(A black night sky is what makes the stars shine so bright... but some people see only the darkness when gazing up into it. If this is the case, the darkness may not just be on the outside...)
Roscara/Celica Support Conversation C:
Celica approached Roscara. As usual, she was testing her magical prowess against a tree. Clearly not satisfied with toppling plenty in her free time over the many nights she'd be out. "Umm... Rose?" Celica pondered, approaching the thin-skinned mage. Roscara lazily turned her head to face her. "Hmm?" Since Celica was technically her leader now, she did treat her with some respect. But no anyone could see it was more of a 'boss and subordinate' sort of relationship. "I erm... wanted to ask if you were okay? We recently fought against some witches, and you seemed to go ferocious on them."
Roscara turned her body to face her. "Yeah? So what? Those things are just some flesh bags without emotion or free will. I doubt they even register pain. I did them a favor by wiping them out." Celica considered her next words carefully, even though Roscara seemed to be in a calm state. "It's just... I don't think it's healthy to be so brutal, even to something like that. The violence I saw in you, it's concerning. If you have any dark thoughts you need to work out, I'm willing to listen." Roscara smirked. "Heh. Don't worry your pretty little head over it. A Zofian like you wouldn't understand. "
As Roscara sat down on a rock, Celica only felt more compelled to help her. "What makes you think I'd be so incapable of helping you?" Roscara sighed. "Because you're too naive. You're a leader because you believe in people, but you've never suffered in your life. Through the ages Mila has fed her people with a silver spoon while we're set to fend for ourselves. And despite this, does it teach you how to appreciate your fellow men? Not really. I mean, you're only substituting that role because she's missing." Celica understood how she could reach that extreme conclusion, but it didn't make it any less wrong.
Celica gently held her wrist. "Look, just... let's try and start over here. People aren't that black and white. Let's start with something a bit simpler. Do you trust me?" Roscara went silent. "Well?" She didn't actually seem so sure. "I don't know. I don't 'distrust' you or anything, I mean you've never done anything to earn my disapproval. It's more that I... just don't know if you fully understand the gravity of your situation. Or the way the world works for that matter..." Celica was atleast relieved she was finally opening up a bit.
Roscara chuckled. "Let's face it, you wouldn't last a minute if you were born in Rigel. Kindness is a weakness. Relying on others is a weakness. That's something I learned the hard way." Celica put a hand on her shoulder. "Well, I want you to know you can let your guard down here. Not immediately, mind you. Take your time to settle down. You'll be glad you did." Roscara looked away. "I hope you realize how long that'll be..." She wasn't saying no. That was a good thing.
The two of them stood up again. "By all means, if you wanna talk about your time in Rigel, you can come to me. It may even help us in the future if we need to reason with them." Celica only just finished her sentence when she realized Roscara was clenching her arm. "Something wrong?" Roscara looked to her. "Yes... just think my arm's a bit sore from all that practice." And like that, she walked away. Her social interactions with her allies had been less than savory, so Celica was glad she made some progress. She would try to help her, it was the least she could do to thank her for her loyalty, even if said loyalty was questionable. That, and she wanted to make this right after her father's thoughtless decision...
But meanwhile, Roscara entered her tent and pulled up her sleeve. Ugh, it was still there. And it seemed to be growing now that she was actually in a situation where she needed power. "You won't have me, Jedah. I'd rather die than let that happen. All I need is one chance, and I'll make you and your stupid dragon pay..." there on her arm was a splotch where her skin was light purple. It looked relatively small and easy to hide, but at the same time would be easy to see if her sleeve wasn't always down. Roscara decided to put her spellbook up and get some rest. Some day she would get her revenge. Some day...
(I wouldn't intend this to be an actual support conversation. More-so just a scene to help build Celica's relationship with her. It's gonna help make the changes to her later scenes flow better.)