't stop herself thinking about since. She looks away, nails digging into her palms.

Ishamael continued as she paled as if ignoring her comment. Ah, that was the fear. His voice was still quiet and matter of fact. The fact that he was sliding closer to her was unnoticeable.

"And I will not, of course, ever do so. After all, I am not Graendal, and I have no interest in her disgusting tastes. I do not want you as some kind of ornament or plaything."

She doesn't answer, tense and miserable, suddenly, anger draining away - though she knows she should still be furious - to leave the all-too-familiar desire to cry.

He's lied so often. She can't know.

Leaning over towards her, he spoke softly. A soft sincere sound to his voice as he smiled sadly. Black hair obscured his right eye.

"Are you worried that I am lying for some unknowable reason? I did not fight Lanfear and Asmodean and invade Graendal's inner sanctuary to rescue you so that I could have you as a toy."

No, she knows, but then she can't know, because he does strange things that make no sense, and how is pushing her back onto the window seat when she can't fight back any better than what Graendal did-?

Shelley swallows hard against nausea, shaking her head slightly. No.

Smiling, he leaned forward slightly again, and commented softly. His voice nearly sweet as he spoke. His hand brushed the fabric of her dress.

"I am glad that you understand... Have you anything to ask of me, then?"

Shelley flinches instantly, and would draw away if she literally could, curled in the corner as she is.

"D-don't touch me."

there has a quavering note of panic in her voice, not defiance, and her face is almost ashen.

"Please."

Pulling his hand back, Ishamael nodded. Her time with Graendal must have been traumatizing. He could restrain himself for a time anyway. The long-term benefits would be greater.

"As you wish, my lady."

Eyes closed, she nods once, in painful thanks that she doesn't speak out loud. There's only so much she can take, and if he really does want her to lose all reason, then maybe that will hold awhile.

If not, she can't think how she will cope.

Ishamael nodded calmly and moved away from her. Carefully, he made a small suggestion to her. The cost monetarily both of her purchases and those to covertly watch her was not even worth his consideration.

"If you want, I can send you to spend an afternoon shopping in the city. Alone, if you wish, to purchase whatever you might desire. Some time out of the house and to take your mind off things might be helpful."

Shelley thinks, a little startled by the change in subject, not to say wary. After having Vashti set to watch her undress, why then let her go out alone...?

But she wants to, the girl realises. Being alone and unbothered for a few hours to think and not constantly worry how to cope.

Slowly and cautiously, she nods.

Ishamael nodded calmly and smiled slightly. Perfect. She would be in little danger and there would be those assigned to watch her. The benefits would definitely work well.

"As you like, my lady. I will go and prepare the funds and such."

Rising to his feet, Ishamael turned and glanced at her before commenting quietly.

"Is there anything else, my lady?"

Shelley quietly shakes her head.

No. Just getting out will be good. Clear the air, so to speak. It's a relief.

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