taxonomites | 10 [Location: Castle Summers / visual] Everything will be okay

It's taken Willow a really, really long time to work up the courage to make this broadcast, and even when she convinces herself she can't wait any longer, she still has to have some measure of comfort. Colette, her calico kitten, is tucked in her lap, purring contentedly as Willow leans back against the back of the chair she's sitting in. She's in her bedroom, the one she shares with Tara, and she looks nervous as she flicks on the feed.

"Uh, hi, Taxon!" She's using a falsely bright tone at the moment, because it's easier than acknowledging the fear and worry she's trying to keep at bay. Come on, Willow. You can do this.

"I-I know most of you probably know me by now, but, uh, if you don't, my name's Willow and I've been here for a couple of months now."

Pause. Breathe. Stroke the cat for comfort.

"What I really wanted to talk about is... my glitch a couple of months ago. Back in February. I know it's been a really long time and words aren't gonna make up for everything, but... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Well, yes, actually she had, but that was her glitched self, so that doesn't count at all.

"I'm a witch and I have some really powerful magic. I just... I'm learning how to control it so that doesn't happen again. My magic's just a part of me and I-I'm... sorry any of that happened."

Before she can beat herself up any more, she switches the feed off and waits to see how the rest of Taxon responds to her apology. Castle Summers residents can find her in her room. She'll be happy for visitors.

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Willow couldn't blame him at all and she nodded. "I know. I plan to make it up to you-" Oops.

"To everyone."

Half-save there. The tiniest smile is a good start at least.

"Right. I-I won't make the same mistakes again. I swear I won't."

It was all she could do at this point: promise and do her best.

"How will you make it up to everyone?" Long asked, sounding genuinely curious rather than harsh with the question. "What restitution, beyond learning control and discipline?"

He paused, steepling his long hand before his face and looking thoughtful, or perhaps sleepy; a bit of both.

"...if you are looking for a menial errand to assuage your conscience, I can propose something, but I doubt you will find it pleasant."

Willow looks down. "I don't know." She was kind of hoping other people would be able to tell her that part.

Long's next part brings her head up again and she looks at him warily. "What is it?" Anything could help at this point, right? It'd be better than just stewing all over everything.

"It is like this," Long said somberly.

"My.... glitch to the form in which you saw me... well, most of my home was destroyed. I am going to be moving. I don't have many possessions to take with me, save for books, but another pair of hands to box up these books and to help me move them across town would be appreciated."

There is perhaps just the hint of a smile lurking when he says, "But to be done manually, you understand? No magic."

Because then there'd be no object lesson.

Willow thinks she sees where this is going early and as much as she's not sure she wants to go along with it (because it is Long, after all), she's also aware that she doesn't have much of a choice. Not if she wants to make things okay again.

So she just nods firmly. "Right. I'll help. No magic. Just my hands. Like a normal person."

Normal... no problems at all.

"When do you want me to help you?"

There is perhaps a faintly approving smile on Long's face, but at least he doesn't outright grin smugly or something.

"The next few days, perhaps, if that fits with your schedule? I wouldn't want to inconvenience you unduly, certainly."

Fortunately. Or Willow's attempts at being good again might be met with an ugly scowl.

"Yeah, sure. I-it's the least I can do after everything else."

[ooc: fff like I'm any better. I'm up for keeping going if you are! /backtags forever]

Another nod from Long. "Then I'll contact you once things are ready. Until then, Miss Rosenberg."

"Okay then. See you later."

Why does it feel like she just signed her life away?

10 [Location: Castle Summers / visual] Everything will be okay

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