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Edited at March 31, 2026 08:40 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Camery Valatieri - Camery listened intently, her eyes widening slightly as he spoke. The words twisted in her chest. A child, just four years old, pouring so much love and effort into creating something special for a father, only to have it destroyed by the very person who should have been their protector. And then to be yelled at for showing emotion. The thought made her heart ache for him, her mind unable to fully grasp the cruelty of it. She watched him, the sadness in his eyes sinking into her own chest. She couldn’t even imagine the weight of those memories. Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers gently wrapping around his hand, offering the comfort she wished she could give. "You were four," she repeated softly, almost as if speaking to herself. "Four... and he hit you over decorations you made for him?" Her voice trailed off as she tried to process the words. Her brows furrowed, a hint of anger rising in her chest. "And your mother... she did nothing?" The question was barely more than a whisper, but it carried so much hurt. She shifted closer, her hand instinctively moving to his cheek, hoping the simple touch might bring some comfort. "None of that was your fault, Kai," she murmured, her voice soft, yet full of conviction. "You didn’t deserve any of that," she added quietly, her heart heavy for him. She wanted to take away the pain, to erase the years of suffering he had endured. But all she could do was offer him words, hoping they could somehow comfort him. |
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Edited at March 31, 2026 08:41 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Camery Valatieri - The woman’s brow furrowed slightly, her expression soft but filled with quiet concern. She kept her hand firmly wrapped around his, as if grounding him through touch alone. “How you can be someone so... good after all that is beyond me,” she murmured, her voice low and gentle. Her thumb brushed lightly along his cheek, her movements careful, as though she were afraid of pushing too far. He seemed to relax under her touch, leaning into the moment, searching for comfort. She could only hope she was giving him enough of it. With a quiet sigh, she let her other hand trail up his side, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You’re not there now,” she said softly, her tone steady and reassuring. “And… look at you.” Her hand moved slowly from his cheek to his chest, pausing there for a moment as if to emphasize her words. “You’re definitely not that child anymore,” she murmured. “And I don’t think anyone could hurt you like that now.” Her voice was warm and filled with quiet conviction, as if willing him to believe it too. She didn’t say what she truly felt—that she wanted to pull him into her arms, to shield him from the pain of his past, to take it all away somehow. But she stayed in the moment, hoping that her touch, her presence, might be enough to ease some of the weight he carried. |
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Edited at March 31, 2026 08:41 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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(No worries! Do you have any ideas for drama we can add in?) Camery Valatieri
- Camery let out a soft hum of surprise when he pulled her into a hug, her body momentarily still before a smile broke across her face. She wrapped her arms snugly around his back, letting herself lean into the embrace. Her nose found its way to his shoulder, and for a moment, she simply stayed there, content in the quiet closeness.
Shaking her head slightly, her brows furrowed, she murmured, “Don’t thank me.” Her voice was soft, her tone laced with sincerity as she pulled back just enough to look at him. The smile on her lips was gentle but tinged with something more somber. “I can’t do anything to change the past, but…” she paused, her hand running lightly up and down his back, a soothing gesture she hoped would bring him comfort. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. You’re here all day anyway, so...” she added with a quiet attempt at humor, her eyes warm as she met his gaze. |
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Edited at March 31, 2026 08:41 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Camery Valatieri - The woman felt a brief flicker of confusion when he gently moved her hands. She had only been trying to comfort him, like she always had when offering solace to others—an easy, soothing motion of her hand up and down the spine. It had always worked before, but his reminder that he was highly sensitive made her freeze for a moment. She kept her hands still on his neck instead, not sure how to navigate the situation. She understood that everyone had their own limits, but this was different. She’d never been around anyone who struggled so much with something so simple. She didn’t dwell on it too long, though. Instead, her thoughts shifted unexpectedly. She found that she didn’t mind if he did want to take things further. The thought crossed her mind and lingered for a moment—an amusing thought, even—but she quickly pushed it aside. His earlier chuckle echoed in her ears, and a soft blush crept across her face, her own laugh escaping before she could stop it. “Sorry,” she murmured lightly, her voice almost playful. She wondered about the reason for his sensitivity, but it wasn’t her place to ask if he wasn’t ready to share. If he wanted to, he would—whenever he was ready, if he even understood it himself. |
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Edited at March 31, 2026 08:41 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Camery Valatieri - Camery couldn’t help the amused smile that tugged at her lips as she thought about it all, though she leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek—friendly, but still warm. She’d have to remember his back sensitivity, though she half-joked to herself, if she still wanted to walk after all. She let out a soft exhale, catching him glance at her lips for a brief moment. Her heart skipped a beat, but she sighed, brushing the thought away. Shifting slightly, she slipped out of his embrace and stood up, deciding it was about time to get dressed. She tugged off her nightclothes, then grabbed a dress, feeling his eyes on her but not bothering to cover herself. He had already seen her the day before, and she wasn't particularly concerned about modesty, he'd already seen her in similar underwear. Once dressed, she flopped onto her desk, scanning over some papers and checking her calendar. The Fire Kingdom would be coming over soon to discuss aid for the Night Kingdom, and she felt the weight of the responsibility settling on her shoulders. Letting out a quiet breath, she turned her attention to Kai, a playful curiosity in her tone. “Do you have a suit?” she asked lightly, glancing back at him. “There’s bound to be a last-minute ball, dinner, or something.” The thought made her smile again. It was part of the life she’d been born into, but it didn’t always feel like the most exciting part of her day. |
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Warming, with Sleet and Heavy Icing
