[ Oh, that was nicely done, Annabeth! It was masterful how she took the weight of attention that Piper had helped to place on her and turned it back to box Mari neatly in with flattery and praise. It would be difficult for the woman to turn back the tide of enthusiasm.
And Piper wasn't entirely sure that Mari wanted to, not right at first - it wouldn't suit her narrative. No, she'd have to decide - bitterness and hatred or a fresh start. It wasn't so easy, Piper had no doubt that this would not be anything like the end. But if Mari actually embraced this... and if the Blood would let the landen take such ownership of their homes... it could be so good. It could be a step.
But it's one that Mari will have to make herself, and so Piper resists the urge to cement this turn further by going to Mari and saying anything else. She approaches Annabeth instead and speaks quietly. ]
no subject
And Piper wasn't entirely sure that Mari wanted to, not right at first - it wouldn't suit her narrative. No, she'd have to decide - bitterness and hatred or a fresh start. It wasn't so easy, Piper had no doubt that this would not be anything like the end. But if Mari actually embraced this... and if the Blood would let the landen take such ownership of their homes... it could be so good. It could be a step.
But it's one that Mari will have to make herself, and so Piper resists the urge to cement this turn further by going to Mari and saying anything else. She approaches Annabeth instead and speaks quietly. ]
Can we dismantle the stink bombs, just in case?