The reasons for wanting Laura to go are frivilous, Derrica knows. She doesn't want to tell Laura she doesn't need a costume, that she'll be left behind. And beneath that lies some fretful instinct that refuses to let Laura out of sight.
"I think if there's an attack, or if we need to get someone into the palace, Laura will be helpful," Derrica says, starting practically. "And I think it's safer to have her close in case...in case someone sees this as an opportunity to take her back while most of our people are away from Kirkwall."
"I think it's as safe as leaving her behind. All that matters is that she's not identified. What I'm cautious about is... strategically using her further."
She tilts her head to the side.
"In Nevarra. When our argument is that she can't be held accountable for past actions."
And closes her eyes.
"Tell her not to use her claws, and it's fine with me."
"We're dressing her up as a cat," Derrica says, faint amusement in her voice for a moment. She takes a deep breath. "She knows how to go unnoticed. I'm just..."
She trails off, shrugs a little.
"I know it's a risk. It's just not the kind I know what to do about."
"No. But I'm worried the people who came looking for her will see a chance to ignore you and Byerly."
But there's no clear way to counteract that beyond what Eshal has already advised. Keeping Laura mostly out of sight is the beginning and end of strategy here, even if it feels like a non-stop gamble.
There is a moment's pause. Derrica watches Eshal's face, then nods, gets to her feet.
"I'll talk to them."
Is she reassured? Maybe, maybe not. (It's not just about Laura, whatever Derrica tells herself.) But she feels reasonably certain of Eshal's support, and there's a limit to how much time she can allow herself to take up here.
"Thank you. I know there are other things that need your attention, so...I appreciate you listening."
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"I think if there's an attack, or if we need to get someone into the palace, Laura will be helpful," Derrica says, starting practically. "And I think it's safer to have her close in case...in case someone sees this as an opportunity to take her back while most of our people are away from Kirkwall."
But the drawback—
"Do you think it's safe to bring her with us?"
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She tilts her head to the side.
"In Nevarra. When our argument is that she can't be held accountable for past actions."
And closes her eyes.
"Tell her not to use her claws, and it's fine with me."
no subject
She trails off, shrugs a little.
"I know it's a risk. It's just not the kind I know what to do about."
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"Do you think she's going to run away in Nevarra?"
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But there's no clear way to counteract that beyond what Eshal has already advised. Keeping Laura mostly out of sight is the beginning and end of strategy here, even if it feels like a non-stop gamble.
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"Do you think you can keep an eye on her? You and Matthias, and her other friends?"
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"I'll talk to them."
Is she reassured? Maybe, maybe not. (It's not just about Laura, whatever Derrica tells herself.) But she feels reasonably certain of Eshal's support, and there's a limit to how much time she can allow herself to take up here.
"Thank you. I know there are other things that need your attention, so...I appreciate you listening."