[ Standing in hallways outside of rooms is not something Bastila does on a daily basis. She would never eavesdrop nor listen in on conversations that do not concern her, and perhaps she could explain this away by saying that it is not eavesdropping, since she is meant to be joining Paul and the Lady Jessica for breakfast. Still, she has lingered longer than is expected and perhaps longer than is acceptable, and yet she finds herself hesitating.
The Duke and his lady (well, his concubine) have always been kind to her, taking her in when they could have just as easily turned her away. That kindness has not stopped; instead, Lady Jessica has begun instructing her. Training her. Teaching her abilities and skills that she says will only aid her as time goes on. Bastila does not doubt her words; she is sure that these skills will prove useful. She cannot even protest, as doing so would be ungrateful and a slap in the face after everything this family has done for her.
Still, a part of her wishes she could rebel. She wishes she could go back to a simpler time when she could sit in alcoves at night talking about anything and everything with her best friend Paul. She would be lying to herself if she said that she did not feel a distance growing between them, a distance subtly encouraged by Jessica. It is a distance that Bastila hates and it is one she is trying to push back against, but Jessica has noticed that and it has not stopped her efforts in the slightest.
Another minute passes and Bastila knows that her time has run out and she can't linger out here any longer. She has delayed enough as it is, and surely Jessica is already beginning to frown with disapproval. After another brief moment, the doors open and Bastila steps inside. She walks in, doing her best to appear unbothered or unsettled even as she greets Jessica first and then Paul. ]
Good morning, Lady Jessica. I- I apologize for the delay. [ She should offer an explanation for why she was late, but she finds that she does not have one. ] I was tired, although I know that is hardly a reason.
[ She spares a glance for Paul, and the look in her eyes softens as she tries to meet his gaze. She misses him and she misses talking with him for hours whenever they both felt like it. ]
Full dress? So this is a very special occasion, then. [ She knew it was, given the whisperings going on throughout the house, and because Jessica had said as much previously. The expectation that they appear in full dress only underlines that for her. ]
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The Duke and his lady (well, his concubine) have always been kind to her, taking her in when they could have just as easily turned her away. That kindness has not stopped; instead, Lady Jessica has begun instructing her. Training her. Teaching her abilities and skills that she says will only aid her as time goes on. Bastila does not doubt her words; she is sure that these skills will prove useful. She cannot even protest, as doing so would be ungrateful and a slap in the face after everything this family has done for her.
Still, a part of her wishes she could rebel. She wishes she could go back to a simpler time when she could sit in alcoves at night talking about anything and everything with her best friend Paul. She would be lying to herself if she said that she did not feel a distance growing between them, a distance subtly encouraged by Jessica. It is a distance that Bastila hates and it is one she is trying to push back against, but Jessica has noticed that and it has not stopped her efforts in the slightest.
Another minute passes and Bastila knows that her time has run out and she can't linger out here any longer. She has delayed enough as it is, and surely Jessica is already beginning to frown with disapproval. After another brief moment, the doors open and Bastila steps inside. She walks in, doing her best to appear unbothered or unsettled even as she greets Jessica first and then Paul. ]
Good morning, Lady Jessica. I- I apologize for the delay. [ She should offer an explanation for why she was late, but she finds that she does not have one. ] I was tired, although I know that is hardly a reason.
[ She spares a glance for Paul, and the look in her eyes softens as she tries to meet his gaze. She misses him and she misses talking with him for hours whenever they both felt like it. ]
Full dress? So this is a very special occasion, then. [ She knew it was, given the whisperings going on throughout the house, and because Jessica had said as much previously. The expectation that they appear in full dress only underlines that for her. ]