Private Upward Momentum

[Arris Windrun]

Acier Moonbound

Why.

"Because I don't know how to use one," she answered bluntly. "And because she needs to learn."

"And how is she relevant to what I just asked you?"

"I dunno, Ace. Are you going to get moody with me again? Are you going to plead with my 'better self' to temper the Covenant?" There was some bite in those words.

Arris sighed and looked down at herself. It was... a stark reminder of who she was underneath it all. Fears of inauthenticity and a longing for organic touch. It was the price she paid to teach him, and now she was beginning to wonder if she had failed in that goal, too.

Maybe it was time to change her approach. Slightly. Only it was difficult to find the right words. It felt both dangerous and disingenuous to say that Kirie was her friend.

"I..." Arris paused. "She..." Again. "Mm..."

"Having friends is good, but you don't want their help."

The immense guilt she felt just thinking to herself: "But I'm different."