Maybe Next Time

Aurelia took one last look at the needles on the workbench, their sharp ends gleaming dully in the muted light of the den. She was silent for a moment, her cyan eyes scanning over the deadly delicacy of each instrument with a critical, yet fascinated gaze. "Innovation born from desperation..." she repeated, the words curling around her tongue and hanging in the air like a misty breath. It wasn't an unfamiliar concept to her - her entire existence was built upon that very foundation.

She cast a sidelong glance at Caedes, her lips twisting into a smirk. "I suppose you're right," she answered, unfolding herself from her resting position. "Desperation has a way of making us a little more willing to take risks." A chuckle rumbled in her chest, a sound more akin to a growl. "In any case, your needles intrigue me, Caedes. You've got my attention." Lazily, she stretched, arching her back and flexing her nails against the cool stone floor. With careful movements, she rose to her feet, every line of her body radiating the lingering pain that she refused to acknowledge. Yet, even as she moved with guarded grace, the playful glint never left her eyes.

“You know, they’d make excellent piercing tools as well- at least some of the larger ones.” She mused, her gaze falling back to the array of needles. “It would probably be more sterile than simply jabbing the jewelry into one's skin.” A teasing tone entered her voice, her gaze steady on Caedes, daring him to dismiss her idea. “I wonder how well they would hold up to heat? Perhaps they could even cauterize as well.” There was a thought. But if it could prevent ear bleeds- perhaps it would be a worthwhile preventative.

"Aurelia Veratti"